Everything you need to know about Joining scouts

Eligibility
A youth may join Scouts BSA if they are:

✔ 11 years old, OR
✔ In the 5th grade (and have completed it), OR
✔ Earned the Arrow of Light in Cub Scouts

Most new Scouts join between ages 11–17, but everyone enters at the same starting rank and learns together. No prior scouting experience needed Whether a girl is brand-new to Scouting or coming from Cub Scouts, every Scout begins learning the same skills and follows the same advancement trail.

Why join Troop Triple 7?
Scouts learn by doing - camping, hiking, leadership, service, and hands-on skills that build confidence and resilience. Our goal is to offer a supportive, youth-led environment where every girl can grow at her own pace.

We work hard to keep Scouting affordable for all families. Here’s a simple breakdown of the typical costs for joining Troop 777:

Troop Dues

Our annual dues this year are $300.  This covers your national Scouting America dues, fixed costs, advancement patches, a copy of the Scout handbook, and camping related expenses. The Troop will sell holiday wreaths each fall as a fundraiser to support our camping and outdoor activities.  All Scouts are expected to participate. Additionally, the Troop will attend a week of summer camp in July and there is an additional charge of roughly $800 to participate.

We never want costs to prevent an interested girl from participating in Scouting!  Contact the Scoutmaster if costs are an issue.  Troop dues help cover badges, awards, gear upkeep, and activity supplies.

Uniform

• A one-time purchase of the Scout field uniform (“Class A”), typically:

• Shirt 

• Belt

• Neckerchief (provided by the troop)

• Council and troop patches

The shirt is the main cost; usually $40–60 depending on size.

Activities & Campouts

Most hikes are free. Overnight campouts may have small shared costs for food or campsite fees (usually $15–30 per trip).

Financial Assistance

We believe every youth should be able to participate in Scouting. Troop 777 is part of the Golden Gate Area Council (GGAC). GGAC offers several forms of financial assistance:

Camperships

Financial help for summer camp and weekend camps. Families can apply using the council’s official form: Campership Application (PDF) https://goldengatescouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ggac-campership-form-kp-jan-2025.pdf

Registration Assistance

Help with national BSA membership fees for families who need support. Details are here: Council Program Fees & Assistance. https://goldengatescouting.org/membership/cpf/

Uniform & Equipment Support

Limited assistance for essential items such as uniforms or basic gear. More information appears under the council’s financial-support programs: Friends of Scouting / Support Programs. https://goldengatescouting.org/fos/

Families usually apply through a simple, confidential form, and Troop 777 leaders can help guide you through the process.

Troop 777 is designed to be fun, flexible, and manageable for busy families.

Weekly Meetings

• • We meet every Wednesday from 7:30–8:45 p.m.

  • These meetings are where Scouts learn new skills, plan outings, work on badges, and build friendships.

Monthly Outings

• • We aim for one hike or overnight camping trip each month in one of our many wonderful Bay Area parks.

  • Scouts are encouraged to attend, but we understand that schedules vary and participation is flexible.

Additional Opportunities
Throughout the year, Scouts can also take part in:

• Service projects

• Troop leadership roles

• Optional weekend activities

• Summer camp

A Program That Grows With Your Scout
Scouts can take on more responsibility and activities as they grow, but the core time commitment remains manageable and family-friendly.

Our goal for our troop is to be fun, flexible, and manageable for busy families.

Weekly Meetings

• We meet every Wednesday from 7:30–8:45 p.m.

• These meetings are where Scouts learn new skills, plan outings, work on badges, and build friendships.

Contact Scout Master August Fern

Please connect with our Scout Master, August Fern, to let us know you are coming at troop777berkeley@gmail.com

Troop 777 was founded in 2025 as the sister troop to Troop 6, one of the oldest and most respected Scout troops in Berkeley -  proudly active since 1929.

Our troop was launched to give girls across the Bay Area the same opportunities for outdoor adventure, leadership, service, and friendship that Troop 6 has offered generations of Scouts.

Together, Troop 6 and Troop 777 share a spirit of collaboration, community, and fun. Our goal is to build confident leaders and world citizens who care about the world around them.