BSA_Troop_349

New message from M. Wichtendahl’s Troop 349 class

bsatroop349post — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 18:54:52 -0400

Hello Troop 349! @everyone
Who is excited for Yawgoog 2025? We are almost ready to go but have a little more work left to do. Trailer Cleanout will be this Sunday from 1-3 at the U-Haul on Bellmeade Avenue.
If you are going to Yawgoog we need your help cleaning and loading the trailer. Senior Scouts who aren’t going to Yawgoog we can still use some help guiding the younger Scouts with loading the trailer.
Please and thank you, of course! rmd.me/cciWK6fC92E

New message from M. Wichtendahl’s Troop 349 class

bsatroop349post — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 08:08:37 -0400

Hello Troop 349! @everyone
Today is the day! Thank you to everyone who signed up for the End of Year Court of Honor and family picnic! Please remember to submit payment to Mrs. Weisberg if you have not already done so. The price per family is $10.00. You can Venmo Mrs. Weisberg @BSA349Smithtown (use code 3721)
Set up will begin around 4 and we welcome anyone who wants to come down early and help set up or cook. Dinner will be served around 5:00 and will be followed by the Court of Honor.
Families are encouraged to bring a side dish, dessert and or drinks to share with our troop family. We will be grilling burgers, veggie burgers and hot dogs for everyone.
Scouts should bring/wear their Class A uniform for the CoH.

New message from M. Wichtendahl’s Troop 349 class

bsatroop349post — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 19:48:11 -0400

Hello Troop 349! @everyone
Thank you to everyone who signed up for the End of Year Court of Honor and family picnic! Please remember to submit payment to Mrs. Weisberg if you have not already done so. The price per family is $10.00. You can Venmo Mrs. Weisberg @BSA349Smithtown (use code 3721)
Set up will begin around 4, Dinner will be served around 5:00 and will be followed by the Court of Honor.
Families are encouraged to bring a side dish, dessert and or drinks to share with our troop family. We will be grilling burgers, veggie burgers and hot dogs for everyone.
Scouts should bring/wear their Class A uniform for the CoH.
rmd.me/yp.WsUxNQ8b

New message from Shane Weisberg’s Troop 349 class

bsatroop349post — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 09:28:57 -0400

Due to a lack of attendance, our trailer clean out is postponed, more information to come.

New message from Shane Weisberg’s Troop 349 class

bsatroop349post — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 09:07:46 -0400

Hello 349! Reminder that our trailer clean out is today from 9:00-11:00. There’s a lot of work to do so any help would be appreciated!

New message from Shane Weisberg’s Troop 349 class

bsatroop349post — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 18:28:38 -0400

Good evening 349! Tomorrow is our troop scavenger hunt. This will be starting at 6:45pm, at the Nesconset library. Because of the nature of the scavenger hunt, we need parents to volunteer as drivers for the teams (some questions require finding locations in Smithtown). Hope to see everyone for a great night, and some ice …

Scouting America Launches Nationwide Clean Waterways Initiative

gordon.shattles — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 12:24:41 -0400

Partnering with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, NOAA and CleanHub, Scouting America renews its commitment to protecting our planet’s waters

IRVING, TX (April 2, 2025) – Scouting America, in partnership with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program, and CleanHub, is proud to announce the launch of its new Scouting for Clean Waterways initiative, a nationwide effort to combat waterway and marine debris. This program empowers Scouts of all ages to take direct action in safeguarding our vital water resources.

Recognizing the urgent need to address the growing issue of pollution, the Scouting for Clean Waterways initiative is a call to action for Scouts of all ages to engage in hands-on projects that will make a tangible difference in the health of our rivers, lakes, streams, and oceans. Through organized cleanups, educational programs, and community partnerships, Scouts will learn about the importance of clean water, the impact of pollution, and how they can contribute to solutions.

“Our commitment to conservation is deeply ingrained in the Scouting tradition, and Scouting America has a long history of environmental stewardship,” said Roger Krone, president and CEO of Scouting America. “Through this initiative, we are not only cleaning our waterways but also instilling in our Scouts a lifelong dedication to protecting our environment, empowering Scouts to become leaders in protecting our precious water resources. Through our partnership with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, the NOAA Marine Debris Program and CleanHub, we are amplifying our impact and creating a ripple effect of positive change across our country and the world.”

