Prepared. For life.
For youth ages 11–17
Scouts camp, hike, paddle and lead their own adventures with friends their age. Experienced adults guide them; the Scouts make the plans and run the show.
- Ages 11–17or 10 with Arrow of Light
- Boys and girlsjoin boy troops, girl troops or family troops
- RI, MA & CTall of Rhode Island plus nearby Massachusetts and Connecticut communities
Which best describes your family?
Pick one to see the information that fits you.
What is Scouts BSA?
It’s Scouting’s program for middle and high schoolers. Scouts join a troop and work in small groups called patrols, learning outdoor skills, earning merit badges and taking turns as leaders.
Scouts prove themselves in an environment that challenges their courage and tests their nerves. With guidance from adults who know the way, they take the lead, going places they’ve never gone and relying on teamwork and character to do what others think is impossible.
Along the way, Scouts can work toward the Eagle Scout rank, recognized for developing leadership, service, character and perseverance. Read the research on Eagle Scouts.
Can my child join?
Youth can join Scouts BSA if they meet any one of these:
- Are at least 10 years old, currently in fifth grade, and register on or after March 1
- or
- Have earned the Arrow of Light award in Cub Scouts and are at least 10 years old
- or
- Are age 11 but not yet 18
How to join, step by step
Most families go from first look to first campout in a few weeks.
Find a troop
Enter your ZIP code on BeAScout to see troops near you and how to contact them.
Visit a meeting
Stop by with your Scout. Ask about meeting nights, upcoming trips and how the troop is run.
Register online
Sign up through the troop’s BeAScout listing. Financial assistance is available.
Gear up and go
Pick up a handbook and uniform at the Scout Shop, then head out on your first adventure.
Questions parents often ask
What’s the difference between a troop and a patrol?
A troop is the whole group that meets together, usually weekly. Inside the troop, Scouts are organized into patrols of a few friends who plan, cook and camp together, each with an elected patrol leader.
Is Scouts BSA open to girls?
Yes. A troop can be a boy troop, a girl troop, or a family troop where boys and girls belong to the same troop. Ask your local troop which kind it is.
My child is finishing Cub Scouts. What happens next?
Scouts who earn the Arrow of Light usually “cross over” into a troop. Many dens visit troops during their final year to find the right fit.
Do parents have to volunteer?
It isn’t required, but troops run on volunteers and there’s a role for every schedule. All adult volunteers complete Safeguarding Youth training.
What does it cost?
Costs include national registration, troop dues and optional trips and camp. Ask your troop for its fees, and see our financial assistance options so cost is never the reason a youth can’t join.
The trail to Eagle
Every rank builds on the last. Early ranks focus on outdoor skills; later ranks add merit badges, leadership and service.
- 1ScoutLearn the basics and join your patrol
- 2TenderfootFirst campout and core skills
- 3Second ClassNavigation, first aid, cooking
- 4First ClassConfident outdoor skills
- 5StarMerit badges and service
- 6LifeLeadership positions
- 7Eagle ScoutService project, 21 merit badges, before age 18
Adventures across the council
Camps, competitions and trainings for Scouts at every stage.
Camp Yawgoog
Our summer camp in Rockville, RI. A week of merit badges, swimming, boating, archery and campfires with your troop.
Visit Camp YawgoogNYLT
National Youth Leader Training: a week-long course for Scouts ready to lead.
Learn about NYLTKlondike Derby
Winter patrol competition: build a sled and test your skills.
Klondike detailsNor’easter Frost Point
A cold-weather camping award for Scouts who brave New England winter.
Award requirementsOrder of the Arrow
Scouting’s national honor society for experienced campers.
About the OAWeekend camping
Reserve sites at Aquapaug, Buck Hill, Norse, Champlin, Sandsland and Yawgoog.
Browse our campsQuick links for Scouts and parents
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.
