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Boy Scout Troop 608
(Suwanee, Georgia)
 
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Please visit our official website at https://www.troop608suwanee.com

Scouting builds great families to become even greater!

When you join the Boy Scouts of America, Scouting is like an extension of your family: It follows your values, it sees to the overall care and well-being of your child, and it’s always there for you. It’s not an either/or choice you have to make for your child. It works with you to let you manage your time and other activities and will always be there when you return.  
While various activities and youth groups teach basic skills and promote teamwork, Scouting goes beyond that and encourages youth to achieve a deeper appreciation for service to others in their community.


BSA Official Scout Parent Site

How you can help! (link)

Troop 608 Scout Parent Information

Parent Membership:
We expect that at least one parent from each boy's family participate in his Scouting experience. This has been proven to keep boys in Scouting, and to really deepen your family's fun and experience! To join, a parent will need to:

1. Complete paper BSA membership form (see committee member)
2. Pay annual membership fee of $24
3. Complete the BSA background check (this is to protect your sons and our volunteers)
4. View the Youth Protection Video (approx 30 minutes online and teaches you about BSA's protection policies for youth and adult leaders). This video class will need to be renewed every two years.
5. Serve in some type of volunteer capacity to the Troop. This may include: Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM), Committee Member (chair, treasurer, advancements coordinator, community service, etc.), outdoor team, event planning, fund-raising, serving on a Board of Review (not your own son's), and other as-needed roles.


Costs and Funding:
Scouting is, BY FAR, the most "bang for your buck" if you put it in those terms. The annual national/council fees are just $24 per person, and our local (troop) fee is under $100 per year. Compare this with the monthly fees for sports, lessons, and day camps, and you'll agree that the experience your Scout receives is far and away the best investment. Additional costs may arise due to the boys' interests...
This is not intended to be an inclusive list, below, as needs change and arise from time time.

1. Boys will need to complete a membership form (as will at least one parent from each family). The cost to register is $24 annually plus $12 for a "Boys' Life" magazine subscription. These fees go directly to the Atlanta Area Council and are not retained by the troop.
2. Boys will need a full "Class A" uniform, which for Troop 608 includes: official BSA shirt (long or short sleeved), BSA pants (they zip to form short pants), BSA socks, and all pertinent patches/insignia. The starter uniform is the responsibility of the family (scholarship assistance is available through the Council if needed).
3. Boys will have the option to purchase a "Class B" casual troop t-shirt.
4. Along the way, there may be nominal fees for weekend camps (mostly food expenses that will be shared) and activities. For example, if we go rafting, the boys will be expected to pay at least a portion of the fees to hold spots. There are also summer resident camp fees (approximately $300 for a week). These camps are conducted by the Council staff and all activities are included, as well as most meals.

The Troop's expenses (food, camp registrations, equipment, training, advancements, patches, pins, awards, celebrations, web site maintenance fees, etc.) will be offset by both the individual Scout's dues and fund-raising campaigns. All BSA Troops and Cub Scout Packs participate in the annual Popcorn Sales program (early fall). In addition, we may choose to sell Camp Cards (local discount cards that save $$ off summer camp fees), and do additional fund-raisers - especially if we are planning a big trip or adventure like Jamboree!

As this is our very first year, our budget will be slim and we hope that parents will understand it will take the village to grow both our troop and our reserves!