Boys' Life — magazine of the Boy Scouts of America

Editions and audience

Boys' Life has been published in two main editions to match the interests and reading levels of different age groups. One edition targets the younger Cub Scouts (roughly ages 6–10, including first-year Webelos), while a second edition is produced for older Scouts (approximately ages 11–18, including second-year Webelos, Scouts, and Venturers). The publisher determines which edition a household receives based on the member's registered Scouting program. Content, tone, and activities are tailored so that each version speaks directly to its intended readership.

Typical content and features

The magazine mixes practical how-to pieces with fiction, humor and reader interaction. Regular departments commonly include:

• Outdoor skills and safety guidance (camping, knots, firecraft, first aid)
• Science and technology articles aimed at young readers
• Profiles and stories that highlight achievement, leadership and service
• Puzzles, games and activity pages for skill-building and entertainment
• Letters and questions submitted by readers, often answered in a mailbox column
• Comics and lighthearted strips that appear in most issues

A distinctive element of reader engagement is the magazine's mailbox feature, traditionally answered by the mascot Pedro the Mailburro (Pedro), whose comic-strip appearances and correspondence with readers have become familiar to many subscribers. The publication also carries a dedicated comic strip feature and often invites contributions, contest entries, and photos from youth across the country.

History and recognition

Since its debut in 1911, Boys' Life has chronicled the growth and changes in Scouting and youth culture in the United States. Over the decades it has updated its layout and editorial approach to reflect new interests—introducing columns on science and technology, adapting fiction and nonfiction to modern tastes, and adding digital offerings alongside the print edition. The magazine's editorial quality has been recognized by awards from educational and publishing organizations; for example, in 2007 the publication received multiple Distinguished Achievement Awards from the Association of Educational Publishers, including a Periodical of the Year honor.

Distribution, access and significance

Boys' Life is available to registered members of the Boy Scouts of America as part of membership benefits, and it can also be obtained by non-members through direct subscription. In modern times the title has been offered in both print and electronic formats to reach readers on different platforms. Beyond entertainment, the magazine serves an educational role—encouraging outdoor activity, civic-mindedness, skill development, and lifelong interest in science and learning. As a long-running youth periodical, it occupies a notable place in the history of American Scouting and in the broader landscape of magazines for young readers.

Notable distinctions

Key points that distinguish Boys' Life include its longevity, its direct tie to a major youth organization, and its emphasis on practical, values-based content for a range of childhood and adolescent ages. Its mascot and comic traditions, reader-driven columns, and recurring instructional features continue to engage readers while supporting Scouting programs at the local level. For further reading about the magazine and its current offerings, consult the publisher's information page here or the Boy Scouts of America site here.