Northern Star Council at Base Camp

About Us

We're Guiding Young People to be Prepared. For Life. Northern Star Scouting provides programs for youth in 22 MN and 4 WI counties. We support and deliver Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Venturing, Exploring, Sea Scouting, Culturally Specific Programs, Programs for Scouts with Special Needs, and innovative Team Building and Leadership programs for schools, youth groups, and the community at our Base Camp facility and 7 other camp properties.

Our council is both old and new. How is that possible? We were built on the foundation of the former Minneapolis and St. Paul councils that were founded in 1910. Northern Star was created in 2005, as the best way to collaborate and more effectively serve our community. Both legacy councils share a history of innovation and focus on the young people of today and tomorrow.

This approach is clear with our new programs, including the nation's first Scouting offering for kindergartners (Lion Cubs), first urban program center (Base Camp), and first online new member registration system (adventureiscalling.org). It's also reflected in our strategic plan which addresses three pressing issues: meeting diverse family needs, improving the volunteer experience, and reinforcing our role in leadership development for those inside and outside of Scouting.

Our unique vision of striving to be a positive influence on all young people makes us a resource for the entire community and welcoming to anyone can help further our mission.