Information for Potential Troop 321 Parents

Eligibility
Boys can join our Troop 321 if they are 11 through 17 years of age. They can also join if they have earned the Cub Scout “Arrow of Light” Award and are at least 10 years old or are at least 10 and in the 5th grade AFTER March 1st.

Meetings
We meet from 3 PM to 4:30 PM on Sunday 3-4 times per month at Bedford (at Falls River) Community Clubhouse, 10600 Bedfordtown Dr., Raleigh, NC.

Program
This is the program formerly known as “Boy Scouts” but with a new name.  We follow the identical citizenship, outdoor adventure and physical fitness program that all Troops follow.  Boys are welcome to everything in the Scouting program – all of the outstanding local facilities and iconic national programs like the National Scout Jamborees and expeditions at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.  Everyone wears the same uniforms and experiences the same advancement program, and can earn the rank of Eagle Scout. 

Annual Cost
Per year $264 membership dues cover Scout Handbook and all meeting and program costs. Participation in monthly campouts costs is calculated for each campout.  A week of summer camp is about $500. We collect via Paypal. Detailed program costs are outlined here. 

Parent Obligations 
Scouting is run by volunteers for youth. The parents or guardian of each scout are requested to consider how they may help. Opportunities exist on Troop Committee (for those who want to be minimally active with us) or with tasks like transportation and chaperoning.  We ask that you encourage your scout’s regular attendance at our Sunday meetings and campouts. To chaperone overnight, the parent must register through Scoutin America and complete an online training to level-set on our safety culture. The BSA conducts a background check for registered Troop Committee Members and our Scoutmaster Core. If you have specific ways you’d like to share your time, talent, or treasure, please contact the Scoutmaster at nctroop321@gmail.com.

Fundraising
Most expenses are covered by our regular fees. We usually participate in one sale in the Fall.

Leadership
Adults involved include individuals credentialed in Scouting and all have completed Scouting America adult training for their positions and child protection and abuse-avoidance training.  All are overseen by our parent-involved Troop Committee and our charter organization, North Wake Youth Organization (NWYO).

How to Join
A parent or guardian should accompany the interested boy to one of our upcoming Sunday Troop meetings at 3 PM at Bedford (at Falls River) Community Clubhouse.  We strongly recommend emailing the Scoutmaster at nctroop321@gmail.com ahead of time to make sure that we will be there! 

Uniforms
Usually the family will buy uniforms for the scout in their first weeks with the troop but we understand that you will not have it right away for the first few meetings.

Outings
We aim to offer monthly weekend overnight outings during the year and one week of residential summer camp in June (strongly recommended). Parents typically do not attend our monthly outings but if they do, they must be registered as an Adult Leader and must complete Scouting America’s Safeguarding Youth Training.

Equipment
The equipment needs are minimal. Each boy will eventually want some basic personal gear including sleeping bag, pocket knife, hiking boots, rain suit, backpack, flashlight, water bottle.  Expensive or ultralight gear is NOT required. Your scout will learn what they need from their iconic Scout Handbook and more experienced scouts and leaders. If there are questions or concerns, just ask for help! These items are available at garage sales and low-cost sources. The troop has a well-stocked trailer of tents, tarps, cooking equipment, and other communal gear that we take on our campouts.

Comprehensive Information
https://www.nctroop321.org provides information on program, costs, schedule, parent obligations and our policies to protect the safety of your child.

Parent and Friend Support:  When possible we request a parent, guardian or an adult friend over the age of 21 able to provide occasional support to the operation of the Troop.  Ways to do this include serving either on either the Troop Committee or acting in a supportive manner:

• Encourage timely and regular attendance of their Scout (s) to Troop meetings.

• Select one or more of the following:

  • Serve as a chaperone on outdoor overnight outings during the year (must register as member of Scouting America).

  • Serve as a chaperone at service projects or other day-only activities.

  • Provide transportation to an event/campout over 1hr away (like summer camp and Camp Durant)

  • Serve as a registered Merit Badge Counselor for Scouts for just our unit or across the Council (to occasionally provide specialized instruction on a particular hobby, profession, sport or other endeavors to small groups of Scouts).

  • Serve as a member of our Troop Committee to help with the planning of all things to support our Scouts.