How to Join

Joining the Boy Scouts is simple.

First, you must be a boy who is 11 years old, or one who has completed the fifth grade, or earned the Arrow of Light Award and is at least 10 years old, but not yet 18 years old.

Second, you must find a Scout Troop. It is highly recommended that several scout troops are visited before making the final decision on where to join. Some troops are large and some are small. Some camp and backpack frequently, while others do not. The important thing to remember when deciding on a troop is to pick the one you think you will enjoy the most.

You should also remember that, if you join a troop and then decide that it is not quite the right troop for you, it is always possible to transfer to another troop.

Once a troop is chosen, a Boy Scout application and health history form will need to be filled out and signed by a parent or guardian. The application can be done online here https://beascout.scouting.org/list/?zip=28411&program%5B0%5D=scoutsBSA&scoutsBSAFilter=all&miles=10&unitID=88626 . There will also be an application fee and dues. The amount of the fee will depend on if the scout magazine "Boys Life" is ordered. Dues are handled differently at each troop, so it is recommended that you discuss this with each troop you visit before deciding which troop you want to join.

That's it, you are now a Boy Scout.

There are a few simple requirements that will have to be completed to earn the rank of "Scout", but these can usually be done during the first few troop meetings.