Every family does. Click a question — and if yours isn't here, email us.
As Scouts, we take an oath to help other people at all times. We do that by welcoming every child and every family, 24/7.
One of the points of the Scout Law is "reverent," but we are not a church program. We give youth a chance to explore the world and their place in it, and to understand how religion, ethics, morals, and personal faith fit into that. It's not instructed — it's facilitated. Everyone is welcome and no one is excluded.
We use the outdoors as our primary educational environment because it is unpredictable — and, admittedly, because it's inexpensive. A weekend camping provides opportunities for learning, leadership, and life experiences that simply cannot be provided elsewhere, or at least not easily. That does not mean we drop your kids in the woods with a granola bar and pick them up on Sunday. We train our youth and our families how to thrive in the wilderness. A scout who joins us at 11 worried about bugs has often ended up, at 15 or 16, at 12,000 feet at Philmont Scout Reservation.
Scouting has existed in the United States since 1910, and we have welcomed youth with numerous backgrounds, challenges, strengths, and questions. Come to a meeting and let's talk it through — most likely there's a way we can accomplish your scouting goals and make sure it's done safely.
Scouting is, by comparison, one of the least expensive youth activities available — but that does not mean that even a moderate cost can't be prohibitive for some families. We have multiple fundraising opportunities during the year, as well as other resources, to ensure that every scout is given the opportunity.
Scouting has a very strong stance against bullying and other inappropriate behavior. Our membership standards welcome every child — every child, from every background, orientation, or belief. We stand with our youth and make sure they are safe, they are heard, and they are welcome.
One of the most important things to understand about scouting is that it is driven by the scout. You set your schedule and your advancement — and what you'll find is that the things you're already doing often overlap with rank requirements and merit badges. We have over 135 merit badges, each one a peek into a career or a passion. You may not just earn a badge — you may find a chance to instruct and lead others doing the thing you love. There are NFL and NBA stars who are Eagle Scouts, as well as actors, politicians, every walk of life. Give us a shot — we'll find a way to help you fit Scouts into your life.
Scouting America units chartered at Trinity United Methodist Church since 1922.