Key highlights of the Scouting for Clean Waterways initiative:

Nationwide Cleanup Efforts: Scouts across the country will participate in organized cleanup events, removing debris from shorelines and waterways. Emphasis will be placed on data collection, utilizing the Marine Debris Tracker app to contribute to scientific understanding of pollution patterns.
Educational Programs: Scouts will learn about the impact of pollution on ecosystems and wildlife, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental responsibility. Educational materials provided by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and the NOAA Marine Debris Program will enhance the learning experience, offering insights into marine science and conservation.
Global Impact with CleanHub: CleanHub will double the impact of the initiative. For every pound of plastic collected by Scouts, CleanHub will match that effort overseas to mitigate plastics from entering the Coral Triangle.
Community Engagement: The initiative encourages Scouts to engage their local communities, raising awareness about the importance of clean waterways and inspiring others to take action.

As a partner, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation strives to protect and expand America’s national marine sanctuaries through strategic partnerships and public engagement. Their goals encompass conserving marine biodiversity, safeguarding cultural and historical resources, and promoting ocean literacy. The foundation achieves this by funding critical research, supporting educational programs, and facilitating on-the-ground conservation projects. Their contributions range from restoring vital habitats and removing marine debris to advocating for sound marine policy and fostering a deeper public understanding of the importance of healthy ocean ecosystems.

To increase the global environmental impact of the program, CleanHub has pledged to match every pound of plastic collected, up to 100,000 pounds, by removing an equivalent amount from critical global pollution hotspots. Given the millions of tons of plastic waste that pollute our waterways annually, this initiative arrives at a crucial moment, empowering individuals to be part of the solution.

“Scouting America has always been at the forefront of community engagement, so we’re excited to work together to encourage people to get outside, roll up their sleeves and clean up their local waterways,” said Joel Tasche, co-founder at CleanHub. “By combining our operations and experience in waste management with the enthusiasm of Scouts, we hope to inspire families all over the world to take action to reduce waste in their own communities.”

About Scouting America

Scouting America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®”

Scouting America welcomes all of America’s youth into its programs. Our goal is to give them fantastic experiences in the outdoors, and elsewhere, where they can grow with us in a safe environment. More than 130 million Americans have been through our programs since our founding, and currently more than one million youth are served by 477,000 adult volunteers in local councils throughout the country.

To learn more about Scouting America’s mission, or to sign your child up for Scouting, visit www.BeAScout.org.

About the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation

Established in 2000, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is the official non-profit partner of the National Marine Sanctuary System. The Foundation directly supports America’s national marine sanctuaries through our mission to protect species, conserve ecosystems and preserve cultural and maritime heritage. We accomplish our mission through community stewardship and engagement programs, on-the-water conservation projects, public education and outreach programs, and scientific research and exploration. The Foundation fosters innovative projects that are solution-oriented, scalable and transferable, and develop strategic partnerships that promote the conservation and recovery of species and their habitats. Learn more at marinesanctuary.org.

About CleanHub

Founded in 2020, CleanHub is a Berlin-based company that provides a scalable solution to plastic pollution. They connect coastal communities to proper waste collection where it didn’t exist before and create safe and dignified jobs in local communities. Brands and individuals can support the mission by funding the collection of waste that otherwise wouldn’t be collected. CleanHub’s AI technology tracks the entire process from collection to disposal, ensuring transparency. It’s verified by TÜV SÜD according to ISO standards. For more information, visit cleanhub.com.

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Scouting America Delivers Report to the Nation in Washington D.C., Highlighting Impact and Future Vision

gordon.shattles — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 10:57:33 -0400

IRVING, TX (April 1, 2025) – Scouting America presented its Report to the Nation in Washington, D.C., showcasing the organization’s continued commitment to developing character, leadership, and citizenship in young people across the United States. The annual event, attended by government officials, community leaders, and Scouting advocates, highlighted the significant impact of Scouting programs and outlined the organization’s vision for the future.

