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Frequently Asked Questions
How does my son join scouting at Hargrave and what does it cost?
Boys may join the Boy Scouts, for an annual membership fee of $11.50, at any time during the academic year at Hargrave. This fee goes to the Boy Scouts of America and entitles your son to all rights and privileges of membership. Dual membership with Hargrave’s Troop 68 and a scout’s hometown troop can be completed for $1.00 as long as he can present a current membership card. All new scouts must purchase a Scout handbook for $9.94 which includes shipping and handling. Dues are $10.00 per semester and go to cover the costs of badges and maintenance of troop equipment. Charges for trips will be assessed at cost, per scout for food and necessary supplies; these will vary depending on the trip.
If my son earned rank and merit badges from his hometown troop can these achievements be transferred to the troop at Hargrave?
Yes! We ask that if a boy is joining from a hometown troop to bring or mail a copy of his scout records, “blue cards,” indicating advancement dates, merit badges, awards, etc. These achievements will be incorporated into his scout record at Hargrave. If records are not available, documentation from his previous scoutmaster or council in the form of a letter will be acceptable.
My son is a member of the Order of the Arrow. Can he participate in OA events while at Hargrave?
The Blue Ridge Mountains Council is part of the Tuscarora Lodge in the Order of the Arrow. Current OA members should provide proof of their membership (if from a different lodge) and are encouraged to bring their sashes to school. Participation in OA functions is often limited due to the nature of the school’s calendar (i.e. local chapter meetings take place the same night as our troop meetings), however, if a non-conflicting event comes up, the Scoutmaster will inform members and participation will then be dependent upon standard academic and military performance. Troop 68 does hold OA unit elections each year during which current OA members are expected to assist.
How can I, as a parent, participate or help out with Hargrave's Boy Scout Troop?
In a regular BSA Scout troop, parent participation is an integral part of the troop's management and development. While we do have a highly qualified team of dedicated Scouters at Hargrave, parents are certainly encouraged to participate in Scout functions. Please feel free to simply attend our weekly meetings or if you have a particular "scouting skill" that you would like to share with the troop, please contact the scoutmaster and he'd be happy to set-up a program for you. Additionally, parents are welcome to attend any of our troop camping trips; however parents are expected to provide their own gear and should let the scoutmaster know at least two weeks in advance for menu planning purposes. Finally, the troop holds two Courts of Honor each year at which Scouts receive merit badges, rank, and awards that they have earned in the preceding months - this is an excellent opportunity to join us in celebrating your son's achievements. Please see the scout calendar for any camping and Court of Honor dates or contact the Scoutmaster.
What equipment should my son bring to Hargrave for Scouting?
For equipment, each boy should have his own sleeping bag, hiking pack (not book bag), rain gear, a comfortable pair of hiking shoes, and a canteen or two Nalgene water bottles. These items may be brought to the school by the boy or purchased later from the Quartermaster. The Academy provides general support equipment such as food preparation, tents, camp equipment, etc. Boys who have their own small backpacking tents may bring them. We ask that knives be left at home as possession of any knife is against Hargrave regulations.
Does my son need to purchase a scouting uniform?
No! All scouting activities are conducted utilizing the clothing in the Hargrave uniform issue. Some boys bring scout uniforms from their home troop and are allowed to wear them on outings, courts of honor and other special events. Some boys buy a scout uniform, voluntarily; however, there is no pressure from the Academy to purchase scouting uniforms due to the limited amount of space in the barracks rooms and closets.
What does my son need to do in order to advance in scouting at Hargrave?
The key to advancement in scouting at Hargrave is to attend weekly meetings on Wednesday nights at 6:10 P.M. and participate in the weekend outings which are held at least once per month. Through participation in meetings and outings throughout the year, each boy completes the requirements for advancement in a systematic normal progression. The system is designed so that a boy may join and advance with the troop at anytime during the year. If he misses a portion due to participation in sports or other activities he can make up the portion he missed in the next cycle. Each week will focus on a different advancement topic from tenderfoot to first class. Senior Scouts (1st Class Scouts and above) will work on merit badges and advanced activities leading to Eagle Scout at their discretion.
Will Scouting interfere with my son’s studies and academic load?
The scouting program at Hargrave is designed to coincide with the curriculum on a “not to interfere” basis. Scouts are allowed early dinner on Wednesdays at 5:45 PM so that they can attend the Wednesday meetings at 6:10 PM. The meetings end no later than 7:15 PM so that the boys get back to their rooms in time for study hall. Boys who are “redlined” for failure to complete homework or on the “2F” list for academic failure or who have excessive disciplinary tours, cannot participate in weekend activities until their names are removed from these lists.
Can my son complete Eagle Scout while at Hargrave?
The infrastructure is available at Hargrave to complete all advancement requirements to the rank of Eagle Scout. The normal time required for a new scout to finish Eagle is approximately three years. Completion of Eagle depends on the degree of motivation of each individual boy. Some boys complete it in less time, others take longer. All requirements for Eagle must be complete before the boy turns 18.
Can my son complete Eagle Projects while at Hargrave?
Yes, opportunities are available, but boys must be highly motivated and persistent in order to complete their Eagle Project.
If my son makes Eagle Scout, will the parent’s or grandparents have an opportunity to participate in the Eagle pinning ceremony?
Eagle awards are presented at the Parent’s Day (October) and Mother’s Day (May) parades in front of the entire Corps of Cadets. Parents and Grandparents are highly encouraged to participate in the ceremony. The names of all scouts who complete Eagle while attending Hargrave will be engraved on a plaque in Camden Hall.
What is the key to success for my son as a scout at Hargrave?
Remain off of academic (disciplinary) restrictions. Consistent attendance at meetings and participation in weekend outings are the best opportunities for advancement for those scouts who are motivated to succeed.
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