On behalf of everyone in Troop 6, we are so excited you are joining our troop! Scouting is an amazing opportunity to make friends, learn new skills, and have fun! We are looking forward to meeting you and can't wait for all the adventures we have in store.
Joining Scouts is one of the best decisions you can make for your child and your family, but it can also be really overwhelming at first. There's a lot of information and new terms that you'll be hearing over the next few weeks. Here's a guide to help you get up to speed... before you know it you'll be a pro!
Over the course of their scouting journey, your child(ren) will work toward earning rank. We call this process "advancement". Your child's rank is determined by their progress within scouting. To earn rank, each scout must complete certain activities (called "requirements") which are outlined in your scout's handbook. Each scout should come to every meeting with their handbook.
Troop Meetings are held every Monday night to work towards coordinating the monthly campouts and completing requirements required to earn their next rank.
Once per month the Troop organizes a campout, these are usually themed and are coordinated by the scouts. The themes may include hiking, mountain biking, climbing, caneoing, swimming, etc.
Once per quarter the Troop organizes a Court of Honor, where all the scouts get together to celebrate the progress the scouts have made in their advancement. We believe it's important to recognize the scouts for their hard work and involvement on a regular basis!
Scouting America Central Florida Council collects registration fees each year
$170 for new scouts ($145 program fee + one-time $25 fee)
$145 for returning scouts
Troop 6 collects $100 dues per scout, due at first Troop meeting after joining. We also fundraise in order to support the awesome programming and outings we have planned.
Fall Fundraiser: Popcorn
Our Troop was a top popcorn unit in the Council last year. We sold over $25,000! This enables our scouts to learn valuable lessons about entrepreneurship, goal-setting, and resilience. Most of our sales are from storefront shifts at Bass Pro Shop and Publix.
Spring Fundraiser: Camp Cards
Camp Cards have coupons to area businesses, many of which recoup the cost of the $10 card within a visit or two. Most of our sales are from storefront shifts at Ace Hardware in Dr. Phillips.
Spring Fundraiser: Mulch
Mulch is sold online to customers around the Dr. Phillips area. We have one weekend where the scouts distribute all of the sold mulch to customers and spread when requested. All sale profits and donations are split with the Troop and scouts to help with funds for summer camps.
Our Troop uses two uniforms: Class A uniform and Class B uniform.
Class A is the default uniform that is worn to most meetings (you can buy the uniform from the Scout Shop, in person or online). Our Pack encourages each scout to purchase:
Class A Shirt
Shorts
Belt
All other elements (hat, neckerchief, slide, socks) are optional.
The Class B uniform consists of the Troop t-shirt worn with bottoms of your choice, and is typically worn whenever the Troop is meeting outside. The Troop provides each scout with a new Class B shirt upon joining, and additional shirts or adult sizes can be purchased separately.
We encourage scouts and adult leaders to wear the appropriate uniform at all our events. However, we understand that sometimes there are circumstances which prevent this, so please remember that we want attendance over appearance!
New families should be able to log in to Scoutbook (scoutbook.scouting.org) within a couple of days of registration. Scoutbook is a major method of communication used by the Troop, so if you have problems logging in or any questions, don't hesitate to Contact Us and we will be happy to help you!
Scoutbook is used to track several things, including:
your scout's membership in Scouting America,
progress towards their Rank,
your payments log, and
all of our upcoming events.
You will receive an email from Scoutbook for every Troop Meeting, and other events, with a reminder to RSVP.
Scoutbook can be accessed from a browser or the mobile 'Scouting' app.
***highly recommend that you download the app. We have several groups, and the app helps ensure you're engaging in the right one (and can see the history)
FYI- without the app, you'll get texts from a random number (that you can rename as 'WhatsApp' contact if you'd like)
https://scoutbook.scouting.org
Invitations are sent to families upon registering. If you need your invite to be resent, please let us know! (troop6orlando@gmail.com)
Troop 6 Leaders & Parents - request access here
you're here! :) https://www.troop6orlando.org
Troop 6 is part of the Central Florida Council, which spans several counties in the region. The Council runs larger efforts like our annual Popcorn sales campaign, as well as our local Scout Shop, scouting campground (Camp La-No-Che), and leadership training. website: https://www.cflscouting.org/
The Council is made up of seven Districts, and Troop 6 is part of the Eagle Empire District, which comprises the western half of Orange County. The District coordinates monthly Roundtables to help us all deliver the best experiences for our scouts.
Our Council and District periodically host events that you will automatically be invited to via Scoutbook. These events are completely optional, but often provide a great opportunity to earn adventures not available through Troop activities (such as merit badges).
What if my son has to miss a troop meeting?
That's ok! Most Cub Scout Adventures are able to be completed as a family. You'll be able to see what adventures you missed on our calendar, and work through the requirements in your scout's handbook on your own. When you're done (or if you have any questions), reach out to your Den Leader so they can record the completed activities (or answer your questions). As always, 'Do Your Best'.
My scout is in <other activity> on Mondays, can we still be in Scouts?
Yep! While we'd love you to be a part of Troop 6, there are other troops in our area that meet on other nights. Scouts are not required to join the troop that recruits at their school... find the troop that works best for your family! Search on www.beascout.org
Do we have to go camping?
Our Troop and Central Florida Council offer Camping 101 sessions that you can use to learn about the basics, essential items, and the 'nice-to-have' creature comforts. We also have a packing list that you can use to gather supplies for when you're ready to join us overnight. Our goal is to have one campout each month during the school year that the Troop plans.
If camping, what are the sleeping arrangements?
Scouts tent with a buddy that is within 2 years of age until they reach First Class rank. Once First Class, the scouts are allowed to tent by themselves.
Are the dues per month or per year?
All dues are paid annually (once a year). BSA dues pay for a 12-month membership in Scouting America. For example, if you join in August 2025, your membership expires July 31, 2026. Troop dues are paid in September every year.
What is the time commitment?
We have an active troop, and meet each week each month for most of the year. See our calendar for our Key Dates. Scouts are encouraged to attend all Troop meetings, but mainly because we know that attendance is key to having a great scouting experience. If you need to miss a meeting, it's ok.
What are the expectations for behavior and discipline?
Everyone participating in Scouting activities is expected to abide by the Scout Oath and Law. Adult Leaders are trained to monitor behavior and intervene when necessary. Per Scouting America guidelines, discipline must be constructive and reflect Scouting's values.
How do you ensure a safe environment for my child?
https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/
"In Scouting, we will not compromise the safety of our youth, volunteers, and employees. Safety is a value that must be taught and reinforced at every opportunity. We are all responsible and must hold each other accountable to provide a safe environment for all participants. We are committed to abuse prevention by utilizing:
Mandatory youth protection training.
Criminal background checks.
Banning one-on-one adult and youth interactions.
Mandatory reporting of suspected abuse to law enforcement.
A volunteer screening database.
We are committed to injury and illness prevention by integrating safety measures in our handbooks, literature, and training materials, including the Guide to Safe Scouting. We expect leaders to use the four points of SAFE when delivering the program. SAFE Scouting measures include:
Youth are Supervised by qualified and trustworthy adults who set the example for safety.
Activities are Assessed for risks.
Pre-requisite Fitness and Skill levels are confirmed before participation.
Appropriate Equipment is utilized, and Environmental conditions are monitored."