Youth Groups & You: Boy Scouts of America in Central Iowa

Youth Groups & You: Boy Scouts of America in Central Iowa

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.  Cub Scouts is for boys in first through fifth grades and Boy Scouts is for eleven to eighteen year old boys.  Venture Scouting, which has female membership, is also offered through the Mid-Iowa Council of Boy Scouts of America.  My son is currently in Cub Scouts and my husband is his Den Leader.  

Pros

The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest youth organizations in the U.S.  This makes it pretty easy, to find a pack or troop to join, near where you live.  The organization promotes leadership, outdoor skills, good citizenship, and service to others.  Boys’ activities are based on their age and grade in school.  Since parents are required to attend all Cub Scout meetings and events, it allows for one on one bonding time with your son.  Cub scouts has been a wonderful experience for my husband and son.  They’ve both met great friends and made memories they wouldn’t have without joining.

Cons

When your son joins Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts they are committing to learn and work towards achieving goals over several years.  It can be quite a time commitment.  The Boy Scouts of America has also seen its fair share of controversy over the years and has many critics of its membership requirements.  Of course any scout pack or troop can only be as good as its adult volunteer leadership.  If you have concerns discuss them with your Pack or Troop leaders.

Best For

All kinds of boys with varying interests and temperaments.  Adventurous, social and outgoing, relaxed and laid back, leaders and overachievers all can find something of interest within Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts.

Time Commitment

Cub Scouts: One hour a week for meetings, fundraising (popcorn sales) and four to five events per year including camping trips, Pinewood Derby and Blue and Gold Banquet.

Boy Scouts:  One and a half hours a week for meetings and a weekend a month for a trip.  May also have service projects, fundraising and advancement goals to meet, which will require additional time.

Supplies

Supplies needed will vary, typical equipment is listed below.

Cub Scouts:

  • Uniform
  • Hand Book
  • Camping Equipment

Boy Scouts:

  • Uniform
  • Hand Book
  • Camping Equipment
  • Hiking Equipment

Cost

  • Registration Fee: $24
  • Dues: Amount varies, but are typically $25+.
  • Uniform:
  • Shirt $25
  • Pants $25
  • Neckerchief $10
  • Slide $6
  • Camping Equipment: Will vary depending on supplies purchased.

Boy Scouts will not turn any boy away due to inability to pay.  Contact the local leadership to discuss payment options

Where to find Organizations

Go to this website https://beascout.scouting.org/, choose the program you’re interested in and enter your zip code.  It will generate a list of available programs near you.

Mid-Iowa Council, BSA
Fred Maytag II Scout Center
6123 Scout Trail
Des Moines, IA 50321
Phone: 515-266-2135
Web: www.midiowacouncilbsa.org

What do you think, is Boy Scouts a fit for your kid?