Ask us! We will answer some of your most frequently asked questions.
Have questions about Scouting? We’ve got answers! …And if we don’t have the answers, we’ll work hard to find someone who does.
Below are a handful of recent questions we’ve gotten from leaders (some of them, multiple times), along with the best “official” Scouting answers we can provide. Have any questions of your own?
Fill out this form and we’ll try to answer them and who knows, they may even show up in a future newsletter segment!
April, 2026
Question: Where does the policy about adult leaders being registered come from – National or Council or local Volunteers?
Answer: The Barriers to Abuse come from Scouting America National. You can read it here: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/gss01/
When you read, look for the bold print. It explains the difference between cub camping and ScoutsBSA overnight events. It explains the difference between a MB counselor registration and a leader registration within your unit. It also outlines how many registered adults (minimally) must be present for any activity. It describes the tent sleeping rules for youth and adults, and It references the Scouters Code of Conduct.
March, 2026
Question: What is the age range for joining Scouts BSA?
Answer: Youth can join a Scout troop who have earned the Arrow of Light rank and are at least 10 years old, or have completed the fifth grade and are at least 10, or who are 11, but not yet 18 years old.
Question: How would a high-adventure base handle a Scout turning 18 while on the trail?
Answer: At Philmont Scout Ranch, participants 18 through 20 years of age may be counted as youth or adults; however, once they turn 18, they will need Youth Protection Training, and can no longer have a buddy who is a minor. My advice would be to make sure the participant submits an adult application and takes YPT before they leave.
February 2026:
Question: Why do we need to register for district and council events so far in advance?
Answer: Great question—one I get quite often! The short answer is that effective planning takes time.
Many aspects of event planning require advance notice. For example, patches can take five weeks or longer from design to delivery, and craft or program materials may take up to two weeks to arrive. For overnight events, organizers also need time to determine sleeping arrangements that meet Safe Scouting guidelines.
While it’s possible to estimate attendance, guessing can be both risky and expensive. Accurate registration numbers help ensure we have the right amount of materials for each activity, avoid costly rush orders, and prevent shortages—or excess—of items like patches.
In short, registration deadlines give event organizers the information they need to plan effectively and responsibly. Knowing how many participants to expect helps with budgeting, securing program supplies, and ensuring all Safe Scouting guidelines are met. This is also why adding participants at the last minute may not always be possible.
August 2025:
Question: What is the College Scouter Reserve (92) position?
Answer: When a Scout turns 18 and heads off to college out of town or out of state, or maybe away to the Military, one of two things usually happens.
You might lose track of them as they begin this new chapter of life — Scouting becomes just a happy, formative, part of their past.
Or they might register as an assistant Scoutmaster, knowing they won’t make many meetings or campouts but wanting to stay connected to their troop — especially to participate in Scouting activities while home for summer or winter break. But this could affect your units’ training percentages.
Turns out there’s a third option that’s better than either of those: the Unit College Scouter Reserve. By registering in this role, a male or female who is too old to be a youth in Scouts BSA can still be registered in Scouting and it not directly affect your units training percentages.
The Unit College Scouter Reserve (code 92) is designed specifically for college students who would like to be “on reserve” should a Scouting unit need some extra help. This is a supportive only role and they have no immediate, specific leadership role.
Anyone registered in this position (code 92) have just one required training course: Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT), which can be taken online. All other registration criteria still apply including, completing an adult application, completion of a criminal background check and adult registration fees.
July 2025
Question: When is the next National Jamboree?
Answer: The next Scouting America National Jamboree will be held July 22-31, 2026, at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in Glen Jean, WV. The theme for the 2026 Jamboree is ELEVATE and is sure to be a life-changing experience for both youth and adults who attend.
So, what is a Jamboree? It is Scouting’s premiere event where we gather with over 10,000 Scouts and Scouters who come together to celebrate the spirit of Scouting. The memories and experiences for both youth and adults who attend will last a lifetime; the shared experiences from National Jamborees are talked about around campfires for years to come.
So, you don’t want to miss out on this opportunity as it only comes around every few years. If you miss this one the next one won’t be until 2029. More information can be found on the Jamboree section of our Council website; https://www.danielboonecouncil.org/Jamboree
June 2025
Question: How do you start a brand-new Unit; Cub Scout Pack, Scouts BSA Troop, etc.?
Answer: First, thanks for taking this on. You’re doing a huge service both to your community and to Scouting by starting a new Scout unit from scratch. The first thing you should do is contact your local council and speak to the District Executive that oversees the area in which you want to start a new unit. There might already be a unit in that area that’s looking for leadership. If there isn’t, the District Executive can work with you to on the next steps.
May 2025
Question: I would like your opinion on requirement 10 for First Class. An adult leader in my troop recently said that “just inviting a friend” to attend a Scout activity and telling this friend about all the fun stuff we do in Scouting is enough to fulfill the requirement. The friend does not actually have to go to a Scout meeting or activity.
Answer: The rule of BSA advancement is that the requirement must be completed in a “no more, no less” manner. Requirement 10 for First Class reads (emphasis on “no more, no less” are mine):
Tell someone who is eligible to join Scouts, or an inactive Scout, about your Scouting activities. Invite your prospect to an outing, activity, service project or meeting. Give information on how to join, or encourage an inactive member to become active in Scouting again. Share your efforts with your leader.
So, those are the requirements — no more, no less. Nowhere does it say that the friend has to actually go to a meeting or activity — though, of course, it’d be great if the friend did indeed visit the troop and hopefully join!
