Joining boys scouts

[drinkme]

This isn't really a WDW question, but I thought someone would be able to answer me.

My ds is going into 8th grade. He wants to join boys scouts but I was thinking he was too old to start. I looked online and there are a few boy scout troops in our area. We don't think there is any boy in his grade at his school who is still in scouts. I know there were some when the kids were younger, but I'm guessing at his age, the boys have mostly dropped out.

Does anyone know if a boy can start with scouting at an older age? DS wants to do outdoor activities and dh and I aren't the outdoorsy types. When ds was at space camp a few months ago there was talk about scouting. That's where we got the idea of him possibly joining scouts.

TIA!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

This is a great idea and no, he's not too old to start. If he finds a good troop, he'll get so much out of this experience. I know, all my sons made Eagle Scout, as did my husband, his father and grandfather. He's at an age where it's important to get involved in something; it keeps kids out of trouble. Encourage and support him in this; you'll be glad you did.

 

[wilkeliza]

This isn't really a WDW question, but I thought someone would be able to answer me.

My ds is going into 8th grade. He wants to join boys scouts but I was thinking he was too old to start. I looked online and there are a few boy scout troops in our area. We don't think there is any boy in his grade at his school who is still in scouts. I know there were some when the kids were younger, but I'm guessing at his age, the boys have mostly dropped out.

Does anyone know if a boy can start with scouting at an older age? DS wants to do outdoor activities and dh and I aren't the outdoorsy types. When ds was at space camp a few months ago there was talk about scouting. That's where we got the idea of him possibly joining scouts.

TIA!

Your son can join at any age up until 18. I would go to the official boy scouts website and look for a troop near you. He will be a little behind but I am sure after a few meetings and trips the boys will take right to him. The troop leaders typically are good at getting new boys integrated into the troop.

 

[MSSANDRA]

Scouting is a great activity and I am glad that DS did it. Scouting is designed for ages 6-18, so yes he can still join. Will it be easy to join at this point? No....Can he catch up...maybe. The success of his experience is really going to depend on the troop. If it is a troop that focuses on experiences and camping and activities, he can have a great time. If it is a troop that focuses on rank and merit badges, he may be quite frustrated. Reality is in most troops, the kids that are going all the way, and getting their Eagles, often are done by the time they turn 15 or 16 and their interest starts to shift. This was the story with my DS but my DN stayed in though high school and got his eagle just before he turned 17. Check the troops out and see if you can find a good fit.