Join Troop 658
Why Join Us?
Scouting allows boys to learn while having fun at the same time. Now don't be afraid of all this talk about learning things. The things you learn will be fun things! Things like how to rock climb, how to build a trebuchet, how to use a hatchet, and eventually learn how to organize and lead a meeting. In a previous “End of the Scout Year” Video by 658 Scout Jason Van Buren, several scouts were asked what one word, in their mind, describes Scouting. Some of the answers were "fun," "memories," "experiences," and "friends." While these are all great reasons to be a part of scouting, Troop 658 provides scouts even more opportunities to grow. As a boy-run troop, the older scouts organize and run the troop meetings and outings, providing rare leadership opportunities. As you advance up the ranks you’ll not only learn scout skills but also gain leadership and other life skills … and most importantly, have fun doing it!
How to Find Us.
We meet on Tuesday nights from 6:58 pm to 8:30pm at St. John Fisher Church in Rancho Palos Verdes and assemble in the Auditorium under the Gym unless otherwise stated on the calendar. We encourage high meeting attendance so the scouts can make the most of our program. At our meetings, boys learn scout skills, discuss upcoming events, work on merit badges, and complete rank requirements. It‘s also the most convenient time to get paperwork handled for upcoming activities. Parents are welcome to join us!
How to set up a Troop Visit.
Please contact the Scoutmaster and we'll work with you to set up a convenient date for a visit. Of course you’re always welcome to stop by and check us out, but there are some meetings your sons might find more interactive than others.
How is Troop 658 different from Cub Scouts?
The most apparent differences between Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts are the roles of parents in the advancement process. Unlike Cub Scouting, Troop 658 is run by the older scouts. This simply means that while adults act as supervisors, drivers, and take care of some behind-the-scenes work – it’s the scouts themselves who actively plan and work to keep the troop running. That includes teaching the skills!
The advancement process is more thoroughly outlined on the Advancement page, but basically scouts are responsible for advancement at their own pace. And unlike some Cub programs, in Troop 658 you’ll have to do more than just attend meetings to advance.
Patrol Structure, Patrol Leaders & Guides, Patrol Meetings.
Troop 658 is divided into Patrols consisting of 5-6 scouts of similar ages or ranks. Each patrol is led by an experienced scout, called the Patrol Leader or Guide (for those new-scout patrols who’s members have been in the troop less than one year). The patrol meets once a month for specific training where members bond and work on skills and advancement.
To find out more about our Troop history, goals and philosophy, check out our About Us page.
Costs. Our Troop has Annual Dues for August to June.
Dues can be broken down into three segments: a BSA Registration Fee, National/Council Fees, and our Troop Operating Fees. Take a look at this infographic to see how it all breaks down. 2023-2024 Total Dues ran $395/scout and $95/registered adult.
BSA Registration Fee: When you’re a new scout joining the BSA for the first time, there is an additional one-time $25 registration fee for the Boy Scouts of America (unless you’re transferring from another BSA unit). Additionally, when joining Troop 658, there is a $50 “Bridging” fee which provides each scout a Troop T-shirt, Troop hat, Troop neckerchief, Troop Numerals and Epaulet Loops (for the uniform) to start them off.
Rechartering Fees: These are all fees that go to National and Council to cover ongoing membership, insurance costs, etc. The Troop is merely passing these funds along and doesn’t hold back any of it.
Troop Operating Fees: This is the portion that keeps us running locally. These dues cover the costs for the boys’ badges and awards, troop supplies, a $25 Scout Parents Inc. Pancake Breakfast fundraiser, and leader training classes as well as supplementing trips throughout the year (including providing camping scholarships on a case-by-case basis). If a lump-sum payment isn’t convenient, payment plans can be worked out with the Troop Treasurer if needed.
Each Scout is responsible for their own Scout Book and Uniform. For more information, please see our Uniforms page. Trip costs and food costs are not included in any of the fees listed above.
Ready to Jump In?
Head on over to our Registration page and get started! Should you have any questions in the meantime, please contact our Scoutmaster.