Are the Troops of Saint George Catholic?

Yes. All of our adult leaders are Catholics in good standing with full fidelity to the Catholic magisterium, the Holy Father, and the local bishop. While we are a Catholic organization and observe Catholic traditions (such as the Mass, praying the Rosary, devotion to Mary, etc.) all boys and fathers are welcome to join us. We only ask that you respect our traditions and be open to any way God may be trying to speak to you.

Are you affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America or other scouting organizations?

No, we are not. The Troops of Saint George is a Catholic outdoors movement for fathers and sons. Our mission, goals, and standards are different from other scouting organizations.

How old must my son be to join the Troops of Saint George?

Boys ages 6-18 can join a Troop of Saint George. Boys ages 6-10 (Grades 1-5) are in the junior section of the local Troop. Young men ages 11-18 (Grades 6-12) are in the senior section of the local Troop.

Does a father have to join with their son?

The father/son dynamic is central to the mission of TSG. We are devoted to helping fathers raise their sons into Men of God and along the way, lifelong bonds between father and son will be solidified.

That being said, we recognize there are many boys in the community who might not have a biological father or strong father-figure in their lives. To help expand our mission of being disciples to everyone, regardless of family situation, we have a couple of options to support non-traditional situations. On our resources page you will find a chaperone form (here) which allows you to designate another adult in the troop to act as a chaperone and mentor for your son. This type of arrangement will allow your son to join in all troop activities, meetings, and events; however, they may not participate in overnight activities.

Additionally, you will find on our resources page a form for guardianship (here) if you have a father-figure who you’d like to join with your son on overnight activities.

Can my daughter join the Troops of Saint George?

Due to our current commitment to fostering vocations to the priesthood and married life, we are a 100% male organization. We encourage you to look to additional organizations in the area which have a Catholic and faith central mission directed towards developing our daughters into women of God. Links to a few options can be found here.

How much does it cost?

Current national dues are $40 per registered member (both Adults and Cadets). 4 registered members would equal $160 per year. The fees and dues cover resources, structure, national website access, access to uniforms, insurance (some limitations apply), patches, etc. Additionally, Troop expenses for outings and activities are estimated at $30 per member per year. Uniform costs are not included in the above fees/dues:

Schedule of Uniform Costs	Cost/Member
Class A Pants	$40
Class A Shirt	$40
Class A Shorts	$29
Class B Shirt	$15
Ballcap	$17
TSG Hoodie	$35
TSG Boonie Hat	$16

St. Michael the Archangel – Troop 303 has a financial mission that all families should be able to experience the amazing adventure of being part of TSG regardless of their financial situation. As such, all initial dues, uniform fees, and event fees are able to be paid for by the troop; however, throughout the year the troop will create fundraising activities which Cadets and Adults are expected to support which will go towards repaying the troop for the fees. If a cadet decides to leave the troop prior to raising enough to pay back the troop, they will be responsible for reimbursing the balance of the fees to the troop. If you’d like to learn more about this option, please reach out to the troop leaders here.

All prices and fees are subject to changed based on the National troop’s direction. The Cadet/Adult responsibility to pay is also subject to yearly donations and fundraising events held by the troop (the more donations and fundraising income, the less the members will need to cover!).

How do I register?

Registration can be completed on the website (here). Once you submit the registration, the troop will pay your national dues and you’ll officially become members of the troop. This also means, once registration is complete, you will have financial responsibility to the troop to either fundraise, or donate the debt. A Financial Summary will be provided and you will sign a Repayment Agreement after registering, prior to your first troop meeting.

How often do you meet?

We are chiefly an outdoors movement and we don’t have meetings for meetings’ sake. Generally, we meet once a month between September and May. These meetings are to continue to develop the faith and skills of our cadets and to plan campouts. We ask that you prioritize attendance to the meetings, as that will cover the most critical troop communications, planning, and skills progressions. Attendance to campouts are not required but are highly encouraged, even if you can only attend a portion of the weekend.

What happens during a campout?

A campout generally consists of the Troop attending a campsite from Friday evening to Sunday morning. More details can be found on our Resources page (here). You can expect:

• Tent camping
• The troop WILL provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday.
• The troop does NOT provide Friday dinner.
• The troop does NOT provide eating utensils or plates. Please make sure you have mess kits or other means to eat.
• The troop does NOT provide beaverages or snack items (drinks, s’mores, etc.)
• There is no power at the campsites. Be ready to un-plug for the weekend.

What basic equipment is needed?

Each member (Cadet/Adult) will need a Rosary, sleeping bag, mess kit, flashlight, and pocketknife. Each family will also need a tent. For a list of other recommended (but not required) items please see the Camping Guide.

How are the youth cadets divided within TSG?

The youth cadets are divided in the Junior and Senior cadets. The Junior cadets, grades 1 – 5, are divided into the St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, St. John and St. George patrols by grade. The senior cadets, grades 6 – 12, are divided into patrols of mixed ages and named after a Catholic blessed or saint.

What is required for the youth cadets to advance within the troop?

The youth cadets will complete a series of spiritual, patriotic and manly skill requirements by grade level to advance within the troop. The Senior Cadets can complete Achievement Courses to gain AC Stars and become eligible for the highest honor within TSG, the Tribunes of Saint George for our Supreme Pontiff.

Does the troop have insurance protection?

General Liability insurance is provided for Troop 303 as an Individual chartered troops in the United States from the National TSG Organization, which includes coverage for campouts and meetings. TSG also insures each officially chartered troop and its clergy, Officers and members with an Accident Insurance policy. After the individual leverages their personal health insurance policy, this supplemental coverage adds an additional $25,000 USD, per occurrence, in protection. The policy covers TSG clergy, Officers and members from the time they depart for a TSG sanctioned event until the time they return home.

Do you conform to safe environment standards

Yes. We require every Captain (the adult leader of a troop) to submit a certificate of completion for the local diocesan safe-environment credentials or complete the training and background check through the TSG national organization at the discretion of the local diocese. All adults in the troop are required to complete Safe environment training sponsored by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Moreover, a person under 18 is never allowed to be alone in private with any adult during TSG activities (unless he is the son of that adult).

My son is too old/young to be a cadet, or I do not have a son. How can I still support the Troops of St. George?

There are a variety of ways to support the troop even if you do not or can not become a member of the troop. First and foremost, we ask for your prayers as we start and build this awesome ministry. Additionally, we always need good, faith-filled, Catholic men to assist and volunteer with troop events.

Alternatively, financial or non-financial donations will help support our financial mission. FDL Troops of St George, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and accepts a variety of types of donations. Some examples of non-financial donations could include:

• Camping Gear
  • Canopies, cooking equipment, tents, folding tables, etc.
• Campout Sporting Goods
  • Sports equipment, youth archery equipment, canoes/kayaks, fishing gear, etc.
• Enclosed Utility Trailer

You can find more information, or process an online donation here.

How can I get more information about TSG?

Our volunteer Troop leaders are available to answer any other questions you may have. Contact information for the Troop leaders can be found here.