<p>Hello fellow parents! My son is extremely motivated and interested in joining Boy Scouts. Unfortunately, he is already 14 and will turn 15 soon. He wasn’t able to join earlier, let alone do Cub Scouts, because we frequently moved. Is it a wise decision to start Boy Scouts at this time if my son is passionate about it? Please let me know and thanks for your help!</p>
<p>I don’t know about Boy Scouts, but his age is great for Civil Air Patrol. CAP has ground Search and Rescue that appeals to Boy Scouts that enjoy camping.</p>
<p>At that age, is Explorer Scouts the way to go?</p>
<p>All troops are set up differently. You may find one that is a good fit and very welcoming, while others may be more focused on younger kids.
I would check first with your local BSA Council office and ask them for recommendations.
They will also have info on Venture Scouts and Sea Scouts, which start their programs at age 14.
Best of Luck!</p>
<p>It is late and nearly impossible for him to achieve the Eagle rank. That said, if he finds the right troop, it could be a good experience. </p>
<p>As others have said, Venture scouts might be the better way to go. (Ventures are coed)</p>
<p>It is not too late for him to achieve Eagle Scout, and that isn’t a necessary motivation for scouts. Find out where several local troops are and visit them on meeting night. He will get to meet the scouts and find out about the troop. Have him pick a troop that he feels comfortable with and that does the type of activities he enjoys (different troops have different personalities–there’s something for everyone).</p>
<p>He can make Eagle Scout if he’s interested to do so and motivated. He can work on all ranks from Scout to First Class simultaneously while also earning merit badges. Only the ranks above First Class have time commitments, and he has enough time to earn the ranks before turning 18. </p>
<p>I have two boys who have done scouting from tiger cubs through Eagle Scout. I am also the advancement chair for our troop, which is why I’m very familiar with the specific requirements for earning Eagle Scout. I recommend he take advantage of any merit badge opportunities and attend campouts and summer camp which will help him attain the training and requirements needed to advance in scouting.</p>
<p>Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions. Have him visit at least 3 troops before making a decision on one to join. As the parent, ask any questions you have to the adults running the troop.</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>Start now protecting your feed with anti - scout people. I was surprised how many people wanted to comment about gay rights when I wanted info about scouts for my son.</p>
<p>What VAMom2015 said! Eagle doesn’t need to be the goal. Focus on the journey and the friendships. They are the true reward for scouting. My boys are both Eagles, with my youngest earning Eagle at 15. Very difficult to do, especially when mom and dad are sticklers for following the rules of having the scout do EVERYTHING by himself. ( except driving to/from meetings and writing a check for the cash donations!). So, it is more than possible to earn Eagle if your son is motivated to do so. Good luck…I’m actually a little jealous. The Boy Scout years were special. Son is now a Sea Scout, but it’s not the same. The coed and older ages of the scouts means less opportunities for parent input…sigh ;-)</p>
<p>If you find the right troop it’ll be great! Every troop has it’s own vibe by that age–some are much more relaxed and fun (let’s go camping) vs “gotta get eagle stuff”. I’d say search out the troops in your area, let your son attend and just see how he likes it.</p>
<p>Boy Scouts is awesome!!! Please let him do it. It is fun, adventurous, and gives opportunities for growth and leadership. </p>
<p>In my son’s troop, boys often join at age 13/14/15 because they see the fun their friends in the troop are having!!!</p>
<p>You can enjoy Boy Scouts without trying to earn the Eagle award. All of my boys spent many years in scouting, enjoying the friendships and activiites. They did not like the requirments for Eagle and I never pressured them to pursue it. Do visit the troops however to see if there are enough his age since he is old to be be joining as a beginner. Most of the boys his age will be in leadership roles or will have reduced their participation.</p>
<p>You have gotten excellent advice here. Do interview the local troop leaders. It is important to look for a good fit. Your son will be spending a lot of time with these boys and adult leaders so he needs to feel comfortable and welcomed.
Boy Scouts is a great organization. It was very valuable for my oldest.</p>