Boy Scouts
Gender: Boys
Ages: 11 -17 years
Unit Type: Troops and Patrols
Boy Scouting, one of the traditional membership divisions of Scouting, is available to boys who have earned the Cub Scout Arrow of Light Award 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. The program achieves the Boy Scouts of America's objectives of developing character, citizenship, and personal fitness.
The Boy Scout program is an American tradition that immediately follows Cub Scouting. Boy Scouting is an outdoor adventure program that develops character, leadership, citizenship, and fitness. Through the advancement program, a Scout progresses in rank, gaining additional knowledge and responsibilities. Boy Scouting includes learning new skills, summer camp, weekend campouts, leadership training, community service projects, hiking and much more.
The Eagle Scout rank is the pinnacle of a Scout's achievements. This high honor prepares a Scout to be the best that he can be. Fewer than 4% of Scouts in Hawkeye Area Council earn this award on an annual basis. Nationally, from 1912 to 2009 only 2 million Scouts have earned the coveted Eagle Scout award.
In addition, to mastering many community building, citizenship, and personal development skills, each Eagle Scout candidate must complete a leadership service project which provides significant benefit to the local community. This project is the culmination of the trail to Eagle Scout and involves significant planning and time to execute.