Boy Scouting is the next level of the scouting program. It is for Webelos who have earned their Arrow of Light Award, and for other boys who have either completed fifth grade or who have turned 11 years old. The Boy Scouting program involves boys up to their 18th birthday.
Boy Scouts meet in Troops (instead of Packs). They also form smaller units called Patrols (instead of Dens). Troop meetings are usually held once a week, during which time Boy Scouts may also meet together in their Patrols. Troop meetings are supposed to be run by and for the boys themselves, so you will no longer see the adult-led projects that are part of Cub Scout Den meetings nor the monthly Pack meetings filled with songs, skits, and ceremonies led by a Cubmaster.
Outdoor activity is a big part of the Boy Scouting program. Boy Scout Troops usually go camping or take part in another outdoor event each month of the year. This means that after your son graduates into Boy Scouting, he will have the opportunity to go on at least one camping trip in the spring with his new Boy Scout Troop. Boy Scouts plan and cook meals for themselves when they go camping.
During the summer, Boy Scout Troops pick a one-week period to attend summer camp together. This is an overnight camping experience instead of a day camp. Summer camp is a fun activity for the entire troop and an important opportunity for scouts to learn new skills and work on merit badges.
The role of adults is different in Boy Scouting than in Cub Scouting. A Boy Scout Troop's adult leadership takes the form of a Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, and a Troop Committee. Adults provide critical support for the operations of a Boy Scout Troop, but as much as possible all the leadership (including the running of meetings) is handled by boys. The Troop is overseen by a Senior Patrol Leader, usually an older Boy Scout who is elected by the rest of the boys. Adults still provide supervision and ensure the safety of all activities.
Like Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts also have advancement and ranks, but this works a little differently too. While Cub Scouts and Webelos can have their parents pass on their requirements, Boy Scout advancement must meet the approval of other adults -- the Scoutmaster, a Board of Review (made up of other adult leaders), and merit badge counselors who have expertise in specific areas.
The uniform in Boy Scouting can also be a little different. If your son already has a tan Webelos shirt and green pants, this can become his Boy Scout uniform (with a few changes in the patches). If your son still has the blue Cub Scout shirt and pants, he will need to get the tan shirt and green pants.
