Careers Related to Scouting
9a.
Explore careers related to Scouting. Research one career to learn about the training and education needed, costs, job prospects, salary, job duties, and career advancement. With permission of your parent or guardian, your research methods may include an internet or library search, an interview with a professional in the field, or a visit to a location where people in this career work. Discuss with your counselor both your findings and what about this profession might make it an interesting career.
Careers Related to Scouting
“Careers related to Scouting” is broader than you might think. Here are several paths to consider:
Professional Scouter
This is the most direct career path. Scouting America employs professional staff at the district, council, regional, and national levels.
- District Executive: Works directly with volunteers and units to grow and support Scouting in a geographic district. This is the most common entry-level professional position.
- Scout Executive / Council CEO: The top professional leader of a local council, responsible for staff, budgets, fundraising, and programs.
- National staff: Positions at Scouting America’s national office in Irving, Texas, covering program development, marketing, finance, and more.
Camp and Outdoor Education
- Camp Director: Manages a Scout camp or outdoor education center. Responsible for staff, facilities, programs, and safety.
- Program Director / Activities Director: Leads specific program areas at a camp — aquatics, shooting sports, nature, climbing, etc.
- Outdoor Education Instructor: Works for a school, camp, or nonprofit teaching outdoor skills, environmental science, and adventure activities.
Related Fields
- Youth Development Professional: Works for organizations like the YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, 4-H, or other youth-serving nonprofits.
- Nonprofit Management: Running or managing any mission-driven organization that serves communities.
- Park Ranger / Recreation Manager: Works for state or national parks, managing outdoor recreation and education programs.
What to Research
The requirement asks you to investigate specific details about one career:
| Topic | What to Find Out |
|---|---|
| Training and education | What degree or certification is required? Is there on-the-job training? |
| Costs | What does the education cost? Are there scholarships or employer-paid training? |
| Job prospects | Are positions available? Is the field growing? |
| Salary | What is the starting salary? What can experienced professionals earn? |
| Job duties | What does a typical day or week look like? |
| Career advancement | What is the promotion path? Where can this career lead? |
Training and education
- What to Find Out
- What degree or certification is required? Is there on-the-job training?
Costs
- What to Find Out
- What does the education cost? Are there scholarships or employer-paid training?
Job prospects
- What to Find Out
- Are positions available? Is the field growing?
Salary
- What to Find Out
- What is the starting salary? What can experienced professionals earn?
Job duties
- What to Find Out
- What does a typical day or week look like?
Career advancement
- What to Find Out
- What is the promotion path? Where can this career lead?
Research Methods
- Internet search: The Scouting America careers page (see Official Resources) is an excellent starting point for professional Scouter positions.
- Interview: Ask your District Executive, Scout Executive, or camp director about their career path. Most professional Scouters are happy to talk about their work.
- Site visit: Visit your council service center or a Scout camp to see where professionals work.
Your Discussion with Your Counselor
Be prepared to share:
- Which career you researched and why you chose it
- The specific details you found (training, salary, duties, etc.)
- What about this career makes it interesting to you — or does not appeal to you
- How the skills and values from Scouting Heritage connect to this career