Find your path: Scouting programs for ages 14 to 20
Venturing, Exploring and Sea Scouts are for youth ages 14–20, girls and boys alike. You don’t need any Scouting experience to join, and if you’re already in a troop, you can join one of these too.
Where these programs fit
Scouting follows young people from kindergarten to age 20. These three programs pick up in the teen years and run alongside Scouts BSA.
Venturing and Sea Scouts also welcome 13-year-olds who have finished 8th grade. Below the line are the programs on this page.
Meet the programs
Each one has its own focus. Pick the one that sounds like you, or try more than one.
Venturing
Challenge yourself. Challenge your world.
- Focus
- High adventure and leadership
- Ages
- 14–20
- Group name
- Crew
- Top award
- Summit Award
A Venturing crew is a group of teens who choose their own adventures and plan them together. Adult advisors help, but youth are in charge of what the crew does.
What you might do
- Backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking and winter camping trips
- Service projects in your community
- Plan and lead events, and build real leadership experience
A good fit if you love the outdoors, want bigger challenges, and want a say in planning them.
Learn about VenturingExploring
Discover your future.
- Focus
- Career exploration
- Ages
- 14–20 (Clubs for 10–13)
- Group name
- Post or Club
- Hosted by
- Local businesses and agencies
Exploring connects you with professionals in a career you’re curious about. Posts are run with local employers, so you learn by doing alongside people who work in the field.
What you might do
- Get hands-on in fields like law enforcement, firefighting, healthcare, engineering or aviation
- Meet mentors and see what a job is really like
- Build skills for college applications and your first job
A good fit if you’re wondering “what do I want to do after high school?”
Learn about ExploringSea Scouts
Live the adventure. Navigate the world.
- Focus
- Boating and maritime skills
- Ages
- 14–20
- Group name
- Ship
- Top rank
- Quartermaster
Sea Scouts learn to sail, navigate and run a vessel as a crew. In the Ocean State, there’s no better place to learn your way around a boat.
What you might do
- Sailing, powerboating, navigation and seamanship
- Water safety, first aid and emergency skills
- Weekend cruises and regattas, with youth taking real responsibility on board
A good fit if you’d rather be on the water than anywhere else.
Learn about Sea ScoutsSide by side
| Detail | Venturing | Exploring | Sea Scouts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Outdoor adventure | Trying out a career | Boating and the water |
| Ages | 14–20 | 14–20 (Clubs 10–13) | 14–20 |
| Your group is called | Crew | Post (or Club) | Ship |
| Recognition | Venturing, Discovery, Pathfinder and Summit awards | Career skills, mentors and references | Apprentice, Ordinary, Able and Quartermaster ranks |
| Prior Scouting needed? | No | No | No |
Your next step
New to Scouting
- Pick a programUse the descriptions above to choose the one that matches your interests.
- Find a group near youSearch by ZIP code on BeAScout to see crews, posts and ships in your area.
- Visit a meetingReach out to the group and drop in to see if it’s a good fit. Parents are welcome.
- Sign upRegister online. If cost is a concern, ask about financial assistance.
Already in Scouting
- Keep your troop and add a crew or shipYouth can be registered in more than one unit, so you don’t have to choose.
- Eagle is still on the tableScouts who reached First Class in a troop can keep working toward Eagle in a crew or ship until age 18.
- Leaders and parents are neededEvery crew, post and ship needs adult advisors. Your skills and hobbies could start a new group.
Common questions
Do I need to have been a Cub Scout or Scout before?
No. All three programs welcome brand-new members. Many people join Scouting for the first time as teens.
Are these programs for girls and boys?
Yes. Venturing, Exploring and Sea Scouts have been open to all young people for decades.
Can I belong to a troop and one of these at the same time?
Yes. Lots of Scouts stay with their troop and join a crew or ship for extra adventure.
How much does it cost?
There is an annual registration fee, and some groups have dues or trip costs. Financial help is available so cost doesn’t keep anyone out. See financial assistance.
What if there’s no group near me?
Contact the council office. We can connect you with a nearby group or help adults start a new one. Email [email protected].
Ready for an Unforgettable Summer?
Don’t miss out on the thrill of archery, swimming, and STEM adventures. Whether you are joining us for one week or the full summer, your journey starts here.
