Effective: February 12, 2020 This privacy policy describes why and how we collect and process information provided to or collected by us through the websites and applications where this privacy policy is posted. We take great pride in the relationship of trust we have built with our members, leaders, volunteers, donors and others over many […]

1. Privacy Policy Overview En Español June 7th 2019* The Boy Scouts of America is committed to respecting and protecting the personal privacy of its members and those who visit its Web site. It is our policy to acquire personal information from users only by overt means, only when it is in the interest of […]

Instagram #escapeindoors Contest 2020 Official Rules Boy Scouts of America Instagram Contest Official Rules NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER Eligibility: Entrants must be legal residents of the United States to enter the Instagram Contest” (“Contest”). Entrants must be 13 years of age or older at the time of entering. Employees of Boy Scouts of America […]

Effective January 15, 2015 This website is provided by Boy Scouts of America and its affiliates (collectively, “BSA”). By accessing this website (the “Site”), you are indicating your acknowledgment and acceptance of these Terms of Use (“TOU”). These Terms of Use are subject to change by BSA at any time in its discretion. This TOU […]

JOTA is a spectacular opportunity to introduce Scouts to amateur radio. For many, this will be their first exposure to the world of ham radio. Some will go on to become hams, enjoying the hobby for a lifetime. A few will even find the basis of a career in science and technology. We’ve assembled a […]

SUMMARY Serious injuries can occur when it’s cold and you spend time working, playing, or sleeping outside, particularly if you are wet or your clothes are wet or too tight. Scouts should be instructed to inform an adult as soon as possible if they are at an event, winter camp, or troop campout and start […]

CLICK HERE FOR A PDF VERSION OF THE GRAPHIC ABOVE. On the advancement trail, a Cub Scout progresses towards a badge of rank based on their grade. They need not have earned the previous rank in order to earn the next.  Each of the ranks in Cub Scouting has its own requirements that are age appropriate, […]

Transition from a New-Unit Commissioner to a Unit Commissioner After about 36 months—at the time of the third charter renewal—the unit Key 3 and the new-unit commissioner determine whether the unit is ready for a unit commissioner specializing in tenured units. Unit commissioners meet less often with their units and bring different perspectives based on […]

This is a complete list of the countries where Scouting exists. The asterisks mark countries that have third-party operating agreements with the U.S. This means people other than the licensed amateur radio operator can send messages or talk with others via amateur radio communication between the U.S. and that country. You can find the most […]

Jamboree-on-the-Air, or JOTA, is the largest Scouting event in the world. It is held annually the third full weekend in October. JOTA uses amateur radio to link Scouts and hams around the world, around the nation, and in your own community. This jamboree requires no travel, other than to a nearby amateur radio operator’s ham […]

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has a multilayered adult leader selection process that includes criminal background checks administered by a nationally recognized third party and other screening efforts. STEP 1: Application All adults who have been selected as potential leaders of youth by a chartered organization must provide references, past addresses, other community affiliations […]

A Title Month/Year A 30-Second Conversation May 2013 A Peek Ahead: Topics Planned for January-February November/December 2019 A Peek Ahead: Topics Planned for November-December September/October 2019 A Peek Ahead: Topics Planned for September-October July/August 2019 A Peek Ahead: Topics Planned for July—August May/June 2019 A Peek Ahead: Topics Planned for May-June March/April 2019 A Peek […]

Standards Standards at a Glance Authorization Scoresheets Resources/Circulars Purpose of the National Camp Accreditation Program The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America’s National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) is to help councils elevate camps to new levels of excellence in delivering Scouting’s promise to youth. Councils will engage in a rigorous review of camps and […]

Commissioners The Commissioner a publication for commissioners and professionals Summer 2021 Craig MartinExploring Chair bruin1967@aol.com Commissioners’ Role in Re-Growing Exploring after Covid-19 Impacts.  Thanks to COVID-19 vaccinations, we are seeing Scouting and Exploring units returning to in-person meetings and activities with proper prevention protocols in place. However, we have a long road in front of us […]

Many traditional Scouters have no idea where Exploring came from and question why it even exists. Too often Councils view Exploring as optional and make no serious effort to offer the program to the young adults of their communities. A bit of background may be helpful.

