Why Campfire is the Modern Choice for Scouts BSA Troops
Compatible with Scouting America's Internet Advancement System
You don't have to settle for limited functionality. Campfire provides everything your Scouts BSA troop needs in one integrated platform—from advancement tracking to event management, messaging, and beyond—while staying compatible with Internet Advancement 2.0 for official reporting.
Did You Know?
Scouting America (formerly BSA) does NOT require troops to use Scoutbook. You're free to choose any advancement tracking system that works best for your Scouts BSA troop. Many troops are discovering that comprehensive platforms like Campfire save time and improve communication while still working seamlessly with Internet Advancement for official reporting.
One Platform That Does It All
While Scoutbook focuses primarily on advancement, Campfire provides a complete troop management solution that brings everything together in one place.
Mobile-First Design
Built for smartphones from day one. Works beautifully on any device.
Modern & Fast
Clean, intuitive interface that families actually enjoy using.
All-In-One Platform
Events, messaging, photos, files, and advancement in one place.
Real Support
Dedicated support team that responds quickly when you need help.
Privacy First
Youth protection and data privacy built into every feature.
Import Ready
Easy import from Scoutbook to get started quickly.
Detailed Feature Comparison
Feature | Campfire | Scoutbook |
---|---|---|
Core Troop Management | ||
Event Calendar & RSVP Management | ✅ Full featured |
⚠️ Basic calendar only |
Member Directory with Profiles | ✅ Photos & contact info |
✅ Basic info |
Integrated Messaging System | ✅ Real-time chat |
⚠️ Email only |
Photo & File Sharing | ✅ Unlimited storage |
❌ Not available |
Public Troop Website | ✅ Included free |
❌ Not available |
Permission System for Leaders | ✅ Granular controls |
✅ Basic roles |
Advancement Tracking | ||
Rank Advancement Tracking | ✅ All programs |
✅ All programs |
Merit Badge Management | ✅ With counselor info |
✅ Full tracking |
Advancement Reports | ✅ Multiple formats |
✅ Standard reports |
Import from Scoutbook | ✅ One-click import |
— |
Internet Advancement Integration | ✅ Export compatible format |
✅ Direct sync |
Scouting America Programs Support | ✅ All Scouts BSA programs |
✅ All programs |
Offline Access | ✅ Full offline mode |
⚠️ Limited offline |
User Experience | ||
Mobile App Quality | ✅ Native mobile feel |
⚠️ Web-based mobile |
User Interface Design | ✅ Modern & intuitive |
⚠️ Dated interface |
Learning Curve | ✅ Easy to learn |
⚠️ Steep learning curve |
Page Load Speed | ✅ Fast & responsive |
⚠️ Can be slow |
Support & Service | ||
Customer Support | ✅ Dedicated team |
⚠️ Community forums |
Documentation & Training | ✅ Videos & guides |
✅ Help articles |
Regular Feature Updates | ✅ Monthly updates |
⚠️ Occasional updates |
Response Time | ✅ < 24 hours |
⚠️ Varies widely |
Pricing & Value | ||
Cost | $125/year All features included |
Free Limited features |
Value for Money | ✅ Complete platform |
⚠️ Free but limited |
Free Trial | ✅ 14 days, no CC required |
✅ Always free |
What Scout Leaders Are Saying
"After struggling with Scoutbook for two years, we switched to Campfire. The difference is night and day. Parents actually use it, and uploading to Internet Advancement is actually easier than before."
"We needed more than just advancement tracking. Campfire gives our Scouts BSA troop everything—calendar, messaging, photos—while still working perfectly with Internet Advancement 2.0 for Scouting America reporting."
"The import from Scoutbook was seamless, and we can still report to Internet Advancement just like before. Best of both worlds for our Scouting America troop!"
Switching is Easier Than You Think
We've helped dozens of Scouts BSA troops make the switch from Scoutbook. Our migration tools and support team make the transition smooth and stress-free, ensuring your advancement data continues to work seamlessly with Internet Advancement 2.0.
Export from Scoutbook
Download your troop's data from Scoutbook in CSV format
Import to Campfire
Use our one-click import tool to bring in all your data
Start Using Immediately
All your advancement data, members, and history ready to go
Free Migration Support
Our support team will personally help you migrate your data from Scoutbook at no additional charge. We'll ensure nothing is lost in the transition and that your Scouts BSA advancement data continues to work with Internet Advancement.
Works Seamlessly with Internet Advancement 2.0
Campfire is fully compatible with Scouting America's Internet Advancement system, giving you the best of both worlds: superior daily management tools and official BSA reporting.
📤 Easy Export Process
Export your Scouts BSA advancement data from Campfire in CSV format, ready for upload to Internet Advancement 2.0. The process takes just minutes and ensures all your records stay current with Scouting America's official system.
- ✅ Compatible with Internet Advancement 2.0 format
- ✅ Export individual Scouts or entire troop
- ✅ Includes all rank and merit badge progress
🔄 Flexible Sync Schedule
Unlike Scoutbook's automatic sync, Campfire gives you control over when to upload to Internet Advancement. Many troops prefer updating monthly or quarterly, reducing errors and giving leaders time to verify data before submission.
- ✅ Upload on your schedule
- ✅ Review and verify before submitting
- ✅ Maintain local control of your data
Supporting All Scouting America Programs
Whether your unit is part of Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouts, or Exploring, Campfire handles advancement tracking while maintaining compatibility with Internet Advancement for official Scouting America records. Your council will receive the data they need, while your troop enjoys a modern management platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Scoutbook is not required. While Scouting America (formerly the Boy Scouts of America) offers Scoutbook as a free option, Scouts BSA troops are free to use any advancement tracking system they prefer. Internet Advancement 2.0 accepts data from various sources, not just Scoutbook. Many troops choose alternatives like Campfire that better meet their needs for comprehensive troop management while remaining compatible with Internet Advancement.
Yes! Campfire provides easy import tools for Scoutbook data. You can export your advancement records, member information, and other data from Scoutbook and import it directly into Campfire. Our support team will help you through the entire process.
Yes! Campfire exports advancement data in formats compatible with Internet Advancement 2.0, allowing you to easily upload your Scouts BSA troop's progress to Scouting America's official system. While Scoutbook has direct API integration, Campfire's export process is straightforward and many troops actually prefer the control it gives them over when and how they sync with Internet Advancement. You can manage daily activities in Campfire and upload to Internet Advancement monthly or quarterly as needed.
While Scoutbook is free, it only provides basic advancement tracking. Campfire is a complete troop management platform that includes event management, messaging, photo sharing, file storage, public website, and much more. Our affordable pricing reflects the comprehensive value and dedicated support we provide. Most troops find the time savings alone more than justify the modest cost.
Most troops are up and running within an hour. The data import typically takes just a few minutes, and our onboarding process helps you get familiar with key features quickly. We also provide training resources and personal support to ensure a smooth transition.
Unlike Scoutbook's community forums, Campfire provides dedicated customer support from our team. You can reach us by email, and we typically respond within 24 hours. We also offer video tutorials, documentation, and live training sessions for troops.
Ready to Give Your Troop Something Better?
Join troops nationwide who've made the switch to modern, comprehensive troop management with Campfire.
No credit card required • Import your Scoutbook data • Cancel anytime
Download the Campfire app on your favorite platform