Book Review: Beginning Boy Scouts

Beginning Boy Scouts by Jeremy and Heather Reed is a book written for parents who are new to the Scouts BSA program. It is not an official guide, but it is written by people who know the program well. The authors are parents who have been through the Scouting journey. They understand what new parents are feeling and what questions they have. This book speaks to them in a kind and simple way.

(Note: The name reflects that it was written before the Boy Scout program name changed to Scouts BSA, but the information all still applies.)

Many parents are surprised by how different Scouts BSA is from Cub Scouts. In Cub Scouts, adults run the meetings and handle most things. In Scouts BSA, the youth take the lead. This can be hard for parents to understand at first. That is why this book is helpful. It explains how the Scouts BSA program works and why it is set up the way it is.

The book is written in a way that is easy to follow. It does not use big words or confusing language. It just gives good, solid information. I read it and thought it would be a great tool for any family starting out in a troop. It answers the common questions parents ask.

I am thinking about asking our Committee Chair to order some copies. We could give them to new families when their Scouts cross over in February. It would help them feel more confident. They could learn what to expect and how to support their child in the program.

One parent in our troop once said, “There’s a big learning curve after Cub Scouts.” That is true. But books like this one can make the climb easier. It gives parents a place to start and helps them feel more prepared.

The book has 13 chapters. Each chapter talks about a different part of the Scouts BSA program. It starts at the very beginning. It explains how to find a troop and how to join. Then it goes step by step through what happens next. It talks about meetings, uniforms, camping, and more.

It does not just focus on the Scout. It also talks about what parents can do. There are sections about adult roles and how families can support their Scouts. It helps parents understand what they should do and what they should let their child do on their own.

This book is unofficial, but it still follows the Scouting program closely. Everything in the book lines up with how Scouts BSA works. It uses real-life examples and plain words. It helps parents understand the program without needing to study a lot of manuals.

I like that the book covers the full journey. It talks about getting started and also goes all the way to earning Eagle. Parents often want to know how advancement works and how their child can reach goals. This book explains that in simple terms.

Even though the title says “Boy Scouts,” the book still works for Scouts BSA today. The name changed in 2019, but the program structure is the same. The book talks about Scouts, not just boys, and the advice fits all families.

One of the most important chapters is about the patrol method. Parents new to Scouts BSA often don’t understand it. They think it might be better for adults to lead everything. But in Scouts BSA, patrols give youth a chance to lead. This is how they learn to make decisions and work as a team.

The chapter explains why patrols matter. Each patrol is a small group within the troop. Scouts in a patrol plan things together and help each other. They learn by doing. That might mean things go slowly or mistakes are made. But that is part of the learning process. Parents need to understand that.

The book also talks about youth leadership. There are many roles in a troop. Scouts learn to lead meetings, plan campouts, and help younger Scouts. Parents often don’t realize how much leadership their child can take on. This chapter shows how important it is to give youth the chance to lead.

There is also a chapter about adult roles. It explains what adults are supposed to do and not do. It talks about registered leaders, committee members, and parents. It also explains the rule of two-deep leadership. That means no adult is ever alone with a Scout. This keeps everyone safe.

Parents sometimes want to help too much. This book reminds them to take a step back. It shows how adults can support their child without taking over. That is not always easy, but it is a big part of the program.

Many parents are confused by how Scouts BSA advancement works. They are used to Cub Scouts, where everyone moves up at the same time. But in Scouts BSA, each Scout goes at their own pace. This book explains that clearly. It helps parents understand that Scouts are responsible for their own advancement.

The book talks about the different ranks and how to move from one to the next. It explains what a Scoutmaster conference is and what happens at a board of review. It also reminds parents that their job is to encourage, not to do the work for their Scout. This is hard for some families, but very important.

There is a full chapter on merit badges. That is helpful because this is another area that causes confusion. It explains how Scouts choose a badge, get a blue card, and find a counselor. It also explains which merit badges are required for Eagle. This helps families avoid surprises later.

Some parents are surprised when they find out their child cannot earn Star, Life, or Eagle without certain required badges. This book helps them understand that early on. That way, Scouts can plan better. It also shows that elective badges are fun, but they don’t replace the required ones.

The book also covers other awards and achievements. There is a section about the Order of the Arrow and other recognitions. These are not required for rank advancement, but they can still be part of a Scout’s journey. It’s good for families to know what is out there.

Many parents are unsure about the uniform. They are not sure where patches go or when to wear the merit badge sash. This book covers all of that. It has a full chapter on the uniform and Scout supplies. It tells families how to buy items and where to put everything.

The book also explains troop meetings, patrol meetings, and Courts of Honor. That helps parents understand what happens during regular meetings and special ones. It also talks about how troops handle money and share information with families. Every troop is a little different, but this gives a general idea.

