Boy Scout Resources for a Great Program

Youth may join Scouts BSA as a continuation of their scout trail from cub scouts - this is where the majority of Scouts come from. But, the age of 11 is a great time for a youth to begin scouting! The Scouts BSA program is a big change from cub scouting, the biggest change being that it is scout-led instead of adult-led. If you have youth crossing over from Webelos and joining a scout troop, challenge them to invite at least one non-scouting friend to join them. Since 3/4 of Scouting is 'outing', youth that didn't care for the crafts and projects of cub scouts may be interested in camping, hiking, and the outdoors that Scouts offers.

Scouts is for youth aged 11 through 17. When the 18th birthday is reached, they can no longer be a scout, but they can continue to support a troop in an adult leader role, or continue in a Venture Crew. As scouts grow in skill, they take on responsibility and move from being learners to being leaders.

How to Join:

1. Go to BeAScout.org
2. Click the 'Scouts BSA' tab.
3. Enter your zipcode and click the arrow button.
4. Click on a Troop near you to see its contact info so you can call the Troop or your local Council about joining.
5. Complete a BSA Youth Application and Health Record and give them to the Scoutmaster of the Troop you choose.

The Scouts BSA program has a Boy Scouts of America Organizational Structure that puts scouts into groups called Patrols with recommended size of from 6 to 8 scouts. Patrols of scouts in a community form a Troop which is part of a District. Districts combine to make a Council - see this page for organization details.

A new scout first earns the Scout badge showing that the youth has joined and is participating in the program. As the youth enjoys outings with a patrol and demonstrates an expanding skill base, the youth naturally gains the Tenderfoot rank, followed by Second Class and First Class ranks. At this point, a scout has learned skills enough to handle the outdoors and begin teaching new scouts. Once a First Class rank is reached, the scout continues up the trail by performing service deeds and earning merit badges in topics of interest or that the scout has decided to explore to reach a higher rank.

Summer Camp is the highlight of the year for many scouts. Our troop has attended Many Point Scout Camp every year since the troop was formed. Each year, scouts receive a camp patch and you can see them on my Many Point Scout Camp page.

These pages contain information for each specific rank:
Scout Info - basic scout knowledge
Tenderfoot Info - safety
Second Class Info - camping
First Class Info - self-sufficiency
Star Info - service
Life Info - leadership
Eagle Info - ultimate scouting