FAQS

Yes! Please feel free to attend up to 2 meetings before committing. Note, trips are only for registered scouts.
There are many great Troops in WNC, we want to make sure you feel Troop 4 is a great fit.

Do Parents have to attend Scout Meetings?

Parental attendance is not required but is highly encouraged.
We understand that parents often must split time between the Troop/Pack or have other engagements such as travel for work. That said, we need engaged parents to execute a quality program.
You do not have to be an up front to be engaged. Often, it’s an extra set of hands during an activity, steering the youth in the right direction, or joining a committee to lend your knowledge/expertise in an area you enjoy.

How do youth progress in Scouting?

There is a clear road map for rank advancement in Scouting. Scouts learn skills, gain knowledge, and do the “work”. Afterwards they have a Scoutmaster Conference and then a Board of Review. The Board makes sure they ready to advance to the next rank.
At the same time the Scouts will be working to earn Merit Badges. There are several required badges for Eagle Scout and over 100 different options to engage any type of interest your youth might have.
Troop 4 leadership has decades of combined experience guiding youth in Scouting.

What about Sports or other commitments?

It is ok, and almost expected, that Scouts will be involved in activities outside of Scouting. A well-rounded youth makes a great Scout.
While we try to keep the Patrols progressing at the same pace, there will be times that a Scout will need to do some work to catch up. Ultimately, the Scouts are responsible to be prepared for their Boards of Review if they want to progress. We will work with the Scouts to make this happen.

Are there programs for younger kids on the same night?

Troop 4 is part of the larger Unit 4 including a Cub Scout Pack.
Pack 4 meets in proximity during the same time and is open to youth 1st -5th grade.
Many families have youth in both the Troop and the Pack. The leadership works together closely to make sure the needs of the families are met.

How do I sign up for Troop 4?

Click Here to Register (Youth and/or Adult)

How do I receive communication?

We use a variety of email, text, Google Groups, and the Remind App. Typically, we have one email a week detailing what will be happening that Thursday and details about any upcoming Trips.

Please download the ‘Remind’ app, then text ‘@troop4avl’ to 81010

Remind will be used for quick adult communication.

General Troop Mailing List
Request to join our Google Group mailing list - https://groups.google.com/g/troop4-avl

Unit 4 Facebook Fan Page (public facing)

https://www.facebook.com/unit4avl/

Troop 4 Private Facebook Group (invitation only)

https:/www.facebook.com/groups/troop4avl/

Who do I contact if I have questions regarding trips, financials, forms, etc…

General email: troop4avl@gmail.com

Scoutmaster / Registration - Travis McDowell: 828-337-3773, trvsmcdowell@gmail.com

Assistant Scoutmaster (Danger Rangers) - TBD

Assistant Scoutmaster (Timber Rattlers) - TBD

Assistant Scoutmaster (Steel Eagles) - TBD

Committee Chair - Clark Glenn: 954-940-1957, clrkglnn@gmail.com

Secretary / Forms Guru - Mary Jones: 828-242-2086, brockandmaryjones@gmail.com

Treasurer - Keith Bowman: 828-230-6612, keith@fireflynow.com

Outings / Trips Coordinator - Beth Keefauver: 828-231-0799, keefauver@gmail.com

Fundraising Chair - John Templeton: 917-504-1503, dr.john.templeton@gmail.com

How much does registration cost for NEW Scout?

Registration is $155/year (this includes a one-time new scout fee of $25.

All fees are paid online and go directly to the local Daniel Boone Council (WNC) and National BSA. The Troop does not keep any of these fees.

How much does registration cost for RETURNING Cub Scouts?

Registration is $130/year.

All fees are paid online and go directly to the local Daniel Boone Council (WNC) and National BSA. The Troop does not keep any of these fees.

How much are the annual Troop 4 dues?

$50/year. This is in addition to registration fees and is paid directly to the Troop Treasurer.

Hum… I’m confused, so How Much is Scouts?

If you are new, your Scout’s total fees will be $205 and will cover 12 months registration plus Troop dues. We recommend budgeting $100-200/yr. for various trip expenses. The uniform plus handbook can cost $150-200.

The uniform will last many years, and trips are a la carte… so it is NOT $595 each year. But if you go ‘all in’ on your first year, this is a reasonable amount to budget.

A Scout is ‘Thrifty’ - so we are always looking for deals and ways to stretch our dollars.

How does Troop 4 use the funds from dues?

- Troop 4 activity t-shirts (Class Bs). All youth receive a cool Troop 4 t-shirt after registration. Additional shirts may be purchased for $15 and adult sizes are available for $20. They are fantastic.

- Group gear and equipment

- Advancement, Merit Badges, and Certificates

- Offset Campouts costs

- Scholarships

Is a Uniform required and how do I buy one?

A uniform is required. A Scout uniform is one of the core components of Scouting. In addition to creating a sense of belonging, the uniform gives a Scout the ability to display their personal achievements. Referred to as the “Class A”, you will need a shirt, neckerchief, belt, and any olive shorts. Uniforms can be purchased at the Asheville Scout Shop @ 333 W Haywood St. Approx cost is $100-150. Please talk to the leadership before purchasing as we have a uniform closet and may have some of what you need. It’s ok to buy a uniform that is a little big to allow for growth.

Is a Handbook required and how do I buy one?

A handbook is required and can be purchased at the Scout Shop. We highly recommend each youth bring their book weekly. It is LOADED with information and is one way we keep track of rank progression.

