New to Scouting

Yes, Scouting is a compliment to other activities as it increases awareness in many levels such as sportsmanship and leadership skills. Because Scouting is a program that goes all year long it can fit with a youth's other interests. Units meet on various days to accommodate family schedule restrictions. We sometimes see youth less frequently during a sport season, then becoming more active during the rest of the year. Since the Scouting program is designed for enrollment at any time, a youth will not fall behind. Nor will they be penalized for missing a meeting, unlike sports where if the your son misses a practice they cannot play in the game that week.

No, you are not required to attend all activities and you do not have to go purchase camping equipment right away unless you would like to. It is important to participate in activities dependent on your program for specific rank advancement and of course the outdoors is a big part of Scouting.

Do we have to do all the activities and purchase camping equipment right away?

You do not have to get a uniform at the time of registration and it can be purchased at a later date. The most important thing to get immediately is your Scout's Handbook so that they can start their achievements. Handbooks will range in cost of $7 - $15 dependent on the Scouting Program.

Who can fill out the application at registration?

A parent, grandparent or guardian 18 years or older will need to sign the application form unless the youth is registering into a Venture, Explorer or Sea Scout program and they are between the ages of 18 and 21. You can also send a pre-signed form and fee to a location with a neighbor or friend for submittal if you are unavailable to attend.

How much will it cost to register?

Can my child join scouting at any age even if they were not in the program at the beginning?

What do I need to bring in order to register?

My child has other extra-curricular activities; can we still participate without falling behind?

Do I have to join the unit associated with the School?

Do all Programs require a Uniform?

There are actually 2 parts to this answer:

Part 1: The National BSA Registration Fee: The National Registration fee is collected for one year from January to January is $33.00. The Charter Scout year does not follow a School Calendar Year. Dependent on the month you join, it will be prorated and collected at the time of registration. The full $33.00 plus $1.00 insurance fee will be collected in December for the next calendar year by your unit. This is referred to as the Re-charter and must be paid for your scout to continue in the program annually. This is the only fee in order to "Join Scouting" at time of registration.
Part 2: The Individual Unit Program / Activity Fees throughout the Scout Year: Pack 609's Program budget is dependent on the activities planned for the Scout Year. We provide the opportunity for your Scout to "Earn Their Way" to cover the costs of activities. This is why Pack 609 sells Popcorn as a major fundraiser in the Fall to fulfill the program budget. Our Popcorn sales translate to substantially lower or eliminate costs for a program year that would include award recognitions, and unit general activities.

You will only need to bring the National Registration Fee. Cash or Checks are accepted. There is also an optional Boys Life magazine if you wish to to purchase rated at $1.00 a month. You do not need to bring any other forms nor a birth certificate. After you join a scouting program you will be given a BSA health form from your unit.

Uniforms & Handbooks can be purchased anytime at the Bay Area Council Shop. Their address and phone number are: 3020 53rd Street Galveston, TX 77551409-744-5206
Council Service Center & Scout Shop hours: Monday thru Friday ~ 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
The uniform of a basic shirt and required patches will start at approximately $40 and will increase with extra items added to your uniform. Keep in mind that the Uniform can be worn for 2-3 years so, purchase a size up if you want to extend the life of the uniform. Scouting is for everyone, and a cost of a uniform should not deter you from joining. Please speak with a leader if you have concerns.

When do we have to get a Uniform?

No, the Scouting Units are open registration. It is advised that you select a Unit that best suits your family. It has been proven that you will enjoy Scouting more and stay in the program longer if it fits your schedule and needs. Look at the meeting location, meeting times, size of the unit and program. If your situation changes, you can call the District Executive to help you transfer to another unit.

Where do we get the uniform and how much does it cost?

Uniforms are a very important part of Scouting as it gives the youth the sense of belonging and represents pride in their accomplishments through rank advancements. All of the Scouting Programs have specific basic uniform requirement and the Scout Shop will be able to assist you.

Yes, because there is no absolute beginning. Every program is set to start when the youth registers. Youths can register from the 1st Grade up to 21 year old.

Cub Scouts (Packs) - Kindergarten - 5th Grade up to 10 years old
Scouts (Troops) - 5th Grade - 12th Grade or 11 to 18 years old
Sea Scouts (Ships) - Co-ED 8th Grade and up or 14 to 21 years old
Venture (Crews) - Co-ED 8th Grade and up or 14 to 21 years old
Exploring (Posts) - Co-ED 8th Grade and up or 14 to 21 years old

Yes, this can be done two ways: You can go to the Bay Area Council office and register for a unit directly there. With this option you will also be able to purchase your uniform and handbook at the same time if you wish. Or you can complete the application and bring it with you to a first meeting of your choice. Please contact us by sending a request for information form or come by one of our regularly scheduled den meetings held Tuesdays at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church.

We missed the registration at the local location.

Can I still sign up?