Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join Troop 505?
Troop 505 is a Scouts BSA boys troop open to youth ages 10½ through 17 who have completed fifth grade, including Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts crossing over, Scouts transferring from another troop, and boys who are brand new to Scouting. Whether a Scout is continuing his Scouting journey or starting for the first time, he will be welcomed and supported.
What makes Troop 505 different?
Troop 505 is Scout led with adult guidance. Scouts plan meetings, lead patrols, organize campouts, and teach skills. Adults mentor from the background, providing coaching, safety, and support while allowing Scouts to take real responsibility.
We focus on hands on adventure, leadership development, teamwork, and character. Younger Scouts learn from older Scouts. Older Scouts grow by teaching and leading. Scouts camp monthly, attend winter and summer camp, and participate in high adventure treks.
If a Scout has never been in Scouting before, can he still join?
Yes. Many Scouts join Troop 505 with no prior Scouting experience. New Scouts receive guidance through our Trail to First Class program and learn skills from older Scouts and troop leaders. No experience is required, just a willingness to learn and participate.
How are new Scouts integrated into the troop?
New Scouts join mixed age patrols where they can learn directly from more experienced Scouts. Older Scouts mentor younger Scouts, helping them learn outdoor skills, understand troop routines, and feel at home. Adults provide guidance and ensure every Scout is supported during the transition.
How often does the troop meet and where?
Troop 505 meets year round, every Monday from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Oak Hill United Methodist Church, 7815 Hwy 290 W in Austin.
What does a typical troop meeting look like?
Troop meetings are planned and run by Scouts. Meetings usually include skills instruction, patrol activities, games, and planning for upcoming events. Adult leaders observe, mentor youth leaders, and step in when guidance is needed.
How big is the troop and how is it organized?
Troop 505 has over 45 active Scouts organized into four mixed age patrols plus a senior Leadership Corps. Patrols typically consist of 6 to 8 Scouts.
This structure allows younger Scouts to learn skills while older Scouts develop leadership, all while working together as a team.
What is the Patrol Leaders’ Council?
The Patrol Leaders’ Council, or PLC, is made up of elected youth leaders and is responsible for planning troop meetings, campouts, and activities. The PLC meets monthly to shape the troop’s program, giving Scouts real ownership of their Scouting experience with adult guidance.
What kind of activities and adventures does Troop 505 offer?
Troop 505 camps monthly and attends both winter camp and summer camp each year, providing opportunities to build outdoor skills and earn merit badges.
Each spring break, the troop offers a High Adventure Trek open to all Scouts. Older Scouts also participate in summer high adventure trips, rotating through Sea Base, Summit Bechtel, Northern Tier, and Philmont. These experiences include sailing, scuba, whitewater rafting, canoeing, and backpacking.
Scouts also participate in service projects, leadership training, and community activities throughout the year.
How does advancement work?
Scouts advance at their own pace. Younger Scouts focus on learning skills and working toward First Class. Older Scouts focus on leadership, service, merit badges, and the Trail to Eagle.
Adult leaders mentor Scouts throughout the process, and Life Scouts are paired with Eagle Mentors for one on one guidance. Advancement is important, but it is part of a larger focus on growth, leadership, and character.
How does Troop 505 support personal growth and leadership?
Scouts set their own goals for advancement and leadership. Younger Scouts focus on skills and early ranks. Older Scouts focus on leadership roles, service, merit badges, and the Trail to Eagle.
Adult leaders mentor youth leaders and provide guidance in advancement, personal growth, and responsibility. Training is encouraged for both Scouts and adults to support continuous learning.
What uniform does a Scout need?
Scouts wear their field uniform (Class A) at troop meetings during the school year and when traveling to events. During the summer, Scouts wear Class B uniforms, which are Scouting or troop t-shirts.
Uniforms help build pride, unity, and Scout spirit, and are part of learning responsibility and preparedness.
What behavior is expected from Scouts?
Scouts are expected to show good manners, respect themselves and others, and use appropriate language. The Scout Oath and Law guide how Scouts treat one another and how they show up at meetings, campouts, and activities.
Is Troop 505 faith-based?
Troop 505 welcomes boys of all religious denominations. Campout worship services are non-denominational, and Scouts are encouraged to practice reverence in ways that respect their own beliefs and those of others.
What is expected of parents?
Parents are encouraged to be involved. Troop 505 relies on adult volunteers to support both the program and committee functions. Some parents serve as Assistant Scoutmasters, committee members, or activity champions. Others help with transportation, fundraising, or special events.
You do not need Scouting experience to help. Training and support are provided.
Do parents attend campouts?
Parents are welcome to participate as registered adult leaders or trained volunteers. Scouts camp and operate as patrols, while adults provide supervision and guidance as needed.
While parents are welcome to camp with us, the focus is always on the Scouts. We intentionally limit the number of adults on any given campout to make sure Scouts have space to lead and learn, and that the experience remains centered on them in a safe and supportive environment.
How does fundraising work?
Troop 505’s primary annual fundraiser is mulch sales and delivery. Funds raised are shared between the troop and individual Scout accounts, helping offset costs for activities and camps.
Cost should never be a barrier to Scouting. Scholarships and fundraising opportunities are available to help ensure every Scout can participate.
Is Scouting expensive?
Costs vary based on activities and camps, but Troop 505 works to keep Scouting affordable. Fundraising opportunities and financial assistance are available so that all Scouts have access to the full program.
How can we visit Troop 505?
Scouts and families are welcome to visit a regular troop meeting or attend one of our recruiting events. Visiting is the best way to see our Scout led program in action and decide if Troop 505 is the right fit.