Scout BSA Handbook

You are Here: Scout Handbook Next Lesson: Camping

Scouts BSA Handbook

The Scouts BSA Handbook for Girls is available at scoutshop.org and many nationally operated Scout shops.

Every girl will need their own Scouts BSA Handbook. This is their workbook that they will use for the years until they finish the Scouting program. This is not a book that can be shared. We strongly recommend buying a book cover such as one of the two pictured above so that the book will survive seven years of meetings and camping trips!

NOTE: There is a handbook for girls and a handbook for boys.

Why are there two different handbooks? The volunteer-led board of directors wanted to ensure Scouts can see themselves represented accurately in the pages, and having two handbooks was the most effective way to do that. The photos reflect the gender of troop of which the Scout is a member. In other words, boys will see images of other boys in the Scouts BSA Handbook for Boys; girls will see images of other girls in the Scouts BSA Handbook for Girls.

Is the content the same between the Scouts BSA Handbook for Boys and the Scouts BSA Handbook for Girls?

Yes, the content, advancement requirements and page numbers are exactly the same. All that’s different is the photos.

---------------------------------------------

What did and didn't change from the Boy Scout Handbook to the Scouts BSA Handbooks?

What didn't change:

  • Requirements

  • Program elements

What did change:

  • Images, which reflect the troop of which the Scout is a member

  • The program name — Boy Scouts becomes Scouts BSA

  • Youth Protection guidelines, which are regularly updated to keep young people safe

  • Minor grammar and formatting fixes to the 13th Edition of the Boy Scout Handbook


Can a Scout continue to use the 13th Edition of the Boy Scout Handbook?

Absolutely. But be aware that rules and requirements can be updated, so always look for the latest requirements online or in Scoutbook.