Scouting Units

[Pack283]

Hey folks,

 

Can anyone give me some good descriptions of the different unit types in Scouting? For instance, what is the general differences between a Post and a Troop? Is there any difference between a Crew or a Ship for Ventures and what exactly are Varsity Scouts?

 

Thanks!

[ScoutNut]

From BSA "Fact Sheets" - "BSA at a Glance" :

 

"Cub Scouts is a year-round family- and home-centered program that develops ethical decision-making skills for boys in the second through fifth grade (or who are 8, 9, and 10 years old). Activities emphasize character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness.

 

Webelos Scouts is a year-round family- and home-centered program that develops ethical decision-making skills for fourth- and fifth-grade (or 10-year-old) boys.

 

Boy Scouting. A year-round program for boys 11 through 17 designed to achieve the aims of Scouting through a vigorous outdoor program and peer group leadership with the counsel of an adult Scoutmaster. (Boys also may become Boy Scouts if they have earned the Cub Scouting Arrow of Light Award and are at least 10 years old or have completed the fifth grade and are at least 10 years old.)

 

Varsity Scouting. An active, exciting, year-round program for young men 14 through 17 built around five program fields of emphasis: advancement, high adventure, personal development, service, and special programs and events.

 

Venturing. A year-round program for young men and women who are 14 (and have completed the eighth grade) through 20 years of age to provide positive experiences through exciting and meaningful youth-run activities that help them pursue their special interests, grow by teaching others, and develop leadership skills."

 

 

Some other explanations -

 

Varsity Scouts, which used to be mainly sports oriented, is used mostly by LDS Charter Organizations (which uses BSA Scout programs as a part of their church youth training).

 

Sea Scouting is a division/type of Venturing that has nautical activities as their area of specialization. They are referred to as a Ship, rather than a Crew, and can wear a uniform specific to Sea Scouts.

 

A Post is a Learning For Life (a BSA subsidiary) Explorer unit. Exploring is a co-ed work site based, career education program that gives youth age 14-20, hands on career experiences. Some of the more popular Posts are Police, Fire, and aviation.

[SctDad]

You forgot the Tiger Cubs. A group for the younger boys (7 years old or completed kindergarten.) The boys and an adult partner work in teams to conduct activities.