The Boy Scouts of America relies on dedicated volunteers to promote its mission of preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Today, nearly 1.2 million adults provide leadership and mentoring to Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers.

Through the dedication of these many volunteers, the Boy Scouts of America remains the foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training in America.

And, to adults who are not currently Scout volunteers, we invite you to become a volunteer and share in the positive experiences of the Scouting program.

Scouting began in 1907 when Lord Robert Baden-Powell, Lieutenant General in the British Army, held the first Scouting encampment at Brownsea Island in England. Baden-Powell wrote the principles of Scouting in Scouting for Boys (London, 1908). During the first half of the 20th century, the movement grew to encompass three major age groups each for boys (Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Rover Scout).

The movement employs the Scout method, a program of informal education with an emphasis on practical outdoor activities, including camping, bushcraft, aquatics, hiking, backpacking, and sports. Another widely recognised movement characteristic is the Scout uniform, by intent hiding all differences of social standing in a country and making for equality, with neckerchief and campaign hat or comparable head wear. Distinctive uniform insignia include the fleur-de-lis and the trefoil, as well as merit badges and other patches.

As of 2008, there were over 28 million registered Scouts and 10 million registered Guides around the world, from 216 countries and territories, a combined 9.5 million in the United States alone.

In the United States, Scouting is divided in to separate age groups:

Cub Scouts is for boys between 7 and 10 Years old (grades 1 through 5). It is a year round family based program. The program emphasises shared leadership, learning about the community, family understanding, character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness.

Boy Scouts is for boys who are 11, or are at least 10 years old and have completed the fifth grade or have earned the Cub Scout Arrow of Light Award, through 17 years old. Boys experience a vigorous outdoor program and peer group leadership with the counsel of an adult Scoutmaster to achieve the BSA's objectives of developing character, citizenship, and personal fitness. Camping, fun with friends -- and more. It’s the adventure of a lifetime.

Venturing is a coed, high-adventure program for youth 14 through 20 years of age, or 13 years of age and have completed the eighth grade. The program provides positive experiences through exciting and meaningful youth-run activities that help them pursue their special interests, grow by teaching others, and develop leadership skills.