Find Scouting Near You
Scouts BSA
Youth 11-17 years old
For the first time in its 100+ year history, the iconic program of the Boy Scouts of America is open to both young men and young women.
Scouts BSA is a year-round program for boys and girls in fifth grade through high school that provides fun, adventure, learning, challenge, and responsibility to help them become the best version of themselves.
Learn More4 Steps to Join Scouting
We are excited that you are interested in joining the Boy Scouts of America! To help guide you, we have outlined the steps that takes to become a member.
01
Locate Your Council
Your council will be able to help you locate the right unit for your needs. Do you need a unit that meets on a certain day of the week or a unit that is chartered to your child’s school? The council will be able to help you locate the unit pack or troop to best meet your individual needs.
02
Contact Your Unit
Once you have located your council and determined the best Unit for your family, contact the unit leader to find out when their next recruitment event will be held.
03
Complete Application
Your application will take time to be approved by the unit leader. If you have any questions during the application process, contact your unit leader or local council service center.
04
Start Your Adventure in Scouting!
Welcome to Scouting! You are now part of the Boy Scouts of America, the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training.
01
Locate Your Council
Your council will be able to help you locate the right unit for your needs. Do you need a unit that meets on a certain day of the week or a unit that is chartered to your child’s school? The council will be able to help you locate the unit pack or troop to best meet your individual needs.
02
Contact Your Unit
Once you have located your council and determined the best Unit for your family, contact the unit leader to find out when their next recruitment event will be held.
03
Complete Application
Your application will take time to be approved by the unit leader. If you have any questions during the application process, contact your unit leader or local council service center.
04
Start Your Adventure in Scouting!
Welcome to Scouting! You are now part of the Boy Scouts of America, the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training.
3 Ways to Join
Whether you're a parent of an elementary, intermediate or high school aged child, there are plenty of ways for you to get involved with the Boy Scouts of America.
Recruitment Events
Recruitment events take place at the beginning of the school year, and may be held at your local school or at one of our chartered partners. During these events you will have the opportunity to meet with a unit leader, get questions answered, and fill out an application to join. These events are scheduled by the unit leader. Information may be found on the website of your local council.
Register Online
The Boy Scouts of America now offers an online application process that can be completed from start to finish without a single piece of paper changing hands.
Contact your Council
Your local council will be able to help assist you in the join process. They can direct you to your district and closest unit.
Want to learn more about what the Boy Scouts of America has to offer? Learn more about our programs and the benefits of Scouting for today’s youth.
The Scouting Programs
The Scouting experience is divided into programs according to age and activities.
Become a Leader
Ask any of our volunteers and they’ll tell you, volunteering with Scouting is as rewarding to them as it is meaningful to the kids. Watching kids grow is one thing — leading them through the process is a whole new experience altogether.
Interested in volunteering? Find a unit near you and get in touch!
Frequently Asked Questions
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 for youth to join Scouting is $60 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 $36 annual registration fee, to your unit’s leadership. They will guide you step-by-step through the process.
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 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!