Home > About the BSA > FAQ > How old (or young) can a youth be to join Scouting?
The Scouting experience is divided into five programs according to age and activities.
Cub Scouting is for youth in kindergarten through fifth grade. Youth can join Scouts BSA if they are at least 10 years old, currently in the fifth grade and register on or after March 1st; OR have earned the Arrow of Light Award and are at least 10 years old, OR are age 11 but have not reached age 18. Venturing and Sea Scouting are for young men and women at least 13 years old who have completed the eighth grade, or are age 14 and not yet 21. Exploring clubs serve middle schoolers, aged 10 – 14, in sixth through eighth grades. Exploring posts serve older youth 14 – 20 years old.
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