The Boy Scouts is an institution that has stayed true 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, they can become Boy Scouts. Many boys join a troop through school or church, but a call to the local council is all it takes to find the nearest unit and get a referral number to contact that pack's leader directly.

Each pack makes its own arrangements for how often it meets; weekly or monthly meetings are common.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake provide afterschool activities for school-aged youth (including teens), full-day summer programs, and licensed child care (only at the Sugarhouse location for ages 4-12). The clubs serve over 15,000 kids in locations across Salt Lake, Summit, and Tooele counties each year.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake provide afterschool activities for school-aged youth (including teens), full-day summer programs, and licensed child care (only at the Sugarhouse location for ages 4-12). The clubs serve over 15,000 kids in locations across Salt Lake, Summit, and Tooele counties each year.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake provide afterschool activities for school-aged youth (including teens), full-day summer programs, and licensed child care (only at the Sugarhouse location for ages 4-12). The clubs serve over 15,000 kids in locations across Salt Lake, Summit, and Tooele counties each year.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake provide afterschool activities for school-aged youth (including teens), full-day summer programs, and licensed child care (only at the Sugarhouse location for ages 4-12). The clubs serve over 15,000 kids in locations across Salt Lake, Summit, and Tooele counties each year.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake provide afterschool activities for school-aged youth (including teens), full-day summer programs, and licensed child care (only at the Sugarhouse location for ages 4-12). The clubs serve over 15,000 kids in locations across Salt Lake, Summit, and Tooele counties each year.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of South Valley provide afterschool activities at 11 local schools for school-aged youth (including teens), full-day summer programs, and licensed child care. The clubs serve over 11,200 kids at three South Valley locations each year. Members can receive up to two free meals every day.

Meeting rooms and gyms at the clubs can be rented out for private and community events. Call for information and reservations.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of South Valley provide afterschool activities at 11 local schools for school-aged youth (including teens), full-day summer programs, and licensed child care. The clubs serve over 11,200 kids at three South Valley locations each year. Members can receive up to two free meals every day.

Meeting rooms and gyms at the clubs can be rented out for private and community events. Call for information and reservations.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of South Valley provide afterschool activities at 11 local schools for school-aged youth (including teens), full-day summer programs, and licensed child care. The clubs serve over 11,200 kids at three South Valley locations each year. Members can receive up to two free meals every day.

Meeting rooms and gyms at the clubs can be rented out for private and community events. Call for information and reservations.

The Girl Scouts of Utah serves girls in kindergarten through grade 12, in every county of Utah, as well as Wendover, NV. The Girl Scouts' mission is "Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place." Through activities and opportunities such as field trips, summer camps, troop involvement, and mentorships with local employers, girls learn about science, business, arts, technology, leadership, travel, and themselves. The Girl Scouts of Utah has been around since 1920, helping girls grow into successful, productive adults.

Several options for involvement are available: Girls may join as a Juliette Girl Scout, working individually with the support of family and friends; meet together as a specialty group with other girls who share common interests or needs; or join a troop under the guidance of troop leaders.

Involvement in the Girl Scouts of Utah is inexpensive, and financial assistance is available for families with a demonstrated need. To become a member or volunteer, call the office or visit the website.

Looking for a great gift item? The Girl Scouts of Utah gift store carries a nice selection of merchandise, both for the Girl Scout in the family and for everyone else too. The shop even carries the uber-popular Webkinz (when available). Hours vary; check the website for current shop hours.

For children wanting to spend their summers running the bases, Salt Lake City has several youth baseball offerings such as Little League (ages 4-12), Babe Ruth (ages 13-19), and Cal Ripken (ages 7-12).

Teams change every year, so the best way to find one near you is to visit the website for information. For Little League, visit www.littleleague.org, or www.leaguelineup.com/tville (the second one is easier to navigate, and more informative). For Babe Ruth or Cal Ripken information, visit www.leaguelineup.com/utahbaberuthbaseball.

YouthCity offers afterschool and summer programs for children. Topics include arts, academics, cooking, technology, dance, community service, martial arts, swimming, filmmaking, yoga, comic book design, chess, and more. The afterschool and summer programs also include field trips to places like Tracy Aviary and Wasatch Community Gardens.

YouthCity also has a Youth Employment program and a Youth Government program that are available to high school students.

Programs are offered at several locations around Salt Lake City; check the website for details.

YouthCity Artways provides affordable introductory arts classes in the visual, musical, and performing arts. Classes are held throughout Salt Lake City at neighborhood community centers and libraries. Classes run six weeks long and are offered throughout the school year and during the summer months. Many classes are free, and others cost only $10 for the entire session; all materials, tools, and instruments are provided.

Some specific offerings include Fun with Art (for ages 18 months to five years), Creative Dance (ages 2 1/2 to five), Parent/Child Ceramics (ages six to nine), Handmade Books (ages six to nine), Drawing & Painting (K-third grades), Modern Dance (K-sixth grades), Visual Art Design (fourth-sixth grades), Acoustic Guitar (fourth-ninth grades), and Theatre Improv (fourth-sixth grades).