“Scouting America remains dedicated to its mission of preparing young people for life,” said Roger Krone, president and CEO of Scouting America. “Our Report to the Nation provides an opportunity to share the incredible impact of Scouting and to reaffirm our commitment to providing valuable experiences that shape the leaders of tomorrow.”

As part of this year’s presentation, Order of the Arrow National Chief Eagle Scout Samuel Crowder and Gateway Region Chief Eagle Scout Haley Flores met with members of Scouting America’s Congressional Scouting Caucus in both the U.S. House and Senate. They provided key updates on the organization’s impact and programs, and outlined upcoming initiatives aimed at strengthening youth development and service nationwide.

“Scouting America continues to be one of the most impactful youth organizations, instilling responsibility, leadership, and a deep respect for community in young people,” said U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson. “This year’s Report to the Nation highlighted the millions of Scouts who have dedicated their time to serving others and strengthening their communities. As a Distinguished Eagle Scout and a Scout Master for more than 30 years, I am inspired to see Scouting America continuing its legacy of preparing young people for lives of purpose and service.”

The event also addressed Scouting America’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its programs and expand its reach, ensuring that more young people have access to the life-changing opportunities that Scouting provides. The organization emphasized its commitment to innovation and collaboration, working with partners across the country to address the evolving needs of youth.

Attendees were inspired by the stories of Scouts who continue to demonstrate exceptional leadership, making a positive difference in their communities. The Report to the Nation served as a powerful reminder of the enduring value of Scouting and its vital role in shaping the future of America.

About Scouting America

Scouting America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®”

To learn more about Scouting America’s mission, or to sign your child up for Scouting, visit www.BeAScout.org.

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Scouting America Launches New Test Lab for Potential Merit Badges

gordon.shattles — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 10:23:09 -0500

Scouting America is excited to announce the launch of its new groundbreaking Test Lab. This innovation offers Scouts the opportunity to evaluate potential new topics unique to the Scouting program and help shape the future of merit badges.

Designed to ignite curiosity and shape the future of Scouting, the Test Lab features potential merit badge requirements, but instead of printed pamphlets, Scouts will access digital resources to aid in completion. After finishing all requirements, Scouts will complete a short survey to earn a certificate of completion.

Scouting America aims to introduce Test Lab badges as official merit badges in the future based on the amount of interest and feedback provided. Scouts who complete a Test Lab badge that becomes official will be credited with earning the badge as long as haven’t turned 18.

To learn more about the Test Lab and explore available badges, please visit Scouting America Test Lab.

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Scouting America Showcases Pinewood Derby Kits and Accessories at the 2025 Toy Fair in NYC

gordon.shattles — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 10:32:13 -0500

Scouting America is sharing a time-honored, hands-on tradition with families across the country

Scouting America, the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, is thrilled to announce the debut of Pinewood Derby at the prestigious American International Toy Fair in New York. With a full product assortment of Pinewood Derby car kits and accessories, this marks the first time the beloved DIY activity will be showcased at the renowned event.

The Pinewood Derby is designed to inspire imagination, creativity, and quality time together and offer a fresh take on a time-honored crafting tradition. Whether it’s building a traditional Pinewood Derby racer or finishing the racer with light and sound kits, this engaging and interactive experience encourages children and adults alike to create, explore, and connect.

“We are beyond excited to introduce Pinewood Derby to the next generation of families and hobbyists,” said Greg Winters, director of business development and licensing, at Scouting America. “One of our missions is to bring back the joy of hands-on creativity in connecting with all families in a world increasingly dominated by screens. We believe this activity will not only spark creativity but also help families make lasting memories together.”

With a growing demand for screen-free activities, the Pinewood Derby offers an accessible, easy-to-use solution for parents, educators, and retailers looking to provide enriching experiences for children. Scouting America is actively seeking retail partners who share a passion for creativity and want to bring this engaging hands-on tradition to homes across the country.

Retailers, buyers, and media representatives are invited to visit Booth #6558 to experience Pinewood Derby firsthand. Product demonstrations, interactive sessions, and partnership opportunities will be available throughout the event.

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Scouting America and USA Triathlon Partner to Launch New Multisport Badge

gordon.shattles — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 09:27:42 -0500

Scouting America, in partnership with USA Triathlon, is pleased to announce the launch of a new Multisport Merit Badge designed to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Scouts who learn about physical endurance activities and lifestyle. The Multisport Merit Badge can create a fun and accessible entry-point for Scouts to try out a new recreational or vocational pursuit while gaining key life skills and promoting healthy lifestyles.

