Scouting Programs

Cub Scouts

Ages 5 - 10

Cub Scouts is all about adventure! Cub Scouts is an engaging program that offers opportunities for youth to experience many new things, have fun, and make friends. With the help of an adult guide, Cub Scouts is designed to engage youth ages 5-10 and family members in planned activities that cultivate friendship, learning, and exploration. Youth in this program form a “Den” with members similar in age led by a couple of adult volunteers. Dens use the Cub Scout Handbook which includes quick and easy activity cards, supply lists, and games so scouts can start having fun! Together, all the Dens come together once a month, and form a Pack which is also led by adult volunteers. Packs plan even larger scale events like pinewood derby races, sailboat races, rocket launching, camping, and more. Together, Dens and Packs provide a safe, convenient place for youth to socialize, explore, and learn through organized play.

Scouts BSA

Ages 10 - 18

Scouts BSA is a year-round program for all youth ages 10-18 that develops ethical leaders through fun and adventure. Youth are “prepared for life” by planning, learning, revising, discovering, challenging, and serving. The Scouts BSA program has a proven record over the last 100 years of instilling the values of the Scout Oath and Law and developing effective leaders through a series of games and outdoor adventures like camping, water sports, shooting sports, and community service. In Scouts BSA, youth go places, test themselves, and have one-of-a-kind adventures they choose and lead.



Formerly known as Boy Scouts, the program was renamed in 2019 when the program was opened for the first time to girls. Now, all youth are eligible to participate, share in the adventures, and earn the rank of Eagle Scout.

Venturing

Ages 14 - 21

Venturing allows all youth to explore and learn! Venturing operates all year long and provides positive and challenging experiences for youth ages 14-21, guided by adults, to help them prepare for adulthood. Venturing Crews set their own activity calendars and may choose to participate in a wide variety of experiences centered around the members’ interests and schedules.

Rainbow Council Venturing Crews enjoy a wide variety of outings, activities, and adventures thanks to the amazing natural resources at our own camp, Rainbow Scout Reservation in Morris, IL and around the country at high adventure bases. Venturing Crews can plan their own adventures from rock climbing to whitewater rafting or conquer a skill like computer coding. The possibilities are endless in Venturing.

Exploring

Ages 14 - 21

Exploring offers real-world career experience for youth ages 14-21 by networking, mentoring, and hands-on opportunities with professionals from organizations like Police or Sheriff’s departments. The program fosters leadership, career development, and life skills.

Explorers perform better in school and learn career and leadership skills that last a lifetime. The program is designed to help youth determine whether or not a particular career field is right for them. They will graduate from the program with a new understanding and respect for those in their chosen career, comprehensive training, and ready to join a career-focused degree program. But sometimes, the greatest lesson Explorers learn is that the career they thought they wanted to pursue is, in fact, not the one for them.

Order of the Arrow

The Order of the Arrow (OA) is Scouting America’s National Honor Society, focusing on selfless, cheerful service and fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among Scouts. Waupecan Lodge, with its rich history dating back to 1940, continues to bring together Scouts across our council, promoting leadership, friendship, and a commitment to service.