Scouting has a rich, global history. We invite you to learn more about the international Scouting movement, Scouting in the United States, and how the Scouts BSA program works by clicking on the boxes below. Our site only begins to scratch the surface of this information. Additional information about the Scouting Movement can be found at Scout.org. More information about the Boy Scouts of America and the Scouts BSA program is available at Scouting.org.
The Scouting Movement
Scouting is a worldwide movement that provides young people with opportunities to participate in programmes, events, activities and projects that contribute to their growth as active citizens. Through these initiatives, young people become agents of positive change who inspire others to take action.
The Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America, or “BSA”, is the parent organization of the Scouting Movement in the United States. The BSA operates 5 programs for youth in kindergarten until they turn 21.
The Scouts BSA Program
The Scouts BSA program, formerly called the “Boy Scout” Program, is the traditional Scouting experience where boys and girls can have their share of adventure in the great outdoors. Develop a love of service by volunteering in your community, boost your leadership skills through fun and exciting challenges, and create memories of a lifetime with no prior Scouting experience required!
Rank Advancement
The core of the Scouts BSA program is delivered by our Scouts completing specific requirements to earn ranks. Ranks are earned sequentially and the skills gained in one rank are built on in subsequent ranks. The highest rank in Scouts BSA is the Eagle Scout award.
Merit Badges
Merit Badges provide a Scout with an introduction to a specific topic. Scouts BSA has over 130 merit badges covering Scout skills, sports, hobbies, science, trades, business, technology, and even future careers.
The Scout Uniform
The Scout Uniform is a symbol of the BSA. It tells others that you’re a Scout and represents Scouting’s history of service to the nation and the world. By wearing uniforms, Scouts show that they are equal and share values and believes.
Why join Scouting?
Scouting, with programs for young men and women, helps meet these six essential needs of the young people growing up in our society: Mentoring, Lifelong Learning, Faith Traditions, Serving Others, Healthy Living, and Building Character.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about the Scouting Movement, the Boy Scouts of America, or the Scouts BSA program? Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions. Don’t see your question listed? Click the button to ask it!
General Questions
Scouts BSA (formerly called “Boy Scouts”) is the traditional Scouting experience where boys and girls can have their share of adventure in the great outdoors. Develop a love of service by volunteering in your community, boost your leadership skills through fun and exciting challenges, and create memories of a lifetime with no prior Scouting experience required!
The Boy Scout program was renamed as Scouts BSA in February 2019 when the program was opened to girl members. Members of the Scouts BSA program are referred to as “Scouts.”
A Troop is an organization of youth enjoying the challenges and adventures of Scouting. (If you were a Cub Scout, the Troop is roughly equivalent to the Cub Scout Pack.)
Scout Troops are made up of Patrols with each of patrol’s members sharing responsibility for the patrol’s success. (If you were a Cub Scout, a Patrol is like your Den.) Everyone in the patrol will have skills and knowledge to share. By working together in small groups, Scouts lean together, make plans and turn their ideas into actions.
The Troop and each patrol have various leadership positions that Scouts may fill.
The Boy Scouts of America designates the Sunday that falls before February 8 (Scouting Anniversary Day) as Scout Sunday; a day on which we recognize the contributions of young people and adults to Scouting.
Every year, Troop 457 celebrates the birthday of our program by supporting our charter organization (English Lutheran Church) by participating in their Sunday service and hosting a pancake breakfast for the congregation to say Thank You to the church for sponsoring our Troop since 1940.
Terminology
A chartered organization is a community-based group whose objectives, mission and methodologies are compatible with those of the BSA. It agrees to use the Scouting program to further its mission to serve young people. The partnership is intended to be deeper than, say, a sponsorship arrangement between a youth baseball team and a local business.
Troop 457’s Charter Organization is English Lutheran Church of Zelienople, PA.
Learn more in Scouting Magazine.