Scouting America

Once a chapter agrees to sponsor a Scout unit, such as a Cub Scout pack, Scouts BSA troop, Venturing crew, Sea Scout Ship, or an Exploring post, it should designate a chartered organization representative, usually a chapter officer, to act as a liaison between the chapter and the Scouting America unit. This representative should then contact the Scout Executive at the local Scouting America council to discuss establishing a new unit. Both the Alpha Phi Alpha Scouting America Committee and your local council have volunteers ready to help your chapter organize your Scout unit.

1. The unit steering committee has been appointed. The chapter designates a committee of three to five members responsible for organizing the Scouting unit.
2. The new unit organizing committee convenes to review the goals and methods of Scouting and begins the process of selecting leaders.
3. Key leaders are chosen, and the chapter designates a member to the chartered organization representative. This individual will serve as the chapter's representative at the district and council levels and is a voting member on that board. The organization committee recruits and appoints people to serve as the unit committee chair and committee members.
4. The unit leader and assistants are chosen. The steering committee identifies the individuals who would be suitable as unit leaders.
5. The paperwork is finished. All applications and other documents are correctly filled out and submitted to the local Scouting representative.
6. Leaders undergo training soon after agreeing to take on the role. The organizing committee arranges relevant classes to help them better understand their duties. New leaders are typically scheduled for Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) for Troops or BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) training for Cub units.
7. Youth are recruited, and parents are oriented. Youth and their parents from the community are invited to participate.
8. Please consult with a member of the Fraternity’s General Scouting America Committee to locate the Scouting America Council in your area. Your local Scout District Executive can offer valuable support to help ensure your unit's success.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.

“On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.”

A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

Scouting America teaches young people the values in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Its programs and activities support youth in achieving their potential in academics, self-confidence, ethics, leadership, and citizenship. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has recognized Scouting America as a key national initiative, utilizing Scouting as a proven resource for youth development.

Your Alpha Phi Alpha chapter, as the chartered organization, owns all its Scouting units, including Cub Scout packs, Scouts BSA troops, Venturing crews, Sea Scout ships, and Explorer posts or clubs. By serving as a chartered organization, your chapter utilizes Scouting to connect with youth and support them in making positive life decisions. The chapter is responsible for choosing the unit’s leadership, providing or arranging a meeting place, and guiding the program.

Goals

• Increase the number of Alpha Brothers involved in Scouting
• Increase the number of Alpha Chapters involved in Scouting
• Develop programs with Scouting America that align with the missions of both organizations
• Identify and recognize Brothers who are active in Scouting

Objectives

• Increase the opportunity for advancement of Black Scouts and Scouts from underserved communities
• Create opportunities for Leadership, Scholarship, and Mentorship with Brothers of Alpha
• Alpha Brothers serve as Merit Badge Counselors for career development
• Align Alpha’s General Programs (Go-to-High School – Go-to-College, Project Alpha, A Voteless People is a Hopeless People) and service

Partnerships

• Arrowman Black Committee (Order of the Arrow)
• Scouting Alumni Committee (Scouting)
• General Community Relations Committee (Scouting)
• Masonic and Religious Organizations with Scouting Groups

The Alpha Merit Badge University (AMBU) is a flagship program of the Alpha Phi Alpha General Scouting America Committee. AMBU events offer Scouts, especially Black Scouts and those from underserved communities, structured, one-day opportunities to earn multiple merit badges with guidance from Alpha Phi Alpha Brothers who are professionals, educators, engineers, attorneys, medical professionals, and Eagle Scouts. These events are held at HBCUs and college campuses, providing Scouts with exposure to higher education environments and diverse professional role models, while reinforcing Alpha’s core mission of academic excellence and service. For more details, please email alphameritbadgeuniversity@gmail.com. Additional information is available at https://www.youtube.com/@AlphaMeritBadgeUniversity or https://www.scoutingatl.org/AlphaMB.

Alpha Supports Scouting is the official brand of Alpha Phi Alpha’s Scouting America initiative. Show your dedication to Scouting and Alpha’s special initiative with official merchandise. Items are available for Brothers, Scout unit volunteers, and supporters.

Alpha Phi Alpha Good Turn Service Award

Alpha Phi Alpha’s Good Turn Service Award is a prestigious accolade given to active and registered members of both Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Scouting America who carry out the Scouting program while promoting, supporting, and strengthening the bond between the two organizations.

Scouting Service Award

The Scouting Service Award recognizes outstanding service by an adult or organization for their demonstrated involvement in the development and implementation of Scouting opportunities for youth in rural or low-income urban backgrounds. Whitney Young is a distinguished Brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Get Involved

If your chapter is interested in sponsoring a Scout unit, hosting an Alpha Merit Badge University event, or connecting with a regional representative, we want to hear from you. Both the Alpha Phi Alpha General Scouting America Committee and your local Scouting America council have volunteers ready to support your chapter.