Scouting is a year-round program uniquely designed to meet the needs of youth 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.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 his own pace as he meets each challenge. Rank advancement is one method used by Scouting to help youth fulfill the aims of Scouting: character development, citizenship training, and mental and physical fitness.Programs
Cub Scouts
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 boy’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.Scouts BSA
With more than 130 Merit Badges—from Archery and Art to Welding and Wilderness Survival—Scouting is the ultimate form of learning by doing. Scouts BSA explore their interests and improve their skills while working toward Scouting’s highest rank: Eagle. By first imagining, planning, and then doing their own service projects, 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 gives young people a unique opportunity to have fun while growing in character and leadership.Venturing
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.