Joining Troop 98

Youth Members (Scouts)

You can join Scouts BSA if:

• You are 11 years old, OR

• You have completed 5th grade, OR

• You have earned the Cub Scout Arrow of Light Award and are 10 years old

You also must be under the age of 18 (see the right column of this page for registration options for 18-21 year olds).

Adult Members (Scout Leaders)

Everyone over 18 who spends time with Troop 98 (other than dropping off or picking up your Scout) must complete state-mandated background clearances

Everyone over 18 who spends an overnight with the troop must become a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America (new as of 1 Sep 2023)

Troop 98 welcomes adult leaders who subscribe to the aims and methods of the Boy Scouts of America, who are willing to dedicate the time required to do their volunteer job well, and who pass a reference and background check.

Adult members must be at least 18, but most positions require them to be 21 (see column to the right for details on positions for 18 to 20 year-olds).

Scoutmaster

Assistant Scoutmasters are uniformed, "on-the-ground" leaders who participate in most meetings and activities and are the first line of delivering the Scouting program to the boys, plus training and coaching junior leaders. 

Registered leaders who support the program may be able to deduct many of their Scouting-related expenses on their tax returns [LINK].

Committee Member

The Troop Committee is responsible for overseeing the operations of the Troop, setting policy, and carrying out Boards of Review for Scouts as they advance in rank. See more details HERE.
Participating in Boards of Review for ranks is a particularly fun and rewarding way to learn first-hand about what happens in our troop, and how much our Scouts are experiencing.

Merit Badge Counselor

The Boy Scout Merit Badge program offers 137 badges in many diverse topics.  Each of these requires an adult to act as a "Merit Badge Counselor", who will guide a Scout in its requirements and their completion.  Please see details on merit badges and counseling and training HERE.  If you think you can help us because of your work, hobby, study or passion, please contact the Scoutmaster or the Advancement Coordinator.

Training is available!

Almost every adult position in the Boy Scouts of America has a TRAINING COURSE available. Some courses are done online and some in person. Most positions require that u be trained (a good idea for you and for Troop 98!). Please GO HERE to learn about training. You should always start with Youth Protection Training (link below).

Please see the Scoutmaster or the Troop Committee Chairman to discuss your interest in any adult positions.

Adult Registration - Here is what you need to do to register as an adult leader with Troop 98:

1. Complete Volunteer Background Checks/Clearances: go to THIS DOCUMENT and follow all the directions. You have to save the emailed/PDF responses you receive from the State Police and PA Child Welfare, then submit them along with the disclosure statement (or fingerprints).

2. Complete an Adult Leader Application HERE. Be sure to include references, sign the application, and complete and sign the form on page 3 and the background check authorization on page 6. THESE HAVE TO BE "WET SIGNATURES" or Adobe Certified digital signatures.
   Position Codes If you are a parent registering to come camping you will be called "Scouter Reserve".

3. Youth Protection Training HERE (follow directions on the right hand side of the page)

4. Only for Merit Badge Counselors: Complete the MB Counselor information sheet HERE (provides the basis/justification for why someone is qualified to counsel a particular badge or badges)

5. It costs $65/year to register with BSA (chart) and we will bill your Scout account when you register. Please contact the Scoutmaster if this presents a financial burden for you.

"Aging Out" - When a Scout turns 18...

A Scout who's turned 18 and wants to remain registered with Troop 98 can do so (subject to approval from the Troop Committee).  He must complete an Adult Application, take training appropriate for the position he selects, and pay our Council's adult membership fee each year, currently $35.

Here's the details:

If you've turned 18 you can no longer be registered as a Boy Scout.  We hope you'll choose to stay involved in the Troop 98 program, or a different troop's program.  If you choose to do so, you have to be registered.

If you're between 18 and 21 years old you can be registered as either:

1. An Assistant Scoutmaster - this will require you to complete Youth Protection Training (online), Assistant Scoutmaster Training (classroom), and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (typically one weekend)

2. A member of "Unit College Scouter Reserve" - this position is for a former Scout who is attending college, and requires you to complete Youth Protection Training (online)

3. Please discuss each of these options with the Scoutmaster if you're not sure which to choose

For either position, you have to follow the steps to register as an adult leader (HERE) and pay an annual fee of $65.