Who can join Scouting?

Any boy or girl who wants to be challenged to develop leadership skills in an environment that emphasizes the importance of moral and ethical behavior can join Scouting.

• Cub Scouting is for boys and girls, 5-10 years old.
• Scouts BSA is for boys and girls, 11-18 years old.
• Venturing is for boys and girls, 14-20 years old.
• Sea Scouting is for boys and girls, 14-20 years old.
• Exploring is for boys and girls, 14-20 years old.

To find a unit near you, please visit www.beascout.org

Can special needs kids be in Scouting?

Yes! Scouting is for any youth who wants character development and leadership skills. With unique needs and circumstances, unit leaders will work with a child’s parents to provide the best Scouting experience possible. 

Can my child be in Scouting and sports?                                                                                         

Absolutely! There will be times when calendars will have conflicts, so make sure you communicate with your child’s leader. Missing a Scouting activity or campout because of a sports practice or game may mean your child has to work at different times to “make up” a Scouting advancement opportunity.                                                                                                 

Is Scouting safe for youth?

More than 40 years of innovative youth safety practices and continued improvements over that same time have made Scouting the safest activity for youth.                                                                                                                                  

What does Scouting do to keep youth members safe?

The Boy Scouts of America created, implemented, and has continued to improve upon the best youth protection practices of any youth-serving organization. These practices include a mandatory reporting policy, mandatory training, criminal background checks, and more. Even if you are not a registered adult volunteer leader, it is your responsibility as a parent or guardian to know and understand the Boy Scouts of America’s policies. Learn more by visiting https://www.scouting.org/training/youth-protection/

How much does is cost to be in Scouting?

The national registration fee is $80 annually for all programs (except Exploring which is $50). New members of Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouting pay a one-time joining fee of $25. Our council does not charge a local registration fee. Some units decide to charge membership dues. Our council encourages all units to participate in the annual fall popcorn sale to raise all of the money needed for a yearly program, instead of simply asking parents to reach into their own pockets. Additional costs include uniforms and activity fees. A full Cub Scout uniform costs roughly $100; a full Scouts BSA uniform costs more. Cub Scout summer camps range in price from $60 to more than $100, depending on the camp. Our Scouts BSA summer camp costs more than $300 per Scout. Again, fundraising is encouraged to offset or outright pay for these expenses. Our council also offers scholarships/financial assistance for families who need help covering these costs.