Launching a Scouting Program on Campus

Scouting America is proud to partner with schools to offer students a proven, character-building program that goes beyond the classroom. By starting a Scouting unit on your campus, your school can provide an extracurricular experience that fosters leadership, teamwork, resilience, and community service—while strengthening family engagement. Whether you are a charter school or a private school, Scouting is a turnkey program that supports your educational mission and helps young people thrive.

Benefits for Your School

Your school is already recognized for providing an excellent education and preparing students for academic success. Scouting builds on that foundation by giving students the opportunity to put their knowledge into action through hands-on experiences, leadership challenges, and service. Along the way, they develop strong peer-to-peer friendships that strengthen your school community and support social growth beyond the classroom.

• Character Development – Students live the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
• Leadership Training – Youth learn teamwork, responsibility, and problem-solving.
• Community Engagement – Families connect with your school through volunteerism and service.
• Inclusion – Scouting is open to both boys and girls, providing every student the opportunity to grow, lead, and belong.
• Proven Program – Scouting has over a century of success helping young people thrive.

How to Start a Scouting Unit at Your School

1. Let's meet!

The first step is to meet with one of our local Scouting representatives to learn how Scouting supports your school’s goals. Once aligned, we'll take the next steps for your campus to adopt Scouting as an extracurricular program. Contact us at growth@AlamoAreaScouting.org or call 210-341-8611.

We will talk about the type of Scouting unit best suited for your students:

• Cub Scouts (grades K–5) – family-based, hands-on learning
• Scouts BSA (grades 6–12) – youth-led, adventure-focused
• Venturing/Sea Scouts (ages 14–20) – high school/college-age leadership & career exploration

2. Appoint an Organizing Committee

The organizing committee is a small group of parents, teachers, or staff members appointed by the school to help launch the Scouting program. Their role is to plan the first steps, recruit leaders, and support the school in getting the unit started. Think of them as the “start-up team” that ensures the program begins smoothly and is set up for long-term success.

• Appoint a Chartered Organization Representative (COR) to oversee the Scouting program on behalf of the school.
• Form an Organizing Committee of 3–5 people (often parents, teachers, or staff) to plan next steps. Tip: Choosing respected individuals ensures families and staff see this as a well-supported school program.

3. Select and Recruit Leaders

Every great Scouting unit begins with caring adults who are willing to guide and mentor students. Leaders can be parents, teachers, or community members who model positive values and enjoy working with youth. The school and organizing committee work together to identify and invite these leaders, ensuring that students have strong role models to support their growth.

• Identify potential leaders (teachers, parents, or community members).
• Prioritize individuals who model Scouting’s values and have an interest in mentoring students.
• Present candidates to the Head of School for approval.
• Appoint a Committee Chair and additional Committee Members to manage program operations.

4. Train the Leaders

Leader training is available online, allowing volunteers to complete the essentials at a time that works best for them. This flexibility ensures that every leader can get started quickly, with the option to revisit materials anytime as they grow in their role.

• Leaders begin with Fast Start Training (available online).
• Next, they complete Leader-Specific Training.
• Encourage leaders to attend monthly Roundtable meetings for ongoing support, program ideas, and networking.

5. Plan the Program

Once leaders are in place, the unit committee works together to plan the year ahead. This includes setting a budget, identifying fundraising opportunities to support the program, and selecting activities that match the interests and ages of the students. A well-planned program gives families clear expectations, ensures financial stability, and creates exciting experiences that keep students engaged all year long.

Start simple. Focus on a balanced program with one activity per month, a clear fundraising plan, and strong communication with families. As the unit grows, so will the opportunities!

6. Recruit Youth and Orient Parents

A recruitment night is the first step in inviting students and families to join Scouting. This fun, informative event introduces the unit leaders, shares the year’s planned activities, and answers questions from parents and students. We will guide you through every detail—from scheduling and providing promotion materials and registration support—making it easy for your school to host a successful night that sparks excitement and engagement.

7. Complete the Paperwork

Once students and leaders are ready to join, it’s important to complete the necessary registration forms. This includes youth applications, adult leader applications, and payment of any registration or program fees. The unit committee and local council will guide the school through this process to ensure everything is submitted correctly and on time, so the new Scouting unit is officially recognized and ready to begin.

• Submit the New-Unit Application & the Annual Unit Charter Agreement signed by the Head of School.
• Collect youth and adult applications with fees.
  • Annual unit charter is $100, payable to the local council
  • Youth and adult membership fees, can be paid to the local council.
  • Once your unit is active, youth can join your unit online through BeAScout.org. Adults will continue to be turned into the council to verify training.