Frequently Asked Questions

How do I join Troop 1128?

Visit us at a Tuesday meeting (7:30-8:45 PM at Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church, 1301 Trap Road, Vienna, VA) to meet our leaders and Scouts. After your visit, register online at my.scouting.org. Contact us at committeechair@troop1128.org with questions or to let us know you're coming.

What is the cost to join?

Annual registration is approximately $80 (Scouting America) + $85 (Council) for $165 total, campout fees run $30-150 per trip, and summer camp costs $400-500/week. The Troop runs fall popcorn and spring mulch fundraisers to help offset costs. Financial assistance is available confidentially through our Committee Chair.

What does my Scout need for their first meeting?

For your very first visit, just wear comfortable clothes. Once registered, Scouts need: Class A uniform (Scout shirt with patches), and Scout handbook. See the Uniforms & Gear category for complete details.

Where and when do you meet?

Tuesdays from 7:30-8:45 PM at Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church, 1301 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182. Check our calendar for schedule changes.

What if my Scout is transferring from another Troop?

Transferring Scouts are welcome! Join a meeting to meet us, then register through my.scouting.org selecting "Transfer" instead of new member. Bring your Scout handbook with completed rank requirements. Your advancement progress transfers with you. Contact our Advancement team to coordinate your transition and provide contact details of the advancement chair at the previous Troop to transfer records/ask questions.

What age does my child need to be to join?

Youth ages 11-17 (or have completed fifth grade and are at least 10 years old) can join Scouting America. Our Troop welcomes all youth who meet these requirements and are interested in outdoor adventure and personal growth.

What uniform does my Scout need? (Class A vs Class B)

The Troop has two types of uniform:

Class A

This uniform is designed for formal scouting activities, ceremonies, and meetings and consists of the following:

The following items, including the uniform and the Scouting America Handbook, can be purchased at either:

• Northern Virginia Scout Shop — Springfield, VA
• National Capital Scout Shop — Bethesda, MD

Items to purchase:

• Scouting America short-sleeve uniform shirt
• Scouting America olive green convertible pants or shorts
• Scouting America web belt
• Belt buckle
• World Crest emblem

The following items will be provided by the Troop:

• Neckerchief
• Slide
• Unit numerals
• Patrol emblem

Class B (Optional / Troop Use)

This is the Troop's T-shirt. It can be ordered from Jiahong Wang at jiahong_2008@yahoo.com. Scouts usually use this during the summer months or as instructed by the Troop leadership.

What camping gear does my Scout need?

Start with just a sleeping bag and water bottle. The Troop provides tents, cooking gear, and patrol equipment. As Scouts continue, they should acquire: backpack, sleeping pad, mess kit, and clothing layers. We provide a complete gear list and borrowing options for new Scouts. See our Outings page for backpacking gear requirements.

How does rank advancement work?

Scouts progress through seven ranks (Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, Eagle) by completing requirements as per Scouting America, demonstrating skills to leaders, and participating in Troop activities. Each Scout advances at their own pace. See our Advancement page for complete details on ranks and requirements.

What is a Green Sheet?

A Green Sheet is it is a form used by our Advancement team to track the last few steps of rank advancement. This form will be issued by the Advancement team once the Scout has completed all applicable rank requirements, excluding Spirit Board, Scoutmaster Conference and the Board of Review.

What is the Be Active Policy?

"Be Active" means participating regularly in Troop meetings and activities. For Star and Life ranks, Scouts must be active for 4 and 6 months respectively. Active participation means attending meetings, campouts, and service projects regularly and contributing to the patrol and Troop. The Advancement team tracks participation.

What is a Spirit Board?

A Spirit Board is a Troop 1128 tradition where Scouts reflect on their Scouting journey by completing answering questions about what they've learned, enjoyed, and their goals for the future. It must be completed before your Scoutmaster Conference for ranks Tenderfoot and above. Spirit Boards help Scouts prepare for leadership roles and think deeply about their growth.

What is a Scoutmaster Conference?

A Scoutmaster Conference is a one-on-one conversation between the Scout and the Scoutmaster (or Assistant Scoutmaster designee for ranks from Scout to First Class) to discuss the Scout's progress, experiences, and future goals. It is required for each rank and occurs after completing rank requirements, the Spirit Board, but before the Board of Review. It typically lasts 10-15 minutes and is friendly and encouraging.

What is a Board of Review?

A Board of Review is the final step for rank advancement where three Troop Committee members meet with the Scout to celebrate their accomplishments and hear about their Scouting experiences. It's not a retest—it's a friendly conversation to verify requirements are complete and encourage continued growth. See our Board of Review page for preparation tips.

What are the service hours requirements?

Each rank from Tenderfoot through Life requires specific service hours (usually 1-6 hours per rank). Eagle Scout requires a major service project of your own design. Service hours can include community service projects, helping at Troop events, conservation work, or other approved service. The Advancement team will track service hours performed by Scouts within the Troop. Approval is required from the Scoutmaster or designee, before service hours are earned outside of the Troop.

