Re: Scouts... I mentioned this in another thread, but wanted to clarify here. The CUB Scouts do have age minimums for each grade, but individual packs may allow a younger boy to register just under the wire. It's always ok to be a bit older too. They are tied very closely to school grade though, and the vast majority of kids tend to be within 18 months of eachother in a level.
The BOY Scouts are a separate organization. Kids progress at their own pace, and are promoted based on merit. One reason I like my son's new troop is that there's a 15 year old working toward his eagle rank. Some troops will try to hold kids back, but this one allows the boy to go as fast as he wishes, as long as he meets all requirements. A hard working 14 year old just completed training to be a camp counselor next summer- he'll get paid, earn leadership credit, and have fun, all before he can get a "real" job or drive a car!
