Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the questions and answers we most commonly field when one inquires about our troop. If there is something unaddressed here, please reach out to troop leadership – we are happy to answer any additional questions.
The Troops of Saint George is a national apostolate. We ensure that all of our members (and adult leaders) are Catholic in good standing with full fidelity to the Catholic magisterium, our Holy Father, and our local diocese. Troop 1683 calls St. Stanislaus Oratory in Milwaukee, Wis. our “home base” while half the members are from other parishes. You can also watch this short endorsement video by Bishop Michael Olson, or, by visiting our home page and watching an endorsement video by Cardinal Burke.
During our annual registration campaign throughout the month of August, there will be a registration form available on our website. We have limited slots available for new members as we want to manage our size which will help us meet our program goals. As such, registration does not guarantee acceptance; you will be contacted by troop leadership.
Boys between the ages of 6 and 18 can join.
A boy will need a Rosary, tent, sleeping bag, mess kit, flashlight, uniform, Field Manual, and pocketknife. A full gear list is provided prior to registration which includes additional recommended gear for your family. You are also required to purchase full uniforms from the national Troops of Saint George website for both you and your son(s).
Our formal season runs between September and May. We have overnight events approximately five times per season, and host activities during the adjacent months. We are an active troop, however participation in all events is not mandatory.
The boys are divided into junior and senior cadets. The junior cadets, ages 6-10, are divided into the St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, St. John, and St. George patrols (by grade). The senior cadets, ages 11-18, are divided into self-named patrols.
Dues have been $160 per year, per family (regardless of size) since the beginning of our troop. This annual costs covers a variety of expenses including camping equipment, liability insurance, and other operational items. Additionally, each troop contributes a chartering fee to the national apostolate that covers costs including curriculum, legal fees, advertising, accident insurance (U.S. only), patches, and administration costs.
No. The Troops of Saint George is a Catholic outdoors movement for fathers and sons. Our mission, goals, and standards are entirely different from other scouting organizations. However, many of the fathers were past members of these organizations and are actively carrying on many of these traditions.
TSG has safety rules that are strictly enforced during camping events. These rules include (but are not limited to): the three person rule; only father/son(s) may share tents; alcohol is prohibited at any events; and at least one leader must be certified in CPR (and first aid). Finally, all fathers must complete the Diocesan Safe Conduct course. You can learn and read more about safety and conduct rules on the national website.
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 achievement course stars to be worn on their uniforms and then become eligible for the highest honor within TSG: the Tribunes of Saint George for our Supreme Pontiff.
The Troops of Saint George Field Manual is available for purchase from the national Troops of Saint George website. We also provide additional documentation at our local level along with support from experienced outdoorsmen.
No. While we encourage regular attendance to get as much as possible out of the group, we do understand that schedules will conflict. It is important to note however, that unlike other youth-based organizations, fathers must camp and attend activities with their sons.
We are blessed with a very active troop which means we have campers of all skill levels. Combined, our troop excels in outdoor survival relying on each other’s unique abilities.
No one can answer that but you, however many families that have joined the Troops of Saint George were hesitant at first. The commitment of time and courage to leave the comfort of your home is not easy, but once you join, you will appreciate the experiences with your son; time with like-minded fathers; and applying the mission of our troop to your daily life. Without question, it is a fruitful experience.
For answers to additional questions, please contact:
National Troops of Saint George
520 E Vine St #80044 Keller, TX 76244
www.troopsofsaintgeorge.com
(817) 523-9707
Holy Name of Mary Captain
Anthony Stich
anthony.stich@tsg1683.org
Holy Name of Mary 1st Lieutenant
Andrew Denten
andrew.denten@tsg1683.org
Join Our Movement
524 W Historic Mitchell Street Milwaukee, WI 53204
Email: info@tsg1683.org
Captain Anthony Stich
First Lieutenant Andrew Denten
Chaplain Canon Erwan Josseaume