The 18th Desert Rangers is an inclusive Scout Group dedicated to providing a “Back to Basics” Scouting program to South and Southwest Utah youth and their families. We welcome everyone regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, class, ability, religion (or no religion), or other differentiating factors. The outdoors generally, and Scouting particularly, have not been welcoming or safe for many communities; we strive to change that. We are a member of the Outdoor Service Guides (OSG), a national volunteer-led Scouting organization. OSG offers five age-based levels of participation (Chipmunks, Otters, Timberwolves, Pathfinders, and Rovers), open to all genders and ages. In 2024, without a running Chipmunk section at present our youngest Otter Scout is 5, and our oldest Rover Scout is 78! If you are reading this, odds are very good you can Scout with us!
The 18th Desert Rangers (and their families) participate in camping trips, canoeing, canyoneering, adventuring, nature and culture outings, service projects, fundraising and regular meetings. The curriculum for all Scouts includes environmental conservation, wildlife recognition, woodcraft, water safety, orienteering, first aid/safety, mountaineering and camp skills.
Scholarship, transportation, and gear support is gladly provided to ensure that finances are not a barrier to experiencing Scouting and the outdoors.
18th Desert Rangers History
The 18th Desert Rangers was founded in 2026 and is the newest OSG Scout Group in the Rockies Intermountain region. Our ordinal, 18, is a nod to the fact that Scouting and Scouts are not done at age 18 – a lifetime of Scouting and Guiding awaits – together with the rewards of Friendship, Fellowship, Service and Adventure.
Outdoor Service Guides (OSG)
Founded in 2006, OSG (formerly the Baden Powell Service Association or BPSA-US) is focused on teaching outdoor skills, promoting good citizenship, and creating an inclusive community where everyone feels welcome. There are currently 36 active groups spread across the United States, six of which are in the Portland Metro Area. If you’d like to learn more about our organization’s history and mission, we welcome you to visit our National Website. OSG is part of the World Federation of Independent Scouts (WFIS), an international scouting organization with 140 affiliated Scout Organizations around the world. Though we are not affiliated with BSA or Girl Scouts, we consider them our siblings in scouting. The 18th Desert Rangers is also a member of a regional OSG collective, the Metro Service Council, which organizes local scouting activities and provides support and regional events for OSG groups in the Western US Region.
Criminal History Checks for Adults (aged 18 and over)
Because we are a youth-oriented organization, the safety of children in our program is a primary concern. Our Code of Ethics & Youth Protection Guidelines addresses many of the methods and resources that encompass our policies and goals in this area. This document is available for download on this website and is required reading for any volunteer leader. OSG requires a yearly independent background check on all adults registering as members, whether or not they intend to be working directly with youth.
If an adult does not agree to a criminal history check, or the check is determined to be detrimental, OSG will privately decline membership. OSG will never reveal or make public the contents of the criminal history check to anyone for any reason, as required by state and federal law. OSG reserves the right to terminate membership for any legal reason, pursuant to our organization’s Bylaws.
Canoe and Small Boat Program
The 18th was given 2 canoes, 4 white-water hard shell kayaks and 2 sea kayaks in 2026 and now has a J16 small sailing sloop. Scouts of all ages may paddle with the 18th, with Pathfinders and Rovers canoe camping for over a week each summer. Our boats and Scouts often volunteer with local watershed organizations: restoring habitat, cleaning up waterways, and helping people experience our local rivers, lakes, and sloughs. Canoes have turned out to be a phenomenal learning and adventure program, especially given our location at the confluence of two great rivers. Otters get many opportunities to ride and explore on the water, and timberwolves begin developing their paddling skills. Pathfinders and Rovers use our canoes to explore our region on weekend and week-long canoe tripping (camping) journeys.
Join/Support
Join our inclusive community today! By joining us in Traditional Scouting you model an alternative set of values and lessons, encourage and support the way our culture and society view and accept others. Once you have read through our website and understand how we operate and what we stand for, the next step is to fill out our waitlist form. The open spots in our troops are limited by the number of Section Leaders available. The more parents that step up to serve as leaders, the more troops and openings for all who want to join. If you have Scouting experience or none at all but are ready to lead (we train and offer financial support) please let us know in the form!