Organizations

4-H is the largest youth development organization in the United States, connecting kids to hands-on projects in agriculture, science, leadership, and the outdoors through a nationwide network of local clubs and county extension offices. From raising livestock to tending a garden plot to learning wilderness skills at summer camp, the work is real and the results belong to the kids.

American Heritage Girls is a faith-based scouting organization for girls ages 5 through 18 that weaves outdoor skills, service, and Christian character development into a full program of badges, camping, and community. Troops meet locally, progress through four age-level programs, and earn recognitions that parallel the traditional scouting ladder. It is a strong fit for families who want a values-grounded outdoor program with a Christ-centered foundation.

Girl Scouts of the USA has been building capable, curious young women since 1912, with a program that runs from backyard badge work to backcountry expeditions. Troops meet year-round in nearly every American community, and a nationwide network of camps gives girls real outdoor experience on real terrain. Families get involved through local councils, troop volunteering, and the iconic cookie program that funds it all.

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.

Scouting America runs one of the country's oldest and largest youth programs, taking kids from first-grade Cub Scouts all the way through high school with camping, service projects, and hundreds of merit badges. Both boys and girls are welcome across all program levels. Families join through a local council and troop, and parent volunteers keep the whole thing running.

Trail Life USA is a Christian outdoor adventure program for boys in kindergarten through twelfth grade, built around camping, hiking, and service in the tradition of classic scouting. Troops meet locally through church chapters and follow a structured advancement trail that grows with a boy from early exploration to real leadership.

The YMCA runs one of the largest networks of camps and outdoor programs in the United States, offering everything from afternoon day camps to weeks-long resident camps and full family retreats. Programs span hundreds of communities and welcome kids from early childhood through high school, with scholarship support widely available.