> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://participanthelp.dscout.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://participanthelp.dscout.com/getting-started/dscout-overview.md).

# Dscout overview

New to Dscout? Start here.

Use this section to learn how Dscout works, how applications work, and what key terms mean.

### Explore this section

* [Referral Bonus Program for US-based Scouts Age 13-24](/getting-started/dscout-overview/referral-bonus-program-for-us-based-scouts-age-13-24.md) — learn who qualifies and how referral rewards work.
* [Apply for a mission through a private screener](/getting-started/dscout-overview/apply-for-a-mission-through-a-private-screener.md) — see what to expect when a researcher invites you directly.
* [Best practices for applying to missions](/getting-started/dscout-overview/best-practices-for-applying-to-missions.md) — improve your chances with stronger responses and better submissions.
* [Applying to missions](/getting-started/dscout-overview/applying-to-missions.md) — understand applications, review timelines, and mission invites.
* [A Scout's Guide to Dscout Lingo](/getting-started/dscout-overview/a-scouts-guide-to-dscout-lingo.md) — get familiar with common terms like missions, activities, and entries.
* [Dscout overview for Scouts](/getting-started/dscout-overview/dscout-overview-for-scouts.md) — get the high-level introduction to Dscout and how participation works.

### Start with these

If you're brand new, read these first:

1. [Dscout overview for Scouts](/getting-started/dscout-overview/dscout-overview-for-scouts.md)
2. [A Scout's Guide to Dscout Lingo](/getting-started/dscout-overview/a-scouts-guide-to-dscout-lingo.md)
3. [Applying to missions](/getting-started/dscout-overview/applying-to-missions.md)


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://participanthelp.dscout.com/getting-started/dscout-overview.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.