Mission
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. The scouting program at St. Matthew is for boys ages 11 to 17 and teaches self-discipline, leadership, community engagement, and personal fitness, against a backdrop of outdoor activities and high adventure: camping, hiking, canoeing, whitewater rafting, and more!
About Troop 8
Scouts BSA Troop 8 of St. Matthew Catholic Church is the largest Troop in the Dioceses of Charlotte, with roughly 120 youth and over 35 registered adult leaders. The Troop meets most Monday nights from late August to early June, from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM in the Parish Gym and Parish Center.
Our first meeting of the 2023-24 School Year is August 28, with fall meetings on
- Sept 11
- Sept 25
- Oct 2
- Oct 9
- Oct 23
- Oct 30
- Nov 6
- Nov 20
Troop 8 participates in a variety of outdoor weekend trips in September, October, November, April, and May. In recent years this included backpacking South Mountains State Park and Crowders Mountain State Park, whitewater rafting on the French Broad River near Asheville, attending the air show at the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort, and ocean kayaking at Carolina Beach. Every March we participate in the Mecklenburg County Council Catholic Camporee at Camp Grimes. We attend week-long summer camp at Camp Raven Knob every June and due to our large size, most summers we are able to send two to four crews to the BSA’s National High Adventure Bases at Florida Sea Base, Philmont, Northern Tier, or Summit Bechtel.
We also host an annual fundraiser in November and December, selling Christmas trees, holiday wreaths, and poinsettias at St. Matthew on the first weekend in December.
Volunteer Opportunities
Every year, Troop 8 gives back to the community in a variety of ways. In addition to supporting the many volunteer opportunities at St. Matthew, Scouts in Troop 8 also lead eight to twelve Eagle Scout projects per year, participate in an annual food drive for Loaves and Fishes called Scouting for Food, and we clean up trash along Rea Rd at least once per year.
Time Commitment
Scouts meet about 90 minutes per week on Monday nights. Weekend camping trips run one weekend mid-month in September, October, November, March, April, and May, from 5:30 PM Friday to 12:30 PM Sunday. We typically attend summer camp from Sunday to Saturday during the third week of June.
Parents of Scouts interested in volunteering their time in support of the troop are encouraged to talk to an adult leader during a weekly meeting about registering as a Troop Committee Member and helping with planning and logistics. Adult volunteers require approval of the St. Matthew Chartered Organization Representative, a background check, and must complete training on and comply with youth protection policies of both the Dioceses of Charlotte and the Boy Scouts of America.
To register a youth participant, sign up online or drop in to any regular Monday meeting this fall!
New to volunteering at St. Matthew? Please read our Safe Environment Policy.