Why should you join Scouting with the BSA?
Why Scouting?
Volunteer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We understand you may have questions when starting your Scouting adventure. We’re here to help.
What are the Scouting programs?
Cub Scouting
A year-round, family-friendly program designed for children in kindergarten through fifth grade (ages 5-10). Activities are used to achieve the aims of Scouting—citizenship training, character development and personal fitness.
Scouts BSA
Designed for ages 11-17, youth in Scouts BSA learn responsible citizenship, character development and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities and educational programs.
Venturing
A high-adventure based program for young men and women between the ages of 14 and 20. Its purpose is to provide positive experiences to help youth mature and prepare them to become responsible adults.
Exploring
A career development program for young men and women between the ages of 14 and 20. Exploring units have a focus on a single career field, such as police, fire/rescue, health, law, aviation and engineering.
How much does Scouting cost?
Scouting does charge fees for membership, events, and trips. Council and unit fundraising will help with those costs including Popcorn sales and will give a Scout the opportunity to earn the money needed to participate in summer camp or other programs. Conquistador Council believes all young people should participate and enjoy Scouting programs regardless of circumstance. If you would like more information about scholarships, please contact us by email or by phone at (575)-622-3461.
Below is a list of basic needs to start in each Scouting program. Items are available at council Scout Shops. Before purchasing any items, speak with your unit leader and he or she will be able to tell you more about any specific uniform or equipment guidelines for the pack, troop or crew.
Ready to get started? Get Started.
Cub Scouting
Required: Annual registration fee of $72 for youth, $45 for adults
Note: some individual units charge a unit fee
Optional items: uniform, handbook, Boys’ Life subscription, camping equipment (most Cub Scout camping does not require a special equipment purchase; talk with your Cubmaster before purchasing anything)
Scouts BSA
Required: Annual registration fee of $72 for youth, $45 for adults
Note: some individual units charge a unit fee
Optional items: uniform, handbook, Boys’ Life subscription, camping equipment (your Scout will need some camping gear; talk with your Scoutmaster before purchasing anything)
Venturing
Required: Annual registration fee of $72 for youth, $45 for adults
Note: some individual units charge a unit fee
Optional items: uniform, camping equipment (Venture crews select their own uniform; talk with your Venture Crew advisor before buying anything)
Exploring
Required: Annual registration fee of $45 for youth and adults
Note: some individual units charge a unit fee
What is the Rank Structure?
Which District would I be in?
El Llano Grande District- Serving Roosevelt, De Baca, and Curry Counties
Oil Patch District- Serving Lea County
Chisum Trail District- Serving Eddy County
Rio Hondo District- Serving Chaves County
Sierra Blanca District- Serving Lincoln County
What is needed on a uniform?
One of Scouting’s methods of youth development includes wearing a uniform. The Scout uniform makes Scouting visible as a force of good, signifies a Scout’s commitment to Scouting ideals and serves as an economic equalizer of all Scouts. Additionally, the uniform serves as a recognition mechanism for earned advancement.
Below are the basic parts of a Cub Scout uniform.* As a Scout earns advancement ranks, they will receive belt loops, emblems and badges to add to their uniform. Any council Scout Shop can help you with purchasing your Scout’s uniform as well as understanding correct patch placement.
*Note: The Lion Cub uniform for kindergartners consists of a t-shirt and hat. Please contact your den leader or any council Scout Shop for more information.
Do I have to volunteer if my youth joins Scouting?
The Scouting organization is unique in that it relies on nearly 8,000 adult volunteers in central Indiana to provide the fun, adventure and life lessons our programs offer. These individuals come from all walks of life and have varying degrees of involvement.
Specifically, Cub Scouting is designed to be a family-friendly activity where the entire family can be a part of the fun and adventure of the program. The degree of your involvement is completely up to you and what makes sense for your family and time availability. Whether you hold an official volunteer position such as a den leader or committee member or assist with driving Scouts to summer camp, know that you are helping to ensure your Scout and their fellow Scouts are having a positive Scouting experience.
What if I have more questions?
If you are not involved in a pack, you should start by filling out the form found here so that we can match you with someone who can assist you. If you are already in a pack, we recommend starting with your den leader followed by the pack leadership. Our council website also has many resources for a variety of questions and is also linked to the national site. Finally, any council service center has staff ready to assist you with any request.