Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of Scouting?
The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America is to provide an educational program for Scouts to teach/support and foster a sense of community service and involvement through various required and voluntary opportunities. This allows the Scouts to build character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to develop personal fitness.

When and where does the troop meet?
Mondays 7:00 PM the first four weeks per month at Christ Lutheran Church, 8997 South Broadway, Highlands Ranch, occasionally at other locations for special activities e.g. Northridge Pool, local parks, etc.

Will my son be able to stay with his peers?
Yes, a new scout patrol or patrols are formed each year.

What is the uniform requirement?
The Troop requires a shirt with appropriate patches, Neckerchief with a slide, and a belt. Blue jeans, Khaki; olive drab pants or Scout pants/shorts. Approved Scout hat optional.

How many boys are in the troop? In the patrols?
Size varies however it averages between 40 to 80 with an average of 60; patrols vary in size from 8 - 14 Scouts with 10 being the typical size.

What does boy led mean in Troop 645?
Boys make the major decisions regarding the activities, program and advancement opportunities through the Patrol Leader Council (PLC). Boys are elected to junior leadership positions and boys run the meetings. Adults provide coaching, ensure the troop is financially sound, and provide a safe environment for the Scouts to learn citizenship, ethical decision-making and leadership skills.

What activities are there for the boys, as they grow older?
The troop offers a Venture Patrol for scouts 13 and older who have demonstrated basic scout skills by attaining the Star rank. Activities have included Sea Base, FL; Philmont Scout Ranch, Cimarron, NM; as well as local activities more challenging than regular troop activities, e.g. rock climbing and longer more difficult backpacking trips.

Who is the charter organization? What is their role?
Christ Lutheran Church is our Charter Organization. They provide a meeting facility, financial assistance, and screen troop adult leaders.

What is the role of the parents in the troop?
Scouting is a family activity. Every family is required to provide an adult to support their son's participation. We encourage all parents to participate to the fullest amount possible. Adult participation can range from serving on the troop committee, newsletter publication, fund raising, activities committee, hosting Courts of Honor, participating in boards of review, merit badge counseling or assistant Scoutmaster. Don't SEND your Scout to meetings and camp outs BRING them.

How much scout participation is required?
The troop recognizes that there are many other commitments on Scouts and families. (Sports, academics, music and family vacations). Attendance is therefore not required at every event, however a Scout is encouraged to attend as many activities and meetings as possible.

What is the Patrol method and how is the troop organized?
Each Scout is a member of a patrol with an elected Patrol Leader (PL) and an Assistant Patrol Leader selected by the patrol. The Troop elects a Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and an Assistant Patrol Leader: they then select a staff of Scouts to assist them with their duties. Each Patrol has at least one adult assistant Scoutmaster (ASM) who coaches the patrol as a Patrol Advisor (PA). The Senior Patrol Leader chairs the Patrol Leader Council (PLC) and is responsible to the Scoutmaster (SM). The Scoutmaster provides coaching to the Troops Junior Leaders and is overall responsible for the Troop to the Troop Committee. The Troop Committee is made up of all the adults of the Troop.

How many adult leaders are in the troop?
Uniformed Leadership is about 15 Assistant Scout Masters (ASM), and about 12 Committee members.

Is every scout expected to become an Eagle?
The goals of Scouting are to foster better citizens able to make ethical decisions. Scouting uses the outdoors experience to do this and the goals of advancement help to keep boys in the program with tangible awards for learning those skills. The Troop does NOT have an up or out policy, but does encourage advancement to keep Scouts interested in the program. There are many benefits in Scouting for all boys of all ages and ranks.

How is discipline handled with in the troop?
The troop recognizes that individual Scouts can sometimes become disruptive to the Troop. The Troop therefore gives everyone an opportunity to improve his behavior. When a discipline problem is identified and the Scouts & parents are notified. The Senior Patrol Leader may administer the first warning, any adult leader the 2nd warning and the Scoutmaster the 3rd warning. The Scout is required after three warnings to sit down with the Scoutmaster, the parents and the Scout to discuss the behavior and agree to a plan to correct the situation.

What about family participation?
Parents are invited to all the activities, meetings, camp outs, and other activities. About twice a year the troop invites siblings to attend family camp outs and quarterly Courts of Honor.

How often and where does the troop camp?
At least 11 times a year at a variety of locations, through out the front range. Some past locations have included St. Elmo, Lost Creek Wilderness area, Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes, Moab, Peaceful Valley Scout Ranch and Tahosa Scout camp.

What does the camping cost?
The cost of food and camping fees is about $15 for a weekend. Other activities may be additional cost (i.e. Whitewater rafting, ski lift tickets etc.)

What camping equipment is required? What does the troop provide?
As a minimum Scouts will need outdoor clothing, sleeping bags, pads and eating utensils. The troop provides patrol boxes with cooking gear (stoves, lanterns, pots and pans) and a few tents.

What about summer camp?
Each year in the summer the troop spends a week at a Boy Scout Camp. All scouts are encouraged to attend, however, it is most important for every 1st/2nd-year scout. Statistics show that Scouts who attend summer camp have a significantly higher retention rate than those who don't. This is a great growth and learning experience for both the Scouts and their parents.

For more information about Troop 645, go to our Contact Page