The Multisport Merit Badge will be earned by Scouts who demonstrate proficiency in a combination of swimming, cycling, and running through a series of age-appropriate challenges and skill-building activities. The program will offer different levels of achievement, allowing Scouts to progress and develop their skills over time by encouraging physical and mental fitness.

“Scouting America is committed to providing young people with opportunities to explore new interests and develop valuable skills,” said Garfield Murden of Scouting America. “This partnership with USA Triathlon allows us to introduce Scouts to the exciting world of multisport and encourage them to embrace an active lifestyle. We’re confident this badge will become a sought-after achievement for Scouts across the nation.”

USA Triathlon, the National Governing Body for triathlon as well as other multisport formats in the United States, has a tremendous focus on bringing programming, accessibility and access of multisport to youth across the United States. The partnership with Scouting America and the launch of the Multisport Merit Badge adds incredible energy and amplification to USA Triathlon’s efforts by driving awareness and access to vast new youth audiences.

“We are thrilled to partner with Scouting America to introduce young people to the lifelong benefits of multisport,” said Christi-Marie Butler, Chief Development Officer of the USA Triathlon Foundation, in which encouraging youth participation is one of the three philanthropic pillars for the Foundation, “This badge program will provide a fun and engaging way for Scouts to learn the fundamentals of swimming, biking, and running, and hopefully inspire the next generation of triathlon athletes.”

Resources and requirements for earning the Multisport Badge will be available on the Scouting America and USA Triathlon websites.

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Ricky Mason Elected Chair-Elect of Scouting America’s National Executive Board

gordon.shattles — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:28:18 -0500

Scouting America is pleased to announce the election of Ricky Mason as Chair-Elect of its National Executive Board. Mason will assume the role of Chair in May 2026.

With a long history of service to Scouting, Mason has served on the Scouting America National Executive Board since 2023 and has been instrumental in Scouting America’s mission of preparing young people for life. Mason’s election as Chair-Elect is a testament to his outstanding contributions to Scouting and his unwavering commitment to its values. As Chair-Elect, his leadership and guidance wil be an invaluable asset to the organization as it continues to grow and serve the next generation of leaders.

“Ricky Mason is a talented and capable leader who cares passionately about our movement and who is dedicated to bringing us all together and helping us all work together as one team to benefit more young people,” said Brad Tilden, National Chair of Scouting America. “We are thankful for what Ricky has already done to secure the future of the movement, and we look forward to his future contributions.”

A distinguished leader in law and finance, Mason was until very recently a long-time Partner and Chair in the Restructuring and Finance practice at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. He has played a pivotal role in some of the most significant bankruptcies and restructurings in the United States, including serving as Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee of Local Councils in the Boy Scouts of America Chapter 11 proceedings. Ricky is a Conferee and the immediate past Vice Chair of National Bankruptcy Conference, which advises the U.S. Congress on bankruptcy law.

“I am honored and humbled to be elected Chair-Elect of the National Executive Board,” said Mason. “I am passionate about the transformative power of Scouting, and I am committed to working alongside my fellow board members and the entire Scouting community to ensure that we continue to provide exceptional programs and opportunities for young people across the country.”

A lifelong supporter of Scouting, Mason is a Silver Buffalo honoree and a Distinguished Eagle Scout who earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1975 at Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia. Alongside his wife, Beth, and their two children, he founded the Mason Civic League, a charity dedicated to educational, artistic, and civic initiatives in Hoboken, New Jersey.

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Scouting America Celebrates 115 Years of Youth Leadership, Character Development and Adventure

tamlynsheng — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 09:00:29 -0500

Scouting America has been inspiring generations of leaders since 1910. Join the movement at BeAScout.org.

IRVING, Texas (February 6, 2025) — Scouting America is the nation’s foremost youth program providing young people with unique opportunities focused on character development, leadership, fun and outdoor exploration. On February 8, the organization will celebrate its 115^th birthday, marking a pivotal moment in the organization’s journey as it officially adopts its new name, Scouting America. The organization continues to adapt to meet the evolving needs of young people, ensuring that future generations will have the opportunity to benefit from this transformative program.

