Our Scouting Programs
Cub Scouts (Ages 5–10)
What is Cub Scouting?
Cub Scouts was created in 1930 to encourage elementary age youth to join the Scouting movement. Its purpose is to teach character, citizenship, fitness, personal achievement, friendly service, fun and adventure, and leadership skills. The Cub program is geared towards family participation throughout the year. This helps our younger members and their families become active participants of their communities and prepare them to join the Scouts BSA program.
Who can join Cub Scouts?
Any child who is in kindergarten through fifth grade can join Cub Scouts and they can join at any age. Scouts who are in kindergarten or first grade must attend all events with an adult partner.
What’s a Pack? What’s a Den?
Cub Scout organization can seem complicated, but it really isn’t. A Cub Scout Pack includes five levels, these are called Dens. The Dens are:
What do kids do? What do parents do?
Kids do so many things in Cub Scouts! They may go camping, visit a fire station,
do service projects, learn first aid, learn to swim, make music, create art, or
learn about other countries and cultures. They might make pinewood derby cars or
participate in a “rain gutter regatta.” Older scouts might visit with the mayor,
learn outdoor cooking skills, and learn how to safely use pocket knives and
build fires. Each level has a set of required adventures to complete, as well as
many electives that a scout may choose to complete based on his or her interest.
As they complete the adventures along the year they receive belt loops that mark
their achievements.
At the Lion (kindergarten) and Tiger (first grade) level, a parent or other
trusted adult must attend all activities with the scout. At the older grade
levels a scout may attend activities without a parent. However, parents play an
integral part in cub scouting, and your scout will need your help to complete
his or her adventures. Parents also serve as volunteers within the den and the
pack to organize and lead activities and fundraisers. As with many clubs and
organization, the packs and dens are volunteer led and run, with support from
the larger organization Scouts BSA.
Scouts BSA (Ages 11–17)
Scouting came to St. Joseph in 1916 with the founding of the St. Joseph Area Council. The council grew to serve Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas, eventually being renamed the Pony Express Council. Since the founding of the council more than 100,000 youth have joined its ranks. Even more impressive, four percent have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, more than double the national average.
What is Scouts BSA?
Scouts BSA is the next step after Cub Scouts, designed for youth ages 11–17. The
program helps young people develop leadership skills, enjoy outdoor adventure,
and grow in character, fitness, and citizenship. Scouts BSA encourages youth to
take on more responsibility for themselves and their troop, preparing them for
challenges in school, in their community, and in life.
Founded as the Boy Scouts of America in 1910, the mission statement of Scouting
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."
Who can join Scouts BSA?
Any youth who is at least 11 years old, has finished fifth grade, or has earned the Arrow of Light in Cub Scouts can join. Scouts can stay in the program until their 18th birthday.
What’s a Troop? What’s a Patrol?
Scouts BSA is organized into troops, which are chartered groups of youth and adult leaders. Larger troops are then split into patrols, or smaller teams of Scouts. Troops camp, work, and plan activities together. Patrols elect their own leaders and make decisions as a group, giving Scouts the chance to practice leadership and teamwork in real situations.
What do Scouts do? What do leaders do?
Scouts BSA offers all kinds of adventures! Scouts may go camping, hiking, or
backpacking. They might learn first aid, outdoor cooking, and survival skills.
They can try rock climbing, kayaking, or shooting sports. Scouts also do service
projects, explore careers and hobbies through Merit Badges, and work toward
earning ranks, with the highest being the Eagle Scout.
Scouts lead their own program as much as possible. They plan meetings, choose
activities, and take on leadership roles in the troop. Adult leaders are there
to guide, support, and keep everyone safe. Parents can help by volunteering as
leaders, serving on the troop committee, or becoming merit badge counselors. The
program works best when Scouts take charge and adults provide encouragement in
the background.
Venturing (Ages 14–20)
What is Venturing?
Venturing is a program for young men and women ages 14–20 who are looking for high-adventure experiences and leadership opportunities. It’s built around teamwork, outdoor adventure, and developing real-world skills. Venturers set their own goals, plan their own activities, and take the lead in running their crew. The program encourages responsibility, independence, and friendship while still being fun and exciting.
Who can join Venturing?
Any young person who is at least 14 (or 13 and finished 8th grade) and not yet 21 can join Venturing. You don’t have to have been in Cub Scouts or Scouts BSA before—Venturing is open to all youth who want adventure and leadership opportunities.
What’s a Crew? What’s an Officer?
Venturing groups are called crews, and each crew decides what kinds of activities they want to do—whether that’s camping, hiking, climbing, service projects, or something else. Within each crew, youth elect officers such as president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. These officers lead the crew and help make sure everyone has a voice in planning.
What do Venturers do? What do advisors do?
Venturing is all about trying new things and building lasting friendships. A
crew might go backpacking in the mountains, organize a service project, go
kayaking, or take a trip to learn about careers and hobbies. Venturers can work
toward awards like the Venturing, Discovery, Pathfinder, and Summit Awards,
which recognize leadership, service, and adventure.
Adult advisors are there to mentor and guide, but the youth members run the
program. Parents and other adults can support the crew by volunteering, driving,
or sharing their own skills. Just like Scouts BSA, the emphasis is on youth
leadership—with adults providing encouragement and ensuring safety.
Exploring Clubs and Posts (Grades 6–8 and Ages 14–20)
What is Exploring?
Exploring is a career-based program that gives young people hands-on experiences in different fields of work. It’s designed to help youth learn more about possible career paths, develop leadership skills, and serve their communities—all while having fun. Exploring connects youth with local businesses, organizations, and professionals who share their skills and mentor the next generation.
Who can join Exploring?
Exploring has two entry points:
Exploring Clubs: For youth in 6th–8th grade (ages 10–13). Clubs focus on
middle-school age students who want to start exploring interests and careers in
a
fun, age-appropriate way.
Exploring Posts: For youth who are 14 through 20 years old, or who have
completed
8th grade. Posts provide more in-depth experiences, leadership opportunities,
and
career exploration for high-school students and young adults.
What’s a Club? What’s a Post?
Exploring is organized into clubs and posts, depending on the age group:
A club is for younger members and focuses on building teamwork, leadership, and
early exposure to different fields.
A post is for older youth and operates more like a student-run organization,
with
elected officers and regular meetings. Posts often partner directly with a
business
or organization (like a fire department, hospital, or law office) to give
members
real-world experiences.
What do Explorers do? What do advisors do?
Explorers get the chance to “try on” careers. They might learn from police
officers,
firefighters, doctors, engineers, teachers, or business leaders. Activities can
include ride-alongs, hands-on projects, community service, or special trips
related
to the career field. Along the way, Explorers build leadership skills, gain
confidence, and make connections that may help them in the future.
Adult advisors—often professionals in the field—mentor youth, provide guidance,
and
help set up experiences. Parents and community members can also support by
volunteering and encouraging participation. In posts especially, youth
leadership is
emphasized, with adults serving as mentors.