Join us. It's simpler than you think.
You don't need any experience, equipment, or uniform to start. Show up to a Thursday meeting, send us a note through BeAScout, or both. We'll take it from there.
How joining works.
Reach out
Use the BeAScout buttons below or come to a Thursday meeting. A volunteer will follow up to answer questions and walk you through the next steps.
Visit a meeting
Drop in on any Thursday at 7 p.m. during the school year. No uniform, no commitment — just come see what we do.
Register online
When you're ready, you'll register through Scouting America's online system. We'll help with the form, the uniform, and your child's first patch.
Two ways to get started.
Cub Scout Pack 4018
For families with younger kids. Parents stay involved at every level — it's an activity you'll do together, not drop your child off at.
Contact Pack 4018 →Scouts BSA Troop 4018
For older Scouts — including kids crossing over from Cub Scouts and brand-new joins. Youth-led, adventure-focused, and the path to Eagle Scout.
Contact Troop 4018 →What families ask us most.
What does it cost?
Annual Scouting America membership and council fees apply, and the unit collects a small amount for supplies and activity costs. Outings have additional fees that vary by trip. We never want cost to be a barrier — leaders will be glad to talk through scholarship and assistance options privately.
Do we need a uniform or gear right away?
No. For your first few meetings, come as you are. Once you decide to join, we'll point you to the official uniform and help you build up camping gear gradually. Many families borrow gear from the unit while they get started.
When and where do you meet?
Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. during the school year, following the Saratoga Springs City School District calendar. Meeting locations are shared after you reach out — get in touch through BeAScout and we'll send the details.
Who can join?
Cub Scouts is for kids in kindergarten through 5th grade. Scouts BSA is for youth ages 11 through 17. Both programs welcome boys and girls. Adult volunteers (parents, grandparents, family friends) are always needed too.
Do parents have to be involved?
In Cub Scouts, yes — it's a family program by design. In Scouts BSA, parents support from the sidelines while youth take the lead. There's always a role for adults who want to help, whether that's once a year or every week.
How safe is Scouting?
Every adult leader in Scouting America completes Youth Protection Training and follows the program's two-deep leadership rules. Safety is built into every outing — and we're happy to walk through how it works.
We missed the start of the year. Can we still join?
Yes! New families are welcome any time — fall, winter, or spring. There's no calendar window for joining Scouting.
Reach out — we'd love to meet you.
The fastest way to start a conversation is through Scouting America's official BeAScout portal. Both of our units monitor inquiries directly.