Frequently Asked Questions:What's the most popular Boy Scout Merit Badge?First Aid and Swimming run neck and neck on an annual basis. Though a popular merit badge for first year scouts, swimming does require previous swimming experience. It would be difficult to get the Swimming merit badge if you have never set foot in the water previously.
Do you always go tent camping, even in the winter?No, tent camping is reserved for the Spring and Summer Months. We camp in Cabins during the Fall and Winter months.
Can any boy join the Boy Scouts?Any boy over the age of 12 can join the boy scouts, they may be 11 if they have successfully completed the Arrow of Light award in Cub Scouts. Unfortunately boys 11 and under must join Cub Scouts or wait until their 12th birthday to join.
What's the difference between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, isn't Boy Scouts all the same?Cub Scouts is for younger boys, Boy Scouts is for the tween to teenage boys. Typically Boy Scouts involves much more camping, outdoorsmanship and growth of independence and leadership. Cub Scouts doesn't have a bang. That is they only shoot BB guns. In Boy Scouts Shotgun, Rifle, and Muzzleloader is available.
In addition, Troop 1490 prides itself on putting together an elite high adventure program. With a trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico in 2008, a trip to Sea Base for Scuba Diving in 2009 and a return to Philmont Scout ranch in 2010.
What is high adventure scouting? Does that mean I am sending my kid to go bungee jumping or jump out parachute out of airplanes?No, but your son will likely have experiences that are not only once in a lifetime, but those that redefine the perception of Boy Scouting his friends and family may have had previously. Some examples of high adventure scouting include a 22 mile hike on a weekend where the boys carried everything they needed in their backpack and left nothing behind. Hiking daily treks in high altitude at Philmont scout ranch in New Mexico, and soon obtaining their PADI (Scuba Diving Certification) and Scuba Diving off the coast of Florida.
Who pays for Scouting?Most things in Scouting are optional. Though many boys want to go on every single campout all year long, it is not required. Though there is an annual fee that covers organizational costs for Boy Scouts, the majority of costs are determined by what the Scout and his parents choose to do. That being said, it also doesn't mean the scout necessarily pays 100% of the costs. Unfortunately scouting does not have a rich uncle, but you will find that costs are kept as low as possible and provide an excellent value. In fact, during a down economy many scout units see a surge in growth as people can no longer afford many other activities and look for the best value for the least amount of money. Below are some samples of
estimated costs:
| Costs with no fundraising | Costs with $600+ of fundraising | Costs with $1500+ of fundraising |
| 8 Weekend Campouts | $190 | 0 | 0 |
| 1 Week of Summer Camp | $330 | <$300 | 0 |
Additional Costs:During the first year of Scouts and throughout some growth spurts thereafter, a scout will need to purchase the Boy Scout Uniform which should be worn to every meeting. The uniform has many options, such as short sleeve vs. long sleeve shirts, Shorts, Pants, or Switchbacks (Long Pants with Zip Off Bottoms). You can visit
Scoutstuff.org for exact pricing, but you will typically spend around $75-$120 on a new uniform. Not all parts of the uniform are needed right away. Consult Scout leadership for more information on what may be needed right away. You may also be able to get one used for less. Most other essential items are included, but the scout will need to bring basic hygiene items, clothes they can get dirty in (boys will be boys), and some other essential camping gear.
If the Scout elects to do go on a high adventure trip (typically for older scouts that have been in a few years), then you will likely need to purchase additional gear based on that trip. For more details on the uniform, please
click here to visit our uniform page.