The Key 3 of a Scouting Unit are the top three adult leaders of the unit. The Key 3 of the typical Scouting America unit consists of the Unit Leader, the Committee Chair, and the Chartered Organization Representative (COR). The Unit Leader is the Cubmaster (for Cub Scouts), the Scoutmaster (for Scouts BSA), the Advisor (for Venturing), and the Skipper (for Sea Scouts).

Committee Chair: The Committee Chair is responsible for ensuring enough qualified adult volunteers are in place to provide the program. They lead the unit's committee, consisting of adults 21 years of age or older.

Unit Leader: The Unit Leader is the leader of the unit meetings and are responsible for developing and delivering the program. Many units are "Scout Led" meaning that the Unit Leader works closely with the Senior Patrol Leader and the Patrol Leader's Council which consists of the Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and Patrol Leaders.

Chartered Organization Representative (COR): The COR is the liaison between the unit and the chartering organization. They are responsible for appointing the Committee Chair and approves all adult leaders for the unit. They also help provide resources from the chartered organization.