Finding the right Scout Troop or Cub Scout Pack can make or break your young scout’s experience. So it’s important to select the right one for you and your scout to make sure they have fun and get the most they can out of Scouting.
One of the most common questions we get here at Troop 26 from parents new to scouting, is what age can their son join Scouts.
Scouting is for boys in the first through fifth grades or 7 to 10 years of age. Boys who are older than 10, or who have completed the fifth grade, can no longer join Cub Scouting, but they may be eligible to join the Scouting or Venturing program.
There are quite a few Scout Troops and Cub Scout Packs in Santa Barbara to choose from. The complete list prepared by the Los Padres Council can be found here.
At the current count, there are 13 Cub Scout Packs to choose from and 14 Scout Troops to choose from.
The best way to choose a Scout Troop or Cub Scout Pack for your son is to go out and visit each of them. The list in the link above includes contact information for each Troop and Pack. All of the Scoutmasters are more than happy to have you and your son visit a Troop/Pack meeting and maybe even an outing.
Take your time and visit each group. Have your son spend the evening interacting with the other scouts. Do not feel pressured to make a decision right away. You’re better off taking your time and getting a feeling for each troop or pack and then making a decision. Even then, you can always switch troops or packs.
The most important thing is that you and your son are comfortable with the group and have a good time.
