The Boy Scouts is an institution that has honed to the same mission for decades: To promote physical fitness, citizenship, and good old-fashioned character building.

Boys in first through fifth grade are eligible for Cub Scouts. From sixth through twelfth grade your son can become a Boy Scout. Many boys join a troop through either their school or church. But you can also call the Circle 10 Council to find out where there's a unit closest to you. You'll be given the name and number of the pack leader and can call to make arrangements for meeting.

Each pack meets as often as the parents want them to and frequency can range from one to four times a month.

Camp Fire USA's mission is to build caring, confident youth and future leaders. Programs include afterschool programs, youth and teen programs, day camps, summer camps, holiday camps, traditional club programs, child care professional development and training, and a child development center.

The Child Development Center is a model family-centered child care center for 125 children (infants through pre-kindergarten). The facility also serves as a training and observation site for child care providers, parents, educators, and students and is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs.

The Council's Childcare Resource and Referral division provides a variety of information and services for families.

The Girl Scouts' credo is "Where girls grow strong," and selling Girl Scout cookies is only a small part of building girl power. On field trips and through mentorships with local employers, the girls learn about science, business, arts, and themselves. The organization also hosts spring and summer camps.

Many schools have troops already in formation, so you might check there first before calling the council. If all else fails, consider starting your own troop - the council will set you on your way with training courses. Each troop meets as often as the parents want them to and frequency can range from one to four times a month.

Girls in kindergarten are eligible for Daisies; first through third grade are eligible for Brownies; from fourth through twelfth grade they join the Girl Scouts.