Overview of Scouting and Exploring Programs

The Boy Scouts of America--incorporated February 8, 1910, chartered by Congress in 1916--provides an educational program for boys. girls, and young adults to build character, to train in responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to develop personal fitness.

In addition to BSA programs, we also have a subsidiary organization known as Learning for Life in which our Explorer posts consist of teens participating in career education and community service.

BSA has included girls and young women in Exploring and Sea Scouting since 1971 and Venturing since 1998, in both single gender and co-ed units.  BSA added single gender dens for Cub Scouts beginning in 2018, and Scouts BSA troops for girls beginning in February 2019.  

BSA Family Scouting Video (produced in 2018) covers the program changes

BSA Program - Links to National Pages

Cub Scouting

Scouts BSA

Venturing

Sea Scouting

BSA Chartered Organizations

Community-based organizations receive national charters to use the Scouting program as a part of their own youth work. These groups, which have goals compatible with those of the BSA, include religious, educational, civic, fraternal, business, and labor organizations; corporations; professional associations; and citizens' groups

Exploring (part of Learning for Life)

Exploring - Discover Your Future

Redwood Empire Council currently has posts specializing in Law Enforcement, Fire and Emergency Service, and Aviation.  We welcome additional community partners who would like to sponsor posts in various career areas. 

Volunteer Leaders

Volunteer adult leaders serve at all levels of Scouting in approximately 250 local councils, 26 areas, and 4 regions, and nationally with volunteer executive boards and committees providing guidance. Each autonomous local council is chartered by the BSA, which provides program and training aids along the guidelines established by the National Executive Board and the national charter from Congress.