In addition, each Scout will need to bring a bag to the meeting carrying the core items for Scouting: Book, binder (for forms and papers), pencil, water bottle, and jacket.

Financial aid and scholarships

We do not want finances to be barriers for our members attending adventures or being part of our Troop 4 family. Please reach out to a member of the Troop 4 leadership if you have a need.

Who needs to register as an adult?

While we are a 100% Volunteer Led program, it is important for all Troop Leadership (Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, and Committee Members,) to be Registered/Insured Adults (in addition to being Youth Protection Trained).

We encourage any parent who would like to volunteer in a more active role to become Registered.

Same link/QR Code but select the adult option: https://my.scouting.org/VES/OnlineReg/1.0.0/?tu=UF-MB-414taa0004.

How much is adult registration? $90

Yes, we get it… stinks to have to pay on top of volunteering a good number of hours. Please know all of us fellow adult leaders are in the same boat. We get so much more out of the benefits from the Scouts BSA program, experiences, being involved in our children’s lives in a meaningful way, and the fellowship amongst us Adults that this cost ends up feeling very worthwhile.

Plus - we are aiming to have a dedicated fundraiser that is specifically used to help offset the cost for our adult registration. Stay tuned!

What is Youth Protection Training (YPT) and who needs to complete it?

All adults engaging with youth at meetings and attending trips must complete Youth Protection Training (YPT) within 1 month of their youth registering. It is a 2hr program that we take VERY seriously. This sets many good boundaries and examples for what expectations we have and follow. When completed, send, or print the certificate to the Troop Secretary (Mary Jones).

No adult can attend a Troop 4 led campout if they do not have their Youth Protection Training completed.

What is the cost of the trips and events?

The average trip costs $5-20/pp. We strive to make our outings as low cost as possible and will use Troop dues to help cover these trips. Other trips like Capers Island, Merit Badge Weekends, Ropes Courses, and Rafting can be $25-100. These are a couple of times a year and are optional.

We love to fundraise and work to ensure all Scouts have the option to go by having opportunities to raise money in advance of these more epic adventures.

How do I sign up for Trips?

Click here for the Troop 4 Event Calendar 23-24

How do I pay for trips and events?

PayPal @troop4avl - paypal.com/paypalme/troop4avl
Checks made out to "Troop 4"
Cash given to the Troop Treasurer
See our Payments Page

Fundraising

As fellow parents, we understand there is a financial cost to Scouting. While we feel there is a HUGE return on this investment… we also strive to provide means to offset this financial cost through various fundraisers such as selling:

Popcorn (Fall Fundraiser) - Split proceeds go towards product cost, Troop, Scout, and Council.

Discount Cards aka ‘Camp Cards’ - Split proceeds go towards product cost, Troop, Scout, and Council.

Special Fundraisers - As Scouts get older there are opportunities for once in a lifetime trip to Sea Base, Philmont Ranch, etc… We are developing “signature” fundraising events so that all Scouts that want to go may attend.

Fundraising Committee: We are actively recruiting for our fundraising committee. This does not mean you need to go ask for money, rather you may have a great idea, a broad network, can support the execution of an event.

Required Health Forms

All registered youth and adults need to fill out a health form (parts A&B). Keep your original form and give a copy to Troop Secretary, Mary Jones (brockandmaryjones@gmail.com). This can be filled out electronically and emailed:

https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/680-001_AB.pdf

Do you participate in Summer Camp?

Yes, there is an opportunity for Scouts to go to camp to earn merit badges and advancement.

Camping Trips and Gear

If you are new to camping/backpacking - Welcome! You are in a safe space and will be surrounded by individuals who would enjoy helping. Please ask for, or pull up, the “Suggested Packing List” for a given trip. If you do not have any items… just let us know. There are plenty of resources and we may be able to let you borrow, have, or give guidance on lower cost options on what to buy for yourself. In general, the following items are important for Scouting:

Rain Jacket
Day Pack and Water Bottle
Personal Mess Kit
Tent, Sleeping Bag, and Sleeping Pad
Supportive Footwear and quality socks
Duffle Bag or Weatherproof Storage Box
Flashlight or Headlamp

Are Scouts and Troop 4 religious?

A Scout is Reverent. Scouts BSA maintains that no one can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing his/her obligation to God. Our Troop, therefore, recognizes the religious element in the training of our Scouts, but it is nonsectarian in its attitude and application of that training. We strive to both embrace religion, promoting the Scout’s individual religious duty, AND respect/highlight various faiths represented on our Troop and community.

Policy on personal information

We understand there is a wide variety of personal preferences on sharing of emails, phone numbers, posting of photos online, etc. We strive to keep personal information private and ask you to give your contact information directly to individuals you would like to have it and ask others for theirs directly. Additionally, while we will post photos online - we do so sparingly and strive to just share group photos. We ask parents to freely post photos of them and their children however they desire but be mindful of differing preferences when it comes to sharing other photos online - and refrain from doing so of other children without the express permission of their parents/guardians.

Leave a Google Review

How do I leave a Google review?

Use the following link to leave us a review. Sharing your experience will help keep the Pack and Troop vibrant and growing well into the future!

https://g.page/r/CeHBFJga_BSnEBM/review

Questions, we’d love to answer them.

Scoutmaster - Travis McDowell: 828-337-3773, trvsmcdowell@gmail.com