Parents! Whether you are a new parent, one thinking of joining Scouts, or a seasoned Scouting family veteran, we’ve gathered the resources you need in one location for you. Scouting is truly a family experience at all levels. We want to give you the tools to help your Scout’s Pack/Troop/Crew/Ship succeed!
For those interested in the program for the first time, please visit our JOIN SCOUTING page to get started.
New Families
How to Join
Interested in joining? Visit our JOIN SCOUTING PAGE to learn more about the steps to find a program, find a unit, and get registered. Our programs are described under the PROGRAMS menu item (first five items in the list) on our website — find the program that meets the age and outcomes you desire. You can find your local program Pack/Troop/Crew (“unit”) by going to BeAScout.org and searching for the program and your zip code — you can contact units online or register to join, all from that site. The cost to join is explained in this one page Registration Fee chart – your Unit will determine your annual dues based off of this chart plus what the unit collects for itself. The fees mentioned in the previous chart go directly to council and national BSA; your unit will collect fees to cover books, neckerchiefs, awards, and other activities. Need assistance on registration fees? Complete the Registration Assistance Request Form. Take a look at the uniform information and “Welcome to…” guides listed below. Welcome!
Uniform Checklist
Do you know what your Scout needs in terms of uniform? Here is a handy checklist that includes all the pieces and parts for all levels. Talk to your Pack/Troop/Ship/Crew/Post about unit specific items, but this should get you started.
Order Uniforms Online
Your new Scout needs a new uniform shirt and the required insignia patches. The MCC Online Scout Shop can help with their specific pages designed per level to help you purchase the exact items.
Find a Scout Shop local to you
Prefer to visit one of our many Scout shops to purchase your uniforms, handbooks, and more? Check out the above page for locations and hours.
Badge Placement Guide (aka: where do all these patches go!?)
You have the uniform and patches, but where do they go? This guide should help you get everything on in its proper place.
Welcome to Cub Scouts
The Cub Scout program page of the BSA can answer all of your questions about Cub Scouts. Get information on our program for boys and girls in kindergarten through 5th grade.
Welcome New Cub Scout Family / Spanish Version
A wonderful PDF guide that helps you learn more about the Cub Scout program and what to expect.
Welcome to Scouts BSA
Previously known as “Boy Scouts”, Scouts BSA is the program of boys and girls ages 11-17. Get answers to all of your questions on this program.
Welcome to Venturing
Venturing is a program for boys and girls ages 14-20 that focuses on adventure trips and skills. Find out more here!
Welcome to Sea Scouts
The Sea Scout program is designed for Scouts ages 14-20. Each “Ship” learns skills about and experiences using various watercraft. In Michigan, there are many ships that focus on sailboat sailing.
Parent Resources
Parents’ Guides to Protecting your Children From Child Abuse
Every handbook in Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA includes a pull-out section at the beginning that parents and Scouts are encouraged to work through. (For some rank badges, this is required!) The above link points to the latest versions of those sections.
Youth Protection Training (YPT)
All registered leaders in the BSA are required to take Youth Protection Training (YPT) every two years. Any parent that will be in direct contact with Scouts other than their own are strongly encouraged to take this valuable training. It takes less than an hour, and it will help you better support your Scout’s leaders.
Protect Yourself Program
The Protect Yourself Rules videos replace the Cyber Chip requirement for the Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light badges of rank. Each Cub Scout is required to watch the video for their program, either in a den meeting or at home with a parent.
Religious Awards
At all levels of Scouting there are optional “religious awards” that can be earned by Scouts and Scouters (that is the term given to Adults that are registered leaders in the BSA). Most often they are completed individually or in a group in conjunction with a Scout’s religious institution.
Scouting Forms
While most of the forms on the above page won’t mean much to a parent, there are some relevant forms, including the Annual Health form.
Awards and Advancements
While most often your unit leader will work with the Scouts on awards and advancements, there are some Scouts that choose to work on items on his/her own. The above site links to some of those options. The Eagle Scout workbook and application are found on those pages.
Emails and News
You should be receiving the newsletters from your district and council, but if you missed or deleted one, the recent ones can be found at the above link.
Family Camping Opportunities for Cub Scouts
Hopefully your Pack or Troop is planning a summer adventure to one of our Summer Camps, but if not (or in addition!), families can take advantage of our Camps together. We have sessions at Camp Teetonkah, D-Bar-A, Rotary, and Cole Canoe Base. Don’t miss the fun!
Provisional Summer Camp for Scouts BSA (without Troops)
Have a Scout that wants to go to one of our four premier summer camps but their unit is not planning to go (or they want to go for a second or third week!). No problem! They can register as a provisional camper and go on their own!
Cub Scouts vs Scouts BSA
Ever wondered how they differ? This is an older blog post, but a great comparison between the two programs. Helps set expectations for youth, leaders, and parents.
Merit Badges
Yes, there are over 135 badges that Scouts BSA, Venturers and Sea Scouts can earn (those ages 11-17). Help your Scout find the latest requirements by going to the above page. Need a workbook for the badge? Print them from here.
How to Speak “Scouter”
Your child’s leader probably gets very excited about Scouting at times and speaks in a language that can be hard for parents to understand. Here is a glossary of terms and events to help you out! (Full Dictionary of Scouting Terms)
“Scouter”: A registered adult. This can be a volunteer Scout leader, district volunteer, or council staff. These are the “big people” that wear uniforms.
“Scout”: Any youth registered in the Cub Scout or Scouts BSA program.
“Scouts BSA”: Many do not realize it, but in 2019 the BSA allows Troops for girls to form in what was previously known as the “Boy Scout” program. To be inclusive, “Boy Scouts” was changed to “Scouts BSA” for that specific program for 11-17 year olds. The organization is still called “Boy Scouts of America”.
“Blue and Gold”: This one is for Cub Scout families. Traditionally in the spring, Cub Scout Packs get together and celebrate the year, often awarding the cherished Arrow of Light and saying goodbye to the Arrow of Light Scouts that are moving up to Scouts BSA. This can take many forms, but the Blue and Gold banquet is often a potluck meal.
“Crossover”: This one is also for Cub Scouts. At the Cub Scout level, each school year the Cub Scout works at that year’s specific rank (Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light). At the end of the year, the Cub Scout “crosses over” to the next rank level. Often Packs have a small bridge that the Cub Scouts will walk over. They generally receive their new neckerchief and/or handbook at that time.
