FAQ - Outdoor Service Guides

Who we are

Are you in any way affiliated with BSA or GSUSA?

No. OSG is totally independent of, and not affiliated with, the Boys Scouts of America or the Girl Scouts of the USA. We are members of the World Federation of Independent Scouts (WFIS) and as such are not in competition with other American Scouting Associations, we are only their siblings in scouting.

How does the OSG program differ from that of the BSA (Boy Scouts) and GSUSA (Girl Scouts)?

We are all brothers and sisters in scouting and take great pride in sharing similar core values of service, community, and self-empowerment. OSG welcomes all genders to scout together with equal dignity, and there is no religious requirement. Further, our program hearkens back to the original scouting programs that focus on outdoor skills like camping and hiking. We run independently of any sponsoring organizations and all of our members are volunteers. We have no religious affiliations. We have no paid positions in our organization and every role is filled by a volunteer. We also do not sponsor any National sales programs for scouts.

Is OSG really inclusive?

Yes, OSG is proud to offer a scouting program for youth and adults of all genders with open and progressive membership policies that disallow any and all discrimination. Our aim is to promote good citizenship, discipline, self-reliance, loyalty, and useful skills. We do not discriminate or exclude anyone on the basis of gender identity, race, nation of origin, religion (or no religion), sexual orientation, class, ability, or any other differentiating characteristics. OSG welcomes everyone to the game of scouting and we’ll do our best to get it right for all scouts who wish to join us.

What is an OSG Group

A Group is the organizational unit that contains within it each of the different program sections. Each OSG group has a distinct name, number, and necker that is chosen by the group to represent them. Every group has a Group Scout Master who works to coordinate activities for the Group.

Each Group may consist of an Chipmunk Scurry, Otter Raft, Timberwolf Pack, Pathfinder Troop, and Rover Crew. Which program levels a Group has is dependent on its members and the group’s ability to draw in enough leaders to provide two-deep leadership for each program level.

What are traditional scouting methods?

Outdoor Service Guides uses traditional scouting methods sometimes referred to as “traditional scouting” in our older literature. This refers to a back-to-basics scouting movement based on the original principles and methods devised by scouting’s founder, Robert Baden-Powell. The aim of our association is to promote good citizenship and physical, mental development and training in habits of observation, discipline, self-reliance, loyalty, and useful life skills. We meet outdoors, and service to the community is one of our core tenets. Our badgework focuses on proficiency in outdoor skills, citizenship, and self-reliance. We strive to preserve the original methods and educational philosophy of scouting in our program as much as possible while modernizing language to keep up with societal evolution and staying up-to-date with best practices and safety in outdoor education.

Who was Baden-Powell?

Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell (22 February 1857 – 8 January 1941), also known as B-P, BP, or Lord Baden-Powell, was a lieutenant-general in the British Army, writer, educational innovator, and founder and Chief Scout of the Scout Movement. After having been educated at Charterhouse School, Baden-Powell served in the British Army from 1876 until 1910 in India and Africa. In 1899, during the Second Boer War in South Africa, Baden-Powell successfully defended the town in the Siege of Mafeking. Several of his military books, written for military reconnaissance and scout training in his Africa years, were also read by boys. Based on those earlier books, he wrote Scouting for Boys, published in 1908 by Sir Arthur Pearson, for youth readership. In 1907, he held the first Scout Camp on Brownsea Island, which is now seen as the beginning of Scouting. It is B-P’s writings and Scouting program that are the roots of all Scouting organizations and associations around the world.

Originally, our organization was named after Baden-Powell, as our founders had a desire to get back to the roots of what scouting is all about. However, in 2020, our organization had a reckoning with having his name on our organization. B-P wrote, said, and did many things that we as an organization do not believe represent who we are including things that were sexist and racist. In our quest to be a truly inclusive organization, we changed our name to Outdoor Service Guides, a name that better reflects who we are.

How to Join

How do I find an OSG Group in my area?

You may search for a group on our Find A Group page or send us a message on our contact us page.

How do I start a new OSG Group?

Starting a new group requires one or two adults who will take on the role of Group Scoutmaster, or GSM. The GSM charters the group through OSG and handles recruitment, registration, and marketing for their own group. If you are interested in becoming a GSM, you will work with your Regional Commissioner to obtain training, complete background checks, and work through our process to officially start a group. For more information, please contact us.

Is OSG really inclusive?

Cost and Commitment

How much does it cost to join?

National registration is $25 per scout. This is paid individually for Lone Scouts, or part of any registration fee paid to the group for those joining one. However, we do not want finances to prevent anyone from scouting, so those who need to can waive this fee and still scout with us. Further costs and dues vary by group. Groups maintain their own finances, paying only a flat yearly fee to OSG for group registration which is $35.

What kind of commitment is expected from parents? From leaders?

Commitment varies by group, and you’re encouraged to ask this of your Group Scoutmaster(s) when you register. Often, parents and guardians may be asked to sign on as leaders in order for the group to function. As an all-volunteer organization, it is important that parents step forward to lead, coordinate activities, and assist with their local groups. At the Otter and Timberwolf level, families play a larger role in planning and carrying out adventures and events. As scouts move into the Pathfinder section, they are leading themselves – planning, creating, and implementing their own trips and events – under the guidance of at least two adult leaders.

Where do I get uniforms and how much are they?

We strive to keep our uniforms and badges affordable and economical for all of our members. All uniform supplies are available through our Quartermaster store.

Leadership

Does OSG do background checks?

OSG performs independent background checks annually on all registered adult members (Rovers 18+), whether working with youth scouts, or just individuals in the Lone Scout program. We do not accept third-party background checks, and they must take place at the time of registration.

How do Groups handle liability and insurance?

Currently, OSG does not provide insurance to each of its chartered Groups. OSG Groups operate using the Medical Release and Liability Waiver Form available on the Resources Page, and having each registered member of the group sign and turn it into the Group Scoutmaster to keep on file. This is the same process many after-school and youth sports programs use around the country. If the Group can afford a minimal accident and liability insurance for the group, or through the hosting or sponsoring organization if they have one, OSG encourages them to do so. Scout Groups may also ask for proof of insurance coverage for each scout as well at the time of registration and keep a copy of the scout’s insurance card on file with his or her records and forms.

How do I become a leader?

Adults 18 and over who wish to volunteer as leaders must register as Rovers with an existing group, or as part of a new Group Charter. Once you are registered, you should make plans to attend one of OSG’s Brownsea Training Camps for adult volunteers and leaders sometime within your first year (if possible). This training is required and necessary in order to fully understand traditional scouting methods, learn the skills needed to work with youth scouts, and how to operate and run the program within your group.

What are OSG’s child safety policies & practices?

OSG takes safety and youth protection very seriously. Our Youth Protection Policy is available here: Code of Ethics and Youth Protection and it is required that registering adult volunteers/leaders learn these policies before working with youth. The guide is also part of our required Brownsea Training Course for Rovers. All adult leaders and Rovers (18+) undergo annual independent background checks. Further, our policy implements a strict “two-deep leadership” practice to ensure no child is ever alone with any one single adult (unless it is their own parent/guardian). Please read through the guide for a full overview of our policy and practices.

What training/resources are available for leaders?

OSG runs at least two Brownsea Training Camps per year, typically once in the spring and again in the fall. The Brownsea Training Camp is the first step in training for all OSG leaders and required within their first year of service. Training is available beyond Brownsea called Wood Beads. We also have a robust online community of leaders who continually share ideas and resources. You can also read more at www.guides4guides.org an unofficial page run by OSG leaders seeking to support other leaders.