For more than a century, Scouting America’s mission has remained the same: to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Whether it’s a camping trip, a pinewood derby car race or a trail hike, every adventure encourages personal growth by teaching youth how to set goals and achieve them with determination. As we look to the future, Scouting America is dedicated to providing young people with the values, skills and experiences they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

“Scouting America has helped instill timeless values for multiple generations of Americans,” said Roger Krone, Scouting America president and CEO. “In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the values and skills instilled by Scouting are more critical than ever and the need for strong character, ethical decision-making and effective leadership remains paramount. As we celebrate 115 years of service to our nation, we are reaffirming our commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment where young people can develop these essential qualities, empowering them to reach their full potential and preparing them to become responsible and engaged citizens.”

Scouting America has remained committed to providing youth with a safe environment where they can learn meaningful life skills, create lifelong memories and grow into tomorrow’s leaders. In fact, more than 130 million Americans have been through Scouting America programs since our founding in 1910. Currently, more than 1 million youth are served by 477,000 dedicated adult volunteers in local councils throughout the country.

The week-long birthday celebration will kick off with widely recognized landmarks from coast-to-coast illuminated in red, white and blue lights in honor of Scouting America — including Niagara Falls, the Empire State Building, the Nasdaq billboard in Times Square, Milwaukee’s Hoan Bridge, St. Louis’ The Wheel at Union Station, Cleveland’s Terminal Tower, the Pennsylvania State Capitol, the Louisiana State Capitol, Baltimore City Hall, Minneapolis’ Capella Tower and the I-35W Mississippi River Bridge in Minneapolis. Scouts and non-Scouts alike can join in the celebration by sharing their favorite Scouting moments on Instagram (@boyscoutsofamerica) and TikTok (@scouting.america). Lastly, Scouting America will raise the redesigned organization flag over its headquarters in Irving, Texas on Wednesday, February 12.

Scouting America invites families, individuals and communities nationwide to join its mission. Whether you come from a family with a Scouting tradition or are considering Scouting for the first time, we welcome you to be a part of our next 115 years. To learn more, visit www.BeAScout.org .

About Scouting America

Scouting America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®” Scouting America welcomes all of America’s youth into its programs. Our goal is to give them fantastic experiences in the outdoors, and elsewhere, where they can grow with us in a safe environment. More than 130 million Americans have been through our programs since our founding, and currently more than 1 million youth are served by 477,000 dedicated adult volunteers in local councils throughout the country. To learn more about Scouting America’s mission, or to sign your child up for Scouting, visit www.BeAScout.org.

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North Carolina Scout Earns All 138 Scouting America Merit Badges

gordon.shattles — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:26:33 -0500

Scouting America is proud to announce that Reagan Poindexter, a dedicated member of the Old Hickory Council in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has achieved the remarkable distinction of earning all 138 merit badges offered by Scouting America. This impressive accomplishment marks the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and commitment to personal growth and community service.

Each merit badge represents an area of skill, knowledge, or outdoor expertise, from archery and emergency preparedness to environmental science and robotics. Earning all merit badges is a rare and significant achievement, and Reagan joins a select group of Scouts who have reached this milestone.

“Achieving every merit badge is no small feat, and we couldn’t be prouder of Reagan’s dedication and tenacity,” said J. David Gilbert, Director of Field Services of Old Hickory Council . “This accomplishment reflects not only her individual determination but also the unwavering support of her family, friends, and Scouting community.”

In addition to Reagan’s personal success, her family has played an integral role in supporting her journey. Jeff and DeAnn Poindexter, who are also deeply involved in Scouting, have been a constant source of encouragement, guiding Raegan every step of the way. Her siblings, Nolan and Audrey, both Eagle Scouts, have volunteered countless hours to the Troop, supporting events, camping trips, and fundraisers, embodying the values of Scouting as a family.

“Reagan’s achievement is a true testament to the power of Scouting and the impact it can have on both individuals and families,” said Desirae Watson, Troop 529 leader. “We are grateful for the support of the Poindexter family, who have been pillars of our Troop and an inspiration to all Scouts.”

