FAQs

Why should I join?

Fathers are needed now more than ever and the fathers of tomorrow are being formed today. Whether it’s a call to the vocation of priesthood or fatherhood we aim to use the canvas of the outdoors and the sacraments to light the way for the formation of Holy Catholic men and boys.

The Troops of Saint George from the Boys' Perspective

The Troops of Saint George from the Fathers' Perspective

Are Troops of St. George an alternative to Boy Scouts?

We are a Catholic outdoor adventure movement for fathers, sons, and priests. Our mission, goals, and standards are entirely different from other scouting organizations. While we both wear uniforms and use the outdoors to develop survival and real world skills, with Troops of St. George that is just the canvas. Our core is that we are an officially Church approved Catholic Apostolate. Our goal is the spiritual, mental, and physical development of boys into holy Catholic priests and Fathers.

Can I drop my son off and leave?

No. This is a joint growth journey, with a Father and Son. Your relationship with your son will grow tremendously, and your faith and virtue will deepen!

I don’t know much about camping?

Don’t let that hold you back! Most of the father’s that join either rarely went camping or didn’t always enjoy it when they previously went. Spend an entire weekend with your son(s) around a campfire, fishing, hiking and enjoying God’s creation and you may change your mind.

REI offers a great checklist to get you started with items you may need.

What are the various skills they learn?

The National TSG website FAQ section has a great summary of these skills broken down by age group within the Officer’s Manual. We’re unique in that every rank can be achieved by both father & son. We focus on all the aspects needed for a virtuous life including the spiritual, physical, patriotic, family & manly skills necessary.

How do Cadets advance in rank?

Junior cadets, grades 1 - 5, are divided into patrols based on grade.

• 1st grade: St. Matthew’s Angels

• 2nd grade: St. Mark’s Lions

• 3rd grade: St. Luke’s Bulls

• 4th grade: St. John’s Eagles

• 5th grade: St. George’s Dragon Slayers

• The Junior cadets will complete a series of spiritual, patriotic and manly skill requirements by grade level to advance within the troop.

Senior cadets, grades 6 - 12, are divided into patrols of mixed ages and named after a Catholic blessed or saint.

• The Senior Cadets can complete Achievement Courses to gain Achievement Course Stars and become eligible for the highest honor within TSG, the Tribunes of Saint George for our Supreme Pontiff.

How much are dues?

Our official Troop year is September 1 - August 31 but registration is open YEAR ROUND*

Father & 1 son= $150 annually

Father & 2+ sons= $200 annually

What do these dues cover?

National & local dues AND ALL camping reservation costs for the year.

(Note: it does not include any parking pass that may be required at some of the state parks)

Any additional costs throughout the year?

UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS

Every father & son are required to have a Class A Shirt. These are worn at each meeting and on Sunday’s as we attend Mass at a local parish near our campsite. We recommend purchasing at least one dry fit Class B - Alternate T-shirt to wear under your Class A uniform.

(note: Class B alternate shirts run small so we recommend getting at least one size bigger than you normally wear for the Class B alternate)

Official Uniform Guidelines

COST BREAKDOWN

Class A Shirt $35 per member

Field Manual $25 (one-time fee, unless you lose it!)

Class A Pants / Shorts $29-$35 per member (optional)

Class B Shirt alternate (dry fit) $16.50 - $20.50 per member (optional)

CAMPING

Camping gear - here is a helpful checklist (you don’t necessarily need everything on this list, but it’s a good reference) Every family must at least bring their own mess kit (cup, plate, utensils)

Group meals= $20 per family per campout

These are optional, but if you choose to participate in group meals each family is required to deposit $20 (per family) by the Tuesday of the week we’re camping. This covers the meals for Saturday (breakfast, lunch & dinner). No group meals are provided on Friday night or Sunday morning. The Troop will assign a “Camp Chef” for each campout who will coordinate the meals, purchase the food and assign the duties. We only expect each family to help prepare & clean-up.

Are there other requirements to join?

Every father must provide proof of a valid EIM Certification completed within the last 3 years. This must be completed before attending any TSG event.

Are you associated with a particular Catholic Parish or school?

No. We currently have families representing 15+ different Parishes across the Austin Diocese and we hope you feel welcome at our Troop no matter what Parish you call home.

We encourage the growth of Troops of St. George and if you feel called to charter another Troops of St. George let us know and we would be happy to help.

Still have questions?