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In 2018, girls in grades k-5 were invited to join Cub Scouts. Then, in February 2019, the "Boy Scouts" program for youth ages 11-17 was renamed to Scouts BSA and girls were invited to join.  Learn more about girls in Scouting here. Scouting America's Venturing, Sea Scouting and Exploring programs have always been open to girls and boys.

Founded in 1910 as the Boy Scouts of America, Scouting America brings over a century of experience delivering the nation’s leading youth program for character and leadership development. In a safe, hands-on environment, young people explore the world through experiences they won’t find anywhere else. The motto “Be Prepared” means preparing young people for life—by building confidence, ethics, respect, academic skills, and leadership that last a lifetime.

Scouting is organized by grade level or age.

Cub Scouts is designed for girls and boys in grades k-5. When you’re a kid, fun comes first. Final exams, driver’s ed and summer jobs will arrive soon enough. Cub Scouts lets kids have fun while teaching them skills that will help them later on.

Scouts BSA is for young men and women ages 11-17.  Scouts BSA has a lot to offer, but don’t let the 130+ merit badges scare you away. With the exposure to a uniquely hands-on learning experience through earning merit badges that reflect each Scout’s budding interests, they unlock a world of discovery around them, and forge their path for the future. By culminating the Scouting experience by earning the rank of Eagle and accomplishing a service project, they can prove their leadership skills and gain the confidence needed to excel in life and in the world at large.

Venturing is a coed program for young adults ages 13 (and have completed the 8th grade) through 20. All teens have one—a moment that opens their eyes to a world that’s bigger than they ever imagined. It might happen while paddling a quiet lake, bonding with new friends around a beach bonfire, or rising to the challenge of leading an exhausted crew to the edges of adventure. Venturing gives young men and women access to a range of programs and empowers them to create their own experiences. It brings Scouting values to life through both high adventure outdoor activities and challenging real-world projects.

Exploring provides exciting activities and one-on-one mentorship for young men and women ages 13 (and have completed 8^th grade) through 20 looking to discover their future. Youth develop valuable networking contacts with professionals working in selected career fields. Exploring can be the first step in identifying career possibilities while gaining real-life, hands-on experiences in various career fields.

Cub Scouts are broken into a small group called a pack, the Scouts BSA program is grouped into troops, and Venturing gathers as a crew. The pack, troop, or crew you join is up to you. You can look for a group chartered by an organization you support, like your church or school, or simply choose the one closest to your neighborhood.

Meetings typically take place at your chartered organization (such as school or church) but sometimes meetings are held at camp, local parks or businesses as part of a special activity.

Scout meeting days and times vary from unit to unit. Some groups meet once a week, others twice a month. Families can choose a unit with meeting times that best meet their schedule.

In Cub Scouting, each pack has dedicated leaders and volunteers who are tasked with teaching Cub Scouts both fun and valuable lessons that will help them progress in the program and in life. But what makes Cub Scouts truly unique is the opportunity it gives the entire family to be involved in each child’s development. From volunteering with the pack to leading activities at home, parents can take full advantage of the extra time they’ll have participating in their Cub Scout’s life.

In Scouts BSA and Venturing, the youth are responsible for running meetings and planning events. However, each unit also has adult volunteers to help provide leadership and support.

Scouting does charge fees for membership, events, and activities. Fundraising opportunities are offered to families throughout the year to help cover those costs. Camperships are also available to help pay for a Scout’s summer camp experience.

Families also have the option to purchase a uniform, handbook, Scout Life magazine subscription, and camping equipment.

Scouting is goal-oriented without the pressure of winning and losing. It is physical and strenuous but less likely to cause the injuries that can occur with sports. Out here, it’s about making friends without the need to compete with them.

The mission of Scouting 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 Scout Law.

Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best
to do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
to help other people at all times;
to keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.

Scout Law
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.