can't join the scouts?

I get that you're saying you have no mods conflicting, but I suggest that you might want to dig into it a bit more. I've seen threads with similar issue 3 other times in the past few weeks and it's been a mod conflict every time so far. In 2 out of 3, the OP opened with saying "it wasn't mods" just like you did.

Keep in mind that just because mods are up-to-date doesn't mean they aren't conflicting in some way, possibly with each other. There's only one way to confirm that. Disable mods, start a new game, and if the problem is not present with a new game when your mods are disabled...it is probably a mod issue.

You don't need to "remove your mods folder" as you indicate, btw. Just go into options and turn them OFF. Then start a new game and see if it's an option on the phone like it should be.

My mods are all up to date as well, and yet I've had to remove 3 of them over the past 2 weeks because they were causing problems, so I feel your pain. Good luck tracking things down.

If you have MC Command Center, make sure that you have turned off the Quit School option. That has been interfering with some career/activity options for non-Adults.