New Member FAQs

Troop 5 New Member Information

Thank you for your interest in Troop 5B and Troop 5G. Scouting provides youth with opportunities to learn new skills while having fun. We welcome all boys and girls (ages 11-18) to join us. The following outlines common information for anyone looking to join our Troop.

Q: Where do I get the Troop application forms?
A: BSA Youth Membership application forms for both boys and girls are available for download on our Resources page. You’ll see separate forms for Troop 5B (boys), Troop 5G (girls) and Crew 5 (co-ed). Health forms required for campouts and other events are posted there as well.
For new members, only pages labeled A, B1, and B2 are required. Part C is needed prior to attending any BSA summer camp.
 
We also require a copy of the front and back of the medical insurance card that covers your child prior to attending any future Troop camping trips.
 
Please note: Adult applications are required for parents.

Q: When is the first meeting?

A: The first meeting for new members is Joining Night, traditionally held the first Monday in March. In 2020, Joining Night falls on March 2nd at 7:30pm for both Troop 5B and 5G at First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette.

This date is determined by the Scout Patrol Leader Council (PLC). Troop 5 is Scout led, and January is traditionally when the PLC is transferred to newly-elected leaders. Our Court of Honor is in Mid-February and we will then prepare for our Joining Night meeting during the month of February.

Q: When do the Troops and Venture Crew meet?

A: Troop 5B & 5G meetings are typically held Monday nights at FPCW, 7:30 – 8:45pm. Venture Crew 5 meetings are also held Monday nights at FPCW, from 8:30 – 9:30pm. Each group typically hosts ~3 Troop or Crew meetings per month. All are welcome to join us at these times to learn more about our Troop.

Q: Where can I get a Scout Uniform?
A:  New members will only need a Scouts BSA Uniform short sleeve shirt and pants. The Scout pant has zippers to easily convert to shorts in warm weather. Troop 5 will provide troop number, council, and other patches for your son/daughter’s uniform.
 
The BSA Scout Shop for the Northeast Illinois Council is located in Vernon Hills, at the Kasperson Center for Scouting at Morrison Park

850 Forest Edge Drive
Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061
(847) 433-1813

We recommend that you call ahead for the Shop and Kasperson Center hours; please note that any holiday or holiday weekend might have reduced hours.

Pauly Scout Shop and Service Center Hours
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Saturdays

 
For more information, please go to: neic.org/shop
You can also shop online at www.scoutshop.org
Q: Should I pick up a Scout handbook or will the Troop provide this?
A: New members will receive the Scout Handbook and the patches. epilates/shoulder loops, neckerchief, and neckerchief slide are provided once the Scouts Application paperwork and check are submitted.

Q: What is the cost of joining Troop 5?

A:  As of 2021, Troop 5 dues are $120 per year, 100% of which goes to the regional and national organizations to pay for our annual certification (which covers liability insurance, access to camp sites, the right to use scouting materials, etc.). Dues typically cover from September to September – Scouting seasons generally match the academic school year. In addition to dues, Troop 5 also holds an annual fundraiser. The Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser provides the vast majority of our operating funds, paying for merit badges, camping equipment, Court of Honor expenses, meeting expenses, meeting activities and subsidizing campouts. All Scouts are expected to participate in the Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser or, optionally, to submit an equivalent amount to allow the Troop to remain financially viable (it is understood that not everyone feels comfortable selling tickets, especially during the pandemic). For 2021-2022, the fundraiser amount per Scout is $250.

Checks should be made out to “Troop 5”.

Q: How can I access the Troop 5 calendar?
A:  Troop 5 has a public calendar available on our troop5.com website. You can subscribe using Apple, Gmail, or Outlook accounts by adding the following link to your calendars: bit.ly/Troop5Calendar
 
For Google Calendars, copy the link and paste into the field to “Add Calendar”, you will need to select the “From URL” option accessed using the icon featuring three vertical dots to the right of the text field. For more information, please go to: support.google.com/calendar/answer/37100
 
For Apple devices and computers, please refer to the instructions on the Apple Support site:
support.apple.com/en-us/HT202361
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to with any questions, using our contact form on our Home and Contact Us pages.

First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette
600 Ninth Street
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 256-3010
fpcw.org

Troop 5 Activities

Scouting provides boys and girls (ages 11-18) with opportunities to learn new skills while having fun. For over 95 years, the Scouts of Troop 5 have participated in a wide range of exciting events and activities. We enjoy outdoor activities throughout the school year. There are monthly campouts in the spring and fall, and we take part in other activities during the winter months.

Our recent campouts include:

  • Canoeing on the Wisconsin River
  • Capture the Flag at Camp Crown
  • Fishing at the Max McGraw Preserve
  • Hiking at Rock Cut State Park
  • Geocaching at the Indiana Dunes
  • Hiking at Starved Rock State Park
  • Backpacking in the Porcupine Mountains
  • Luging in Muskegon, Michigan
  • Mountain Biking at Kettle Moraine
  • Orienteering at Warren Dunes State Park
  • Rock Climbing at Devil’s Lake State Park
  • Thanksgiving Feast at Camp Reinberg

Please join us for our annual open house and learn what Troop 5 has to offer.

Location:
First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette
600 Ninth Street
Wilmette, IL 60091

Troop 5 is chartered to the First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette
Northeast Illinois Council,
Boy Scouts of America