Visit a Meeting
Meet the Scouts and adult leaders, watch the patrol method in action, and ask questions without making a commitment.
New Families
Your next adventure can start with one meeting.
Come meet the Scouts, see how the troop works, and decide whether Troop 990 feels like the right fit for your family.
Plan Your Visit →Welcome to the Mighty 990
You don’t need to know anything about Scouting to begin.
New Scouts arrive with different interests, experience levels, and goals. Some are already comfortable outdoors. Others are camping for the first time. Troop 990 is built to help each Scout learn, contribute, and grow at his own pace.
The best first step is simply to visit a Monday meeting. There is no pressure to join that night.
Your First Visit
Come as you are.
A normal troop meeting gives families the clearest picture of Troop 990. Your Scout can meet members of the troop, observe patrol activities, and get a feel for the energy of a youth-led meeting.
WhenMonday evenings
7:00–8:00 p.m.
7:00–8:00 p.m.
WhereHoly Family Center
St. John Neumann Catholic Church
St. John Neumann Catholic Church
Address5455 Bee Cave Road
Austin, Texas 78746
Austin, Texas 78746
Regular meetings are generally held during the school year. Check the troop calendar or contact us before visiting in case the schedule has changed.
What to Expect
A clear path into the troop.
Meet Your Patrol
New Scouts are welcomed into a patrol, where they learn alongside other Scouts and receive guidance from experienced youth leaders.
Start Camping
Monthly campouts turn meeting skills into real experience. New Scouts are supported as they learn how to pack, cook, camp, and work as a team.
Build Momentum
Participation in meetings, campouts, summer camp, service, and advancement helps confidence grow quickly.
Is Troop 990 a Good Fit?
Scouting works best when Scouts participate.
There is room for school, sports, theater, music, and other commitments. Scouts do not have to attend every activity, but regular involvement helps them form friendships, develop skills, and make meaningful progress.
Weekly Meetings
Scouts gather on Monday evenings to plan, learn, practice skills, prepare for outings, and lead their patrols.
Monthly Campouts
The outdoors is where much of the program comes alive. Campouts are central to advancement, leadership, and friendship.
Summer Camp
Summer camp is especially valuable for new Scouts, offering concentrated time for outdoor skills, merit badges, and advancement.
High Adventure
As Scouts gain experience, they can prepare for demanding trips such as Sea Base, Northern Tier, and Philmont.
For Parents
Support the program without taking it over.
Troop 990 is youth-led, but a strong troop also depends on engaged adults. Parents help provide transportation, camp support, merit badge instruction, event coordination, committee leadership, and other behind-the-scenes support.
You do not need prior Scouting or outdoor experience. There are useful roles for different schedules, interests, and comfort levels.
Uniforms & Equipment
Start simple.
New families do not need to purchase an entire backpacking setup before the first meeting or campout. Begin with the required uniform and basic personal items, then talk with troop leaders before investing in major equipment.
Troop 990 follows a lightweight backpacking approach. Fit, weight, durability, and usefulness matter more than buying the most expensive gear.
Common Questions
What new families usually ask.
Who can join Troop 990?
Scouts BSA eligibility is generally based on age and school grade. Contact the troop if you are unsure whether your Scout is eligible or whether a transfer from another unit is needed.
Does my Scout need previous camping experience?
No. Many Scouts join with little or no outdoor experience. The troop teaches skills progressively, and experienced Scouts help newer members learn.
Can we visit before deciding to join?
Yes. Visiting a regular Monday meeting is encouraged. It gives both the Scout and parents a chance to ask questions and see whether the troop feels right.
Do parents attend troop meetings?
Parents are welcome, and separate parent or adult discussions are sometimes held during troop meetings. Scouts conduct their own program under the guidance of trained adult leaders.
Does a Scout have to attend every campout?
No, but camping is a core part of the program. Regular attendance helps Scouts build skills, friendships, confidence, and advancement momentum.
How quickly can a Scout advance?
Advancement depends on participation and individual motivation. Scouts who attend meetings, campouts, and summer camp can make substantial progress during their first year.
What does it cost to join?
Registration, troop dues, uniforms, activities, and equipment can involve separate costs. Contact the New Member Coordinator for current amounts and guidance before purchasing gear.
Is Troop 990 only for members of St. John Neumann?
No. The troop is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, but families from throughout the community are welcome to learn more about joining.
Ready to Join?
Here’s what happens next.
1
Contact Us
Email the New Member Coordinator so we can answer questions and help arrange your visit.
2
Complete the Application
Families ready to join complete the official online Scouts BSA youth application.
3
Submit Medical Forms
Every participating Scout and adult must maintain the required annual health and medical record.
4
Get Connected
Once registered, your family receives access to troop communications, event registration, documents, and the calendar.
