Is this the Boy Scouts?
Yes — Scouting America is the new name of the organization formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America. Same ranks, same merit badges, same Eagle Scout award; the name changed when membership opened fully to boys and girls. Troop 118 has been the same Davie troop through all of it, since 1958.
What is a Family Troop?
One troop where boys and girls are full members together — one number (118), one Scoutmaster, one program, one calendar. Scouting America made Family Troops a permanent option, and that's what we are.
How are patrols organized?
Scouts live in small patrols — usually 6–8 kids of similar age — that cook, camp, and compete together. Patrols are mixed, and Scouts elect their own patrol leaders.
My daughter is interested. Is she actually welcome?
Yes — genuinely, fully, and not as an afterthought. Girls in Troop 118 are Scouts: same patrols, same campouts, same leadership elections, same path to Eagle.
What ages can join?
Troop 118 serves boys and girls roughly ages 11–17 — or 10 with the Arrow of Light award or having finished 5th grade. Younger kids? Ask us about local Cub Scout packs and we'll point you the right way.
My kid is shy. Will they be okay?
Very likely, yes. New Scouts join a patrol of kids about their age with an older Scout as a mentor, and nobody has to perform on night one. Visiting a meeting with a parent first — as many times as you like — is completely normal.
How big is the time commitment?
Thursday meetings 7:30–9:00 PM, plus roughly one weekend campout a month. Scouting flexes around sports, band, and life — come when you can.
Does my kid need a uniform to visit?
No — visit in street clothes. The uniform comes after you join, and we can help with that too.
Can parents stay during meetings?
Yes, always. Parents are welcome at every meeting and most stick around on a first visit. Plenty of parents stay involved for good — driving, committee work, or camping with us.
What adult leadership is present?
Registered, background-checked, youth-protection-trained adults — always at least two at any activity, and when female Scouts attend, a registered female adult leader (21+) is present as Scouting America requires.
What does it cost?
Annual registration plus modest monthly campout costs (food and site fees) — ask us for current figures. Nobody is turned away over money — talk to us.
Do parents have to camp?
No, though many like to. Parents help in lots of ways — driving, committee work, or just showing up to Courts of Honor.
Didn’t find your question? Talk to us — a real person from the troop answers.