Scouting America expanding in New Castle County; families invited to Join Scouting Nights

Families can meet Scouting leaders and learn about activities at events scheduled in November in New Castle County.

WILMINGTON, Del. — Scouting is growing across New Castle County as families look for structured, values-based programs that blend leadership, outdoor adventure, and community service.

“Scouting gives kids real chances to lead, serve, and try new things in a safe, supportive setting,” said John Walker, Scout Master of Troop 67. “Parents see their children gaining confidence and character week by week,” Walker said.

Local Scout units are adding members and inviting interested parents and youth to a series of Join Scouting nights in November.

“We’re seeing strong interest across Delaware because families want exciting programs with hands-on experiences that promote life skills—from Cub Scouts through high-adventure crews—and plenty of chances for parents to get involved,” said Ray Teat, Scouting executive for the Del-Mar-Va Council.

Scouting in Delaware offers age-appropriate options for boys and girls—including Cub Scout packs, Scouts BSA troops, Venturing crews, Sea Scout ships, and Exploring posts—giving youth multiple paths based on age and interest. (Scouts BSA typically organizes youth into single-gender troops, while Venturing, Sea Scouts, and Exploring operate coed.)

The program starts with Cub Scouts and family-friendly weekly activities that build basic skills, with monthly outings and annual trips to keep engagement high. “Our proximity to trails, waterways, and historic sites makes it a natural fit for hiking, camping, and conservation projects,” Teat said.

Outdoor programming is a cornerstone. Scouts regularly camp at nearby parks and Scout reservations. Day trips and weekend campouts introduce skills such as tent and camp-kitchen setup, trail safety, map and compass, and Leave No Trace principles. Older youth advance to backpacking treks, canoe and kayak outings on area rivers, cold-weather camping, climbing, and orienteering events. Sea Scouts focus on boating safety, seamanship, navigation and stewardship of local waterways. Many activities pair outdoor skills with service, including trail work, habitat restoration, and community cleanups.

Scouting experiences translate directly into leadership and life skills. Scouts plan trips and menus, manage budgets, and lead teams—building project-management and problem-solving abilities along the way. Merit badges expose youth to careers and practical knowledge in first aid, personal fitness, robotics, citizenship, and personal finance. The advancement framework provides clear goals, often culminating in Eagle Scout service projects that require proposal writing, fundraising, logistics, and volunteer coordination. Youth also log service hours, practice public speaking as patrol leaders, and mentor younger members.

Programs are open to all, with coed options in several tracks. Venturing emphasizes high adventure and leadership for teens; Exploring connects youth with career fields; Sea Scouts centers on maritime skills. Leaders say the inclusive lineup helps Scouting meet families where they are and adapt to community needs. Age-appropriate challenges—from backyard campfires to multi-day treks—are delivered with trained adult leadership and safety protocols to build resilience and sound judgment.

Join Scouting nights

Families can meet leaders, learn about unit schedules and activities, and begin registration at the following events:

• Tuesday, Nov. 4, 6:30 p.m. — Richardson Park Elementary (Cafeteria), 16 Idella Ave., Wilmington, DE 19804
• Wednesday, Nov. 5, 6:30 p.m. — Brandywine Springs (Cafeteria), 2916 Duncan Road, Wilmington, DE 19808
• Thursday, Nov. 6, 6:30 p.m. — North Star Elementary (Cafeteria), 1340 Little Baltimore Road, Hockessin, DE 19707
• Tuesday, Nov. 18, 6 p.m. — Austin D. Baltz Elementary (PTA meeting), 1500 Spruce Ave., Wilmington, DE 19805

Some units have already held their Join Scouting nights, and many offer rolling enrollment year-round. Families interested in Scouting can find and contact a nearby unit by visiting www.beascout.org, entering a ZIP code, and filtering by Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouts, or Exploring. Most unit pages list a meeting night and location, a primary contact (Cubmaster/Scoutmaster/Advisor), and a brief program description. New families can typically visit a meeting before registering, and units can advise on fees, financial assistance, uniforms, and how parents can volunteer. All programs are led by trained, youth-protection–certified adults, with age-appropriate activities and accommodations available for new members.

Who can join

• Cub Scouts (K–5, ages 5–10): Family-friendly activities that introduce basic skills, the outdoors, and community service.
• Scouts BSA (ages 11–17): Outdoor adventure, leadership, and merit badges with a clear advancement path.
• Venturing (ages 14–20, coed): High adventure, leadership, and service.
• Sea Scouts (ages 14–20, coed): Maritime-focused boating, navigation, and seamanship.
• Exploring (ages 10–20, varies by program, coed): Career-focused experiences in fields such as health care, engineering, and public safety.

For more information: Parents may contact Thomas (Tom) Johnson with Scouting America and the Del-Mar-Va Council at 302-535-5647; visit the council website at www.delmarvacouncil.org; or call the Del-Mar-Va Council main office at 302-622-3300.

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