Boy Scouts of America
Explore the mission, leadership programs, and transformative impact of the Boy Scouts of America—building confident, capable, and compassionate leaders since 1910.
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What Is the Boy Scouts of America?
The Boy Scouts of America is the nation's foremost youth leadership organization, dedicated to preparing young people with practical outdoor skills, character development, and civic responsibility through adventure-based learning.
Founding and History
The Boy Scouts of America was founded in 1910 by incorporators who brought the Boy Scout movement from England to America and adapted it for American youth. What began with a single troop in Washington D.C. has grown into the world's largest youth leadership organization, serving millions of young people across the United States.
Throughout its history, the Boy Scouts have evolved to meet the changing needs of American youth while maintaining core values of outdoor education, leadership development, and service to community. The organization has expanded to include programs for all ages and backgrounds.
Today, the Boy Scouts of America continues its mission of preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices, developing leadership skills through outdoor adventure, and fostering responsible citizenship.
Key Facts
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Youth Participation
Millions of young people have been part of Scouting in America since 1910.
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Outdoor Adventure
Hands-on outdoor experience at camps, wilderness trips, and local activities.
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Rank Achievement
Progressive rank system from Scout through Eagle Scout recognizing advancement.
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Leadership Development
Youth learn leadership skills through mentorship and troop responsibilities.
Mission and Core Values
The BSA Mission
The Boy Scouts of America is dedicated to preparing young people with practical outdoor skills and civic responsibility while advancing character development and leadership. Through adventure-based learning, Scouts develop confidence, resilience, and a commitment to serving their communities.
🏕️ Outdoor Adventure
The heart of Scouting is outdoor adventure. Through camping, hiking, backpacking, and wilderness skills, Scouts develop self-reliance, problem-solving abilities, and appreciation for nature and conservation.
👨💼 Leadership Development
Scouts take on leadership roles within their troops, learning to make decisions, inspire others, and accept responsibility. This practical leadership experience prepares young people for success in college and careers.
🌟 Character Development
Through the Scout Oath and Law, Scouts learn ethical principles and character virtues including honesty, trustworthiness, loyalty, helpfulness, and respect. These values guide Scouts throughout their lives.
🤝 Community Service
Service projects are central to Scouting. Scouts learn the importance of giving back to their communities through environmental conservation, community improvement, and helping those in need.
Scout Programs and Ranks
The Boy Scouts of America offers age-appropriate programs from elementary school through high school, each with distinct activities and advancement opportunities.
Cub Scouts (Grades K-5)
Cub Scouts introduces younger children to outdoor activities, crafts, and community service through den and pack activities. Youth progress through ranks: Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos.
The focus is on fun, family involvement, and developing confidence through achievement in various badge activities.
Boy Scouts (Grades 6-12)
Boy Scouts focuses on wilderness skills, leadership development, and character building. Scouts advance through ranks from Scout to Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouting.
Activities include camping trips, backpacking expeditions, merit badge work, and troop leadership opportunities.
Venturers and Sea Scouts (Ages 14-20)
These advanced programs serve older youth with specialized outdoor activities including mountaineering, maritime adventures, and expedition-level experiences.
Participants develop advanced outdoor skills and leadership in small teams focused on high-adventure activities.
Merit Badges and Achievement
Scouts earn merit badges in dozens of subjects—from outdoor skills like camping and hiking to specialized interests in STEM, arts, and professional fields.
Each merit badge represents mastery in a specific skill area and contributes toward rank advancement.
Impact and Legacy
Building Future Leaders
For over a century, the Boy Scouts of America has shaped the character and competence of millions of young people. Many influential Americans, including presidents, military leaders, business executives, and community leaders, credit their Scouting experience with developing the values and skills that contributed to their success.
Research demonstrates that Scouts develop stronger decision-making skills, greater resilience, enhanced leadership capabilities, and deeper commitment to civic responsibility compared to their non-Scout peers.
The outdoor skills, character development, and leadership training provided by Scouting have measurable positive impacts on youth trajectories in education, career, and citizenship.
Eagle Scout Achievement
- • Highest rank in Boy Scouting, achieved by less than 10% of Scouts
- • Requires mastery of wilderness survival and outdoor skills
- • Demands significant leadership experience and community service
- • Eagle Scouts recognized for exceptional character and capability
- • Eagle Scout rank valued by colleges and employers nationwide