Scouting is a great way to get your child involved. Through scouting organizations, children make friends, develop skills and become involved in their community.
You may think of Boy Scouts of America or Girls Scouts of the USA, and these probably are the best known scouting organizations. There are, however, probably more choices than you realize.
What scout group is a good choice for your child? Read on.
1. Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America serves boys from 1st through 12 grades and girls ages 14 to 20 in 3 different programs:
- Boy Scouts: Traditional scouting for boys in grades 6 to 12.
- Cub Scouts: Boys in grades 1 to 5 participate in traditional scouting activities. Parental involvement is strongly encouraged throughout.
- Venturing: An intense and challenging scouting program for girls and boys ages 14 through 20.
2. Girl Scouts of the USA
Girl Scouts of the USA serves girls from Kindergarten to 12th grade in 4 age levels:
- Daisies: K and 1st grade
- Brownies: 1st to 3rd grades
- Juniors: 3rd to 6st grades
- Girls 11 to 17: 6st to 12st grades
3. Frontier Girls
Frontier Girls is a new scouting organization designed to meet the needs of rural girls. It serves girls of all faiths from Kindergarten through 12th grade and focuses on the traditional elements of scouting including Patriotism, leadership and character development. They offer an large range of badges for skill development. They also focus on community service, and each troop must complete service projects each year.
This group is just getting started, so please learn more about the Frontier Girls and contact them if you are interested. It is an exciting opportunity for girls of all ages.
4. SpiralScouts International
SpiralScouts International offers scouting for boys and girls ages 3 to 18. It began as a pagan scouting organization to provide a place for children who aren't comfortable subscribing to specific religious beliefs. SpiralScouts is open to children of all faiths. Their activities include all of the traditional scouting activities with a focus on respect for the Earth and others.
5. American Heritage Girls
The American Heritage Girls is a Christ-centered scouting organization for girls of all ages. The American Heritage Girls program provides girls with many opportunities including life skill enhancement, leadership, and character, social and spiritual development.