GET STARTED IN SCOUTING

A Quickstart Guide for New Parents

"ESSENTIALS" TO ADVENTURE, GRIT & GROWTH

You may have heard of Scouting’s “10 Essentials” for outdoor preparedness, but here are the top essentials to get you started on your Scouting Adventure:

FOR CUB SCOUT PARENTS

Kids in Kindergarten through 5th Grade

Call (563.556.4343), or shop for a uniform at the Council Trading Post (10601 Military Rd in Dubuque). Ask for the latest specials, sales and discounts! You can also get books, camping gear and more.

Learn more about the uniform, other gear and even what to pack for camping here: https://www.scoutshop.org/blog/new-to-scouting-start-here.html

  1. Your child will be placed in a “Den” with other Scouts their age. This “Den” is part of a larger “Pack”. Be proactive and contact the leaders. They are typically busy parents too and often new to the leadership role. Be patient, ask questions, and offer to help. (You’ll soon learn that Scouts are “helpful” and learn to “do a good turn daily.”)

This is required for all Scout leaders and highly recommended for all parents. It’s good to understand how everyone involved in the Boy Scouts of America works diligently to keep kids safe. Here’s how you get started:

  • Go to my.scouting.org
  • Create an account.
  • Click on “Menu” and go to “My Training”
  • Go to “Youth Protection Training” (Recommended for all adults. Required for new leaders before volunteer service with youth begins.

Every group of Scouts is a bit different, but all are based on the same principles and foundation. They also share the same growth opportunities(called “advancement”) on the road to help Scouts achieve our highest advancement rank of Eagle Scout.

Learn more by perusing the content here: https://www.scouting.org/programs/cub-scouts/

Our goal is to have every Scout go to Summer Camp and have a world-class experience. Many Scouts get their first taste of the great outdoors at our camps whether it’s an overnight adventure or a day camp. Learn more about our camps here: https://scoutsiowa.org/camping/cub-scout-camp/

Get an overview of the program by downloading the Cub Scout Family Guide.

Download and fill out these medical formsand make appointment with your Scout’s doctor for an annual checkup. Your Scout will need these forms to attend various adventures.

While Scouting means life-long friendships, it’s always fun to start with someone you know. Ask your child who they’ want to have fun with and invite them to a meeting.

Stay in the loop on the latest opportunities for adventure, grit and growth throughout the Northeast Iowa Council

FOR SCOUTS BSA PARENTS

Youth Ages 11-17

Call (563.556.4343), or shop for a uniform at the Council Trading Post (10601 Military Rd in Dubuque). Ask for the latest specials, sales and discounts! You can also get books, camping gear and more.

Learn more about the uniform, other gear and even what to pack for camping here: https://www.scoutshop.org/blog/new-to-scouting-start-here.html

Your child will be placed in a “Patrol” with other Scouts their age. This “Patrol” is a part of a larger “Troop”.  Be proactive and contact the leaders. They are typically busy parents too and often new to the leadership role. Be patient, ask questions and offer to help. (You’ll soon learn that Scouts are “helpful” and learn to “do a good turn daily.”)

This is required for all Scout leaders and highly recommended for all parents. It’s good to understand how everyone involved in the Boy Scouts of America works diligently to keep kids safe. Here’s how you get started:

  • Go to my.scouting.org
  • Create an account.
  • Click on “Menu” and go to “My Training”
  • Go to “Youth Protection Training” (Recommended for all adults. Required for new leaders before volunteer service with youth begins.

Every group of Scouts is a bit different, but all are based on the same principles and foundation. They also share the same growth opportunities (called “advancement”) on the road to help Scouts achieve our highest advancement rank of Eagle Scout.

Learn more by perusing the content here: https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa

Our goal is to have every Scout go to Summer Camp and have a world-class experience. From rock climbing and shooting sports, to caves and  sailboats, we have it all. Learn more about our camps here: https://scoutsiowa.org/camping/scout-camp/

Download and fill out these medical forms and make appointment with your Scout’s doctor for an annual checkup. Your Scout will need these forms to attend various adventures.

Your Scout’s Handbook is chock full of resources for fun, skills development and adventure.  Many Scout units attend Summer Camp and attend what we call “High Adventure” trips to places like Yosemite or Ohiopyle. Or they visit properties run by the National Boy Scouts of America.

And you can always attend with your Scout!

Prepare Your Gear

You’ll find gear lists in your Scout Handbook or download gear checklists here.

Stay in the loop on the latest opportunities for adventure, grit and growth throughout the Northeast Iowa Council