Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) is one of the largest Scouting organizations in the world and one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with more than 1 million youth participants and nearly 500,000 adult volunteers. The BSA was founded in 1910, and since then, more than 110 million Americans have been participants in BSA  programs at some time. The BSA is part of the international Scout Movement and became a founding member organization of the World Organization of the Scout Movement in 1922. Scouting is a youth-led, youth-run program, but the youth must be trained to be leaders. Adult role models in Scouting provide an ideal learning experience for all youth. Every adult volunteer has something valuable to offer.

The Baltimore Area Council will carry out the mission of Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) in Baltimore City and the five surrounding counties of Howard, Harford, Baltimore, Anne Arundel & Carroll. Our goal is to provide excellent opportunities for youth to participate in Scouting regardless of the neighborhood in which they live, economic situation, religion, race or ethnic background, physical stature or ability, or family situation. We will do this in part by building and cultivating partnerships with communities, community organizations, businesses, foundations, and individuals.

The Baltimore Area Council (BAC) is an independent not-for-profit entity responsible for delivering Scouting programs to young people in Baltimore City and the five surrounding counties. Although supported with resources from the Scouting America National Office, the BAC is governed by a local board of directors and has its own bank accounts, investments, and assets such as Broad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation and the Schapiro Scout Service Center. The council delivers the Scouting program through dedicated volunteer leadership in our 6 districts throughout Central Maryland.