Boy Scouts of America

Scouting is

Scouting is

Support Our Mission

Donate to Scouting and help support future leaders

Support Our Mission

Donate to Scouting and help support future leaders

Just Announced!

2026 National Jamboree

Join us at one of Scouting’s biggest events

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Just Announced!

2026 National Jamboree

Join us at one of Scouting’s biggest events

The Scouting Programs

Cub Scouts

Grades K–5

Scouts BSA

Ages 11-17

Venturing

Ages 14-20

Sea Scouts

Ages 14-20

Exploring

Ages 10-20

Want to learn more about the programs?

Find answers about meetings, activities, and more on our programs page!

Scout´s Motto

“Be prepared”

Our Mission

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Scout Law

A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

Scout Oath

“On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.”

WELCOME TO SCOUTING

Scouting invites every youth to a safe, fun place to learn, explore, and grow.
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is chartered by Congress to serve our nation’s youth by instilling the values of the Scout Oath and Law.  The BSA aims to prepare young people for lives of impact and purpose.  We welcome, at every level of our movement, youth and families who wish to live such a life of impact and purpose, guided by the Scout Oath and Law.
The BSA is committed to creating a welcoming, safe environment where Scouts can freely express themselves, share their experiences, and become the best version of themselves by learning from and respecting each other.
The BSA is non-partisan.  The National organization, Local Scout communities (councils), and units will ensure that their decisions, public statements, relationships with third parties, activities, and events are consistent with our non-partisan nature and maintain the welcoming and supportive nature of Scouting.

The Value of Scouting

Discovery is at the heart of Scouting. Whether it’s a campout, derby car race, or hike on the trail, we believe every adventure helps us uncover a little more about ourselves. We build the foundations for humility and compassion—strengthening character through actions—to prepare youth for a lifetime of leadership.

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Prepared. For Life.

Scouting teaches youth to confront any challenge with whole hearts and clear minds—to live their lives without regret, never back down, and do their very best!

In Scouting, we will not compromise the safety of our youth, volunteers, and employees. Safety is a value that must be taught and reinforced at every opportunity. We are all responsible and must hold each other accountable to provide a safe environment for all participants.

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Diversity

The BSA promotes a culture where youth, volunteers, and employees feel a sense of belonging—where every person feels respected and valued. We welcome families of all backgrounds to help prepare young people to serve as successful members and leaders of our nation’s diverse communities.

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Become Your Best Self

Through fun yet challenging physical and mental activities, Scouting encourages personal growth by teaching youth how to set goals and achieve them with determination.

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Fun for the Whole Family

Scouting is something the whole family can experience together. We designed our program so that anyone—brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers—can have fun and make an impact!

Scouting Is the Difference

Our unique programs focused on character development, leadership and outdoor exploration provide a lifetime of benefits!

Compared to non-Scouts, Scouts are more likely to:

Embrace positive
social values

Develop kindness, helpfulness,
and cheerfulness

Have a greater sense
of hope for their future