Scouting America Program · Boys & Girls, Ages 11–17

Scouts BSA

Scouts BSA is the traditional Scouting experience where boys and girls can have their share of adventure in the great outdoors. Develop a love of service by volunteering in your community, boost your leadership skills through fun and exciting challenges, and create memories of a lifetime with no prior Scouting experience required!

About Scouts BSA

Over a century of building leaders and outstanding citizens

For over 100 years, our program has helped create generations of leaders and outstanding citizens by allowing boys and girls to explore their interests, serve their communities, and discover their talents through youth-led activities like hiking, camping, and volunteering!

Advancement & Awards

Rank by rank, all the way to Eagle Scout

Advancement is our method of promoting and encouraging ongoing involvement and commitment to keep youth engaged in the adventure! Scouts progress from rank to rank as they work their way up to Eagle Scout through advancement.

Merit Badges

Learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and even future careers as you earn merit badges. The more merit badges you earn, the further you advance on your way to earning the Eagle Scout rank!

Advancement Tracking

Plan advancement and track progress as your Scout meets new challenges!

Eagle Scout Rank

The Eagle Scout Award is the highest award available to youth members of Scouting America. It is the rank that every Scout works toward through advancement in the program.

Advancement Resource Center

Whether you’re looking for more information on requirements, applications, project ideas, workbooks, or advancement—check out our resource center for all things Scouts BSA!

National Outdoor Awards

Love the outdoors? There is nothing virtual about these awards—you earn them by demonstrating knowledge and experience in the outdoors!

Get updates on Scouts BSA Advancement

Scouts BSA Uniform

The universal symbol of Scouting

The universal symbol of Scouting, a BSA uniform will last you through countless adventures and bring you closer to other Scouts who share a common thread. Get your uniform today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the program?

Costs, safety, parent involvement and the move up from Cub Scouts—answered below.

The annual fee is $85. Additional fees might be charged by local councils and units.

*Price subject to change / **Effective May 1, 2024

At Scouts BSA, we aim to build an inclusive, youth-led community where boys and girls of all backgrounds feel welcome and in control of their Scouting experience. If a parent or guardian wishes to observe a troop meeting or lend a helping hand with youth-led activities, they should consult with the Scoutmaster in advance.

Programs are designed to follow a strict set of rules and policies that can be found in the Guide to Safe Scouting.

Program resources are in place by both the Cub Scouts pack and the Scouts BSA troop to help ensure a smooth transition.

We believe everyone should get the chance to participate in Scouting activities while being treated with the same level of respect as every other unit member.