Your Adventure Starts Here
Troop 54 is a family troop — welcoming boys and girls ages 10–17. Whether your child is brand new to Scouting or transferring from another troop, they'll feel at home from day one.
See Scouting in Action
Two minutes that show what a lifetime of Scouting looks like
How to Join
Four simple steps to start the Scouting journey
Visit a Monday Meeting
Drop in any Monday at 6:15 PM at Jefferson Elementary School (100 Princetown Rd, Schenectady). No commitment needed — just come and see what Scouting is all about.
Meet the Troop
Get to know our Scouts and leaders. Watch a patrol meeting in action, ask questions, and see firsthand why our families love this program.
Register Online
Ready to commit? Complete your registration through the official Scouting America portal. It only takes a few minutes.
Start Your Journey
Pick up your Scout Handbook and uniform, join us on the Band app (search "Troop 54"), and start earning badges right away.
What You'll Need
Everything to get started on the right foot
Scout Handbook
Your roadmap to ranks, skills, and everything Scouting. Available at the Scout Shop online or the Twin Rivers Scout Shop (253 Washington Ave Ext, Albany).
Class A Uniform
The official Scout uniform (tan shirt, olive pants/shorts). No rush — used uniforms are often available through the troop at no cost.
Band App
Our troop communicates through Band. Join Troop 54 on Band or search "Troop 54" in the app.
Ready to Register?
Join hundreds of Scouts across the Twin Rivers Council. Registration is quick, secure, and gets your child on the trail to Eagle.
Register on Scouting.orgAnnual registration is $150 per year (national and council fees). There are no troop dues. Payment plans are available, and financial assistance is always offered — no Scout is ever turned away.
Common Questions
Everything parents want to know before signing up
Scouts BSA is for youth ages 11 through 17. Youth may also join at age 10 if they have completed the fifth grade or earned the Arrow of Light Award. If your child is younger, ask us about Cub Scout packs in the area that can prepare them for Scouts BSA.
Yes! Troop 54 is a family troop, welcoming both boys and girls. All Scouts participate in the same activities, earn the same ranks — Scout through Eagle — and go on the same campouts. Per Scouting America policy, patrols within the troop remain single-gender, but the troop operates as one unified team.
Not at all. Your child can attend meetings and even their first campout in regular clothes. We recommend getting a uniform within the first month or two. Used uniforms are often available through the troop at no cost.
Annual registration is $150 per year, which covers national and council fees. There are no troop dues. Payment plans are available, and we have financial assistance for families who need it. No Scout is ever turned away because of cost.
We use the Band app for all troop communication — meeting reminders, campout details, permission slips, and more. Download Band from the App Store or Google Play and search for "Troop 54" to join.
Absolutely. Troop 54 and the Twin Rivers Council both offer financial assistance for families who need help with registration fees, camp costs, or uniforms. Scouting is for everyone — just reach out to our Committee Chair confidentially.
Cub Scouts is for younger children (K–5th grade), and activities are led by adults. Scouts BSA is for youth ages 11–17, and the program is youth-led. Scouts plan meetings, lead campouts, and make real decisions. Adults guide and keep things safe, but the program belongs to the youth.
No. Parents are welcome to observe, but drop-off and pick-up is perfectly fine. Scouting America encourages youth independence. If you'd like to get involved, there are plenty of ways to help — from driving Scouts to events to volunteering on the committee.
No. Only approved leaders and registered merit badge counselors can sign off on rank requirements and merit badges. This ensures consistency and fairness across the program.
Drive Scouts to events, help at fundraisers, teach a merit badge if you have expertise, volunteer for the committee, or simply encourage your Scout at home. Registered adult leaders need to complete Safeguarding Youth Training (free, ~90 minutes online). Every contribution makes a difference.
Still Have Questions?
We'd love to hear from you. Reach out and we'll get back to you quickly.