Grand Teton Council > Parent and Leader Resources > Parents

Parents

Get Started in Scouting

You may have heard of Scouting’s “10 Essentials” for outdoor preparedness, but here are the 10 essentials to get you started on your Scouting Adventure whether you are in Cub Scouts or Scouts BSA.

Fundraising, High Cope Course at Scout Camp

For Cub Scout Parents

Kids in Kindergarten through 5th Grade

1. Cub Scout Overview (Video)

Shop for a uniform at your local Scout Trading Post (info below), or at scoutstuff.org.

Ask for the latest specials, sales and discounts! You can also get books, camping gear and more.

The Council office or your unit leaders may have some availability of previously worn items to help youth and leaders who need assistance in obtaining uniforms. Give us a call!

Learn more about the uniform, other gear and even what to pack for camping here.

Your child will be placed in a “Den” with other Cub Scouts their age. This “Den” is a part of a larger “Pack”.  Be proactive and contact the leaders. They are typically busy parents too and often new to the leadership role. Be patient, ask questions and offer to help. (You’ll soon learn that Scouts are “helpful” and learn to “do a good turn daily.”)

You can also fill out this “About My Pack” sheet with key contact info and details about your Scout unit. 

This is required for all Scout leaders and highly recommended for all parents. It’s good to understand how everyone involved in the Boy Scouts of America works diligently to keep kids safe. Here’s how you get started: 

  1. Go to my.scouting.org
  2. Create an account
  3. Click on “Menu” and go to “My Training”
  4. Go to “Youth Protection Training” (Recommended for all adults. Required for new leaders before volunteer service with youth begins.)
  5. Optional: find the training that corresponds with your child’s age and program or your area of responsibility.

Every group of Cub Scouts is a bit different, but all are based on the same principles and foundation. They also share the same growth opportunities (called “advancement”) on the road to help Scouts achieve our highest advancement rank of Eagle Scout. 

Learn more by perusing the content here. 

Our goal is that every Scout gets to go to Summer Camp to grow and make lifelong memories. Many Scouts get their first taste of the great outdoors at our camps whether it’s an overnight adventure or a day camp. Learn more about our Cub Scout Day Camp here. 

Get an overview of the Cub Scout program by downloading the Family Information Guide: English or Español

Download and fill out parts A and B of these medical forms. Your Cub Scout will need these forms to attend various adventures.

While Scouting means life-long friendships, it’s always fun to start with someone you know. Ask your child who they’d want to have fun with and invite them to a meeting. 

Stay in the loop on the latest opportunities for adventure, grit and growth throughout the Grand Teton Council.

  • Join our email newsletter
  • Check your email for our weekly newsletter. (Look in your “spam” filter.)
  • Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

For Scouts BSA Parents

Youth Ages 11 – 17

1. Scouts BSA Overview (Video)

Shop for a uniform at your local Scout Trading Post (info below), or at scoutstuff.org.

Ask for the latest specials, sales and discounts! You can also get books, camping gear and more.

The Council office or your unit leaders may have some availability of previously worn items to help youth and leaders who need assistance in obtaining uniforms. Give us a call!

Learn more about the uniform, other gear and even what to pack for camping here.

Your Scout will be placed in a “Patrol” with other Scouts their age. This “Patrol” is a part of a larger “Troop”.  Be proactive and contact the leaders. They are typically busy parents too and often new to the leadership role. Be patient, ask questions and offer to help. (You’ll soon learn that Scouts are “helpful” and learn to “do a good turn daily.”)

This is required for all Scout leaders and highly recommended for all parents. It’s good to understand how everyone involved in the Boy Scouts of America works diligently to keep kids safe. Here’s how you get started: 

  1. Go to my.scouting.org
  2. Create an account
  3. Click on “Menu” and go to “My Training”
  4. Go to “Youth Protection Training” (Recommended for all adults. Required for new leaders before volunteer service with youth begins.)
  5. Optional: find the training that corresponds with your child’s age and program or your area of responsibility.

Your child will be placed in a “Patrol” with other Scouts their age. This “Patrol” is a part of a larger “Troop”.  Be proactive and contact the leaders. They are typically busy parents too and often new to the leadership role. Be patient, ask questions and offer to help. (You’ll soon learn that Scouts are “helpful” and learn to “do a good turn daily.”)

Our goal is that every Scout gets to go to Summer Camp to grow and make lifelong memories. Many Scouts get their first taste of the great outdoors at our camps whether it’s an overnight adventure or a day camp. Learn more about our awesome Scout Camp here. 

Next, talk to your Scout leaders about what dates work best for you. 

Download and fill out these medical forms (parts A, B, and C) and make appointment with your Scout’s doctor for an annual checkup. Your Scout will need these forms to attend various adventures.

Your Scout’s Handbook is chock full of resources for fun, skills development and adventure.  Many Scout units attend Summer Camp and attend what we call “High Adventure” trips to places like Yosemite or Glacier National Parks. Or they visit properties run by the National Scouting America.

And you can always attend with your Scout!

Prepare Your Gear

You’ll find gear lists in your Scout Handbook or download gear checklists here. 

Stay in the loop on the latest opportunities for adventure, grit and growth throughout the Grand Teton Council.

  • Join our email newsletter
  • Check your email for our weekly newsletter. (Look in your “spam” filter.)
  • Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.