Organization · Youth Programs
Navigators USA
Navigators USA is a co-ed, inclusive scouting alternative that welcomes children and teens of all backgrounds into outdoor adventure, service, and leadership. Chapters meet year-round, and families can join as members, volunteer as crew leaders, or simply show up to a community event to see how it works.
This page from Outside, the family adventure app, profiles Navigators USA, a co-ed youth program that operates as an inclusive alternative to traditional scouting organizations. The page covers what Navigators USA does, how families find and join local chapters, what the program costs and requires, and which families are likely to find it the best fit. Navigators USA emphasizes outdoor skills, community service, and character development for children and teens regardless of background, faith, or family structure.
| Age range | 5 to 17 |
|---|---|
| Cost tier | Low to moderate annual dues |
| Availability | Nationwide, chapter dependent |
| Program type | Year-round, chapter-based |
| Adult involvement | Required; training provided |
What Navigators USA is
Navigators USA is a national nonprofit youth development organization built around outdoor adventure, practical skills, and service to others. It operates on a co-ed model, meaning boys and girls participate together in the same crews from the start. The program serves roughly ages 5 through 17, grouped into age-appropriate levels so a kindergartner and a high schooler can each find work that challenges them.
The organization grew out of a desire to offer families a scouting-style experience without the membership restrictions that have historically excluded some children. Today it is open to all families regardless of religion, family structure, or background. That openness is built into the founding documents, not treated as a policy add-on.
What kids actually do
At a typical Navigators meeting or event, kids learn things they can use: map reading, knot tying, first aid basics, fire-building, cooking outdoors, and wilderness navigation. Service projects are woven through the program as well, so a crew might spend one weekend on a trail restoration day and the next on a camping trip.
The program uses a rank advancement system similar in structure to traditional scouting, with badges and achievements earned through demonstrated skill rather than attendance alone. Older youth take on leadership roles within their crews, planning outings and mentoring younger members. The mix of outdoor learning and civic responsibility is the core of the Navigators model, and neither piece gets dropped in favor of the other.
How a family gets involved
The first step is finding a local charter. Navigators USA chapters, called crews, are chartered through community organizations such as schools, faith communities, civic clubs, and recreation centers. The Navigators USA website maintains a chapter locator where families can search by zip code.
If there is no crew nearby, the organization actively supports families who want to start one. The chartering process is documented and supported with online training, and new crews typically launch with the help of a regional staff contact. Families who prefer not to lead can join an established crew as members, pay annual dues, and show up. Volunteering as an adult crew leader requires a background check and completion of leader training, which is offered online and in regional workshops.
Costs and what to expect at the start
Annual membership fees for Navigators USA are modest by youth program standards. Youth membership and adult membership are priced separately, and some councils or charter organizations offer scholarship assistance for families who need it. Uniform pieces and handbook materials carry an additional cost, though many crews maintain a lending supply for new families who want to try before they buy.
A new family can usually attend a meeting or two as guests before committing. Most crews will tell you what gear a child genuinely needs up front versus what can wait. Budget-conscious families report that the gear list for starting out is short: comfortable outdoor clothing, sturdy shoes, and a daypack cover the first several months for most programs.
Who fits best
Navigators USA works well for families who want structured outdoor programming with a clear progression system but have felt unwelcome in, or simply uninterested in, traditional single-sex scouting organizations. It is a natural fit for families with kids of different genders who want to participate together rather than sorting into separate programs.
Families with no prior scouting experience do fine here. The program is designed to teach skills from scratch, and adult leaders do not need outdoor expertise to start. Families who value community service alongside adventure will find that emphasis built into the calendar, not bolted on as an afterthought. Kids who like earning tangible recognition for real skills, and who enjoy working in small groups, tend to get the most from the Navigators model.
Think about a skill you have always wanted to learn outdoors. What would you need to practice it, and who in your family or community could help you get started?
Frequently asked questions
Is Navigators USA affiliated with Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts?
No. Navigators USA is an independent organization with no formal affiliation to the Boy Scouts of America or Girl Scouts of the USA. It was founded to offer a separate, co-ed alternative and operates under its own national structure and charter.
Do we have to belong to a particular religion to join?
No. Navigators USA is open to families of all faiths and no faith. The organization does not require a statement of belief for membership, and individual crews are chartered through a wide range of community organizations, not only religious ones.
What if there is no chapter near us?
Navigators USA supports families who want to start a new crew. The organization provides chartering materials, online training, and regional contacts who can guide a small group of interested families through the launch process. Starting a crew typically requires a sponsoring organization and a few committed adult volunteers.
How much time does participation usually take each month?
Most crews meet once or twice a month for a regular meeting, plus occasional day trips or weekend campouts. The time commitment is flexible enough for families with busy schedules, though kids who attend more outings tend to advance through ranks at a faster pace.