There is a section about camping and outdoor activities. This is why many Scouts join. The chapter explains how campouts are planned and what Scouts need to bring. It covers skills they will learn and how parents can help their Scout get ready without doing it for them.

Another chapter covers summer camp and special events. Summer camp is a big part of the program. Scouts spend a week with their troop, working on merit badges and having fun. The book gives a good picture of what to expect. It also talks about other events like camporees and jamborees.

High Adventure bases are mentioned too. It does not go into a lot of detail, but it gives a good introduction. It talks about Philmont and Sea Base. It does not include the Summit Bechtel Reserve, but the rest of the chapter is still helpful. It shows what older Scouts can look forward to.

This book is a great idea for troop leaders who want to support new families. If your troop gets new Scouts each year, you could keep a few copies on hand. Give them out when Scouts cross over from Cub Scouts. It will help those families feel more prepared.

Even if parents do not read every word, the book will give them a place to turn when they have questions. It covers all the topics they usually ask about. It can save leaders time by answering the basics before parents get overwhelmed.

Having a printed book is nice. Some parents do not want to look everything up online. This book puts it all in one place. They can read it at their own pace and come back to it when needed. That can be helpful during the first few months in the troop.

If you are a Committee Chair or Scoutmaster, you might want to order a few copies. You could even write a short note inside the front cover to welcome each family. It is a simple thing, but it shows families that you care and want to help them succeed.

I read the book and thought, “I wish I had something like this when my sons were just starting.” It would have answered a lot of my questions. That is why I think it is a good tool for families entering the Scouts BSA program. It gives them a strong start.

More About Scouts BSA

Scouts BSA is a program for youth ages 11 to 17. It helps young people learn strong values and make good choices. Scouts learn by doing fun outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and backpacking. They also practice teamwork and leadership through the patrol system, where Scouts lead and work together.

Scouts can earn merit badges, learn new skills, and work toward the Eagle Scout rank. The program welcomes all youth and supports different interests and goals. It helps young people build confidence, learn responsibility, and grow into strong leaders. Scouts BSA gives youth tools they can use for life.

Is this an official Scouts BSA book?

No. This is not an official Scouts BSA book. It is written by two parents who have experience with the program. It gives helpful tips and clear explanations, but it is not a rulebook. For official rules, check the Scouts BSA Handbook or Guide to Advancement.

Does this book include Cub Scouts or Venturing?

No. It only covers Scouts BSA. It does not talk about Cub Scouts or Venturing. It is meant for parents whose child is joining a Scouts BSA troop, usually after crossing over from a pack.

Is the information still current even though it says “Boy Scouts”?

Yes. The book was written before the name changed to Scouts BSA in 2019. But the content still matches how the program works today. The advice and explanations are still useful.

Who should read this book?

This book is good for parents who are new to Scouts BSA. It is also helpful for new leaders and troop committee members. It explains how the program works and what parents can expect.

Does it explain how advancement works?

Yes. It has clear chapters on rank advancement and merit badges. It also explains Scoutmaster conferences, boards of review, and how a Scout earns Eagle rank.

Will this help with understanding the patrol method?

Yes. One chapter explains the patrol method in simple terms. It shows why youth lead and why adults step back. It helps parents understand how Scouts learn by doing.

Is this a good book for Scoutmasters or troop leaders?

Yes, but it is written for parents. Scoutmasters might use it to help explain things to new families. Troops can keep a few copies to give to parents when they join.

Is this book helpful if my daughter is joining a troop?

Yes. Even though the title says “Boy Scouts,” the advice works for all Scouts BSA troops. The book talks about Scouts in general, not just boys.

Does this book cover uniforms and where patches go?

Yes. There is a chapter that explains uniforms, patches, and Scout gear. It helps parents understand what is needed and where everything goes.

Starting Scouts BSA can feel like setting out on a big hike without a map. Parents want to help, but they don’t always know where to begin. Beginning Boy Scouts is like that map. It shows the path clearly and points out what to expect along the way. It answers the questions most parents have and even some they haven’t thought of yet.

This book doesn’t try to be fancy or official. It just gives good, useful advice from people who’ve been there. That’s why it works so well. It’s the kind of book I wish someone had handed me when my first Scout joined the troop. It would have saved a lot of confusion.

If you’re a troop leader or a Committee Chair, think about keeping a few copies around. Give them to families when their Scout crosses over. It’s a simple way to say, “We’re glad you’re here, and we’re here to help.” That little gesture can make a big difference.

So if you know a family just starting out in Scouts BSA, hand them this book. They’ll still have questions—but they’ll also have answers. And that’s a great place to start.

So I recommend this book to parents who are new to the Scouts BSA program. It is available on Amazon if you are interested in getting a copy for yourself or for those new families in your troop.