Scouting America has approved a Family Troop option for Scouts BSA, following a successful year-long pilot involving 174 councils including 20 troops from Three Harbors Council.  The new option will officially become available on December 15, 2025.  With the approval of the Family Troop, there are now three options for chartered organizations to serve youth in the Scouts BSA program: 

• All Boy Troop
• All Girl Troop
• Family Troop (co-ed)

Survey feedback and participation data from troops participating in the Family Troop pilot showed the following positive outcomes:

• Increased youth membership
• Stronger program delivery
• High satisfaction among youth, leaders, and families
• Improved efficiency in troop operations and use of resources

Based on these findings, the Family Troop model is now an official, permanent part of the Scouts BSA program.  If your chartered organization and Troop leaders are interested in forming a Family Troop, the documents that can be viewed below will help guide you through the process.

Please note that there is no requirement for any chartered organization to offer Family Troops. Chartered organizations retain full flexibility in how they structure their units.  If your unit is happy with your current program as an all-boy or all-girl serving troop, there is no expectation to make a change. 

Scouting America approved the new option after careful study of data and outcomes from the Family Troop pilot along with a thorough review of youth protection standards and input from a wide range of stakeholders.  The Family Troop model represents a forward-thinking approach in our goal of meeting the needs of families who want to do Scouting together in the same unit, and our ongoing commitment to serve more young people across the country. 

If you have any questions as you review this new program option, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of our council staff who can be reached here.