When you think about scouting, you probably think of Boy Scouts of America or Girls Scouts of the USA. As the best-known scouting organizations in the United States, they have a lot to offer children and are widely available in most communities. But there are more scouting options than you may realize. Following is an overview of the top six scouting organizations in the U.S. This list will help you determine which organization is the best option for your child. As a founding member of the World Organization of Scout Movement, BSA’s goals include developing character, teaching responsible citizenship, and instilling self-reliance through the use of outdoor activities, educational programs, and career explorations. The organization offers a variety of programs for kids, teens, and even young adults. Here is an overview of the BSA programs.
Cub Scouting: Traditional scouting program with troops for boys and girls in kindergarten through fifth grade Scouts BSA: Traditional scouting programs with troops for boys and girls ages 11 through 17 Venturing: An intense and challenging co-ed scouting program for boys and girls ages 14 through 20 Sea Scouting: A co-ed scouting program focusing on water and boat safety that is designed for boys and girls ages 14 through 20 Exploring: A co-ed career exploration program to help boys and girls ages 10 to 20 experience a wide variety of career options and network with professionals in those areas
All of the BSA programs promote responsibility and leadership and are great places for your child to meet other children. Kids also learn values and skills that help them grow into adults. In fact, the Girl Scouts organization describes itself as a leadership development program for girls with proven results that empowers girls to take the lead not only in their own lives but in the world around them. Through Girl Scouts, girls will develop a strong sense of self, learn values, explore challenges, form healthy friendships, and solve problems. Overall, the program focuses on STEM activities, the outdoors, life skills, and entrepreneurship. Girl Scouts offers a variety of programs for girls from kindergarten through 12th grade. Following is an overview of the age breakdowns for Girl Scouts:
Daisies: Kindergarten and first grade Brownies: Second grade through third grade Juniors: Fourth grade through fifth grade Cadettes: Sixth grade through eighth grade Seniors: Ninth grade through 10th grade Ambassadors: 11th grade through 12th grade
Girl Scouting not only gives girls the opportunity to develop confidence in themselves, but the program also is not limited to traditional activities like sewing and cooking. The organization also strives to include various technology and science activities and teaches girls responsibility, leadership, and values. The organization serves girls and women of all faiths from preschool through adulthood and focuses on the traditional elements of scouting including community service, patriotism, leadership, and character development. Frontier Girls offers a large range of badges for everything from outdoor skills like camping and kayaking to character traits like leadership and teamwork. Following is an overview of the age levels for Frontier Girls:
Penguins: Scouting program for preschool girlsOtters: Scouting program for girls in kindergarten through second gradeDolphins: Scouting program for girls in third grade through fifth gradeButterflies: Scouting program for girls in sixth grade through eighth gradeEagles: Scouting program for girls in ninth grade through 12th gradeOwls: Scouting program for girls 18 and older
Girls interested in participating in Frontier Girls can do so as individuals or part of a troop. For those interested in participating as individuals, they purchase a family membership and earn badges at home as a Pioneer. Their activities include all of the traditional scouting activities with a focus on respect for the earth and others. Here is an overview of their curriculum:
Raindrops: Recommended for kids ages three to five years old, participants learn about social and environmental responsibilityFireflies: Recommended for kids ages six to nine years old, participants learn about personal responsibility as well as build on the social and environmental responsibility they have already learnedSpiralScouts: Recommended for kids ages 10 to 12 years old, participants continue to build upon the principles they learned as FirefliesPathfinder: Recommended for kids ages 13 to 18 years old, participants exemplify the skills they have mastered through larger projects
Overall, SprialScouts sets itself apart from other scouting organizations with special program elements, ceremonial aspects, and spiritual advancement. The organization also strives to maintain strong ecological practices. Additionally, the organization encourages its members to identify their sparks, develop growth mindsets, manage goals, and make time to reflect. Camp Fire offers programs and camps that emphasize service, self-reliance, and leadership. Unlike other scouting programs that focus on developing future leaders, this organization strives to help kids thrive now with its unique “Thriveology” curriculum. According to the organization’s website, this research-based program is based on social emotional learning (SEL) and has experienced tremendous success. In fact, 94% of participants in Camp Fire feel heard, happy, and supported.
A Word From Verywell
Scouting provides kids and teens with an opportunity to develop leadership skills, problem solve, meet new people, and learn new skills. No matter which program you select, your child will have an opportunity to experience the world around them in a new and fresh way.
