Q. Where and when does Troop 96 meet?

A. We meet every week throughout the year on Monday from 7 to 8:30 pm.  Our regular meeting place is the St. Gilbert Chapel Hall, but we may move the meetings on occasion.  For example, throughout the summer months, we move to Jones Island on Grays Lake to enjoy watersports.

Q. How often does the Troop camp?

A.  We camp every month of the year, except December.  In July, we go to Camp Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan, our Council’s summer camp, near Pearson, Wis.  First year Scouts can camp for the first week.  Experienced Scouts can camp for one or two weeks.

Q. What is a boy-run troop?

A. A boy-run troop provides the Scouts an opportunity direct their own program with guidance from trained adult Scouters.  Scouts elect their own leaders, coordinate their monthly campouts and weekly troop meetings based on the annual plan they develop in August of each year.

Q.  How much does it cost to weekend camp?

A.  Typically, a campout’s cost is $15 for food.  The troop pays the camping fees.  Occasionally,  there are additional fees to cover special activities, like skiing or luging.

Q. Who signs off on rank advancment?

A.  Individual requirements are signed-off by other Scouts who have earned the next highest rank.  The Scoutmaster signs off on Scout Spirit and Troop Position requirements.  Parents do not sign off on scout advancement.

Q.  How can parents get involved?

A.  Lots of ways!  You can camp any month you like, you could drive Scouts to an event, you could become a Merit Badge Counselor and teach a skill you know, you could join the Troop Committee and help the Scouts “behind the scenes.”