If you are new to the Boy Scouts of America, please take time to browse through the following few paragraphs that will provide a brief understanding of the scouting program.

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was incorporated in 1910 and chartered by Congress in 1916. The purpose of the BSA is to build charicter, foster citizenship, develop fitness, teach leadership skills, teamwork, and life skills.

By working through a series of ranks that each have a progressive set of required skills, scouts learn the lessons that help them become future men of character. The scout ranks are also complimented by a variety of Merit Badges, which provide an opportunity to explore a wide range of skills, hobbies, and future vocations. Some of the Merit Badges are required if the scout desires to reach the pinnacle rank of Boy Scouts: Eagle Scout. These merit badges are designed specifically to prepare the scout for situations and experiences they will encounter in life. Some examples of the required merit badges are First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Personal Management, Environmental Science, and Personal Fitness. The scout will also be able to complete other merit badges of their choosing based on their likes and preferences; these may include Wood Carving, Cycling, Sailing, Computers, Fishing, American Business, Athletics, Insect Study, and Wilderness Survival, just to name a few. In all, there are over 135 merit badges available for the scouts to choose from. In order to reach the rank of Eagle Scout, the individual will need to have completed a total of 21 merit badges of which 11 must be from the "Eagle Required List".

To help guide the scouts in their daily activities and decisions, the Boy Scouts of America has the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Outdoor Code, Scout Moto, and Scout Slogan.