Hargrave Scouting

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.

Scouting trips throughout the year may vary in cost but are kept to an absolute minimum to encourage participation. All new scouts must purchase a Scout handbook which is approximately $9.00 including shipping and handling. Dues are normally $10.00 per semester.

Can my son transfer his scout membership from his hometown troop to Hargrave?
Yes, as long as he presents a current membership card. Dual membership with Hargrave Troop 68 and his former troop can be completed for $1.00.

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.

How can I 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 three Courts of Honor each year at which Scouts receive merit badges, rank, and awards that they have earned in the preceding months - this is certainly 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.

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 equipment should my son bring to HMA for Scouting?

For equipment, each boy should have his own sleeping bag, backpack (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. Possession of any knife is against Cadet regulations.

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 on closed weekends and complete the requirements for each week or 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.

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 promptly at 7:25 PM so that the boys get back to their rooms in time for study hall. On weekends, boys who are “redlined” for failure to complete homework or “2F” for academic failure or 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 to include Eagle required merit badges. 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, several boys have completed projects on the Hargrave campus and surrounding community. 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. Consistently attend meetings and participation in weekend outings are the best opportunities for advancement. The environment for merit badge completion and advancement exists at Hargrave for those scouts who are motivated to succeed.