FAQ

Q: Are female Arrow of Light scouts welcome?
A: Absolutely. Our scout and adult staff both consist of male and female scouts and scouters from our unit as well as other units.

Q: What differentiates the Trail to Scouts program from other similar programs/offerings?
A: Trail to Scouts, since its inception, has been planned and executed by the scouts, not adults. While Adult oversight of the program exists, the scouts plan and deliver the annual program theme and event activities, planning months in advance of the program weekend. Their efforts are commensurate with how troops are to operate (i.e., being scout-led).

Q: What gear/clothing should guests bring?
A: Guests should pack clothing (including extra clothing) that is commensurate with the weather for the weekend, including rain gear (regardless of the forecast), and personal hygiene products. Hiking boots are strongly encouraged. Class A uniforms will be worn at the time of check-in, during flag ceremonies and during meals. Other personal items (e.g., flashlight, daypack, water bottle, portable camp chair) are recommended.

Q: What are sleeping arrangements?
A: Arrow of Light scouts and their parent(s)/guardian(s), along with adult and scout staff, will sleep in heated cabins with beds having mattresses. Individual Packs may be distributed into multiple cabins with other Packs. Guests will need to bring pillows and blankets/sleeping bags.

Q: How do I communicate food allergies, dietary restrictions and/or concerns?
A: On the registration page for each adult and Arrow of Light scout, a text box will be presented where you can enter any dietary restrictions/concerns that you want our staff to be aware of.

Q: What are the logistics for meals?
A: Meals are included in the program fee and will be eaten in a dining hall or outdoor pavilion (weather permitting): Friday and Saturday evening cracker barrels, Saturday and Sunday breakfasts, Saturday lunch and dinner. Mess kits are not required.

Q: How are activities conducted with the scouts?
A: Activities are conducted using the Patrol Method to prepare Arrow of Light scouts to transition to the Scouts BSA program. Arrow of Light scouts from the same Pack may be distributed amongst different patrols.

Q: How is the program equipped to respond to a medical situation?
A: A person with medical training will be present during the weekend. All participants are required to complete BSA’s medical forms Parts A, B1 and B2 and provide them, along with a copy of their medical insurance card(s), at the time of check-in. These items will be returned at the end of the weekend.

Q: What is the duration of the event?
A: Check in will occur Friday evening (November 14) from 7:30pm – 8:30pm with the program completing no later than 11:00am on Sunday, November 16. The program will begin promptly at 8:45pm on Friday, November 14.

Q: As an adult, what can I expect for the weekend?
A: Our guest adults are encouraged to enjoy the weekend, meet other scouters and learn more about the transition from scouting at the pack level to the troop level through various scout stations and Q&A opportunities.