Boys are eligible to join Boy Scouts when they are 11 years old or have completed the 5th grade. Troop 5 meets once a week at Second Presbyterian Church (Stratford Road and St Paul Street) on Sunday at 5pm. This is time that rarely interferes with other activities.

We usually have at least one weekend trip per month, which can range from backpacking to skiing. In addition, we have Saturday trips, which include bike riding and orienteering. During the summer, the troop usually takes one long trip. Typically, the troop goes to Broad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation for summer camp.

The focus of the troop is not only on trips. We also stress community service as well as advancement in the scouting community - hopefully, with the attainment of the Eagle Scout award. In the first ranks, Tenderfoot through First Class, scouts learn camping skills, first aid skills, and a respect for nature. The Star and Life ranks require higher dedication to scouting and the earning of merit badges. To obtain Eagle, a scout must develop and lead a service project in his community, as well as show leadership in his troop and earn 21 merit badges.

Spring

Troop 5 conducts various activities during the Spring: including camping trips in April and May as well as other excursions around the area, such as horseback riding, and visits to the National Mall.

Summer

Troop 5 normally spends one week in early summer at Broad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation in Hartford County. For many of our scouts it is a first introduction to camping. Scouts have the opportunity to earn merit badges in various types of activities, to include water sports, shooting, STEM, and other outdoor activities.

Fall

In September, Troop 5 normally travels to Assateague Island for a weekend of camping, swimming, and other water activities. Here, new and otherwise inexperienced scouts learn the basic principles of outdoor life, which include safety, organization, and fun.

In October and November, Troop 5 goes on camping trips that will include hiking or biking. In the past, we have made trips to Old Rag Mountain in the Shenandoah National Park; Gettysburg, PA and Sharpsburg, MD and conducted a staff ride/battleground tours of Gettysburg and Antietam.

In November, Troop 5 participates in the annual Maryland Orienteering Day where the scouts practice map and compass skills and apply them to an orienteering competition.

Winter

In January, Troop 5 conducts a ski trip, usually at Roundtop Ski Resort in Pennsylvania, where scouts can work on the Snow Sports merit badge. Family and friends are invited to participate.

In February, Troop 5 activities include Scout Sunday at 2nd Presbyterian Church and hosting a pinewood derby for local Cub Scout packs at First English Lutheran Church.

A winter camping weekend is normally planned for sometime in March, when we welcome new scouts to the Troop with a bridging ceremony and Court of Honor.