Launching a new Scouting unit doesn’t have to be complicated.

With the 3×3 Unit model, you only need:

• 3 Youth to begin the adventure

• 3 Adults filling the key leadership roles for that program

That’s it—you’re ready to go! Each unit is fully council registered (and can also be sponsored by a charter partner if one is available). From there, the goal is simple: grow into a thriving unit with more youth, leaders, and community impact.

Why 3×3 Works

• Immediate Fun: Kids and teens can start right away with meaningful activities.

• Flexible Structure: Families and communities can launch quickly, without needing a dozen adults on day one.

• Scalable Growth: As more youth join, the unit naturally expands and builds leadership capacity.

Programs You Can Start with 3×3

Cub Scouts (Grades K–5)

The adventure begins here! Cub Scouts is Scouting’s program for boys and girls in elementary school. Activities include camping, Pinewood Derby races, hiking, crafts, games, and learning new skills—all built around character development and fun.
3×3 Model: Start with one den of 3+ youth and 3 adults (Cubmaster, Den Leader, Assistant Den Leader), and grow into a full pack over time.

Scouts BSA (Ages 11–17)

This is Scouting’s iconic program where youth develop leadership, outdoor skills, and confidence while working toward the Eagle Scout rank. Scouts BSA is youth-led, with camping, hiking, service projects, and high adventure at its core.
3×3 Model: Start with 3+ Scouts and 3 adult leaders (Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters), and expand into patrols as the troop grows.

Exploring (Ages 14–20)

Exploring is a co-ed program that connects young people with hands-on career experiences in fields like law enforcement, health care, engineering, aviation, business, and more. Youth work side-by-side with professionals while building real-world skills.
3×3 Model: Launch an Explorer Post with 3+ youth and 3 adults, then expand as more youth discover the program through your charter partner or community outreach.

Sea Scouts (Ages 14–20)

Sea Scouts is Scouting’s water-based program, where youth learn sailing, navigation, boating safety, and maritime traditions. Whether on lakes, bays, or the ocean, Sea Scouts experience adventure while building teamwork and leadership skills.
3×3 Model: Start a Ship with 3+ youth and 3 adults, then grow into a full crew as more teens are drawn to the call of the sea.

Safeguarding Youth – Always First

Every 3×3 Scouting unit follows the same national safeguarding standards, ensuring a safe environment for all youth:

• Criminal Background Checks for all registered adults

• Youth Protection Training for every leader

• Female Leadership present in any unit with girls

• Two-Deep Leadership—no adult is ever alone with youth

The Bottom Line

The 3×3 model makes it easy to say yes to starting Scouting in your community. With just three kids and three adults, you can launch a Cub Scout Pack, a Scouts BSA Troop, an Explorer Post, or a Sea Scout Ship that sparks adventure, builds confidence, and lays the foundation for growth—while keeping youth safety at the heart of everything.

Start small. Dream big. Watch your unit grow.