Scouting Programs

Cub Scouts is for boys in the first through fifth grades.  It is a family-centered program which capitalizes on a boy’s natural interests and creates a stronger bond between the boy and his family through joint participation in activities.

Boy Scouts is for boys who have completed the fifth grade and are not yet 18.  It is a program of outdoor hiking and camping.  Scouts learn leadership skills, to plan their own activities, to care for themselves, and to appreciate and respect the outdoors.

Venturing is for young men and women who have completed the eigth grade, are at least 14 and are not yet 21.  Venturing's purpose is to provide positive experiences to help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults.

Order of the Arrow is BSA's national brotherhood of honor campers who are members of a Boy Scout Troop.  The purpose of the Order of the Arrow is fourfold:

• To recognize those Scout campers who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives;
• To develop and maintain camping traditions and spirit;
• To promote Scout camping; and
• To crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.

Exploring is for young men and women who have completed the eigth grade, are at least 14 and are not yet 21.  It is a career focused program in one of the 12 national clusters:  Fire Service, Business, Skilled Trades, Law & Government, Law Enforcement, Health, Communications, Engineering, Science, Aviation, Arts & Humanities, Social Services.  Explorer Posts build their program around five experience areas:  career opportunities, life skills, service learning, character education, and leadership experience.

Learning for Life is an educational program designed to meet the needs of youth and schools.  It helps youth meet the challenge of growing up by teaching character and good decision-making skills and then linking those skills to the real world.

The Religious Emblems Program have been created by the various religious groups to encourage youth to grow stronger in their faith.  The organization that develped this program is called the Programs of Religious Activities for Youth (P.R.A.Y.).  The programs are run through the respective religion.  The Boy Scouts and other national youth agencies have approved of these programs and even allow the recognition items/awards to be worn on their scout uniforms.