Do you know a Scouts BSA member who wants to influence the future of Scouting America? Make sure to send them this blog post!
The Scouts BSA National Youth Council is the platform for passionate youth leaders to help shape decisions across the organization, and applications for the next term are now open.
Empowering youth and shaping the future
As the council enters its fifth year, it continues to provide a meaningful space for youth to share their perspectives and collaborate with top leadership on strategies that guide the Scouts BSA program.
Who can apply?
Scouts must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the council term (September 2025 to May 2026):
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Be 14 years old by the start of the term and not turn 18 before it ends
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Be currently registered in the Scouts BSA program
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Hold the rank of First Class or higher
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Currently serve, or have previously served, in a position of responsibility within their troop
Encourage your youth leaders to submit an application online by August 15, 2025.
👉 Apply for the 2025–26 Scouts BSA National Youth Council
What qualifies as a position of responsibility?
Positions of responsibility include patrol leader, senior patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, troop guide, Order of the Arrow troop representative, den chief, scribe, librarian, historian, quartermaster, junior assistant Scoutmaster, chaplain aide, instructor, webmaster or outdoor ethics guide.
What to expect from the application process
Applicants need permission from a parent or guardian to apply and should set aside 60 to 90 minutes to complete the online form. It’s important to note that the application cannot be saved and resumed later, so completing it in one sitting is required.
Notification regarding admission onto the council will be emailed to all applicants by mid-September.
Why this council matters
What kind of impact does the council make? No one can explain this better than youth who most recently served. This video was created and edited by Eagle Scout and council alum Nikolas Knanishu.
If you know a Scout ready to affect the Scouting movement, now is the time to encourage them to apply.
Let’s keep putting youth at the center of Scouting!
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