The Boy Scouts of America has established the following guidelines for a safe and quality camping experience. Fundamental guiding principles for camping: Supervision of camping activities must include qualified, registered, adult leadership. At a minimum, one leader present is current in Hazardous WeatherTraining for all unit types. It is recommended that all leaders completethis training […]

Frequently Asked Questions Updated 1/3/2024 Overview of the Cub Scout Program Updates Effective June 1, 2024, the Cub Scout program will be updated to ensure that Cub Scouting is Fun, Simple, and Easy. Fun for Cub Scouts, parents, and leaders. Simple to understand and explain. Easy to deliver as designed. These updates are the result […]

Scuba BSA PDF With Application Scuba BSA introduces qualified Scouts BSA, Venturing, and registered adult participants to to the special skills, equipment, and safety precautions associated with scuba diving. Scuba BSA Scuba BSA introduces qualified Scouts BSA, Venturing, and registered adult participants to the special skills, equipment, and safety precautions associated with scuba diving; encourages […]

SUMMARY The day has come to an end and now your next adventure is cooking a cobbler for your evening dessert. Soon, you’ll be ready to light a charcoal fire using your choice of approved Scouting equipment. However, when using charcoal, it is important to keep in mind that chemical fuels are not permitted for […]

Adult Audience Only SUMMARY “Stoves made for the outdoors can also extend the range of your travels by giving you a reliable way to generate heat anywhere and in any weather.” This is a quote from the 2014 edition of the Fieldbook (Scouting’s Manual of Basic and Advanced Skills for Outdoor Adventure). A propane camp […]

Additional FAQ’s: General Health and Safety,  Annual Health and Medical Record, Shooting Sports program Updated 8/2/2023 – ♦ indicates latest updates Adult Supervision Q: If my son or daughter is meeting with a registered merit badge counselor and is the only Scout present, is supervision by two registered adults still required? A:  No, provided you as […]

Quick Concept for Leave What You Find Exploring Natural Settings and Archaeological Areas This activity should take about 60 minutes. What Your Group Will Learn After participating in this activity plan, which is designed to help participants learn about the value of leaving natural features and cultural artifacts undisturbed, participants will be able to Describe […]

An adequate number of trained, engaged commissioners is essential to ensure that every member of he BSA has a great Scouting experience. The Commissioner Engagement Group develops tools and techniques to support local councils and districts in recruiting commissioners from both inside and outside the BSA, encouraging their continuing training and development, and recognizing their […]

National Outdoor Conference National Outdoor Conference 2021 BSA National Outdoor Conference begins in: {“timer_type”:”fixed”,”years”:”2021″,”months”:”11″,”days”:”5″,”hours”:”9″,”minutes”:”0″,”show_labels”:”yes”,”show_years”:””,”show_months”:””,”show_days”:”yes”,”show_hours”:”yes”,”show_minutes”:”yes”,”show_seconds”:”yes”,”label_days_plural”:”Days”,”label_days_singular”:”Day”,”label_hours_plural”:”Hours”,”label_hours_singular”:”Hour”,”label_minutes_plural”:”Minutes”,”label_minutes_singular”:”Minute”,”label_seconds_plural”:”Seconds”,”label_seconds_singular”:”Second”,”block_style”:”default”,”label_position”:”outside”,”fixed_timer_action”:”msg”,”timer_layout”:”{y<} tt<div class=”pp-countdown-item”>nttt<div class=”pp-countdown-digit-wrapper”>ntttt<h1 class=”pp-countdown-digit”>nttttt{ynn}tttt</h1>nttt</div>nttttttt<div class=”pp-countdown-label-wrapper”>nttttt<h2 class=”pp-countdown-label”>ntttttt{yl}ttttt</h2>ntttt</div>nttttt</div>ntt {y>}nttttt{o<} tt<div class=”pp-countdown-item”>nttt<div class=”pp-countdown-digit-wrapper”>ntttt<h1 class=”pp-countdown-digit”>nttttt{onn}tttt</h1>nttt</div>nttttttt<div class=”pp-countdown-label-wrapper”>nttttt<h2 class=”pp-countdown-label”>ntttttt{ol}ttttt</h2>ntttt</div>nttttt</div>ntt {o>}nttttt{d<} tt<div class=”pp-countdown-item”>nttt<div class=”pp-countdown-digit-wrapper”>ntttt<h1 class=”pp-countdown-digit”>nttttt{dnn}tttt</h1>nttt</div>nttttttt<div class=”pp-countdown-label-wrapper”>nttttt<h2 class=”pp-countdown-label”>ntttttt{dl}ttttt</h2>ntttt</div>nttttt</div>ntt {d>}nttttt{h<} tt<div class=”pp-countdown-item”>nttt<div class=”pp-countdown-digit-wrapper”>ntttt<h1 class=”pp-countdown-digit”>nttttt{hnn}tttt</h1>nttt</div>nttttttt<div class=”pp-countdown-label-wrapper”>nttttt<h2 class=”pp-countdown-label”>ntttttt{hl}ttttt</h2>ntttt</div>nttttt</div>ntt {h>}nttttt{m<} tt<div class=”pp-countdown-item”>nttt<div class=”pp-countdown-digit-wrapper”>ntttt<h1 class=”pp-countdown-digit”>nttttt{mnn}tttt</h1>nttt</div>nttttttt<div class=”pp-countdown-label-wrapper”>nttttt<h2 class=”pp-countdown-label”>ntttttt{ml}ttttt</h2>ntttt</div>nttttt</div>ntt {m>}nttttt{s<} tt<div class=”pp-countdown-item”>nttt<div class=”pp-countdown-digit-wrapper”>ntttt<h1 class=”pp-countdown-digit”>nttttt{snn}tttt</h1>nttt</div>nttttttt<div class=”pp-countdown-label-wrapper”>nttttt<h2 class=”pp-countdown-label”>ntttttt{sl}ttttt</h2>ntttt</div>nttttt</div>ntt […]

