Scouts BSA
Scouts BSA is a year-round program for youth who are 11 years old through 17 years old (or starting at 10 years old and in fifth grade -- if joining after March 1 or if the Scout has earned the Arrow of Light in Cub Scouting) that provides fun, adventure, learning, challenge, and responsibility to help them become the best version of themselves. Open to young women as well as young men, all of whom will have the chance to earn Scouting’s highest rank, Eagle Scout.
In Scouts BSA, young men and women go places, test themselves, and have one-of-a-kind adventures that can’t be found anywhere else.
To Join
Visit www.BeAScout.org to find a Troop near you! Simply enter your zip code and select "Scouts BSA" and get immediate information about Troops near you. Or you can call us at 770-989-8820 or click here to fill out a form with some easy information and we'll contact you!
Scouts BSA is an outdoor program designed to develop character, citizenship, leadership, and fitness for young men and women ages 11 (or age 10 and in fifth grade -- if joining after March 1 or if the Scout has earned the Arrow of Light in Cub Scouting) through 17. Scouting helps youth develop into well-rounded young adults.
The Eagle Scout Rank, the highest rank in Scouting, is recognized around the world as a mark of excellence and is available for all Scouts BSA members to earn.
Scouts can take part in many camping opportunities within their troop, including at the Atlanta Area Council's camps and at the National High Adventure Bases.
In Scouts BSA, youth take responsibility for the activities of the Troop. By planning and organizing activities, they develop teamwork and learn to lead as well as follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each Scout is a member of a Troop which is comprised of Patrols. Patrols are groups of 6-10 youth. Each Patrol is led by a Scout, elected as Patrol Leader by the members of a Patrol. The Troop is led by a Scout, elected as Senior Patrol Leader by all of the Scouts of the Troop, and by other youth leaders, like a Quartermaster, Scribe, Instructor, Historian, Chaplain Aide, and other roles. The youth leaders are advised by a Scoutmaster and Assistants, and supported by Troop Committee members and other adult helpers.
In a youth-led Troop, the Patrol Leaders’ Council will determine what activities to do, like camping, hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, caving, climbing, service projects, individual advancement work, and more – supported by adult leader advisors. Troops meet in between activities each week or so at a local school, place of worship, or other community location.
Scouting has fees for membership and for activities. As of April of 2024, the annual National membership fee for youth is $85 per year and for adults in $65 per year – the monthly Scouts Life youth magazine is an optional $15 plus tax per year. (Youth and adult leader fees are for 12 months from registration; the 12-month period for those registered before August of 2023 is the calendar year. As of April 2024, there is no longer a “New Member Joining Fee”.) The annual activity fees (or “dues”) vary depending on the activities and budget of your local Troop and typically range from $100 to $175 annually, and more depending on the level of camping and other adventure activities. One of the key values of Scouting is that Scouts should help earn their own way. That's why we offer multiple opportunities throughout the year for your Scout to earn the money needed to camp and participate in other activities.
We believe that every child should have the chance to be a Scout! Because of the generosity of local families, businesses and leaders, the Atlanta Area Council can offer assistance to support local families in need.
Even though each Troop is led by the youth, Scouts BSA Troops need adult leaders to support the activities of your Scouts. So even if you are not the Scoutmaster, you might be an Assistant, or a Committee Member or help out in other ways to make the job of the Scoutmaster easier to handle. 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 Atlanta 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.
Lots of 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!
Joining Scouts is easy. Visit www.BeAScout.org, enter your zip code, and select "Scouts BSA" to find a Troop and register. Or our helpful staff will connect you with a local Scout Troop and volunteer leader. Simply call us at 770-989-8820 to find out more about Scouts BSA.