We are really looking forward to meeting and welcoming you into our Troop!
Here are some important things to know:

• The Troop generally meets weekly on Tuesday nights, except during holiday periods.

• We usually have 1-2 outings/activities per month, mostly on weekends.

• Parents/Guardians usually meet once a month or two during Troop meetings to keep up-to-date and plan activities/outings.

• Troop 69 does not collect family dues per year, instead, the families (scouts and parents) are asked to participate in Troop fundraising to help raise the money is costs for items such as merit badges/awards, rank, and activity patches. The fundraising also allows Scouts the opportunity to raise funds to help earn their way to summer camp.

• We try to keep our costs low to prevent finances from becoming a barrier to membership. If cost is a concern for a Scout, please let us know.

• Each Scout needs to obtain a "Class A" Uniform, which includes Shirt/Patches (approx. $50) and a BSA Handbook ($18).  These can be obtained at the local Council Scout Shop in Miami, or the online Scout Shop. The Troop occasionally has previously owned shirts you may also choose from. Neckerchiefs are provided by the Troop. The "Class B" Uniform (Troop 69 T-shirt) is provided by the Troop.

• The Registration costs during the 2025-2026 calendar year: 
  SCOUT: $155/year = BSA National Registration Fees ($85), Local Council Fees ($55), and recommended Boy's Life Magazine ($15).

• Outings/Activity Fees are collected on a per-event basis from those who attend to cover the cost of the event. Many events (local hikes/bike rides) are free or minimal (e.g. parking/admission fees). Longer events, such as camping weekends can run from $15-$50 depending on the location fees. Attendance at events/outings is always encouraged but not mandatory.

• As mentioned above, we typically do a few yearly fundraisers (examples: Take-Out Spaghetti Dinner, Superbowl Take-Out Tri-Tip Dinner (done by 2:30PM), parking at the Orchid Festival) to cover shared Troop costs and equipment.

• Whether transferring from another Pack/Troop or this is your first Scouting experience, all Scouts must fill out a Youth Application for Troop 69, also found at beascout.scouting.org.  After you register online, please let us know right away so that we can acknowledge and accept the application before it expires. (Notifications of new applications have been spotty.)

• Adults wishing to serve in Leadership Roles must fill out an Adult Application, undergo the standard BSA Adult Leader Selection Process. Most positions that directly interface with Scouts require adults to be a Registered Adult Volunteer.  Examples include Committee Chair, Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster, Drivers, Chaperones, etc.  The BSA National website has full instructions on how to comply with these requirements.  (Effective September 1, 2023:  All adults staying overnight in connection with a Scouting activity must be currently registered in an adult fee-required position.)  

• Each person going on an Activity/Outing should fill out Form 680-001_AB (most trips) or 680-001_ABC (longer trips like resident camps or trips over 72 hours). (Helpful hint:  download/fill out/save the PDF.  Reprinting the filled out form will save you time.)

1. Part A:  Informed Consent, Release Agreement, and Authorization
2. Part B1/B2:  General Information/Health History
3. Part C:  Pre-Participation Physical

• We use WhatsApp chat for all Troop communications, so when you join the troop, be sure to Join Chat so that you're always up-to-date with our news and activity updates. 

• Each Parent/Guardian/Adult Volunteer must complete the (90-min) BSA Safeguarding Youth Training (Spanish), regardless of whether you will serve as a Registered Adult Volunteer.  *You do not have to be a registered member of Scouting America to take Youth Protection training. This training must be taken every year, and covers so much more than the barriers to abuse that the BSA has developed (e.g. "Two-Deep Leadership") These guidelines are a very important part of keeping our youth and adults in the troop safe.