Boy Scouts of America, Greater Colorado Council

Scouts bsa (ages 11-17 / grades 6-12)

Scouts BSA provides young men and women with authentic leadership experiences through participation in challenging activities that promote character development and physical fitness such as camping, outdoor adventures, and community service projects. Scouts BSA encourages youth to be leaders in their homes, schools, and communities. This program is open to boys and girls ages 11-17, who can join after they turn 11, or after March 1 of their fifth grade year, or after earning their Arrow of Light in Cub Scouts.

What Will I Do in Scouts BSA?

Scouts are organized into single-gender units of 10 to 40 youth called a “Troop.” Scouting is designed to predominately take place in the outdoors. Outdoor activities allow Scouts to share responsibilities and learn to live with one another. It’s outside where skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose. Nature is the laboratory in which Scouts gain self-esteem, leadership skills, and an appreciation for the world around them.

Scouts travel to amazing places, from the mountains of New Mexico to the Florida Keys, as well as our beautiful backyard of Colorful Colorado! They hike, camp, swim, jet-ski, ride ATVs, ride horses, and climb 60-foot walls. Scouts plan their own advancement and progress at their own pace. They may choose from 120 interests ranging from game development to wilderness survival, and earn advancement credit in these areas in the form of “merit badges.” Experts in these fields are ready to provide fun, real-world experiences. A Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps them gain self-confidence. Establishing their own goals helps Scouts grow in self-reliance

is Scouts BSA a family activity?

Yes! Scouting is open for young men, young women, and parents –Scouting provides an opportunity to engage the entire family! Each Scout Troop is sponsored by a local chartered organization, like a school, church, or service club. Parents are welcome and encouraged to get involved as a Troop leader or volunteer. Many boys’ Troops have corresponding girls’ Troops with whom they do joint activities throughout the year. By serving as a leader, you can help influence the kind of adults that Scouts grow to be. Many tools, resources, and training programs are available to assist volunteers in becoming effective leaders and enjoy their experience.

How Often Do We Meet?

Scout Troops meet weekly. They will also participate in a monthly Troop activity like camping, bouldering, canoeing, STEM activities, and more.

How Much Does it Cost?

Each Troop determines the dues per year for its participants, based on its annual activity budget. Part of the cost includes a national membership fee that goes to the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America to handle the cost of essential services for those participating in approved Scouting activities, program resources, safety standards, youth protection and personal safety training, and services to councils nationwide to sustain Scouting. In addition, a Troop’s costs also include funds for its individual activities, including campouts, speakers, excursions, materials, and other expenses. Lastly, each youth must buy a uniform (which they can wear for multiple years while in Scouting). On average, the annual Troop dues are between $200 and $300 per year, and a uniform costs approximately $75.

How Do We Get Started?

You can join a Scout Troop any time, at any point in the year!

You can use the tool at www.beascout.org to select your age group, find a unit near you, and reach out to the leaders of that unit about joining! They will have you complete an application and submit it, and then you can Start Scouting!


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