For New Scouting Families

Welcome! We’re glad you’re exploring Scouting with the Virginia Headwaters Council. Scouting gives young people adventure, friendships, leadership, and confidence, outdoors and in their community, with families right alongside them. Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Find Your Unit

Scouting happens in local units, Cub Scout packs, Scouts BSA troops, Venturing crews, and more, each chartered by an organization in your community. The best first step is finding a unit that fits your family.

Browse our council unit directory » Search by program and location, see where and when units meet, and reach out to a leader directly. (New to a town, or not sure what fits? The council office is happy to help you connect.)

Step 2: Choose Your Program

There’s a program for every age:

• Cub Scouts (grades K–5), family-friendly adventure with dens by grade and fun monthly themes. → For Cub Families
• Scouts BSA (ages 11–17), youth-led troops where Scouts camp, earn merit badges, and work toward Eagle. → For Scouts BSA Families
• Venturing, Sea Scouts & Exploring (ages 14–21), high adventure, leadership, and career exploration for teens. → Older-Youth Programs

Step 3: Register

Once you’ve connected with a unit, joining is easy:

• Most units register new members online, your leader will share a direct link, or you can start at BeAScout.
• Paper applications (English and Spanish) are available through your unit or the council office.
• Questions about registration or fees? See Membership & Registration.

What to Expect as a New Family

• Parents are part of it. Scouting is a family activity, you’ll be welcomed to help, and many parents become leaders. Start with the free Safeguarding Youth Training so you can fully participate, and see Leaders & Volunteers when you’re ready to pitch in.
• Uniforms & handbooks. Each program has its own uniform and handbook, your unit will tell you exactly what to get. Shop your local Scout Shop or scoutshop.org.
• You don’t need to buy gear to start. Units often have equipment to borrow, and your leaders will guide you on what’s actually needed before your first campout.
• Get outdoors. Camping is the heart of Scouting, explore our Where to Go Camping Guide and the council’s own Camp Shenandoah.

Cost & Financial Assistance

Scouting works to stay affordable, and no youth should miss out for financial reasons. There’s a national registration fee plus modest unit dues, and units fundraise to help offset costs. If cost is a concern, confidential financial assistance is available, just ask.

Stay Connected

• Read The Tributary, our council newsletter.
• Check the council calendar for activities, camps, and training.
• Follow Virginia Headwaters Council on social media (links in the footer).

Welcome to the adventure, we can’t wait to see you on the trail!