Scouting Goes Mobile with Scoutbook

Two of the BSA’s priorities in the last few years have been ensuring that we offer Scouts fresh, new experiences that instill the values of Scouting, and providing unit leaders with the tools, training, and support they need to deliver the kind of life-changing experiences Scouting is capable of providing. Today, we are able to communicate about a development that helps achieve both of those goals.

The BSA is pleased to announce its acquisition of Scoutbook, a web application designed for mobile devices, which will expand our presence in the digital space and help us connect with our members when, where, and how they prefer.

Scoutbook delivers a suite of easy-to-use Web-based tools that are helpful to both Scouts and unit leaders. It enables units to better communicate, update records, and manage activities. It can also be integrated with our membership system, simplifying the way our members can track their advancement throughout Scouting. As Scouters, unit leaders, and volunteers, you will now have mobile access to what’s happening across our organization and will be able track your Scouts’ progress in real time.

“For several years, the BSA has been considering strategic ways to better connect with our youth in today’s highly digital world. The acquisition of Scoutbook is our latest approach to delivering a more digital experience that is both fun and meaningful for our members,” said Chief Scout Executive Wayne Brock.

“This is a tremendous opportunity and a significant milestone for our organization.”

Scoutbook was created in 2013 by Shawn Jackson, a parent and active member of the Scouting community, and its membership has quickly grown to nearly 200,000 users. Today, the National Council is working hand in hand with Scoutbook creator and Scouter Shawn Jackson to integrate and enhance its features to make its already-great user experience even better.

Stay tuned to Scouting Wire for more on our progress, and additional details about the many ways our investment in Scoutbook will help enhance the Scouting experience for you and your unit.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Scoutbook?

Scoutbook is a web application designed for mobile devices. Scoutbook delivers a suite of easy-to-use Web-based tools that are helpful to Scouts, parents and unit leaders. It enables units to better communicate, update records, track advancement and manage activities.

Which Scouting programs does Scoutbook support?

Scoutbook currently is designed for Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing units.

Who can register as a Scoutbook user?

Although any adult leader or Scout can register, Scoutbook is designed specifically for registered unit leaders, registered Scouts, and parents or guardians of registered Scouts.

When can I subscribe?

Scoutbook currently is accepting new subscribers. A formal introduction of the application is scheduled for August.

How do I subscribe?

Visit Scoutbook.com to register.

How much does Scoutbook cost?

There are several pricing options starting at $10 a year. Full pricing information is available at Scoutbook.com.

Is training available?

Yes. Training resources are available once you are logged in at Scoutbook.com, and additional training is in development.

Who can see my information?

Scoutbook is a secure platform that provides a safe way for parents, Scouts, and leaders to record, track, and manage their Scouting experience. Personally identifiable information will be kept secure. Unit leaders can see Scout advancement information as well as training data on other unit volunteers.

Can I port my third-party unit-management vendor data to Scoutbook?

There will be no need to port data from other third-party vendors because Scoutbook will link to all unit membership data.

Can I still use other third-party unit-management vendors once Scoutbook launches?

Although Scoutbook will be made available to all units, they may continue to choose other third-party applications. However, Scoutbook will be the only unit-management system fully integrated with the BSA database.

What is Scoutbook’s relationship to ScoutNET?

We expect to integrate Scoutbook seamlessly into the BSA’s new membership system later this year.

How do Scoutbook and Commissioner Tools fit into My.Scouting and Commissioner Tools?

Scoutbook is a unit-management web application that will become the one-stop shop for Scouts, parents, and unit leaders to record and manage their Scouting experience. This tool will provide unit members a way to track advancements, unit activities, and unit communications.

Commissioner Tools is a module within My.Scouting Tools, which allows volunteers and employees to evaluate unit health and identify units in need of assistance. Commissioners will continue to use Commissioner Tools to monitor the health of their units, but should expect the data to become more robust as more Scouts and unit leaders engage with Scoutbook.

Can I renew my unit’s charter from Scoutbook?

Not at this time. However, we are exploring this and many other exciting features as a part of our longer-term roadmap.

Who is Shawn Jackson? What is his role?

Shawn Jackson is the creator of Scoutbook. He will continue to direct Scoutbook to ensure it continues to serve unit leaders with the same high level of customer service to which current users are accustomed.

Where do I go for answers to technical questions related to Scoutbook?

More information is available on the Scoutbook.com forums.