Northern Kentucky families can now sign up boys and girls from kindergarten through age 20 for Scouting America programs through the Dan Beard Council, with the Kenton County school year starting Aug. 19.

The council, which serves more than 11,000 youth and families across 12 counties in southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky, is accepting enrollments for the 2026-27 school year, according to a news release published Friday.

Programs span a wide age range: Cub Scouts for grades K–5, Scouts BSA for ages 11–17, Sea Scouts for ages 10–20, and Venturing and Exploring programs for ages 14–20. The council administers Scouting through seven districts, providing volunteer support, training and program opportunities.

"The start of the school year is the perfect time for a family to give Scouting a try," Scout Executive, President and CEO Andy Zahn said in the release. "In just a few months, you'll see a child who is more confident, more capable and surrounded by great friends."

Zahn, a former Eagle Scout with more than two decades of professional Scouting experience, leads one of the largest youth organizations in the Cincinnati region. The council celebrated 257 new Eagle Scouts in 2025.

Beyond troop meetings and service projects, Scouts have access to four council-owned camp properties: Camp Friedlander, Camp Craig, Cub World and Camp Michaels. The camps offer year-round outdoor programming including camping, hiking and exploring.

The council's ties to Northern Kentucky run deep. Dr. Cady Short-Thompson of Northern Kentucky University sits on the Dan Beard Council's board of directors, and in April 2025 the council established a fund with Horizon Community Funds of Northern Kentucky to support future programming in the region.

Families looking to connect with a local troop can search by ZIP code at beascout.scouting.org. No specific enrollment deadline has been announced.

Coming up:

  • Wednesday, Aug. 19 — First day of school for Kenton County students
  • Ongoing — Families can find local Scouting troops at beascout.scouting.org