The mission of the Boy
Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral
choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout
Oath and Law.
A concise overview of Scouting programs with links
to more detailed information:
A family- and home-centered program for boys in
the first through fifth grade (or 7, 8, 9, and 10 years old). Cub
Scouting's emphasis is on quality program at the local level, where the
most boys and families are involved. Fourth- and fifth-grade (or
10-year-old) boys are called Webelos (WE'll
BE LOyal
Scouts) and participate in more advanced
activities that begin to prepare them to become Boy Scouts.
A program for boys 11 through 17 designed to
achieve the aims of Scouting through a vigorous outdoor program and peer
group leadership with the counsel of an adult Scoutmaster. (Boys also may
become Boy Scouts if they have earned the Arrow of Light Award or have
completed the fifth grade.)
Venturing is a youth development
program for young men and women who are 14 (and have completed the eighth
grade) through 20 years of age. Venturing provides positive experiences
and prepare them to become responsible adults. Venturing crews can
specialize in a variety of vocation or hobby interests and are developed
around six experience areas.
Exploring is a worksite, career education based
program for young men and women who are 14 (and have completed the eighth
grade) through 20 years old. Local community organizations match their
people and program resources to the interests of young people in the
community. The result is a program of activities that help youth pursue
their special interests, grow, and develop.