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New to Scouting?

Cub Scouts (Boys in the first through fifth grades, or 7 to 10 years of age.)

Boy Scouts (Boys who earned the Arrow of Light Award and are at least 10 years old or have completed the fifth grade and are at least 10; or who are 11 but not yet 18.)

Venturers (Young men and women who are 14 years, or 13 and have completed the eighth grade, and under 21.)

Exploring (Part of Learning for Life's career education program for young men and women who are 14 [and have completed the eighth grade] through 20 years old.)

2011 Parent's Guide To Cub Scouting

All boys from first through eighth grade are invited to join a Cub Scout pack or Boy Scout troop during our annual membership campaign.

Here are some frequently asked questions about School Night to Join Scouting:

Q: How can I find out when my School Night to Join Scouting be held?
A: Each county and school district will hold School Night to join Scouting on a designated night. Click here for a School Night to Join Scouting Schedule.

Q: Where do I sign up?
A: If your son brought home a School Night to Join Scouting flyer from school, the location of the event and a person to contact should be on the bottom of the flyer. Scout units conduct School Night to Join Scouting at or near where they hold regular meetings. This can be at schools, churches or other community organizations.

Q: How do I sign up for Scouting?
A: You and your son can sign up during School Night to Join Scouting. Registration fees vary by unit. All youth members and adult volunteer leaders must fill out a membership application. Click on the links below to download a PDF of the applications:

Youth Application

Q: Why join?
A: We believe Scouting is the best program available that develops values and leadership skills in young people.

Q: How is Scouting organized?
A: Here's how boys progress through the Scouting program.

Tiger Cubs: For boys in first grade

Designed for boys and their parents
Activities based on searching, discovering, and sharing
Prepares parent and son for Cub Scouting
Boys and parents work with other families

Cub Scouts: For boys in second or third grade

Family centered program
Boys meet regularly in small groups to work on projects
Learning is achieved through completing tasks to earn badges
Boys wear uniforms with their badges, play games and sports, and have fun!

Webelos Scouts: For boys in fourth or fifth grade

Boys start participating in outdoor learning experiences, such as hiking and camping
Boys meet regularly with adult leaders
Learning is achieved through hobbies and a life-skills program called activity badges

Boy Scouts: For boys in sixth grade to age 18

Emphasizes learning through a weekly meeting that prepares the Scout for his monthly outdoor experience
Learning is achieved through an advancement program
Interaction with adult leaders and role models
Boys learn self-reliance, teamwork, and leadership skills

Q: Where can I get additional information on how Scouting is organized and implemented?
A: Download the Parent Orientation Guide. This publication contains information on:

How your Cub Scout pack is organized and functions as a team
How your son can advance through the ranks in Cub Scouting
What special programs are planned, like Scouting for Food and subscribing to Boys' Life magazine
How to purchase a Cub Scout uniform
And much more...

Attend "Taste of Scouting" on Saturday, Oct. 1: New Scouts and their families are invited to see what Cub Scouting is all about at this event.