How old (or young) can a youth be to join Scouting?
The Scouting experience is divided into five programs according to age and activities.
Cub Scouting is for youth in kindergarten through fifth grade. Youth can join Scouts BSA if they are at least 10 years old, currently in the fifth grade and register on or after March 1st; OR have earned the Arrow of Light Award and are at least 10 years old, OR are age 11 but have not reached age 18. Venturing and Sea Scouting are for young men and women at least 13 years old who have completed the eighth grade, or are age 14 and not yet 21. Exploring clubs serve middle schoolers, aged 10 – 14, in sixth through eighth grades. Exploring posts serve older youth 14 – 20 years old.
How often do Cub Scouts meet?
Typically, Cub Scouts meet in their dens once each week, and a pack meeting is held for all Cub Scouts and their families once a month.
Beyond that, it depends on the den and pack: A den may hold a special activity, such as a service project or visit to a local museum, in place of one of the weekly meetings or in addition to the weekly meetings.
Likewise, a pack may conduct a special event such as a blue and gold banquet as an additional event, rather than a substitute for its monthly pack meeting.
How can I save money on the cost of uniforms and equipment?
The unit may provide assistance to families. Some units operate a uniform exchange or uniform bank, or they may hold fund-raisers to enable the boys or girls to earn their uniforms. Also, some units will award boys or girls rank-specific uniform components (hat and neckerchief) and/or the program books that the Scout needs each year — so parents should inquire as to what the unit provides before purchasing the items themselves.
How do I become an adult volunteer in Scouting?
Express your interest to the leadership in your unit. Visit with the unit leader, chartered organization representative, or any member of the unit committee.
While there’s no guarantee that a specific role or position will be available — and there may be a selection process among several candidates even if the position is currently vacant — there are usually a number of ways in which you can contribute, and most units gladly welcome your offer of help.
To become a leader in Scouting you must be registered with the Boy Scouts of America and complete the required training for the role.
Must I be a United States citizen to join Scouting?
Citizenship is not required of youth or adult members.
Are Cub Scouts the same as Boy Scouts?
Cub Scouting is a program of the Scouting America and so is Scouts (formally called Boy Scouts), so in that sense, Cub Scouts and Scouts are both members of the same organization. However, they are entirely different programs: Cub Scouting is a family-oriented program designed specifically to address the needs of younger children, and serve as an introduction to Scouting or Venturing.
Are Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts a part of the same organization?
No, Scouting America (formally Boy Scouts of America) and Girl Scouts are separate organizations in the United States, although both focus on youth development.
Scouting America – formally Boy Scouts of America (BSA): The Scouting America is for boys and girls (since 2019) ages 11 to 17, and its programs include Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and specialized programs like Venturing, Sea Scouts and Exploring. It emphasizes outdoor activities, leadership skills, and community service.
Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA): The Girl Scouts is for girls from kindergarten through 12th grade. It focuses on building leadership, entrepreneurship, and life skills, with a heavy emphasis on STEM, the arts, and outdoor experiences.
Though both organizations share similar values, they operate independently and have different structures, programming, and traditions.
What can I expect my son/daughter to learn from Scouting?
Scouting can help your child develop various skills and values that can benefit them throughout their lives. Many say that Scouting helped their child:
Develop character: Scouting instills honesty, respect, and good conduct. It can also help your child develop a sense of responsibility and accountability.
Build life skills: Your child will learn skills like leadership, teamwork, communication, and time management. They also learn outdoor skills and first aid.
Gain confidence: Parents often report improved self-confidence and self-esteem in their child.
Become better citizens: Scouting encourages your child to recognize the needs of others and act. They also learn about citizenship skills and money management.
Become lifelong learners: Scouting can help your child develop continual learning and problem-solving habits.
Become more responsible: Scouting can help your child learn to take responsibility for their actions and be prepared for adulthood.
Make friends: Your child will have the opportunity to build friendships and overcome fears.
Enjoy the outdoors: Scouting can foster a love of the outdoors in your child and reconnect them with nature. Give Back: Serving the community is a core component of Scouting.
Develop a sense of self: Research suggests that Scouts develop a strong sense of self and outperform non-Scouts.
Do parents/guardians need to attend meetings and other activities?
The time commitment expected from parents, guardians and families involved in Scouting can vary depending on the specific Scouting program and the level of involvement but may include the following:
- Attending Scouting meetings and activities as needed.
- Supporting Scouting at home.
- Volunteering to help their child’s Scouting program as time permits.
How safe is Scouting?
The Scouting movement takes the safety and well-being of its participants exceptionally seriously, and the comprehensive youth protection policies are designed to create a secure and nurturing environment for all involved.
Here are some critical elements of the safety and youth protection policies in Scouting:
- Safe, age-appropriate activities
- Mandatory youth protection training for adult leaders
- Background checks for adult volunteers
- Youth-on-youth abuse prevention
What if my child is also involved in sports?
Scouting is designed to be flexible, with weekly/bi-weekly meetings and events that can be attended flexibly to accommodate your family’s and child’s schedule and other activities.
How does Scouting differ from other youth programs?
Scouting distinguishes itself from other extracurricular activities like sports teams, clubs, etc., through its focus on character development, structured learning of new skills that will help positively shape the adult they will one day become, volunteer leadership, family involvement, and adherence to the ideals and values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law – setting it apart from other youth programs.
Does my child have to attend meetings every week?
Weekly attendance is not mandatory. However, regular attendance is encouraged so your child has the most fun and gets the most out of the program. Scouting understands that you and your child have other commitments like school, sports, or family events.
What do youth do in meetings?
Meetings often include learning, hands-on activities, and fun to keep scouts engaged and progressing through the program.
How does the Scouting program complement school and other activities?
Scouting complements school by teaching practical skills, leadership, and values. It offers outdoor experiences, community service, and character development. This program enhances physical fitness, social skills, and problem-solving abilities while encouraging civic engagement and environmental awareness.
Can we attend a meeting to see what it's like before we decide to join?
Sure! Scouting welcomes visitors. You and your child can attend a local meeting to observe activities, meet other Scouts and leaders, get a feel for Scouting, ask questions and participate in some activities. This “try before you join” approach helps you and your child decide if Scouting is a good fit.
Where do Scouts meet?
The meeting place can vary. Typically, Scout programs may meet at or be hosted in your community at a:
- School (classrooms or gyms)
- Church or other religious facilities
- Community center
- Civic group meeting hall
- Public library
- Park or outdoor area
- Sponsor organization facility (e.g., fire station, VFW post)
- Dedicated Scout facility or camp
Your child and family do not need to be members of the school or institution where a meeting is hosted to join Scouting.
Can we change from one Scouting unit to another?
Yes! Say your child is in a Cub Scout Pack, and your other activities change, making it difficult to attend, or your child does not like it. You are welcome to find a Pack best suited for your child and family.
Does my child have to wear a uniform?
At least parts of the Scouting uniform (like the shirt) are encouraged and often expected at official events and more formal meetings. However, some activities may not require full uniforms.