Get Involved — Troop 5, Maplewood NJ

Adventure since 1920

Troop 5 · Maplewood, NJ · Since 1920

Join the Troop 5 Family

Scouting in Troop 5 is fun. It's also a commitment — and one that is absolutely worth making. Open to young men ages 11 to 18 in the Maplewood area.

Get in touch → See what's coming up

1920 founded — over 100 years of scouting

11–18 ages welcome

11 campouts per year

Thursdays weekly meetings at 7pm

Why Troop 5

What makes Troop 5 different

Troop 5 is a scout-led troop. Scouts don't just participate — they plan, lead, and make decisions. From organizing campouts to running weekly meetings, scouts are in charge of their own experience.

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Scout-led, always

The Patrol Method has defined Troop 5 since 1920. Scouts plan, lead, and take responsibility — with adults providing guidance, not direction. It builds real leadership skills that last a lifetime.

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We camp — a lot

Almost every month, year-round. Backpacking in the Catskills, beach camping on the Atlantic coast, historic city expeditions, skiing weekends, nautical overnights — no two trips are the same.

See our camping program →

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Two weeks at Massawepie

Every summer, the troop spends two weeks at Camp Massawepie in the Adirondacks. Most troops go for one. That extra week makes all the difference for friendships, badges, and personal growth.

Learn about summer camp →

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High adventure

Backpacking, canoeing, rafting, rock climbing, and major treks like Philmont Scout Ranch every couple of years. Troop 5 gives scouts the chance to push their limits in the best possible way.

Learn about high adventure →

Troop 5 scouts backpacking in the Catskills

For scouts

What your scouting life looks like

Troop 5 is active every week during the school year and throughout the summer. The more you put in, the more you get out.

Your patrol

When you join Troop 5 you become a member of a patrol — a small team of about seven scouts. Your patrol is where most of your scouting happens: planning meals for campouts, dividing responsibilities, working on advancement and merit badges, and building real friendships.

Older scouts in your patrol mentor you. In time, you'll do the same for the scouts who come after you. That's how Troop 5 has worked for over 100 years.

Weekly meetings

Troop meetings happen every Thursday and are built around a monthly theme. Past programs have included first aid, navigation, photography, bike repair, astronomy, and wilderness skills.

Meetings are planned and run by scouts — not adults.

Day & time Thursdays at 7:00 pm

Location Seth Boyden Elementary School, Maplewood NJ

Monthly campouts

Once a month the troop heads out for a weekend campout. Scouts plan the trip, cook their own meals, and take care of themselves and each other in the outdoors.

Recent trips have included backpacking in the Catskills, rafting, rock climbing, canoeing, cycling, fishing, and a four-day trip to Boston.

Read about our recent adventures →

Two weeks at Camp Massawepie

Every summer the troop spends two weeks at Camp Massawepie in the Adirondack Mountains — one of the best Scout camps in the Northeast. Scouts choose from a wide range of activities, earn merit badges, and build skills and friendships that last well beyond the summer.

Learn more about Camp Massawepie →

High adventure

Every couple of years the troop organizes a major high-adventure trip. Past experiences include a trek to Philmont Scout Ranch — one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences available to scouts anywhere.

Learn more about high adventure →

For adults

Troop 5 is made possible by the adults who show up

Whether you grew up in scouting or your scout is the first in your family, there is a place for you here. Part of our mission is surrounding scouts with positive adult role models who are present, engaged, and invested in their growth.

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Driving & logistics

Help get scouts to and from campouts, meetings, and events. One of the most practical and impactful ways to contribute.

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Troop committee

Support the troop's operations — finances, communications, fundraising, and administration. No prior scouting experience required.

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Assistant Scoutmaster

Come on campouts, support scout-led activities, and serve as a mentor and safety presence in the field. The heart of adult involvement in Troop 5.

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Alumni involvement

Many of our adult advisors were Troop 5 scouts themselves. Others came entirely through their children and never looked back. Both paths are welcome.