FAQs

If you're a new scout, we'll supply you with your Scouting Handbook and troop 156 neckerchief.  You should bring this book and a pen to each scouting event. After that, you can purchase your class-A uniform (khaki shirt) at the Hartford Trading Post and wear that to every meeting.

First and foremost, your scout spirit. But as far as material things, you should have already determined who in your patrol is responsible for bringing the meals. If you have a small 1-4 person tent, feel free to bring that, a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, mess kit (plate, bowl flatware), a flashlight or headlamp, toiletries you'll need, medication you need, enough clothes (always bring an extra pair of socks), and a pillow if you want.  Other items you might need are dependent on where the troop is going and what they are doing.  Sometimes you'll need a bike, sometimes special footware, sometimes some spending money.

Troop adults will go over with your parents what you'll need before, but just in case:

• A bug net - the troop suggests Sansbugs - they are pop-up tentlike bugnets that are far easier to get into than standard bug nets.

• Class A and B uniforms, including neckercheif and olive green shorts. Pictures and parades require full Class A uniforms. Class B uniforms will be given out to scouts who don't have them yet.

• Enough clothes for the week - including 2 pair of socks for each day if weather looks rainy

• Swimwear and water shoes

• Toiletries - showers are available

• Good walking shoes/sneakers

• Flashlight or headlamp

• Sleeping bag or blanket appropriate for summer camping, along with a pillow,

• Money for the camp store

• A footlocker - plastic tote or large toolbox - having one with wheels will make it easier to get to the campsite.

• Fishing gear if you desire.  The camp can supply heavily-used tackle if you don't want to bring your own but still want to go fishing.

• A pocket knife if you have your Totin' Chip

Your son will learn a variety of life and leadership skills over the course of their scouting career.

They will start with the traditional knot tying, outdoor cooking, and other activities you may expect from scouting, all while learning how other scouts lead, and soon learning to become leaders themselves. They will start gaining confidence, and with that independance. The merit badges offered will allow them to learn about anything from hobbies like collecting and hiking, to potential careers like nuclear science and cybersecurity.  Other merit badges teach important life skills like swimming, being a good citizen, and the importance of physical fitness.  

We encourage the scouts to take advantage of the monthly campouts we offer.  This helps them strengthen the friendships they have, reinforces the lessons they learn in  the meetings, and gives them a chance to start becoming their own person.

You will see your son grow and become more than just a scout.  You'll see your son become a young man, prepared for the life ahead of them.

Unfortunately, we are not chartered as a co-ed troop.  However, Troop 601 in town, or Troop 682 in South Windsor are both excellent options, with several young women from Glastonbury in both troops.

While they share the same parent organization, and the uniforms are similar, Scouting at this level gives the young men more responsibility and independence.  The older scouts teach the younger scouts to become the next leaders in the troops.  Adults are mostly there just to do the things that minors can't (e.g. drive, make reservations, handle the banking, etc.) and not to lead the troop.