The Role of a Parent, Guardian, or Supporting Adult

Scouts BSA is a unique experience that differs from Cub Scouts in a key way: it’s designed to empower youth to take the lead. While Cub Scouts relies heavily on adult involvement for organizing and guiding activities, Scouts BSA shifts the focus to the scouts themselves. In this program, scouts are tasked with planning their own activities, making decisions, and achieving goals with guidance from trained leaders and support from parents. 

FAQs

General Questions

• What is Scouts BSA?
  Scouts BSA is a program for youth ages 11–17 that focuses on leadership, outdoor skills, and personal development through scout-led activities and adventures.

• How is Scouts BSA different from Cub Scouts?
  Scouts BSA emphasizes youth leadership, where scouts plan and carry out activities with guidance from leaders. Adults take on more of a supportive role rather than organizing events.

• What does Troop 6051 do?
  Our troop plans monthly camping trips, outdoor adventures, and service projects, and works on earning merit badges through weekly meetings, outings, and camps.

• Why are there still references to "Boy Scouts" if this program is for girls, too?
  The Boy Scouts of America is rebranding to "Scouting America." Announced in early 2024, this change reflects the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and growth. While you'll soon see more references to Scouting America, the transition will take time to implement fully. Both names represent the same organization and its mission to empower youth through scouting.

Joining the Troop

• How do I register my child?
  You can register online at my.scouting.org.

• How much does it cost to join?
  The cost varies each year.  In 2024, the annual dues were $85 for youth.

• What uniforms and gear does my scout need?

  • Field uniform (Class A): Tan Scout shirt with olive green shorts, pants, or skort (no leggings).

  • Activity uniform (Class B): Any Scout t-shirt with appropriate bottoms.

  • Closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor activities.

Activities and Participation

• What does my scout need to bring to meetings?
  Your scout should bring their Scout Handbook, a notebook, and something to write with. Specific items for meetings will be communicated via Remind.

• What kind of activities does the troop do?
  We organize camping trips, outdoor adventures, service projects, and fundraising events. Scouts also work on merit badges and rank advancements during meetings and outings.

• Can my scout bring a friend to a meeting?
  Absolutely! Friends are welcome to join a meeting and learn more about scouting.

• How can parents participate?
  Parents can volunteer as committee members, merit badge counselors, drivers, or coordinators for events, fundraisers, and service projects.

• What if my family has financial concerns about the costs?
  We want every child to have access to scouting. Please speak with us about financial assistance options or ways to use fundraiser earnings to cover dues.

Youth Protection and Safety

• What is Youth Protection Training (YPT), and who needs it?
  YPT is a mandatory program for all adults involved in Scouting to ensure the safety and well-being of youth. Parents are encouraged to take it, even if they’re not in a leadership role.

• What are the safety policies during activities?
  Scouts BSA enforces strict safety guidelines, including the two-deep leadership rule, ensuring no adult is ever alone with a scout. Activities are planned and executed with risk management in mind.

More About Scouting

• What are merit badges, and how does my scout earn them?
  Merit badges help scouts learn new skills and explore interests. They can earn them through meetings, camping trips, and camps like summer camp, with guidance from merit badge counselors.

• What is the goal of the Scouts BSA program?
  The program aims to help youth build self-confidence, leadership skills, and independence through challenging and rewarding experiences.

Some content on this website was generated with the assistance of OpenAI's ChatGPT, an AI language model. (openai.com).