Boy Scouts of America

Boy Scouts of America

For more information in the Springfield, IL area contact:

Abraham Lincoln Council, BSA

217-529-2727

alincolnbsa.org

5231 S. Sixth St. Road

Springfield, IL 62703

Outside the Springfield area contact www.BeAScout.org 

Discover fun, adventure, and learning through Scouting

Scouting is a year-round program uniquely designed to meet the needs of youth and their families. The program offers fun and challenging activities that promote character development and physical fitness. Family involvement is an essential part of the program, and parents are encouraged to play an active role in making the most of the short time they have to impact the lives of their children.

Scouting is designed to be experienced outdoors. Hiking, camping, mountain biking, skateboarding, BMX, mountain climbing, kayaking, whitewater rafting–these are just some of a Scout’s outdoor experiences.

How Scouting Works

The Scouting program is delivered through local civic, faith-based, and educational institutions called chartered organizations, which operate Scouting units to deliver the programs to their youth members, as well as the community at large. Together, these organizations are run by almost one million adult volunteers dedicated to helping youth learn and grow. 

Our Volunteers

Volunteering has always been the bedrock of the Scouting program. Behind every trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, and kind Scout is a long line of committed volunteers who share those same traits.

Our Programs

Cub Scouts: Boys and Girls K-5^th grade

When you’re a kid, fun comes first. Final exams, driver’s ed and summer jobs will arrive soon enough. Cub Scouts lets kids have fun while teaching them skills that will help them later on. From the thrill of shooting an arrow to learning how to transform a block of wood into a race car, Cub Scouts is one thrill after another. With a program expertly tailored to match each age in a young boy or girls’ life, Cub Scouts learn that even when fun isn’t easy, it’s always an adventure. In Scouting, everything has a purpose. And it shows kids that doing their best is the most fun of all.

Scouts BSA:  Boys or Girls 11-17

With more than 130 Merit Badges—from Archery and Art to Welding and Wilderness Survival—Scouting is the ultimate form of learning by doing. Scouts BSA is the traditional Scouting experience for youth in the fifth grade through high school. Service, community engagement and leadership development become increasingly important parts of the program as youth lead their own activities and work their way toward earning Scouting’s highest rank, Eagle Scout.

Venturing Co-Ed Ages 14-20

You love exploring your passions, making new friends, and discovering the world. You’re always looking for an adventure. Rappelling a cliff. Perfecting your shot. Designing a robot. Kayaking into the sunset. Exploring your faith. Volunteering at an animal shelter. The choice is yours! Each activity provides an opportunity to shine and learn more about yourself and the world around you. Venturing is youth-led and youth-inspired. You’ll acquire life skills and gain experiences that will prove to be valuable regardless of where your future takes you, all while having a blast: leadership, event-planning, organization, communication, responsibility – the list goes on!

Sea Scouts Co-Ed 14-20

For over 100 years Sea Scouting has promoted better citizenship and improved members’ boating skills through instruction and practice in water safety, boating skills, outdoor, social, service experiences, and knowledge of our maritime heritage. Sea Scout units–called ships–are established all across the country on oceans, bays, rivers, and lakes. They provide limitless opportunities and exciting challenges that you won’t find anywhere else. Sea Scouts is a place to grow and learn, find adventure, and build long lasting friendships.