What Is Scouting?

In addition to Boy Scouting, the BSA has developed programs for young people of different ages and interests:

Cub Scouting – Offers exciting opportunities for younger boys. Starting in first grade, boys are Tiger Cubs. Then, for second and third grade (ages 8-9) they become Cub Scouts earning the Bobcat, Wolf, and Bear ranks. Fourth and fifth graders (or boys who are 10) can join Webelos in preparation for becoming Boy Scouts.
Varsity Scouting – Allows older boys to add to their Scouting experiences by forming teams that take part in sports events and challenging outdoor adventures.
Venturing – is a program for young men and women ages 14 through 20. Venturing crews choose an area of special interest such as sailing, mountaineering, youth ministry, sports, the outdoors, or arts/hobbies.
Lone Scouting – The Lone Scouts of America was founded to provide Scouting experiences for boys living in sparsely populated areas of the country. The Lone Scout plan serves boys who cannot take part in the activities of a Boy Scout troop on a regular basis because of distance, disability, or other unavoidable factors.
Direct Service Council – established to make Scouting available to U.S. citizens and their dependents who live in countries outside the jurisdiction of the Transatlantic Council and the Far East Council (the BSA's two overseas councils).