Commissioners The Commissioner a publication for commissioners and professionals Summer 2021 Sean Byrne Resources Chair sppbks@gmail.com  Last month I had the pleasure of giving the keynote presentation at Atlanta Area Council’s quarterly commissioner meeting. My topic was ‘Growing Scouting,’ and it was a slightly expanded version of a talk I gave during Commissioner’s Week at Philmont Training […]

SUMMARY Have you ever been told that your insurance is dependent upon wearing your field uniform (which is a myth, by the way)? Well, get ready, because we’re going to talk about what types of insurance coverage are available and where to find more information on coverage for Scouts, registered volunteer Scouters, and chartered organizations […]

Five-year financial planning goes hand-in-hand with the council’s strategic plan. In many cases, councils have written and adopted strategic plans that have outlined desired outcomes over a 5-year time horizon, but never created a financial plan to support it. Likewise, many of our councils are experiencing financial discomfort and some financial distress. This did not […]

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 […]

SCOUTS BSA Youth 11-17 years old Ready to Join? What is Scouts BSA? Scouts BSA is a year-round program for youth 11-17 years old that provides fun, adventure, learning, challenge, and responsibility to help them become the best version of themselves. For the first time in its 100+ year history, the iconic program of the […]

Venturing Newsletter | Winter 2023 January 2023 In this issue of the Venturing Newsletter, discover the history of the Summit Rank, meet the National VOA, get tips for landing an internship, and more! View Online Venturing Newsletter | Fall 2020 October 2020 Welcome to the fifth edition of the Venturing Newsletter! Be sure to read […]

For questions regarding award recognition placement on your uniform, visit the Uniform Guide. Venturing Ranks: The requirements for the Venturing Rank must be completed before starting on the requirements for the Discovery, Pathfinder, and Summit Ranks. Unless otherwise stated, requirements for the Discovery, Pathfinder, and Summit Ranks and other Venturing recognitions may be completed at […]

Webelos can earn any of the Cub Scout Nova Awards.  They may also earn the Dr. Charles Townes Supernova Award, as described below. Below are the current requirements for the Dr. Charles Townes Supernova Award, as of January 1, 2018.   Please use the Advancement Report, No.34403 as documentation for the Nova Award. Submit the Supernova […]

The Scout Oath instills in youth that, “On my honor I will do my best … to help other people at all times.” Emergency care is no exception. The Emergency Care & Safety Institute is providing training materials to help Boy Scouts of America volunteers and staff members teach Scouts how to provide life-saving care […]

Adult Audience Only   SUMMARY Over a seven-year period, a unit grew their annual shooting sports campout at a local gun range. Because of the large number of new shooters, an “impromptu” range was set up just to the side of one of the dedicated trap/skeet ranges. About 2 1/2 hours into the shotgun shooting […]

What is wilderness first aid?   Wilderness first aid, or “WFA”, is a generic term that commonly refers to any training course that focuses on prevention, assessment, and treatment for an ill or injured person in a remote environment where definitive care by a physician and/or rapid transport is not readily available. This is defined […]

Welcoming Refugees and Foreign Nationals into the Boy Scouts of America The work of one’s parents or the situation of one’s nation should not derail a young person’s Scouting ambitions. The BSA has a long history of welcoming refugees and foreign nationals into our program – especially in times of need and conflict. In many […]

A: Introduction IN THIS MODULE How to Use This Toolbox Purpose Scope BSA Inclusion Philosophy How Scouting Benefits Youth With Special Needs and Disabilities How Youth With Special Needs Benefit Other Youth How to Use This Toolbox The Inclusion Toolbox for Special Needs and Disabilities is a printable website that keeps special needs and disability information accessible […]