Scouting America
Scouts BSA
Ages 11–17
Outdoor adventures, hands-on learning, and opportunities for young people to lead, serve, and grow.
The Scouts BSA Experience
More independence. Bigger challenges.
Scouts BSA gives young people the chance to take more ownership of their Scouting experience. Scouts plan activities, build outdoor skills, serve their communities, earn merit badges and work toward advancement, including the rank of Eagle Scout.
Lead
Scouts take an active role in planning activities, making decisions and leading alongside their peers.
Explore
Camping, outdoor skills, merit badges and hands-on experiences give Scouts plenty of ways to discover new interests.
Achieve
Scouts set goals, advance through the ranks and can work toward Scouting's highest rank, Eagle Scout.
This Is Scouts BSA.
Scouts BSA gives young people more responsibility, bigger challenges and the chance to lead. Along the way, they build confidence, practical skills and friendships that grow with them.
Troop Meetings & Activities
Most troops meet weekly, giving Scouts time to plan upcoming activities, learn new skills, work together and take an active role in leading their troop. What happens beyond those meetings is a big part of the Scouts BSA experience.
Overnight Camping
Troops camp throughout the year at council camps, parks and other outdoor destinations while Scouts build skills and independence.
Summer & Resident Camp
Multi-day camp experiences give Scouts the chance to work on merit badges, try new activities and spend time outdoors with their troop.
Service Projects
Scouts serve their communities through food drives, conservation work and other projects that address real local needs.
Jamborees & Bigger Adventures
Scouts may have opportunities to attend national and international events, meet Scouts from other communities and experience Scouting on a much larger scale.
Advancement happens along the way. Troop activities help Scouts build the skills needed to advance through the ranks. Merit badges can be earned with registered merit badge counselors, at camp and through other Scouting opportunities.
How Parents Can Help
Scouts BSA is designed to give young people increasing responsibility for their own experience. Parents can help by encouraging their Scout, helping them stay organized and making it possible for them to take part in troop activities.
Strong troops also depend on adult volunteers. Families bring different skills and different amounts of time, and there are many ways to contribute without having to do everything.
Scouts lead the experience. Adults help make it possible.
Scoutmaster
Scoutmasters coach and guide the troop's youth leaders while helping Scouts carry out a strong youth-led program.
Troop Committee
Committee members support the troop behind the scenes through planning, administration, finances, equipment and other important responsibilities.
Every Parent Can Contribute
Transportation, events, fundraising, equipment, special skills and occasional projects are all ways families can help strengthen the troop.
Looking for the Next Step?
Whether you want to volunteer, need help getting connected or are recruiting new Scouts, we can point you in the right direction.
Volunteer
Start by talking with your Scoutmaster or Committee Chair about ways to help your troop. You can also explore other opportunities to support Scouting across Tampa Bay.
Volunteer with Scouting →Need Help?
Have a question about joining, finding a troop or getting connected with the right person? Our membership team can help.
Email Our Membership Team →Recruiting New Scouts?
Find flyers, recruiting tools and other materials to help your troop introduce more families to Scouts BSA.
Recruitment Resources →Upcoming Scouts BSA Events
Explore upcoming council events, activities and opportunities for Scouts BSA.