Question 1

How do we join Scouting?

Accepted Answer

Follow these 3 simple steps and begin your Scouting journey.
1. Find a Scouting Unit
Select your preferred program(s) (i.e., Scouts BSA, Venturing), enter your zip code, choose your nearest unit, and select APPLY NOW.
2. Complete a Youth Application
Create an account with my.Scouting.org, complete the application, and make a payment.
3. Start Scouting!
Download the My Scouting app, contact your unit’s leader, and begin your Scouting journey!

Question 2

How old (or young) can a youth be to join Scouting?

Accepted Answer

The Scouting experience is divided into five programs according to age and activities.

Cub Scouting (https://www.scouting.org/programs/cub-scouts/)is for youth in kindergarten through fifth grade. Youth can join Scouts BSA (https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/)if they are 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. Venturing (https://www.scouting.org/programs/venturing/)and Sea Scouting (https://www.scouting.org/programs/sea-scouts/)are for young men and women at least 13 years old who have completed the eighth grade, or are age 14 and not yet 21. Exploring (https://exploring.org/)clubs serve middle schoolers, aged 10 – 14, in sixth through eighth grades. Exploring posts serve older youth 14 – 20 years old.

Question 3

How often do Cub Scouts meet?

Accepted Answer

Cub Scouts meet in their dens once each week, and a pack meeting is held for all Cub Scouts and their families once a month.

Beyond that, it depends on the den and pack: A den may hold a special activity, such as a service project or visit to a local museum, in place of one of the weekly meetings or in addition to the weekly meetings.

Likewise, a pack may conduct a special event such as a blue and gold banquet as an additional event, rather than a substitute for its monthly pack meeting.

Question 4

What are Districts and which one am I in?

Accepted Answer

The Council is divided into three districts with two of those districts containing sub-districts. Many events are conducted on an area level, giving Scouts an opportunity to meet with others outside their district.
 
Each of which is assigned at least one District Executive. District Executives are the point of contact for volunteers. To learn more about your district, click the image below.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/154290_ac0f843531ec449e91bdcbb95fe417cf~mv2.png

Question 5

What programs are offered in West TN?

Accepted Answer

The WTAC, BSA offers five viable unique Scouting programs for youth ages 6-21 in programs of:

• Cub Scouting - Kindergarten thru 5 or ages 5-10 years
 • Scouts BSA - grades 6 thru 12 or ages 11-18 years
 • STEM Scouts - coeducational, grades 3 thru 12 or ages 8-18 years
 • Venturing - coeducational, between ages 14 and 21
 • Exploring - coeducational, between ages 14 and 21
 
Each of these programs uses unique and proven methods of youth development and all programs have a foundation of leadership, community service, self-reliance, and duty to God and Country.

West TN Area Council Staff