To become a Boy Scout, a youth must have completed fifth grade, or be 11 years old, or have earned the Arrow of  Light Award as a Webelos Scout.  The youth must not have reached age 18.

Below are the steps for those interested in joining Boy Scout Troop 1397.

• Parent or prospective Scout contacts the Scoutmaster and arranges to visit the troop during a regularly scheduled troop meeting.  At that time, we can meet each other, discuss your interest in Scouting and answer any questions you may have.
  
  
• Parent and prospective Scout review the Boy Scout Application and agree to abide by the policies and principles described therein.
  
  
• Parent completes and signs the Boy Scout Application form and turns it in to the Scoutmaster along with registration fees.
  

• Parent discusses with the Scoutmaster or Troop Committee Chairman his/her willingness to register as a member of the Troop Committee and to complete an Adult Registration Application form.

• Purchase the Boy Scout Handbook for the new Scout so he can study and learn the "requirements for joining" and complete them at a regular meeting as soon as possible.  He should bring his Scout Handbook to every meeting.
  

• Purchase the official Scout Field Uniform for the Scout, including patches and insignia, from the Scout Center or other vendor immediately after joining.  He should wear his uniform to all meetings and outdoor activities.

Very soon after joining, a boy is assigned to a Patrol, a group of 6 to 10 boys.  A boy's Patrol will be his team for games and contests, his closest buddies in camp, and his teachers as he works on advancement.



Damascus American Legion Post 171 is the chartering organization for Troop 1397.   It arranges for our regular Troop meeting place and approves the adult leaders who administer the Troop's affairs.   The adult leaders are all unpaid volunteers and (currently) are all parents of boys in the Troop.

Our regular meeting night is Tuesday from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m at the Damascus American Legion Hall.   The troop meets every week, except for Spring Break, Thanksgiving week and Christmas week.  Troop 1397 plans and conducts a full 12 month program.

Troop meetings are planned and conducted by boy leaders under the guidance of the Scoutmaster. The purpose of these meetings is to develop Scout skills, work on advancement requirements, promote teamwork and develop leadership skills.   A typical Troop meeting might include work on outdoor skills, first aid, physical fitness, citizenship or other Scouting activities.

Every month, the Troop conducts at least one outdoor activity over the weekend, such as a campout, hike or visit to some location of special interest.   The Troop also participates in events sponsored by the Black Hill District and National Capital Area Council (NCAC), such as the Klondike campout and Fall Camporee.

During the summer, the Troop attends a week-long summer camp administered by the Boy Scouts of America.  For more information on the kinds of activities we have conducted in the past and are planning for the future, visit the Troop 1397 Web site at:  http://www.troop1397.org/.   



The success of Troop 1397 has been, and continues to be, dependent upon the full participation of the Scout parents. Every family is invited to participate in the Troop Committee, and we need and encourage parents to register as Adult Scouters.

As a parent, you will want your son to get the most out of Scouting.  So keep the dates of Troop activities on your calendar as a reminder, encourage him as he progresses in the advancement program, and perhaps help him master the skills of Scouting. But his success in Scouting depends in part on the success of our Troop. You can help keep the Troop strong with your support of talents and available time. Opportunities to help are many - serving on the Troop Committee; providing transportation for outings; helping organize and participating in Troop camping trips or serving as a merit badge counselor in a hobby or career field you are familiar with. Your participation in these activities, and our offers of help when the Troop has a need will show your son that you support him and want him to have the best experiences possible in Scouting.



The cost of the Scouting program is as follows:

1. BSA Registration/Rechartering
   The Troop must be rechartered annually, as required by National BSA.  Every Scout and adult leader must re-register each January.   In December,  Troop 1397 collects a registration fee of $15 for each  Scout and  Adult leader, which includes the BSA registration fee ($10.00) and an insurance policy ($1.00).   The registration fee does not include Boy's Life magazine, which we encourage, but do not require.   Boy’s Life Magazine is an additional $10.80.
   
   
2. Uniform
   The Troop uniform consists of the Scout shirt (patches and insignia), Scout hat and Scout Handbook.  These items cost about $40.
   
   
3. Equipment
   All personal equipment, such as sleeping bags, tents, raingear, ... are paid for by the Scout.   We recommend that Scouts first gain some experience and knowledge about camping and other outdoor activities before buying any of this equipment.
   
   
4. Summer Camp
   The fee for the week-long Summer Camp program is approximately $225/person.  We strongly encourage all Scouts to attend summer camp.
   
   
5. Fund Raising
   Troop 1397 does not currently participate in any fund raising activities.  The Troop operates on a “pay-as-you-go” basis.  Scouts and adults who participate in outdoor activities are expected to pay for the cost of food, campsite reservations, ...  These activities normally run about $10-$20/person.
   
   
6. Financial Assistance
   We want every boy to be able to participate fully in the Scouting program.   The Troop will find a way to help any family that needs financial assistance.