The best way to get started is to visit a unit or two. Almost all of your youth’s scouting experience will be as part of a unit, so their scouting journey really starts there.
To decide which unit(s) to visit, first be aware that all units have age limits. Cub Scouts is open to boy and girls in grades K through 5 (typically age 5-10), while Scouts BSA is open to boys and girls 11 to 17 years old (typically Grades 6-12). While the programs are open to both boys and girls, individual units may not be open to both genders. All Cub Scout Packs in town have chosen to be co-ed, which is referred to as a Family Pack. All Scout BSA troops are single-gender.
On their 18th birthday, young adults age out of Scouts BSA, but they can register for young adult leader positions ans still help their local troops or a troop close to where they go to college or off to work. Their position title at that point is “College Scouter Reserve” whether they are in college or not.
Once you’ve narrowed your attention to units open to your child or children, reach out to the units directly and ask about a visit. All units love having visitors.
Once you’ve visited a unit or two, listen to your child’s preferences. If they are excited about a particular unit or already have friends there, they will probably be happy with the program. If they are equally excited about all the units they visited, then choose the one that will be easiest on the household. (There will be a lot of meetings, so things like meeting times and locations will matter in the long run.)
Finally, joining a unit is easy. The unit will ask you to complete an application online at BeAScout.org (the unit may provide a direct link or QR code direct to their unit), and pay the yearly dues. If your child has Husky health insurance, they qualify for a reduced rate through CT Rivers Council, a paper application is required - reach out to you unit leader if you qualify. You may want to discuss topics like uniforms and family participation with the unit leaders, but once you submit your application and pay the dues, you’re a member. Have fun!
Our units
Cub Scouts (Grades K-5)
Open to Boys and Girls pack46@westhartfordbsa.org
Open to Boys and Girls Pack Website whcubscoutpack145@gmail.com Request more Information
Open to Boys and Girls whcubscoutpack148@gmail.com Request more Information
Open to Boys and Girls Pack Website pack161ct@gmail.com Request more Information
Scouts BSA (Youth Ages 11-17)
Open to Boys Troop Website wehatroop44@gmail.com Request more Information
Open to Boys Troop Website historian@scouttroop146.com Request more Information
(Meetings with Troop 1163)
Open to Boys Troop Website smtroop163@gmail.com Request more Information
(Meetings with Troop 163)
Open to Girls Troop Website smtroop163@gmail.com Request more Information
