Scouting America Southern Sierra Council

We invite you to help us DELIVER THE PROMISE of fun and adventure for every boy and girl in the safest environment possible. 

The volunteers and staff of Scouting America Southern Sierra Council are dedicated to making Scouting available to every family in Kern County. Our mission is to prepare young people to make ethical choices throughout their lives by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Those values are building character, installing citizenship, and person & physical fitness. Trained volunteers work together to provide quality program, outdoor experiences, and leadership opportunities for the youth people participating in Scouting.

Scouting is for all youth ages 5-17. 

Here are some highlights:

• Recipient of the 2021 Beautiful Bakersfield Humanitarian Group Award in recognition of the service provided to the community
• 35 Eagle Scouts in 2024
• 10,673 hours of service provided by Scouts, volunteer leaders and parents to Kern County charities and civic groups in 2024
• 1,209 merit badges earned by Scouts in Kern County last year
• More that 400 adults volunteer to make Scouting happen across Kern County
• 100% of volunteers have completed Scouting America's Youth Protection Training and are certified as California Mandated Reporters

Who We Are

Southern Sierra Council, BSA serves youth from Kindergarten through High School in age-appropriate Scouting programs and co-ed Exploring youth ages 14-20 in Kern, Inyo and Mono Counties. Volunteer run professionally guided - Scouting brings families to the forefront and builds the family unit. No matter the family makeup...Scouting makes a difference.

The Southern Sierra Council celebrated 100 years of Scouting in Kern, Inyo and Mono counties during 2019 and has kicked off its second 100 years in 2020. Programs provide:

Leadership Development - Scouting builds leaders.
Service - Doing something for others without expecting anything in return.
Personal Growth - Setting goals, planning and executing programs, self-reliance, and teamwork.
Adventure - Introduction to the great outdoors.

The Council is governed by a 25-member Board of Directors comprised of business leaders from across the area. This group is led by the Council President, Council Commissioner and the Scout Executive/CEO.

A small, but dedicated, staff guide the volunteer leaders through program implementation and success. From the 5-year-old Lion to the 17-year-old Eagle Scout the staff and Service Center is their home base for all things Scouting.