To join Boy Scouts, you must have completed the fifth grade, or be 11 years old, or have earned the Arrow of Light award ( Cub Scouts), but younger that 18 years old.  Come and visit a troop meeting or join us on a campout.  You can just show up at a meeting or contact the Scoutmaster to arrange to come on a campout.

Webelos den leaders interested in visiting a Troop 437 meeting or joining us on a campout should contact the Scoutmaster.

If you wish to join Troop 437, all you need to do is come to a meeting with your parent or guardian, fill out an application. complete a Code of Conduct agreement and pay your annual dues.

We encourage all parents to be active in our Scouting program.  Parents are encouraged to register as adult leaders with BSA if you plan even a minimal level of participation in the troop.  The cost $ 20.00 per year with Scouting magazine and $ 10.00 without.  All parents are asked to make some time contribution to the troop during the year.  There are many opportunities that parents can help out in planning individual activities, becoming a merit badge counselor for a specific merit badge or filling one of the adult leadership roles in the troop.

The Scout handbook, 437 numerals, neckerchief, slide and the epaulets for the uniform shirt can be purchased at Calumet Council Store.

When you join the troop, you will be assigned a Troop Guide, an older Scout whose job is to guide you through your early Scout ranks.  If you have already studied the requirements for becoming a scout (e.g. Webelos) you can probably earn your Scout rank at your first meeting.

FAQ's

Does my son have to go on every campout?   No, there are no requirements that a Scout has to make a certain number of campouts, although camping is a big part of the Boy Scout experience.

Does a parent have to go on the campouts?  Several adults will accompany the troop and we always work to provide enough transportation for all the Scouts who want to go on the campouts.  It is a big departure from Cub Scouts, but parents are not required to go with their son.  Gaining the ability to rely on their own skills, cook, pitch tents and even preform "kitchen patrol" is a big part of Scouting.  Any parent is invited to attend and join the fun and enjoy the adult gourmet fare.  For obvious reasons, adults camp/tent separately from the Scouts but usually within earshot and eyesight.

Does my son have to go to summer camp?  No, But these are unique experiences that create lifelong memories for your son (and you if you can go) and provide great opportunity for advancement.  Scouts who attend summer camp their first year in Scouting typically get a big jump on advancement and historically tend to bond with the Scouting program for years to come.

What equipment does my son need?  Please see our website www.troop437midloil.org for more details on equipment.  The troop is fortunate to have a trailer that is well equipped with most of the gear that we need for camping-stoves,lanters,Dutch overns and several troop tents.  Each Scout will eventually need a packpack, sleeping bag and a good ground cushion/mattress.  Some Scouts buy a small lightweight tent that they can easily set up themselves.