Scouting FAQs

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

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Aims and Methods

The national registration fee is $105*. This includes a one-time joining fee of $25 and an annual fee of $80**. For only $15 for the year,  Cub Scouts may subscribe to Scout Life magazine. There may be additional local program fees and/or dues.

*Price subject to change / **Effective August 1, 2023

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There are limited additional out of pocket costs. Local packs typically collect dues to cover expenses related to awards, recognition, crafts, and special events. Packs may also provide opportunities for fundraising to help offset these costs. The determination of dues is made collaboratively by the families within the pack, overseen by the pack committee.

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Cost of Cub Scouting

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Cub Scout uniforms are available online through the Scout Shop or you visit a local scout shop.

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Local Scout Shop locator.

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The joy of scouting is based on the time you and your scouts put into it. Attendance at meetings, activities, and campouts are not mandatory. Every month expect one pack meeting, one den meeting and one activity. There are two family campouts per year. 

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1. Monthly Troop Meetings: Boy Scouts typically have regular troop meetings, which may occur weekly. The duration of these meetings can vary, but they often last around 1-2 hours.

2. Outdoor Activities: Boy Scouts are encouraged to participate in outdoor activities, including camping trips, hiking, and other adventures. The frequency of these activities can vary, with some troops organizing monthly camping trips.

3. Merit Badge Pursuits: Boy Scouts can work on earning merit badges, which involves learning about specific subjects and completing related activities. The time commitment for earning merit badges depends on the complexity of the badge and the scout's dedication.

4. Leadership Roles: Boy Scouts are encouraged to take on leadership roles within the troop. This may include serving as a patrol leader, senior patrol leader, or in other leadership positions. Leadership responsibilities can require additional time and commitment.

5. Community Service: Boy Scouts are actively involved in community service projects. Troops often organize service activities, and scouts are expected to participate.

6. Advancement and Rank Requirements: Boy Scouts work on advancing in rank, and achieving higher ranks involves fulfilling certain requirements. The time commitment for advancement can vary based on the individual scout's pace and dedication.

7. Special Events: Boy Scouts may participate in special events such as jamborees, camporees, and other scouting gatherings. These events may require additional time and preparation.

Local Scouting programs are overseen by volunteer-led councils, chartered by the national Boy Scouts of America. Each council, led by a Scout Executive, employs staff to support volunteers who deliver the program. Councils vary in size, but most manage camps, shops, and administration for their region. Scout affiliation is shown by a patch on the uniform.

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BSA Longhorn Council

Our family camp outs are not mandatory. But camping is fun, character building, and a great family bonding experience. We are accustomed to assisting our first time campers. No need to be intimidated. Experienced leaders are more than happy to help in any way prior and during the camp out. The pack and families have more than enough extra camping equipment to share. All you need to do is ask.

BSA Youth Protection Mission Statement

True youth protection can be achieved only through the focused commitment of everyone in Scouting. It is the mission of Youth Protection volunteers and professionals to work within the Boy Scouts of America to maintain a culture of Youth Protection awareness and safety at the national, territory, area, council, district, and unit levels.

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The Protect Yourself Rules Preview Adventure

The Boy Scouts of America is committed to creating safe environments for Scouts and leaders. Child abuse is an uncomfortable topic but an important one for us to cover to ensure the safety and well-being of our Scouts. The Boy Scouts of America has partnered with subject-matter experts from the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center Foundation to present the “Protect Yourself Rules” that help children recognize, respond to, and report abuse.

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Before starting work on this adventure, the den leader should review Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse since the Protect Yourself Rules adventure is intended to complement our many existing youth-protection measures.

The Protect Yourself Rules Preview Adventures may be used as an elective adventure for the Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light badges of rank.

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Click here to go to the Protect Yourself Rules Adventure.

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Guide to Safe Scouting

All participants in official Scouting activities should become familiar with the Guide to Safe Scouting and applicable program literature or manuals, and be aware of state or local government regulations that supersede Boy Scouts of America practices, policies, and guidelines. The Guide to Safe Scouting is an overview of Scouting policies and procedures gleaned from a variety of sources. For some items, the policy statements are complete. Unit leaders are expected to review the additional reference material cited prior to conducting such activities.

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In situations not specifically covered in this guide, activity planners should evaluate the risk or potential risk of harm, and respond with action plans based on common sense, community standards, the Scout motto, and safety policies and practices commonly prescribed for the activity by experienced providers and practitioners.

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Leadership Selection

The Boy Scouts of America takes great pride in the quality of our adult leadership. Being a leader in the BSA is a privilege, not a right. The quality of the program and the safety of our youth members call for high-quality adult leaders.

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The adult application requests background information that should be checked by the unit committee or the chartered organization before accepting an applicant for unit leadership. While no current screening techniques exist that can identify every potential child abuser, we can reduce the risk of accepting a child abuser by learning all we can about an applicant for a leadership position—his or her experience with children, why he or she wants to be a Scout leader, and what discipline techniques he or she would use.

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has a multilayered adult leader selection process that includes criminal background checks administered by a nationally recognized third party and other screening efforts.

Click here for information on the selection process.

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Mandatory Report of Child Abuse

All persons involved in Scouting shall report to local authorities any good-faith suspicion or belief that any child is or has been physically or sexually abused, physically or emotionally neglected, exposed to any form of violence or threat, exposed to any form of sexual exploitation, including the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child pornography, online solicitation, enticement, or showing of obscene material. You may not abdicate this reporting responsibility to any other person.

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Reporting Violations of BSA Youth Protection Policies

If you think any of the BSA’s Youth Protection policies have been violated, including those described within Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse, you must notify your local council Scout executive or his/her designee so appropriate action can be taken for the safety of our Scouts.

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Steps to Reporting Child Abuse

1. Ensure the child is in a safe environment.

2. In cases of child abuse injury or medical emergencies, call 911 immediately.

3. In addition, if the suspected abuse occurred in the Scout’s home or family, you are required by state law to immediately report/contact the local child abuse hotline.

4. Notify the Scout executive or his/her designee, if he/she cannot be reached call the 24/7 Scouts First Helpline at 1-844-726-8871 or email, scoutsfirst@scouting.org

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Scout Oath

On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

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Scout Law

The Scout Law has 12 points. Each is a goal for every Scout. A Scout tries to live up to the Law every day. It is not always easy to do, but a Scout always tries.

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A Scout is:

TRUSTWORTHY. Tell the truth and keep promises. People can depend on you.

LOYAL. Show that you care about your family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and country.

HELPFUL. Volunteer to help others without expecting a reward.

FRIENDLY. Be a friend to everyone, even people who are very different from you.

COURTEOUS. Be polite to everyone and always use good manners.

KIND. Treat others as you want to be treated. Never harm or kill any living thing without good reason.

OBEDIENT. Follow the rules of your family, school, and pack. Obey the laws of your community and country.

CHEERFUL. Look for the bright side of life. Cheerfully do tasks that come your way. Try to help others be happy.

THRIFTY. Work to pay your own way. Try not to be wasteful. Use time, food, supplies, and natural resources wisely.

BRAVE. Face difficult situations even when you feel afraid. Do what you think is right despite what others might be doing or saying.

CLEAN. Keep your body and mind fit. Help keep your home and community clean.

REVERENT. Be reverent toward God. Be faithful in your religious duties. Respect the beliefs of others.