Too Old For A Program: Now What?

There's Lots You Can Still Do

Kids grow up, it's just a fact of life. So, what do you do when you get too old to be in your pack, troop, or crew?

I'm Too Old to be a Cub Scout

Great! Then you're in for a treat, because the next step is Boy Scouts. If you are 11 years old, you've completed the fifth grade, or you're 10 and you've earned your Arrow of Light, you can join a Troop. As a Boy Scout you'll have the opportunity to go camping, be a leader among your peers, earn merit badges, and go on many adventures with your friends.

Don't know where to find your nearest Troop?

Check out the Adventure is Calling website. If you don't have a Troop near you, why not start a new Troop with your friends?

I'm Too Old to be a Boy Scout

You're 18 years old and you're still looking for something to do. Maybe you've never been involved in our programs or maybe you're a decorated veteran of summer camp, sporting Eagle Palms and staying active in your Order of the Arrow chapter. Not a problem - there are still programs you can participate in as a youth member!

Ever heard of Venturing?

Venturing is a coed program for youth 13 years of age and graduated the eighth grade or 14 years of age. Venturing is focused primarily on high adventure, but you can still earn Venturing awards, participate in the OA, and go to camp.

What about Exploring?

Exploring is also a coed program for youth ages 14-20 that focuses primarily on career exploration - find out what it's like to be a firefighter, a police officer, an EMT, and more! Check out the Adventure is Calling website to find a group near you or start a new one with your friends.

I'm Too Old to be a Venturer or Explorer

That's okay - you can be involved as an adult leader! You'll still get the opportunity to go camping and have adventures, but you'll also be someone youth can look up to as a mentor. If you're 18 or older, you can be a leader in a Pack or Troop. If you're 21 or older, you can be a leader for a Venture Crew or Exploring Post. There are a lot of different leadership roles available - if you like to work with youth or help lead a group, maybe Assistant Scoutmaster is the role for you. If you prefer to handle logistics in the background, join a unit committee as a treasurer or advancement coordinator. If you're looking for a challenge, try organizing a brand new unit! You could also join an existing unit at the Adventure is Calling website.