Scouts BSA

Welcome to Scouts BSA!

Scouts BSA is the traditional Scouting experience for youth in the fifth grade through high school. Service, community engagement and leadership development become increasingly important parts of the program as youth lead their own activities and work their way toward earning Scouting’s highest rank, Eagle Scout.

There are more than 150 awards you can earn as a member of Scouts BSA. Whether it’s a rank advancement, merit badge or one of the many other individual awards, there’s plenty for you to set your sights on.

With exposure to a uniquely hands-on learning experience and the opportunity to earn merit badges reflecting each Scout’s budding interests, youth unlock a world of discovery around them and forge a path for the future.

Troop Meetings & Activities

A Troop typically meets once a week, where the youth come together to plan, learn, lead, and help one another acquire new skills and knowledge through fun, hands-on activities.

Merit badge requirements are taught, learned, and fulfilled at Troop meetings and other fun and exciting advancement opportunities. Other events include:

• Overnight Camping – can be done at various locations
• Resident Camp – a week-long camping experience where merit badge skills are learned along with other fellowshipping opportunities.
• Service Projects – Food drives, conservation projects, and other community-specific projects
• National & World Jamborees – Scouts come together from all around the country and world to fellowship and have fun.

How Can You Help?

The most important help you, as a parent, can give your child is to work with them on their Scouts BSA requirements as they work toward their badge of rank. The Scouts BSA handbook is full of age-appropriate activities; some of them you do together at home. Troop meetings are designed for members to complete the requirements needed to earn their rank badge. When you have completed a requirement at home or with a merit badge counselor, make sure your Troop leader is informed so that they can properly record it and your child can be recognized for their achievements.

Your role as a parent is the secret to a successful Scouts BSA program!

The patrol and Troop rely on parent participation to run a successful program. Scouts BSA operates through volunteer leadership. Volunteer leaders are an example of Scouting’s principle of service to others. By volunteering in Scouting, you are also giving your child and family the gift of your time. What could be more valuable? You will have an opportunity to be a positive influence in their life and in the lives of their friends. Here are some of the ways you could volunteer:

• Scoutmaster – Helps plan and carry out the Scouts BSA program with the help of the Troop committee. Assists the Senior Patrol Leader (youth leader) run Troop meetings and attends the Troop committee meeting.
• Troop Committee Member – Every parent or guardian is invited to become a member of the committee.  Troop committee members perform administrative functions of the Troop.

Ready to Help?

Speak with your Scoutmaster or Committee Chair at your next meeting.  You can also check out our unit leader resources.