A Path to Adventure and Learning for Adults

Whether you're passionate about the values and activities taught by the Boy Scouts or looking to continue your journey into outdoor and wilderness skills, there are several adult-oriented organizations that offer a wealth of opportunities. This article explores the various options available for you to continue learning and experiencing the joy of scouting in a structured and supportive environment.

Boys' Scouts of America (BSA) and Similar Organizations

The Boys' Scouts of America (BSA) offers an array of adult programs that can provide you with advanced leadership skills and the chance to volunteer in scouting activities. Within the BSA, Wood Badge is a renowned advanced leadership training program that equips adults with the skills necessary to lead scouting activities. Additionally, adults can volunteer as leaders or committee members in local troops, ensuring a hands-on learning experience and a sense of community involvement.

Adult Scouting Organizations

Many countries have their own equivalent scouting organizations specifically designed for adults. For instance, the UK Scout Association offers programs for adults interested in scouting activities. These programs provide a platform for adults to engage in similar activities and contribute to the scouting community, fostering a sense of global camaraderie and shared experience.

Outdoor and Wilderness Skills Groups

Beyond traditional scouting organizations, there are several outdoor and wilderness skills groups that can provide you with valuable training in survival techniques, camping, and other essential skills. Organizations like the Sierra Club and Outward Bound offer courses that can be directly related to what you might learn in scouting. These groups focus on enhancing personal and team resilience through challenging outdoor experiences.

Community Colleges and Adult Education Classes

Community colleges and adult education classes can also be a fantastic resource for learning various outdoor skills and survival techniques. Many of these classes cover topics such as wilderness survival, first aid, and basic bushcraft. These programs not only provide a structured learning environment but also connect you with a community of like-minded individuals who share your interests.

Specialized Programs for Specific Skills

If you're particularly interested in honing specific skills such as wilderness survival, homesteading, or bushcraft, there are specialized programs designed to cater to these interests. These workshops and courses offer in-depth training and hands-on experience, allowing you to become an expert in your chosen field.

Advantages of Joining an Adult Scouts Troop

Joining a scout troop as an adult leader can be a rewarding experience. As a leader, you have access to a wealth of training and development opportunities, including mandatory and optional courses, designed to enhance your leadership and teaching skills. You can share these skills with young members of the troop, making a positive impact on their development and boosting your own skills in the process.

Being a leader in a scout troop also means being a part of a dynamic community where volunteers are always needed. As children age or lose interest, adult volunteers are critical in maintaining the continuity and vitality of the troop. Every troop appreciates additional help, whether it's with training, events, or everyday activities.

Many parents volunteer, but not all do. This presents an opportunity for adults to step in and make a lasting contribution. By joining a troop, you're not only improving the life of young scouts but also enhancing your own skills and experiences. For instance, when my boys joined as Cub Scouts, I volunteered to help out. Eventually, I took on the role of Advancement officer and attended every meeting, which meant my sons were always present too. Although their interest in scouting waned at different times, both ended up earning the prestigious Eagle Scout rank.

Volunteering for a scout troop can be a deeply rewarding experience. You can call your local scouting council to find out what they need assistance with, and you'll likely enhance your learning experience alongside the children. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved.