Learning to shoot a bow and arrow. Sailing on Cave Run Lake or in the Florida Keys. Summiting a 12,441-foot mountain and watching the sun rise over the Rockies. Adventures like these are at the core of Scouting, and they’re made possible through the various programs of Scouting America.
Scouting programs are organized into two primary groups: traditional and non-traditional. Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturing are all traditional programs, focusing on outdoor adventure and character development within the environment of a pack, troop, crew, or ship. Non-traditional programs such as Exploring likewise focus on character development and preparing youth for life, but they usually take place within the environment of a school or workplace.
Traditional programs in Scouting are supplemented by several additional opportunities. The Order of the Arrow is Scouting’s National Honor Society, recognizing those youth and adults who exemplify the values of the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. The Venturing Officers’ Association enables youth Venturers to gain leadership experience and help out their fellow Venturers and crews. The Blue Grass Council’s chapter of the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) provides Eagle Scouts with a way to reconnect with fellow Eagles and give back to Scouting. These additional programs provide a way for Scouts and Scouters to seek opportunities above and beyond the opportunities in traditional programs.