Join Scouting
What is Scouting?
Scouting is adventure, family, fun, character, leadership and so much more. Scouting builds confidence, creates friendships, and instills positive values that a Scout will carry with them forever. It's fun, hands-on learning that puts youth in the middle of the action and prepares them for today – and for life.
Through experiences such as camping, hiking, building projects, and community service, youth grow and mature at their own pace and learn that they are important as individuals and a part of a team. Shared experiences give parents and children an opportunity to share and talk about their thoughts, feelings, goals, and values. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Scouting promotes activities that lead to personal responsibility and high self-esteem.
There is so much to offer for both boys and girls from Kindergarten through age 20! Find the program that fits you and dive right in.
Follow the five steps to get started in Scouting!
Step 1 - Find your program
Erie Shores Council has FOUR main programs listed below for both boys and girls at various ages and stages. Find out more about each program below.
Cub Scouts
Boys and Girls Grades K-5
We’re all about encouraging boys and girls to make friends, be helpful to others, and do their very best no matter the outcome. With the help of powerful learning projects and exciting outdoor activities, we aim to teach children that doing their best can be a fun and rewarding experience—no matter the difficulty of the challenge.
Scouts BSA
Ages: Youth 11-17
Scouts BSA is the traditional Scouting experience where boys and girls can have their share of adventure in the great outdoors. Develop a love of service by volunteering in your community, boost your leadership skills through fun and exciting challenges, and create memories of a lifetime with no prior Scouting experience required!
Venturing
Coed Ages 14-20
Venturing is a youth-led program all about building adventures with your friends. Choose to do activities that matter to you and develop essential skills like leadership, event-planning, organization, communication, and responsibility while having a blast!
Exploring
Coed Ages 14-20
Exploring provides exciting activities and mentorship for youth looking to discover their future. Whether you’re a local organization looking to strengthen the community or a young person wanting to uncover the possibilities of your future, Exploring is a great place to start.
Step 2 - Find your unit (Pack, Troop, Crew, Post)
Visit BeAScout.org, enter your zip code and choose your program. You will see all of the units local to you, along with their meeting information, websites, and/or contact information. We recommend reaching out to the unit (click the REQUEST MORE INFORMATION) button and visit a meeting or two. Find the unit that “fits” your youth.
Step 3 - Register (online or in person)
Once you find your unit on BeAScout.org, you can register and pay online* right from the listing!
* NOTE: Fees collected online represent those that are for registration and program fees to the national organization and the Council Fee. Each individual unit (Troop, Pack, etc.) may assess yearly “dues” to cover the cost of books, neckerchiefs, awards, and other unit program specific items.
National Membership & Council Fees
Step 4 - Purchase uniform
Now that your Scout is registered, it is time to consider purchasing a uniform. Talk to your unit (Troop, Pack, Crew, etc.) about expectations for uniforms. Check out the Iott Scout Shop for all of your uniform needs!
Step 5 - Have fun!
Oh, the adventures your Scout will have! Your Scout’s unit (Troop, Pack, Crew, Post, etc.) will have a list of amazing things planned for the upcoming year, so make sure you take part in them. There are also many events you can take part in as a family or on their own. Make sure you check out the upcoming events on our calendar.
Want more resources for parents? Check out our Parent Resources for more info.