New members are always welcome to Troop 335. Boys must be one of the following:
1) at least 11 years old, or
2) have completed the 5th grade, or
3) earned the Arrow of Light Award and be at least 10 years old
Boys typically join the Troop in February or March, but they can join at anytime and at any age up to age 18.
To start, you would be initated with our Troop during a special bridge ceremony. You will then be given a Scout book, a Troop 335 arm patch and a special Troop 335 neckerchief to be worn with your uniform.
Soon you will participate in a "new Scout" campout, where you will join other new and older Scouts for your first one-night campout to become familiar with the Troop-supplied tents and bacon (along with other delicious camp meals).
Your Troop's Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) may then organize you into a slightly smaller Patrol (consisting of 5-8 boys) that is led by a Patrol Leader. During the weekly Scout meetings, your Patrol Leader will lead you in learning new skills (like knots, first-aid, fishing, campout planning, etc.) and assist you in earning your first scout Boy Scout rank.
Around mid-July, the younger Scouts (under 14 years of age) typically sign-up for a week-long camping adventure at the Northwest Suburban Council's Camp Napowan in central Wisconsin. Swimming, boating, archery, rifle, shotgun, nature, Scout skills and creative activities are available all week long at this professionally-run camp. It is a great time to earn Merit Badges, learn new skills, meet new friends, and enjoy the beauty of nature. Camp Napowan has received national recognition for its program, including its Flintlock pioneer village with working forge.
Along the way, you will also participate in service projects that benefit the surrounding community. In addition, you will continue to have opportunities to participate in the monthly campouts a t wide variety of camp locations.
During your first year, you may also volunteer for various leadership positions within the Troop, which includes photographer, webmaster, historian, assistant patrol leader, etc. As you gain confidence and become familiar with the Troop, you may also be asked to coordinate a small event, plan our participation in a parade or lead a flag ceremony.
Every quarter, you'll also participate in our quarterly Court of Honor ceremonies, where you and your friends in the Troop will receive recognition for your newly earned ranks and merit badges. Typically, an active Scout (who regularly attends Troop meetings and events) will earn his Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class and/or First Class rank by the end of his first year of Boy Scouts - along with several merit badges.
Near the end of your first year, you will then participate in our annual banquet to celebrate the special accomplishments that were completed throughout the year.