Membership

• Question: How old do I have to be to join?
  Answer: Boy Scouts starts at age 11 or at the completion of the 5th grade and you must be under the age of 18. If you participated in the Cub Scout program and earned the "Arrow of Light" award you must be at least 10 years of age to enter Boy Scouts.
• Question: How do I join?
  Answer: It's simple. Fill out a Youth or Adult membership application and submit it to the unit you want to join. Adults are required to undergo a background check to prevent potential child predators from gaining access to our youth.
  
• Question: How much does it cost?
  Answer: Membership fees are $50 per scout/per year and $30 per registered leader.
  
• Question: What do the membership fees and dues pay for?
  Answer: The membership fee pays for registration in the Boy Scouts of America, insurance, and an annual subscription to Boy's Life magazine A portion of the dues also stays with the troop to help pay for advancement patches and troop equipment.
  

Camping

• Question: How often do you go camping?
  Answer: Troop 143 has committed to at least one event per month. This may include tent camping, cabin camping, camping at scout hall for training, one day excursions to visit a historic site, etc.
  
• Question: I don't own a tent. How can I go tent camping?
  Answer: We provide tents and cooking gear for all of our scouts. Each scout is responsible for his own sleeping bag, proper clothing and personal hygiene kit.
  
• Question: Does camping cost anything?
  Answer: Event costs are determined according to the trip. Regular weekend camping trips typically cost $15-20. Long distance and long term camping trips have additional costs for admission, equipment rentals, awards, etc. and cost more.
• Question: How many adults participate in camping?
  Answer: BSA policy requires a minimum of 2 deep leadership. At least 2 adults are required to accompany the scouts on any outing. At no time should a scout be alone with an adult unless it is his parent.

Uniforms

• Question: Where can I get a uniform and accessories?
  Answer: Yes, as in sports you don't have to play in every game, but; you have to suit up for all of them! Part of Scouting is about equality, and the uniform assures that each individual is the same and has the same opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, and financial standing. We do have meetings/events which leadership will deem class "B" or casual, these will always be announced in advance
• Question: Where can I get a uniform and accessories?
  Answer: The Council Service center has a Trading post with all items needed for a complete uniform. There are also Scout Shops at the Shipyard Shops in Wilmington, DE and the Festival at Bel Air. You can also visit our links page that will take you to the online BSA Supply Division (Scoutstuff.org) for authorized scout paraphernalia.