Are You New to Scouting?

Let's get you some information on how Scouting works and what to expect.

Why Join Scouting?

For more than 100 years, Scouting programs have instilled in youth the values found in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Today, these values are just as relevant in helping youth grow to their full potential as they were in 1910. Scouting helps youth develop academic skills, self-confidence, ethics, leadership skills, and citizenship skills that influence their adult lives.

The Boy Scouts of America provides youth with programs and activities that allow them to

• Try new things.

• Provide service to others.

• Build self-confidence.

• Reinforce ethical standards.

While various activities and youth groups teach basic skills and promote teamwork, Scouting goes beyond that and encourages youth to achieve a deeper appreciation for service to others in their community.

Scouting helps meet these six essential needs of the young people growing up in our society:

• Mentoring

• Lifelong Learning

• Faith Traditions

• Serving Others

• Healthy Living

• Building Character

How Often Do We Meet & Where?

The schedule is set by the unit and not the same all across our geographic boundaries.  If the unit closest to you meets on Tuesdays and you cannot, let us know and we can help find you a unit that meets the needs of your family. 

What Do Adults Do?

Scouting is a family activity! You will have the opportunity to take a role in leading your child's experience - and we're here to help you become the best leader you can be with training, online resources and support from our Program Center.

Every volunteer leader is required to go through a rigorous background check and Youth Protection Training process that ensures your child will be in a safe and fun program. The Bay Area Council provides many training opportunities for our leaders to enhance the program they deliver, and increase the skills they can pass onto our Scouts.

Can I Do Sports & Scouting?

Many youth take part in Scouting along with a variety of other activities like sports, music, academic interests, and more. These programs all work together with Scouting to provide your child with a balance of adult role models and experiences!

Join Today or Learn More

Go online to www.BeAScout.org to join today or request more information. 

How Much Does Scouting Cost? 

• $85 for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting participants + $6 Bay Area Council Insurance fee

• $65 for all adult volunteers + $6 Bay Area Council Insurance fee

• $50 for Exploring participants Youth & Adult + $6 Bay Area Council Insurance fee

• $25 for Merit Badge Counselors not registered in a unit

• $100 Unit Charter fee 

• $15 for Scout Life magazine (optional)

*Some groups have their own individual fees that include going to larger out-of-state camps, more high adventure, and more planned activities.

The Scout Life magazine is optional.  A one-year subscription costs $15. 

Do You Need Financial Assistance?

We believe that every child should have the chance to be a Scout! Because of the generosity of local families, businesses and leaders, the Bay Area Council can offer assistance to support local families in need.

Financial Assistance is available to those Scouts and families who have financial need. Please contact the the Field Staff below.

What Program Should I Join?

Cub Scouts (Packs): Kindergarten-5th grade or 5-10 years old, boys & girls 

Scouts BSA (Troops): At least 10 years old, currently in the fifth grade and register on or after March 1st; OR have earned the Arrow of Light Award and are at least 10 years old, OR are age 11 but have not reached age 18, boys & girls

Sea Scouts (Ships): 8th grade and up or 14 through 20 years old, co-ed

Venturers (Crews): 13 and completed 8th grade or 14 through 20 years old, co-ed

Explorers (Posts): 8th grade and up or 14 through 20 years old, co-ed

Field Staff Contacts

Field Director - Covers Galveston & Brazoria Counties
Kelly Meacham at kelly.meacham@scouting.org.