Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the prerequisites to join the troop?
- How much does it cost to join the troop?
- How often does the troop meet?
- Where are the troop meetings?
- Does my son have to get a scout uniform?
- Where can I get a uniform and other scout items?
- What accessories do I need to get for my son's uniform?
- My son likes to camp. What camping equipment must I purchase?
- How can I, as a parent, help out the troop?
- How does my son sign up for activities within the troop such as camping or service projects?
- How do I get reimbursed for purchases made for an outing?
What are the prerequisites to join the troop?
- Be between 11 and not yet 18 years old. 10 year olds who have earned the Cub Scout Arrow of Light can also join.
- Complete a Boy Scout Youth Application. The Troop has these available.
How much does it cost to join the troop?
There is a $10 BSA registration fee and an $12 subscription fee for Boys' Life magazine.How often does the troop meet?
Troop meetings are the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Mondays of each month from September - May. While these meetings aren't required it is certainly encouraged.Addtionally, every 4th Monday the Patrol Leader Council meets. This is a meeting of all scouts who currently hold a leadership position.
Unless told otherwise, all Troop meetings are held at St. Luke's Church.
Where are the troop meetings?
Most Troop meetings are held in the basement of St. Luke's Church on Hubbard Street in Middleton. If the church basement is being used for other activities on the night of a Troop meeting we will likely meet at the Scout Garage which is locate 1/2 block east of the church.If a troop meeting is moved, you will be notified well in advance.
Does my son have to get a scout uniform?
It is strongly encouraged that your son have a Scout uniform. The uniform gives the Scout a sense of belonging and demonstrates to the public that he is a member of the group. Certain activities such as Scout camps and parades require uniforms to participate.Additionally, Troop 140 has Class B uniforms available for purchase. Class B uniforms are used for less formal activities that still identify your son as a member of the Troop.
Where can I get a uniform and other scout items?
The Glacier's Edge Council Scout Shop is located on Manufacturers Drive on the northeast side of Madison just north of the airport. The Scout Shop has all uniforms, patches, books and other accessories you son will need.What accessories do I need to get for my son's uniform?
In addition to a Boy Scout shirt you will also need to purchase the Boy Scout (green) shoulder loops, a Glacier's Edge shoulder patch and a World Crest patch. The sales staff at the Scout Shop office will be happy to help you out. You need not purchase troop unit patches. Troop 140 has those available for your purchase.My son likes to camp. What camping equipment must I purchase?
For new scouts the only camping-related purchase you need to make are a sleeping bag, bed roll and mess kit.If you are going on a backpack outing you will also want either a internal or external frame backpack. Since most younger boys who join the Troop are still growing we encourage you to wait to purchase a new backpack until you son is older. The troop, or other scouts may have a pack you can borrow for a specific outing.
For any scouts below the rank of Star the troop provides tents because these scouts are required to sleep with other scouts. The Troop also provides outdoor cooking equipment.
How can I, as a parent, help out the troop?
The Troop is always looking for adult volunteers to help out. The best thing to do is get in touch with our Scoutmaster and ask how you can help. If there are special skills or interests you have that you feel might benefit the troop be sure to let him know.Once you have your new role you will be asked to fill out an Adult Volunteer application and take, at minimum, two online courses offered by the Boy Scouts of America: Youth Protection and New Leader Fast Start.
How does my son sign up for activities within the troop such as camping or service projects?
There are signup sheets laid out in the back of the room at every Troop meeting. Depending on the event these signup sheets might start appearing at Troop meetings up to 9 months in advance. For most events signup will start approximately 1 month before the event. If you can't make a Troop meeting, but still want to participate in a particular event, email the Scoutmaster or any Assistant Scoutmaster.How do I get reimbursed for purchases made for an outing?
If you have purchased items such as food or mileage for an officially approved troop outing you need to turn in a reimbursement form. A link to the form can be found here. These forms must be turned in within 30 days after the completion of the event. Your submission should include: the form, all receipts and the roster of boys who are included in this expense report. The roster will typically include the member of your son's patrol who attended the outing.