Welcome to the adventure! Parents are the foundation of a strong Scouting experience for the young people we serve. This page has been created to help ensure you have the best experience possible in the BSA through the Blackhawk Area Council (BAC).
My son or daughter just signed up for Scouting, now what?
Now that your child is registered in the program they will need some basic materials like a Scout handbook and shirt. Before you buy anything in the Scout Shop talk to the leaders at your son or daughters new Unit. They will be able to provide you with a list of the specific items you need as well as let you know if they have a “scout closet” of donated uniform items that your Scout can start with. Once your Scout has the physical materials needed for the program their registered in, the next most important thing you can do as a parent is to stay in strong communication with your unit and district leadership. This will help ensure your Scout gets the most out of the program.
For additional information related to being the parent of a Scout in the…
- Cub Scouting Program download the New Cub Scout Family Information Guide.
- ScoutsBSA Program visit the ScoutsBSA Frequently Asked Questions Page.
- Cub Scouting, ScoutsBSA or Venturing Program visit Why Scouting?
The BAC has a lot of opportunities for them to learn, grow, and have fun. That includes Cub Scouting activities like the Pinewood Derby and Day Camp, as well as short term camping opportunities, earning merit badges, and of course Summer Camp for the older Scouts in the ScoutsBSA Program.
The fun is not limited to the youth. As a parent, you may be begin to wonder how you might get more involved. Take advantage of the wonderful training opportunities offered through the BAC like Okpik, Powder Horn, and Wood Badge. Taking a training course is a great way to meet people and bring back learned skills that will make you Scouts Unit stronger and more fun.
What is Scouting?
Your Scout’s unit is a part of the Blackhawk Area Council which serves young people from kindergarten until they turn 18 (or 21 in some cases!). These thousands of Scouts are served by qualified and trained volunteers as well as professionals throughout our twelve county geographic region. These 12 counties are divided into multiple districts that our units are a part of. You can click the links above to learn a bit more about the structure of our organization locally, but you still might be wondering, “What is Scouting?!”
By definition, 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 Law.
While the definitional mission of the BSA may be helpful, as a parent you may be curious about other aspects of the program such as what fun activities and events your Scout will be participating in, what camping opportunities are there, or what training is available to help build character and leadership for my Scout?
The program has many aspects from its Cub Scout Adventures to Merit Badges and rank Advancement on the Trail to Eagle and more for our other programs such as Venturing and Exploring. We’re excited to have you and your family involved in the program!