Youth Programs

For more than a century, the Boy Scouts of America has helped build the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. We believe – and, through more than a century of experience, know – that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible and productive society.

Rainbow Council is your first step in becoming a scout in Will, Grundy, and Kankakee county. Scouting is for every youth. There is only one rank goal that Scouts aspire to: The rank of Eagle Scout. Rainbow Council has several camping opportunities for Cub Scouts in Will, Grundy, and Kankakee County in Illinois, so check our calendar for future camping dates. 

There are ranks for Scouts, but unlike Cub Scouts, the ranks are achieved at their own pace.
Tenderfoot → Second Class → First Class → Star → Life → Eagle Scout

The difference is that advancement is in the capable hands of the Scout. The scout can advance as quickly or evenly as they so wish. The only requirement is that they finish advancement by the age of 18, because after you reach 18, you are no longer considered a youth member of the BSA.

 

Scouting’s Programs

Cub Scouts– a year-round, family-friendly program designed for children who are in kindergarten through fifth grade (ages 5-10). Activities are used to achieve the aims of Scouting- citizenship training, character development and personal fitness. 

Scouts BSA– designed for kids ages 11-18, Scouts learn responsible citizenship, character development and self reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities and educational programs. 

Venturing– a program for young men and women between the ages of 14 and 20. Its purpose is to provide positive experiences to help youth mature and prepare them to become responsible adults. 

STEM Scouts– a national pilot program focused on fun ways for girls and boys to learn more about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through hands-on activities led by STEM professionals. Through weekly meetings and four-to-six modules that cover a variety of disciplines, STEM Scouts is designed to be fast paced, thought provoking and fun. 

Scouts with Disabilities – The basic premise of Scouting for youth with disabilities is that every boy wants to participate fully and be respected like every other member of the troop. While there are, by necessity, troops exclusively composed of Scouts with disabilities, experience has shown that Scouting usually succeeds best when every boy is part of a patrol in a regular troop.

Ready to get started?