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Troop 240, Bronx, N.Y.
Questions Most Asked By Parents
"The Eagle's Nest"
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What Can You Tell Me About The Boy Scouts?
The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest youth service organizations. The program is family based with a focus on teamwork, self-confidence and achievement.
What Type Of Programs And Activities Do The Young People Participate In?
The program is a series of enjoyable activities based upon abilities related to age and group consensus, such as meetings, day trips, craft projects, outdoor skills, weekend and summer camping.
How Old Are The Children?
Tiger Cubs are first graders,
Cub Scouts are second through fifth graders, and
Boy Scouts are ages 11-17.
Venturers are co-ed teenagers ages 14-20.
How Often, And Where, Do The Groups Meet?
A Pack, Troop or Crew will usually meet once a week on a regular basis for about an hour and a half in a church, school or community center. Venture Crews may be career interest and may meet in a related facility i.e., accounting office, medical center, police precinct, fire house.
Who Are The Leaders?
The leaders are regular people selected by the chartered organization who volunteer their time for the benefit of young people. Often they are the parents of Scouts who are in the unit or local leaders in the community.
As A Parent, What Do I Do?
Scouting is a partnership with the parents of the young person. Scouting is an excellent opportunity for you to spend very high quality time with your son. Since the leaders are not paid they would most certainly appreciate any help that you could provide. Your unit leader will be able to inform you of the various ways open you, as a parent, to participate.
What About Uniforms?
In the beginning uniforms are not required, however they are in fact highly recommended. We suggest that everyone start with at least the shirt which costs around $20. Many units also have second hand uniforms which may be available.
What About Camping?
Both Cub Scouts (ages 7-10) and Boy Scouts (ages 11-17), as well as Venture Crews and Ships (co-ed ages 14-20) have the opportunity to go both weekend and summer camping (financial assistance is available). The council operates three camps. Camp Pouch is located in Staten Island, Camp Alpine is located just 10 miles north of the George Washington Bridge in Alpine, NJ. Ten Mile River Scout Reservation is located in upstate New York. Venture Crew activities vary according to the focus of each individual post.
So, How Much Will All This Cost?
Because the leaders aren't being paid, Scouting as a whole is a very inexpensive, year-round, worthwhile activity.
What Kinds Of Badges And Awards Exist?
Your son (or, in the case of Venturing, your daughter aged 14 or older) can earn a wide variety of achievements and awards by having fun and learning something in areas such as citizenship, personal fitness, family living, the outdoors, nature, crafts, and more.
Who Do I Contact For More Information About The Boy Scouts?
If you are interested in joining our Troop you can sign up Here or e-mail us at membership@troop240ny.org. For Bronx Cub Packs, Venturer Crews or troops in other areas you can email Pearl Effinger, the Bronx Field Director or call the Greater New York Councils membership hotline at 212:651-2950 to find out where a Pack, Troop or Crew meets in your neighborhood.
What About Girl Scouts?
The Girl Scouts are not part of the Boy Scouts of America. They can be contacted at their office at 212:645-4000. The Venturing program of the Boy Scouts of America is coed for teenagers and young adults ages 14 to 20.
Interested in joining our Troop?
Click here or e-mail your membership inquiry to
membership@Troop240ny.org.