Scouting FAQ

Boys between the ages of 11 and 17 are welcome to join Troop 448! With regular attendance, Scouts will advance through ranks and merit badges quickly.

Meetings are held on Monday evenings from 6:30-8:00pm. Scouts work on merit badge requirements, participate in games and plan and lead troop events and activities. Parents are encouraged to stay and assist during weekly meetings. The Troop also plans weekend outings, service projects, fundraisers, as well as summer camp and high adventure trips.

• CAMPOUTS AND OUTINGS: Troop 448 offers a variety of activities each year such as hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, skiing, fishing, scout skills workshops, gaming lock-ins, and escape rooms. Scouts decide annually on the year's weekend campouts and outings. They also plan and cook their own meals during campouts. Scouts will set up and break down camp while working together and having a wonderful time in the outdoors. For example, in the winter of 2021, Troop 448 held a Winter Klondike with ice fishing, sledding, and Scout skills.

• SERVICE PROJECTS: The Troop participates in many service events throughout the year. Previous service opportunities include: DUMC Rummage Sale clean-up, assisting local food pantries, Dexter Lions Christmas tree sale, and conservation projects. In addition, Eagle projects also allow the Scouts to give back to their community. A recent article in The Sun Times provided examples of previous Troop 448 service projects.

• SUMMER CAMP: Summer camp is a week-long stay at a camp with other troops. This is a great opportunity for the Scouts to work on a variety of merit badges and participate in lots of exciting activities, such as swimming, fishing, and rock climbing. Summer camp is a must-do!

• HIGH ADVENTURE CAMPS: Scouts can attend some High Adventure Camps such as Sea Base (e.g., sailing in the Virgin Islands) and Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Other high adventures can include white water rafting in West Virginia and a 50-mile canoe trip in Northern Michigan. There is a minimum age requirement for high adventure trips.

• EAGLE SCOUT RANK: Since 1912, the Eagle Scout rank has represented a milestone of accomplishment that is recognized across the country and even the world. Troop 448 helps interested scouts work toward the Eagle Scout rank, which includes Eagle-required merit badges and conducting an Eagle project to help the surrounding community.