The BSA Family program is a series of activities designed to help strengthen all families—whether two- parent, single-parent, or nontraditional. All family members are encouraged to participate and may earn the BSA Family Award.
Families are the basis of our society. In the family, children learn about love, values, and social interactions while they prepare for today’s world. The family is vital to the future of our community and our nation.
The Boy Scouts of America has a great interest in the strength of the family. Scouting’s aim is to develop its youth into participating citizens of good character who are physically, spiritually, and mentally fit.
The organization recognizes that it is the responsibility of parents and family to teach their children. However, Scouting is an available resource that can help families accomplish worthy goals while building and strengthening relationships among family members.
The purposes of the BSA Family program are
1. To strengthen families
2. To encourage family involvement in Scouting
In much the same way that Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts use their handbooks to earn their badges and awards, the family uses the BSA Family Activity Book to earn the BSA Family Award.
The BSA Family Activity Book is the primary resource for the program. It is filled with suggested activities to enhance the children’s personal development and enrich and strengthen the family.
The BSA Family Activity Book is divided into five categories that include several topics of interest to families. Each topic contains suggested activities for a family to do together. These activities could include going on field trips; telling stories; doing arts and crafts projects; playing games; participating in family discussions; or making lists, charts, and scrapbooks.
Most of the ideas in the BSA Family Activity Book will be especially useful during family meetings or gatherings. However, parents will also find ways to incorporate them into daily life. Many ideas may be adapted for use while riding in a car and during mealtimes, and may provide things to occupy children when they say there is “nothing to do.” In short, parents may use the ideas and activities to meet their own family’s needs and interests.
A family must complete 10 activities within a 12-month period. The family chooses one activity in two topics in each of the following categories:
1. Learning Through Fun and Adventure
2. Strengthening Family Relationships
3. Developing Personal Strengths
4. Teaching Responsibility
5. Handling Difficult Situations
Family members may earn the BSA Family Award several times. A family may choose the same or different activities as they work on the award for another 12- month period.
The BSA Family Award includes a certificate for the family and patches and pins for family members.
Ideally, the awards will be presented to the family at a pack meeting.