Frequently Asked Questions

Cub Scouting
This is a year-round, family-friendly program designed for children in kindergarten through fifth grade (ages 5-10). Activities are designed to achieve the aims of Scouting – citizenship training, character development and personal fitness.

Scouts BSA
Designed for ages 11-17, youth in Scouts BSA learn responsible citizenship, character development and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities and educational programs.

Venturing
An adventure-based program for young men and women ages 14 to 20, the purpose of Venturing is to provide positive experiences to help youth mature and prepare them to become responsible adults.

Exploring
A career development program for young men and women ages 14 to 20, Exploring allows youth to focus on a career field, such as police, fire/rescue, health, law, aviation and engineering.

Sea Scouts
A program for young men and women ages 14 to 20, it promotes citizenship and improves members’ boating skills through instruction and practice in water safety, boating skills and knowledge of maritime heritage.

Scouting involves fees for membership, events and trips. Council and unit fundraising, such as selling popcorn, will help with those costs and give Scouts the opportunity to earn the money needed to participate in summer camp and other programs. Crossroads of America Council believes all young people should participate and enjoy Scouting programs regardless of circumstance. If you would like more information about scholarships, please contact us by email or by phone at .

Below is a list of basic requirements for each Scouting program. Items are available at the council shop. Before purchasing any items, speak with your unit leader and he or she will be able to tell you more about any specific uniform or equipment guidelines for the pack, troop or crew.

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Cub Scouting
Required: Annual registration fee of $80 for youth, $60 for adults (plus $12 insurance for both adult & youth)
Note: Some units charge a unit activity fee based on the events planned for the remainder of the school year.

Optional items: uniform, handbook, Scout Life subscription, camping equipment (most Cub Scout camping does not require a special equipment purchase; talk with your Cubmaster before purchasing anything).

Scouts BSA
Required: Annual registration fee of $80 for youth, $60 for adults (plus $12 insurance for both adult & youth)

Note: Some units charge a unit activity fee based on the events planned for the remainder of the school year.

Optional items: uniform, handbook, Scout Life subscription, camping equipment (your Scout will need some camping gear; talk with your Scoutmaster before purchasing anything).

Venturing
Required: Annual registration fee of $80 for youth, $60 for adults (plus $12 for insurance)
Note: Some units charge a unit fee based on the events planned for the remainder of the school year.

Optional items: uniform, camping equipment (Venture crews select their own uniform; talk with your Venture Crew advisor before buying anything).

Exploring
Required: Annual registration fee of $50 for youth and adults (plus $12 for insurance)
Note: Some units charge a unit fee based on the events planned for the remainder of the school year.

Sea Scouts
Required: Annual registration fee of $80 for youth, $45 for adults (plus $12 for insurance)
Note: Some units charge a unit fee based on the events planned for the remainder of the school year.

For more information about fees, view our FAQ sheet about fee increases.

The council is divided into 11 service areas, called districts, where the Scouting program is delivered to the local communities.

• Bear Creek: Serving Fayette, Franklin, Rush, Shelby, Union, Wayne and southern Randolph counties

• Monon: Serving northwestern Marion, southern Boone, Hamilton and Tipton counties

• White River: Serving Blackford, Delaware, Randolph, Madison and Henry counties

• Pathfinder: Serving southern Marion and Johnson counties

• Fall Creek: Serving Hancock and southeastern and northeastern Marion counties

• Five Creeks: Serving Boone, Montgomery, Clinton, Hendricks and western Marion counties

• Wabash Valley: Serving Vigo, Vermillion, Clay, Parke, Sullivan and Putnam counties

One of Scouting’s methods of youth development includes wearing a uniform. The Scout uniform makes Scouting visible as a force of good, signifies a Scout’s commitment to Scouting ideals and serves as an economic equalizer of all Scouts. Additionally, the uniform serves as a recognition mechanism for earned advancement.

Below are the basic parts of a Cub Scout uniform.* As Scouts earn advancement ranks, they receive belt loops, emblems and badges to add to their uniform. Any council Scout Shop can help you with purchasing your Scout’s uniform as well as understanding correct patch placement.

*Note: The Lion Cub uniform for kindergartners consists of a T-shirt and hat. Please contact your den leader or the council Scout Shop for more information.

The Scouting organization relies on nearly 8,000 adult volunteers in central Indiana to provide the fun, adventure and life lessons our programs offer. These individuals come from all walks of life and have varying degrees of involvement.

Specifically, Cub Scouting is designed to be a family-friendly activity in which the entire family can be part of the fun and adventure of the program. The degree of your involvement is completely up to you and what makes sense for your family and time availability. Whether you hold an official volunteer position such as a den leader or committee member or assist with driving Scouts to summer camp, know that you are helping to ensure your Scout and their fellow Scouts are having a positive Scouting experience.

Since its founding in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has included fully participating members with physical, mental and emotional disabilities. Crossroads of America Council has developed an advisory committee whose purpose is to better serve youth with disabilities, families, leaders and partnering organizations.

For more information, please visit us on Facebook or contact:

Heidi Viergutz
Scouting with Disabilities Advisor

If you are not involved in a pack, you should start by filling out the form found here so that we can match you with someone who can assist you. If you are already in a pack, we recommend starting with your den leader followed by the pack leadership. Our council website also has many resources for a variety of questions, and it is linked to the national site for even more information. Finally, any council service center has staff ready to assist you with any request.

If you still have questions about Scouting, give us a call or send an email.

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