5 Alternatives to Boy Scouts as the Organization Rebrands and Struggles

As of 2024, Boy Scouts doesn't hold the clout it once did. After years of losing members due to sexual assault accusations and having to declare bankruptcy, as of May 2024, the 114-year-old organization is rebranding to Scouting America in the hopes of being more inclusive and growing its ranks.

President Roger Krone told AP News in the wake of the announcement of the rebrand, “In the next 100 years we want any youth in America to feel very, very welcome to come into our programs."

That said, if you are looking for alternatives to the Boy Scouts for your son or daughter, you've come to the right place. Read on to find out about options all over the U.S., from secular, to religious.

Per Camp Fire's website, their co-ed program is described this way: "Through playful, inclusive, affordable, and powerful out-of-class experiences Camp Fire connects young people to the outdoors, to others, and to themselves."

The mission statement goes on to declare, "We provide young people with a space where they feel like they truly belong."

More than likely you can find a location near you, as there are 47 councils across the country, from Alaska to Florida.

The programs offered range from in school, to teen leadership opportunities, to outdoor camping and exploration, with an emphasis on child safety.

Trail Life takes an opposite approach to the modern world and scouting for boys compared with Boy Scouts.

The Christian organization is exclusive to males. According to its website, Trail Life's very clear mission is this: "Our vision is to be the premier national character development organization for young men which produces godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens."

As of 2023, there were 1,000 Trail Life troops, with 14,000 members in 47 states.

Spiral Scouts International is a spiritual organization that values diversity, and per its description on Instagram "allows children of all kinds to join and grow together as responsible, caring individuals."

Scouting charters, which teach social and environmental responsibility, are available for kids ages 3–18. However, Spiral Scouts has fewer locations, with about 60 currently in operation.

Kids as young as 2 years old can get started with this scouting organization, and continue their journey through adulthood.

With the tagline, "Scouting for everybody," the Outdoor Service Guides website says, "Each Section has a specific program of study, a handbook, badges, and achievements."

The website also says, "Each Section's program is calibrated to offer age-appropriate challenges and experiences to help foster a lifelong love of the outdoors, community service, and teamwork."

It's easy to find a location near you.

According to Camp Quest, their organization is about "fun, friends, and free thought."

Admittedly, this is a smaller outfit, offering camps only in some parts of the country.

Per its website, "Camp Quest envisions a world in which children grow up exploring, thinking for themselves, connecting with their communities, and acting to make the most of life for themselves and others."

Co-ed sleepaway camps are available for kids ages 8–17, while day campers can be as young as 5 years old.