Boone County families looking to get their kids involved in something before the school year begins have a new option: the Dan Beard Council of Scouting America opened enrollment for the 2026-27 year, welcoming any boy or girl from kindergarten through age 20.
The council, which serves more than 11,000 youth across 12 counties in southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky, announced the enrollment opening in a news release reported by LINK nky on Aug. 8.
As we reported Aug. 5, the council waives the $85 national registration fee for children of active-duty, National Guard and Reserve military members. The broader enrollment is open to all families regardless of military status.
"The start of the school year is the perfect time for a family to give Scouting a try," Scout Executive and CEO Andy Zahn said in the release. "In just a few months, you'll see a child who is more confident, more capable and surrounded by great friends."
Zahn, a former Eagle Scout who has led the Dan Beard Council since February 2020, said the organization provides friendships, outdoor experiences and leadership skills that he credits with shaping his own life.
What's available
Programs are organized by age:
- Cub Scouts: Grades K–5
- Scouts BSA: Ages 11–17
- Sea Scouts: Ages 10–20
- Venturing and Exploring: Ages 14–20
Scouts participate in camping, hiking, exploring and community service projects alongside peers and adult volunteers. Hundreds of Cub Scout Packs, Scouts BSA Troops, Venturing Crews and Sea Scout Ships operate through local school districts across the council's territory.
How to join
Families can find their nearest local troop and sign up at BeAScout.org. No enrollment deadline has been announced, but the council is encouraging families to get started before the school year begins.
Upcoming community dates
- Scouting enrollment: Open now at BeAScout.org for youth grades K through age 20
- Boone County Schools first day: Wednesday, Aug. 19
