What Activities Do Scouts BSA Participants Do?
Scouting allows boys and girls to experience the thrills of adventuring with the guidance of more than 100 years of outdoor experience. Whether paddling a kayak down a white-water stream or sharing stories by the campfire with other Scouts, we encourage young people to grow into their best future selves through fun and exciting activities!
Camping
From fire building and wilderness survival to outdoor cooking, wilderness camping, and even learning how to navigate white-water rapids safely, we’re all about developing strong individuals who are confident in their abilities to succeed no matter the challenge.
Camping in Scouts BSA will normally take the form of weekend camping trips with your Scout’s Troop/Patrol and won’t take place too far from home. The Troop/Patrol typically organizes these camping trips and outdoor activities, and trips are overseen by either the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster, along with the elected Youth-Patrol Leader.
Resident Camp
Scouts and Leaders attend week-long camping adventures at least once a year. These adventures are typically an excellent way for Scouts to earn awards, complete merit badge requirements, and further their advancement in the Scouts BSA program.
High Adventure
The BSA maintains four National High Adventure Bases: Philmont, Sea Base, Northern Tier, and the Bechtel Summit. Scouts at any of these iconic high-adventure bases will have the chance to show off their various skills during some of the most exciting and challenging events Scouting has to offer!
Service
Service is a pillar of Scouting. Our program’s various service activities, like the Annual Scouting for Food Campaign, help Scouts contribute positively to their communities while developing a love of service and respect for other people!
Physical Fitness and Sports
Being healthy and physically fit are essential parts of Scouting! In Scouting, there are a variety of awards for Scouts in the following activities:
- Mountain boarding
- Skateboarding
- Zip lining
- Swimming
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Rowing
- and tons more!
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
Scouting teaches young people to be physically and mentally prepared for any challenge. Building and launching rockets, one of Scouting’s most popular activities, require young people to practice science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills! In the Scouts BSA program, Scouts will have the opportunity to learn and practice STEM-related disciplines, typically through merit badge achievements.
Making New Friends at Scouts BSA
The Scouts BSA program teaches youth that in order to have a successful Scouting experience, we must learn to work together. By encouraging teamwork and collaboration, we build friendships that will last a lifetime.
