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“Scouting really does bring us together and lets us capitalize on the little bit of time we
have before he is grown and out the door”

More Videos Scouting FAQs

Discover fun, adventure,
and learning through Scouting

Scouting is a year-round program uniquely designed to meet the needs of young people and their families. The program offers fun and challenging activities that promote character development and physical fitness. Family involvement is an essential part of the program, and parents are encouraged to play an active role in making the most of the short time they have to impact the lives of their children.

Scouting is designed to be experienced outdoors. Hiking, camping, mountain biking, skateboarding, BMX, mountain climbing, kayaking, whitewater rafting--these are just some of a Scout’s outdoor experiences.

How Scouting Works

The Scouting program is delivered through local civic, faith-based, and educational institutions called chartered organizations, which operate Scouting units to deliver the programs to their youth members, as well as the community at large.

Together, these organizations are run by almost one million adult volunteers dedicated to helping youth learn and grow.

Our Volunteers

Volunteering has always been the bedrock of the Scouting program. Behind every trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, and kind Scout is a long line of committed volunteers who share those same traits.

Rank Advancement

Scouts progress from rank to rank, learning new skills as they go. Each of the ranks and awards in Scouting has its own requirements. As Scouts get older and advance, the requirements become more challenging to match newfound skills and abilities.

Each Scout progresses at their own pace as they meet each challenge. Rank advancement is one method used by Scout leaders to help Scouts fulfill the aims of Scouting: character development, citizenship training, and mental and physical fitness.

130 Different Merit Badges

Earning merit badges gives Scouts the opportunity to learn important life skills and gain real-world knowledge in more than 130 areas, from American Business to Woodworking.

See the full list

Scouting Programs

The Scouting program is divided into three main sections, according to age.

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. From the thrill of shooting an arrow to learning how to transform a block of wood into a race car, Cub Scouts is one thrill after another. With a program expertly tailored to match each age in a young person's life, Cub Scouts learn that even when fun isn’t easy, it’s always an adventure. In Scouting, everything has a purpose. And it shows kids that doing their best is the most fun of all.

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Learn More about Cub Scouts

With more than 130 Merit Badges—from Archery and Art to Welding and Wilderness Survival—Scouting is the ultimate form of learning by doing. Boy Scouts explore their interests and improve their skills while working toward Scouting’s highest rank: Eagle. By first imagining, planning then doing their own service projects, Boy Scouts learn the value of hard work, and experience the thrill of seeing it pay off. Add in outdoor adventures, hiking and camping, and Scouting equips youth for life.

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Learn More about Boy Scouts

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.

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Learn More about Venturing

We strongly believe that Scouting can benefit all families from all walks of life
and all backgrounds. See how Scouting has made a difference in families just like yours.

Busy Webelos Scout mom, Michelle, shares her own experience in Scouting and her feeling that Scouting makes makes the most of the little time we have with our kids.

Hear from Lester and Apryl as they share how Scouting has allowed their boys – one who has autism – to thrive and overcome challenges.

Watch single mom Becky share how Cub Scouts offered her and her children more than a club or activity. They gained a family in Scouting.

Scout leader Catherine shares how Scouting has provided her son with the siblings he never had. Hear about Catherine and her son’s experiences in this emotional video.

See the emotional video that gives Scout dad Juan’s perspective on Scouting and how the program has helped him be a better father.

Scout mom Lydialice didn’t just sign her son up for a Cub Scout Pack – she started one. In this video she explains what inspired her and how it’s bettered her family.

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Scouting FAQs

1. How much does Scouting cost?

When compared to the cost of sports and many other activities, there is no doubt that Scouting delivers great value to its members! The registration fee to join Scouting is $33 annually. In addition, there are one-time uniform costs and nominal activity fees that may be charged by your local unit. Of course, these costs may be offset by unit fundraising and other available scholarship funds. Please contact your local unit leadership for details.

2. When and how often do Scouts meet?

Meeting times and locations vary. Typically, though, units meet weekly or bi-weekly during the school year and less frequently during the summer. Each individual unit will work to set a meeting location and schedule that is convenient for its members. With a number of units meeting in most neighborhoods, there is sure to be an option that fits within your family’s schedule.

3. Can special needs children get involved with Scouting?

Absolutely! Scouting seeks to provide the positive outcomes of character development and leadership skills for all eligible youth. Since its founding in 1910, the BSA has guided young men and women of all abilities down their path to success. Based on the individual needs and circumstances involved, unit leadership will work with a child’s parents to ensure a challenging and rewarding Scouting experience.

4. How do I get more information about Scouting?

Although there are many resources available to find more information about Scouting, the best is a direct connection with your local unit leadership! From meeting times, to planned activities, they’ll provide answers to all of your Scouting questions.

5. How do I sign up to be a volunteer?

Thank you for your interest in volunteering! There is nothing more rewarding than helping young people take their first steps down the path to success. It’s easy to get started! Simply complete an adult application and submit it, along with the $33 annual registration fee, to your unit’s leadership. They will guide you step-by-step through the process.

6. How do I sign my child up for Scouting?

You’ve made a great choice to explore the fun and adventure of Scouting! To get started, simply complete a youth application and submit it, along with the $33 annual registration fee, to your unit’s leadership. They will guide you step-by-step through the process. Haven’t yet found a unit, or need contact information? Click here for options near you!

Does Scouting Work?

14 million hours of community service per years

See the Scouts’ impact after tornadoes in Moore, OK

The Foundation of Scouting

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

Scout MissionThe 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 Scout Law.