Frequently Asked Questions Q: Why are the updates taking effect on June 1? A: In the BSA computer systems all Scouts are automatically moved from one grade to the next, this is called “roll-over”.  The effect date of June 1 is to coincide with grade roll-over.  As a practical matter, June 1 is the beginning […]

“When we get too caught up in the busyness of the world, we lose connection with one another – and ourselves.” – Jack Kornfield, Buddhist scholar, author, teacher

The Scouts BSA program is a source of inspiration for countless individuals who have dedicated themselves to the values it embodies. It is easy to assume that our years of involvement have made us experts, leaving us with nothing new to learn. As commissioners our calling is distinct—to be the foremost wellspring of support and guidance for our Troops. Achieving this lofty goal necessitates a spirit of perpetual learning and an openness to embracing latest ideas. To help you support this, I will delve into the concrete suggested resources commissioners can use to elevate themselves into the single most indispensable resource for Scouts BSA leaders.

SUMMARY All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are defined as “motorized recreational cycles with three or four large, soft tires, designed for off-road use on a variety of terrains.” While all-terrain vehicles—including ATVs, utility task vehicles (UTVs), and side-bysides—are fun and exciting to navigate through a forest course, they are also under the watchful eye of the Consumer […]

Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse The BSA has adopted the following policies for the safety and well-being of its members. These policies primarily protect youth members; however, they also serve to protect adult leaders. All parents and caregivers should understand that our leaders are to abide by these safeguards. Parents and youth are strongly encouraged to […]

Adult Audience Only   SUMMARY Portable generators are a common tool when temporary or remote power is needed. In Scouting, these could be used at large district or council events, or at summer or winter camps. Generators can be incredibly helpful but do have some inherent dangers. GENERAL INFORMATION Always consult and follow the manufacturer […]

Adult Audience Only, Update January 2024   Protecting Your Troop Equipment Trailer Hello Scouts and Scouters, today’s safety moment focuses on safeguarding your troop’s valuable equipment trailer from theft. Properly securing your trailer not only prevents financial loss but also ensures that your troop’s outings and activities proceed without disruptions caused by missing equipment. The […]

Activity Plan for Minimize Campfire Impacts—Exploring Fires and Stoves Grabbing Your Group’s Attention (10 minutes) Share this scenario with the group. Imagine you are camping in the mountains. The air is a bit chilly as the group prepares the evening meal. You plan to build a fire to cook hot dogs and heat cans of […]

Adult Audience Only   SUMMARY The BSA has adopted the following policies for the safety and well-being of its members. These policies primarily protect youth members; however, they also serve to protect adult leaders. Registered leaders must follow these guidelines with Scouting youth outside of Scouting activities.   GENERAL INFORMATION Registration Requirements The chartered organization […]

8 Elements to Consider When Planning a Trip Wilderness is a necessity…a fountain of life… thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people who are beginning to find out that going to the mountain is going home; that wilderness is a necessity; that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating […]

You love exploring your passions, making new friends, and discovering the world. You’re always looking for an adventure. Rappelling a cliff. Perfecting your shot. Designing a robot. Kayaking into the sunset. Exploring your faith. Volunteering at an animal shelter. The choice is yours! Each activity provides an opportunity to shine and learn more about yourself […]

SUMMARY Stoves made for the outdoors can extend the range of your travels by giving you a reliable way to safely cook anywhere and in any weather. Typically, backpacking stoves use white gas, kerosene, propane, butane, or isobutane gas as a fuel. Ultralight trekkers also favor alcohol stoves. GENERAL INFORMATION Here are some fire safety […]

Virtual Camps Virtual Camps BSA Virtual Camp Opportunities Summer camp is a highlight for Scouts of all ages each year! Boys and girls yearn for outdoor programs that stir their imagination and interest!  Virtual camps offered by BSA councils from across the country will continue to challenge and excite your Scout! They will be able […]

Young Pretty Woman Sitting Inside her Car, Smiling at the Camera While Showing Keys on her Hand.; Shutterstock ID 293838923; Project: Safety Moment

This chart lists all Religious Emblems Programs available to members of the Boy Scouts of America. Images of the medals, where available, may be viewed by clicking the award’s name. African Methodist Episcopal Church Local council service center or P.R.A.Y.11123 S. Towne Square, Suite BSt. Louis, MO 63123Toll Free: 1-800-933-7729; Fax: 314-845-0038; e-mail info@praypub.org ; […]

The Conservation Department at Philmont Scout Ranch has many opportunities for youth and adults to learn about conservation project planning and implementation. All programs are led by well-trained, interesting instructors with the skills and education to give you the experience you need. With options for youth as young as 14 through adults of any age […]