UPDATE: ‘Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout?’ casting expands to seven states; deadline April 16

(UPDATED April 10, 2012)  The Are You Tougher? casting call is growing! See the expanded casting region and new deadline in the “How to Apply” section at the bottom.


Scouts and adults, practice your knots, sharpen your pocketknives — oh, and comb your hair.

Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout?, the new National Geographic Channel show I told you about in January, is looking for a few outstanding cast members for its first season.

If you live in California one of seven Western states (see below), read on to learn how you can get in on the fun. If you live elsewhere, I’ve got some exciting details about what kind of people you can expect to see on the show when it premieres this fall.

I spoke with senior casting director Sarah Furlong today, and she’s pumped about the new reality competition show that will pit current Scouts against adults who were Scouts as youth. And it’s all done with the blessing and support of the Boy Scouts of America.

“We’re kind of excited because this is the first time the Boy Scouts have lent their name and given permission to a show like this,” she said.

Furlong, who recently finished casting for upcoming seasons of America’s Got Talent and Storage Wars, said that ideal candidates for Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout? are heartfelt people with integrity, a love for the outdoors, and an interesting story.

Furlong, whose husband is an Eagle Scout, is responsible for casting the adults who will compete against the Boy Scouts on the show. Most of the boys have already been cast, she said.

What kind of adults will be selected? Furlong said her casting company, Metal Flowers Media, isn’t looking for “Survivor-types who are going to try to decimiate the Scouts.”

“This isn’t The Biggest Loser where people are screaming at you,” she continued. “It’s about testing the life skills that they’ve carried with them.”

For Season 1, they’re only looking for adults who were Scouts as youth. So if that describes you, give Furlong a call.

As for the Boy Scouts who will participate, those were selected through different means, Furlong said. She said she wasn’t sure whether those slots have completely filled, but if I learn they’re still looking for Boy Scouts, I’ll update this post with info.

How to apply (updated 4/10, 12:10 p.m.)

  • Email Janelle Randazza at randazza@metalflowersmedia.com
  • They’re looking for adults 28 to 49.
  • They’ve expanded their search to include adults in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Texas, Colorado, and some areas of Washington state.
  • They want adults who…
    • were in Scouts as youth
    • aren’t BSA employees
    • aren’t Eagle Scouts (not a requirement, but they’d prefer adults who aren’t Eagles)
  • Current volunteers are eligible to be selected!
  • Know that time is of the essence. The deadline is Monday, April 16, so don’t delay!

Stay tuned for Bryan on Scouting for more updates about this exciting new show!


About Bryan Wendell 3282 Articles
Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer.