Are you new to Scouting?  

Let's get you some information on how Scouting works and what to expect.

Why Join Scouting?

For more than 100 years, Scouting programs have instilled in youth the values found in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Today, these values are just as relevant in helping youth grow to their full potential as they were in 1910. Scouting helps youth develop academic skills, self-confidence, ethics, leadership skills, and citizenship skills that influence their adult lives.

The Boy Scouts of America provides youth with programs and activities that allow them to

• Try new things.
• Provide service to others.
• Build self-confidence.
• Reinforce ethical standards.

While various activities and youth groups teach basic skills and promote teamwork, Scouting goes beyond that and encourages youth to achieve a deeper appreciation for service to others in their community.

Scouting helps meet these six essential needs of the young people growing up in our society:

• Mentoring
• Lifelong Learning
• Faith Traditions
• Serving Others
• Healthy Living
• Building Character

2023 Registration Fee Chart (Updated 1-1-2023)

What program should my youth join?

Cub Scouts (Packs): Kindergarten-5th grade or 5-10 years old, boys & girls 

Scouts BSA (Troops): At least 10 years old, currently in the fifth grade and register on or after March 1st; OR have earned the Arrow of Light Award and are at least 10 years old, OR are age 11 but have not reached age 18, boys & girls

Sea Scouts (Ships): 8th grade and up or 14 through 20 years old, co-ed

Venturers (Crews): 13 and completed 8th grade or 14 through 20 years old, co-ed

Explorers (Posts): 8th grade and up or 14 through 20 years old, co-ed

Where do I sign up?

Go online to www.BeAScout.org, choose your age, enter your zip code, and find a unit near you. Then, join or just request more information.  It's that easy. 

How much does Scouting cost?

The National registration fee is $75 for new Scouts + a one-time $25 joining fee + $1 insurance fee. The fee is pro-rated each month beginning with $75 in January. There are uniforms and outings and other expenses as you go along, but we also offer many fundraising programs throughout the year to help a Scout earn their own way.  

We believe that every child should have the chance to be a Scout! Because of the generosity of local families, businesses and leaders, the Bay Area Council can offer assistance to support local families in need.

Financial Assistance is available to those Scouts and families who have financial need. Please contact the Bay Area Council at 409-744-5206.

How often do we meet and where?

The schedule is set by the unit and not the same all across our geographic boundaries.  If the unit closest to you meets on Tuesdays and you cannot, let us know and we can help find you a unit that meets the needs of your family. 

What do adults do? 

Scouting is a family activity! You will have the opportunity to take a role in leading your child's experience - and we're here to help you become the best leader you can be with training, online resources and support from our Program Center.

Every volunteer leader is required to go through a rigorous background check and Youth Protection Training process that ensures your child will be in a safe and fun program. The Bay Area Council provides many training opportunities for our leaders to enhance the program they deliver, and increase the skills they can pass onto our Scouts.

Can I do sports & Scouting?

Many youth take part in Scouting along with a variety of other activities like sports, music, academic interests, and more. These programs all work together with Scouting to provide your child with a balance of adult role models and experiences!

Can you remind me again who to call for assistance?

Contact our Field Director Kelly Meacham at kelly.meacham@scouting.org.