Start a Unit

Start a Unit
Is your organization looking for a way to provide wholesome, educational activities for youth in your community? Scouting offers an array of programs that include outdoor experiences, advancement, recognition, and values. Learn how your school, community organization, or religious organization can benefit from starting a Scouting unit.

The New-Unit Organization Process: This publication details each of the 12 steps in organizing a new Scouting unit.

Local Council Locator: The Boy Scouts of America provides quality youth programs through over 300 local councils that directly support organizations that operate Scouting units. Use this locator to obtain contact information for the local council service center in your area.

BSA at a Glance: The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America is to provide an educational program for boys and young adults to build character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to develop personal fitness.

Letters of Endorsement: Use your organization's letter to help strengthen support for Scouting within your local membership.

New Unit Resource Kits: Each of these kits contains step-by-step instructions and resource materials for organizing a new unit with a specific organization.

District New-Unit Chart [PDF]

What is Cub Scouting?: Cub Scouting is a year-round family program designed for boys who are in the first grade through fifth grade (or 7, 8, 9, and 10 years of age).

What is Boy Scouting?: Boy Scouting is available to boys who are 11 through 17 years old. The program achieves the BSA's objectives of developing character, citizenship, and personal fitness.

What Is Venturing?: Venturing is a youth development program of the Boy Scouts of America for young men and women who are 14 through 20 years of age.

William D. Boyce New-Unit Organizer Award [PDF]: The William D. Boyce New-Unit Organizer Award is presented to recognize volunteers who organize one or more traditional Scouting units.

Community Organizations and the Boy Scouts of America: Through organization and cooperation with other agencies, the BSA promotes the ability of boys to do things for themselves and others, trains them in Scoutcraft, and to teaches them patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred virtues.

Scouting for Catholic Youth: The Roman Catholic Church has used the Scouting program since the early days of the Boy Scouts of America. It is one of the most extensive users of the BSA program.

Scouting Serves the Jewish Community: Jewish institutions have used the Scouting program since 1916. Today, Scouting is flourishing in Jewish communities.

Scouting in the Islamic Community: Scouting serves an important role in the Islamic community. Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, and Venturing crews operated by Islamic organizations can be found in major cities throughout the United States.

Scouting in the Buddhist Community: Buddhist youth have participated in Scouting for more than 75 years. Since 1920, young Buddhists in America have enjoyed the benefits of Scouting.

Scouting for Lutheran Youth: Since 1926, Lutheran congregations have recognized the benefits to youth who participate in the Scouting program and to the congregations that provide it.

Scouting in Protestant Churches: Protestant churches have organized more than 26 percent of all packs, troops, and crews, making them the largest user of the Scouting program.

Scouting in Churches of Christ: Five hundred sixty-three Scout units are chartered by Churches of Christ, serving more than 15,000 youth.

Scouting for Presbyterian Youth: Since 1920, Presbyterian congregations have recognized that the Scouting program not only renders a service to the youth but also is extremely beneficial to the congregations that act as chartered organizations.