It depends on your current age, but generally, youth are eligible for the Scouts BSA program until they turn 18.
Understanding Scouts BSA Eligibility
The Scouts BSA program, formerly known as Boy Scouts, is designed for youth who want to engage in outdoor adventures, leadership development, and character building. The age criteria for participation are specific, ensuring that the program is tailored to the developmental stage of its members.
Age Requirements for Joining
To join Scouts BSA as a youth member, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Age and Grade: Be at least 10 years old, currently in the fifth grade, and register on or after March 1st.
- Arrow of Light Award: Be at least 10 years old and have earned the Cub Scout Arrow of Light Award.
- General Age: Be age 11, but have not yet reached your 18th birthday.
This means that the latest you can typically join the program as a youth participant is just before your 18th birthday.
Staying in the Program
Once enrolled in Scouts BSA, a youth participant can continue their journey until their 18th birthday. Upon turning 18, youth members officially "age out" of the traditional Scouts BSA program designed for adolescents.
Here's a quick summary of the eligibility for youth participation:
| Eligibility Criteria | Age / Grade Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age (Conditional) | 10 years old AND in 5th grade (register March 1st or later) |
| Minimum Age (Arrow of Light) | 10 years old AND earned Arrow of Light |
| Minimum Age (General) | 11 years old |
| Maximum Age for Youth Membership | Must NOT have reached 18th birthday |
Beyond Youth Membership: Adult Roles
If you are 18 or older, you are considered too old for youth membership in Scouts BSA. However, your involvement with Scouting doesn't have to end there. Many former Scouts and community members transition into adult leadership roles, serving as:
- Unit Leaders: Such as Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, or Committee Members, guiding a troop or pack.
- Merit Badge Counselors: Sharing expertise in specific fields like first aid, environmental science, or programming.
- Event Volunteers: Assisting with campouts, service projects, fundraisers, and other activities vital to a troop's success.
These roles offer a fantastic opportunity to continue supporting the Scouting movement, mentor the next generation of leaders, and give back to the community. You can find more information about adult volunteer opportunities on the official Scouting website.