How does Life to Eagle work?

After earning Life rank, Scouts must: be active for 6 months, serve in a leadership position for 6 months, earn 21 total merit badges (including 14 Eagle-required), and complete an Eagle Service Project. The project requires planning, leadership, and benefiting your community. Life Scouts work with an Eagle Advisor from the Troop. See our Advancement page for Eagle details.

What activities does the Troop do?

Monthly campouts (weekend trips), week-long summer camp, hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, service projects, Courts of Honor (advancement ceremonies), district events (camporees, merit badge fairs), and high adventure trips for older Scouts. See our Outings & Adventures page and calendar for upcoming activities.

What is summer camp at Goshen?

Camp Goshen Scout Reservation is our council's premier summer camp in Goshen, VA. Troop 1128 attends for one week each summer. Scouts earn merit badges, participate in activities like swimming, climbing, and shooting sports, and build lifelong friendships. Cost is approximately $400-500 per Scout.

What are High Adventure trips and how does my Scout qualify?

High Adventure trips are week-plus long expeditions to Scouting America's national high-adventure bases (Philmont for backpacking, Sea Base for sailing/snorkeling, Northern Tier for canoeing). Scouts typically must be 14+, First Class or higher, and physically prepared. Our Troop offers high adventure opportunities annually. These are challenging, memorable experiences that require advance planning and preparation.

How do I sign up for outings?

Outings are announced at meetings and via email (One Call Now). Sign-ups are typically due 2 weeks before the trip. Early sign-up helps with food planning and transportation arrangements.

What medical forms are needed for trips?

Scouting America Annual Health and Medical Record: Parts A & B (parent signature) is required for all activities, Part C (physician exam) is required for summer camp and high adventure. Forms are valid for 12 months. Submit forms to Troop1128medforms@gmail.com at least 2 weeks before trips. Download forms on our Medical Forms page.

What are Courts of Honor and when are they?

Courts of Honor are formal ceremonies where Scouts receive rank advancements and awards earned. Troop 1128 holds three Court of Honors per year. Families are invited and encouraged to attend. Eagle Courts of Honor are held/hosted by the Scout and his/her parents.

How can I get involved as a parent?

Options include: Board of Review, transportation, fundraising, communications, and campouts. See our Volunteer Guide for complete opportunities and how to get started.

What is Youth Protection Training / Safeguarding Youth Training?

Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT, formerly Youth Protection Training or YPT) is Scouting America's required online training for all adult volunteers attending Scout events. It teaches child safety, appropriate behavior, and abuse prevention. The free 2-hour course renews every 2 years and is taken at my.scouting.org. All adults must complete SYT before attending campouts or events.

How do I register as an adult volunteer?

Register online at my.scouting.org (there's a small annual fee for adults). You'll complete a background check and Safeguarding Youth Training. Contact our Committee Chair, Randy Kenna (committeechair@troop1128.org), to discuss roles and get your registration link. See our Volunteer Guide for step-by-step instructions.

What is a Board of Review member?

Board of Review members are registered adult volunteers who meet with Scouts for 15-20 minutes to celebrate their advancement. Three members conduct each board. The Advacnement team generally schedule 2-3 Scouts for Board of Review meetings back-to-back during a Tuesday meeting. It's an easy entry point requiring about 30 minutes per month, no outdoor skills needed. Training is provided. This is a meaningful way to support Scouts' growth without a large time commitment.

What fundraisers does the Troop do?

Two major fundraisers annually: Fall Popcorn Sale (raises funds for Troop and council) and Spring Mulch Sale (raises Troop funds, mulch@troop1128.org). True to the Scout Law ("A Scout is thrifty"), we encourage Scouts to work to help pay their way.

How do I get reimbursed for Troop expenses?

Submit reimbursement requests through our online form on the Reimbursements page. Include receipts and description of expenses. Reimbursements are typically processed within 2-3 weeks. Pre-approval is recommended for large expenses. Contact our Treasurer, (treasurer@troop1128.org), with questions about reimbursable expenses.

How does the Troop communicate with families?

Primary communication is via One Call Now (email distribution system) for announcements, event reminders, and Troop news. Important information is also announced at Tuesday meetings. Check our calendar for upcoming events. For questions, contact communications@troop1128.org. See our Communications Guide for how to submit announcements.

What is One Call Now?

One Call Now is our email distribution system that sends Troop-wide announcements, event reminders, and important updates. All registered families are automatically added to the system. Messages typically go out within 24 hours of submission (after 9 PM requests go out next morning). Contact communications@troop1128.org if you're not receiving messages.

How can I track my Scout's advancement?

Use Scoutbook at advancements.scouting.org (part of your my.scouting.org account). Scoutbook shows completed requirements, merit badge progress, camping nights, service hours, and leadership positions. Parents and Scouts both have access. The Advancement team updates Scoutbook regularly, but Scouts should also track progress in their Scout handbook.