Join Now / Get Involved
Scouting is open to girls and boys, their families and any adult who wants to help. Cub Scouting runs for youth in grades K–5; Scouts BSA is grades 6-12, and Venturing, Sea Scouts and Exploring are for ages 14 to 21.
No prior experience is required.
Three ways to start
Find a unit near you
Use our unit locator to find a place for your Son or Daughter to join.
Learn more about what Scouting is and how it can make an impact.
Scouting is an aged based program that puts youth in a positive recognition environment to help them become the very best for our future communities.
Talk to us
Call the Scout Office at (608) 784-4040 or email info@gatewayscouting.com and we will point you to the right unit.
You may also visit the Scout Office and Scout Store at 2600 Quarry Rd, La Crosse, WI 54601.
Volunteer
Scouting runs on adult volunteers. Some people can only help by bringing a plate of brownies and do a few small things, others can help on a weekly basis. Leaders, committee members, merit badge counsellors and camp helpers are all needed — training is free and adults gain so much too! Find your eternal friends in Scouting where your membership matters.
The most important part any adult leader can do – Be Trained!
Scouting registers it adult volunteers, does a back ground check, and requires training to ensure a quality program.
How Much Does It Cost?
Scouting has a membership fee and then has costs relating to participation. The annual membership fee is $13 per month or $156 per year. New Scouts will need a uniform and depending on how much of the uniform you want, it will cost between $40 and $100. Different activities can cost $5 but then sometimes a Scout may attend a summer camp that could cost $500.
Scouting has a desire for all youth to participate and if you feel the cost is a barrier to participate please read about our No Scout Left Behind program.
How To Pay For Scouting?
Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in Fundraising to help offset the potential costs. Scouting helps provide the annual Popcorn Sale and then each Scout unit also may have additional fundraisers. Scout units should work to create a general idea for what a whole year of Scouting costs and then work with parents to set a goal for how much needs to be fundraised.
Financial Assistance
The No Scout Left Behind fund helps ensure every youth can fully participate in Scouting regardless of their family’s financial situation.
This program is only for youth from the Gateway Area Council (Western Wisconsin)
Families can request funds from the No Scout Left Behind Fund to help:
-Cover part of the cost to attend a camp or Scouting event
-Reduce the annual Scouting membership fee of $13 a month or $156 a year.
-Provide for a Scout’s handbook or other uniform items. Note: we may help your family locate gently used items to help meet this need
-Assist with another need which may help a Scout to have the same experience as their peers
To make a request, complete the online form linked below.
