The Boy Scouts of America is the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training.
Through our world-class programs, we bring together youth of every race, religion, gender, ethnic background, and economic status in programs to develop character, citizenship, and fitness.
We work to ensure every youth and adult member has the opportunity to join a local unit that aligns with his or her beliefs and with the experience he or she wants within the Scouting community. We teach youth members to be helpful, friendly, courteous and kind to all and to respect those whose beliefs differ from their own.
Starting in 2018, we serve boys and girls through single-gender dens in the Cub Scout program. In 2019, we will also introduce a program that will enable both older boys and older girls to join single-gender troops and earn the highest rank of Eagle Scout. We also offer co-ed programs, serving young men and young women, such as Venturing, STEM Scouts, Exploring and Learning for Life.
It is the philosophy of Scouting to welcome all eligible youth, regardless of race, ethnic background, gender or orientation, who are willing to accept Scouting’s values and meet any other requirements of membership.
Prejudice, intolerance and unlawful discrimination are unacceptable within the ranks of the Boy Scouts of America.
Scouting will continue to focus on reaching and serving youth to help them grow into good, strong citizens.
By focusing on the goals that unite us, we are able to accomplish incredible things for young people and the communities we serve.