Get Started: Youth Scouts
The Boy Scouts of America and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award USA share a common interest in youth development through programs of self-discovery, adventure and service.
In December 2017, the two organizations established a national partnership, encouraging The Award and and Scout programs across the USA to collaborate to serve young people.
Interested In Participating?
As a Scout, there are two ways you can participate in The Award program. You can engage in the Award through your Council (if they are licensed) or as a Virtual Award Participant (join the waitlist). Please look below to find out more about the two options.
Ways to Participate
The Award In Your Council
In order to participate in the Award program in Scouting, your Council needs to be licensed to offer the program. If your Council is not currently licensed to offer the Award program, please click below to find out how you can advocate for that change and bring the Award program to your Council. A list of licensed BSA Councils can be found below.
The Virtual Award Program (VAP)
In order to serve youth who live in an area where the Award program is not offered, we started the Virtual Award Program (VAP). Participants in the VAP work remotely with trained and vetted Award Leaders to complete the Skills, Service, Physical Recreation and Residential Project Sections of the Award program. The VAP does not currently have space for new participants, but you can add join the waitlist and we'll alert you when new opportunities become available.
Licensed Councils
Boy Scouts of America – Greater New York Council (New York, NY)
Boy Scouts of America – Middle Tennessee Council (Nashville, TN)
Boy Scouts of America – Northern Star Council (St. Paul, MN)
Boy Scouts of America – Pathway to Adventure Council (Chicago, IL)
Boy Scouts of America – South Plains Council (Lubbock, TX)
Boy Scouts of America – Nevada Area Council (Reno, NV)
Boy Scouts of America – Alamo Area Council (San Antonio, TX)