Lone Scouts
Adventure Without Borders: Scouting America’s Unique Opportunities for Remote and Global Families
At Scouting America’s Transatlantic Council (TAC), we believe that no matter where a young person lives, the spirit of adventure, leadership, and personal growth should always be within reach. While many Scouts participate in local, community-based units, some find themselves in locations where a traditional unit isn’t available. That’s where our Lone Scouts and Council Online Consolidated Units come in—providing exciting and flexible ways to experience the Scouting journey no matter where life takes you.
Scouting Without Limits
Whether you live in a remote area, move frequently, or prefer a more customized approach to Scouting, the Transatlantic Council offers two distinct pathways to ensure that every young person can thrive in Scouting America. Explore the options below to find the best fit for your family and start your Scouting journey today!
Lone Scouts Program – Designed for independent learners and explorers, this program allows individual Scouts to pursue their goals, develop skills, and earn achievements while working closely with an adult mentor or family member. It’s perfect for those in geographically isolated areas who want a fully customizable Scouting experience. Lone Scouts cannot utilize Scoutbook.
Council Consolidated 802 Online Units – A dynamic, virtual Scouting community that connects youth across the Transatlantic Council’s footprint. These units provide mentorship, skill-building, and camaraderie in an engaging online environment, allowing Scouts to collaborate, learn, and grow together, no matter where they live. Scouts in the consolidated units are able to utilize Scoutbook to track their advancements.
Who Can Join?
Participation in these programs is open to families residing within the Transatlantic Council’s geographic footprint. If you live outside this region, we encourage you to connect with your local Scouting America council for opportunities in your area.
Your Scouting Journey Starts Here
Scouting America is about exploration, leadership, and service—no matter where you are. Whether through Lone Scouts or Council Online Consolidated Units, our programs ensure that every young person has the opportunity to develop essential life skills, build lasting friendships, and embark on an unforgettable adventure.
History of Lone Scouting
In 1915, William D. Boyce developed the concept of the Lone Scout program. He wanted to provide a Scouting opportunity for youth members in rural areas where there were simply not enough youth to form a unit or patrol. Boyce, a co-founder of Scouting America, worked diligently to legitimize the Lone Scout program, which was formally adopted in 1924. The Transatlantic Council (TAC) has a long-standing history of supporting and providing access to the Lone Scout program for youth members.
As the name implies, Lone Scouts generally “Scout” alone, working together with their registered Lone Scout Friend & Counselor (a trusted adult identified by the family) on Advancement requirements and Scouting activities. For many Scouts and their families, the Lone Scout program may be the best suitable option for their situation due to a variety of reasons. There is no doubt that traditional Scouting has benefits over the Lone Scout program and that all youth should be encouraged to join a traditional Scouting program that offers Scout-to-Scout and Scout-to-Mentor interaction, uses the Patrol Method, and adheres to the Methods of Scouting. Traditional units have the best potential to offer a quality Scouting program. It is in traditional Scouting units that our youth members learn how to get along in a Den, how to use the Patrol Method, how to lead others, and how to work as a team. Lone Scouts may have an experience that differs from those in traditional Scouting units, but they are still part of TAC and the Scouting movement. They still enjoy those unparalleled adventures and experiences only Scouts – Lone or otherwise – can have.
Lone Scout Registration
To register in the Lone Scout program, please complete a BSA Youth Application for the Scout and a BSA Adult Leader Application for either: the Lone Cub Scout Counselor (position code 88) or the Lone Scout Counselor (position code 96). The completed and signed applications, including the Criminal Background Check form and the Youth Protection Training certificate (both required for LCS or LS Counselor) should be sent to your District Executive for processing. Once you have registered, you will be required to remit your annual membership payment here for the youth and adult registration as follows:
– National Registration fee: $85.00 for youth and $65.00 for adult
– Overseas Council fee: $48.00 for both youth and adult
Total of $133 for annual youth registration. $113 for annual adult registration.
Fees can be paid through this link.
Lone Scout Advancement
Lone Scouts do not have access to online resources like Scoutbook or Internet Advancements – it is the responsibility of the registered Lone Scout Friend & Counselor or the parent to submit periodic Advancement Report forms. When filling out the forms please ensure to write “LONE” in the Unit Number field. When completed, email the completed form to TAC-advancement-802@scouting.org.