As Reagan looks toward the future, she remains committed to giving back to the community that has shaped her through Scouting. She plans to continue her journey as a leader, sharing the lessons learned and inspiring others to pursue excellence, service, and adventure.

“Earning all the merit badges was a really fun adventure and a great opportunity to learn new things and make new friends,” said Reagan. “If I had to do it all over again, I definitely would.”

Scouting America congratulates Reagan and the entire Poindexter family on this incredible achievement. We look forward to seeing the positive impact she will continue to make as she embodies the Scout Oath and Law in all that she does.

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Western Los Angeles Scouts Sad to Announce Camp Josepho Destroyed in Wildfire

gordon.shattles — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 12:30:21 -0500

Council Focused on Relief Efforts for Families Affected by Fires

The Western Los Angeles County Council, Scouting America announced today that 83-year-old Camp Josepho, its Scouting Camp nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, was destroyed in the Pacific Palisades Fire. Council leadership plans to assess the extent of the damage once the fires have been contained and decide on next steps then. However, right now, they are dedicated to supporting families who have lost homes and livelihoods due to the wildfires that are still ravaging Los Angeles.

“The loss of Camp Josepho is sad, but the loss of life and homes throughout Los Angeles is devastating,” said Lee Harrison, Scout Executive & CEO of the Council. “Scouting families are among the thousands who have lost everything due to the fires, and our top focus is assisting them – in addition to other members of the community who have been affected.”

The Scouting motto is “Be Prepared,” and the Western LA County Council sprang into immediate action to support its members, first responders, and other members of the community upon learning about the fires.

“Thousands of young people have spent their summers and weekends at Camp Josepho, where they learned the skills they needed to become leaders and connected to nature,” Harrison said. “The Scouts will make sure we always provide our youth with these opportunities, whether it’s at a rebuilt Camp Josepho or somewhere else, but right now, we’re focused on supporting the people of Los Angeles County.”

The Scouting Council is currently arranging a large donation of water for evacuees and working with its membership and local elected officials to determine what more they can do to be of service.

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Scouting America Receives $30 million Grant from Lilly Endowment to Build Character in the Nation’s Young People

gordon.shattles — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 09:55:36 -0500

Scouting America, the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, has been awarded a grant of $30 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help build the character of the nation’s young people.

Scouting America is being funded through Character Development Through Youth Programs, a Lilly Endowment initiative designed to help youth-serving organizations create, test, implement and sustain strategies that support character development in the young people they serve in chapters and affiliates throughout the nation. Scouting America, formerly Boy Scouts of America, is one of eight organizations being funded through the initiative.

Scouting America will leverage the Lilly Endowment grant to extend the reach of Scouting’s proven character and leadership development programs, ensuring even more youth benefit from its transformative impact. Funding will support efforts in the following strategic areas: enhancing digital delivery, strengthening program quality, creating innovative ways to engage youth, and bolstering support for frontline councils that deliver Scouting programs directly.

“We are grateful for Lilly Endowment’s investment in Scouting America. The support will be a catalyst to enable us to reach more youth with programs that empower them to build their character and live lives of purpose and impact,” said Scouting America’s President and Chief Scout Executive, Roger A. Krone. “The potential long-term impact of this grant is immeasurable, and the nation needs our programs now more than ever.”

Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America), founded in 1910 and officially chartered by Congress in 1916, has positively impacted tens of millions of youths over the last 114 years. Many prominent figures—Presidents, CEOs, U.S. Senators, professional athletes, and civic leaders—attribute their success to the formative experiences gained through Scouting. By emphasizing leadership through service, Scouting inspires youth to make a difference in their communities. In 2023 alone, Scouts across the country contributed over 7.1 million volunteer service hours. This grant will empower Scouting America to continue fostering character, leadership, and service in the next generation.

“From the earliest days of its grantmaking, the Endowment has supported projects to encourage character development, especially among young people,” said Ted Maple, the Endowment’s vice president for education and youth programs. “We are heartened by the thoughtful and strategic approaches these youth-serving organizations are taking to support children and youth in developing character traits that will be important for them in their future roles as individuals, family members and citizens.”

About Scouting America

Scouting America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®”

To learn more about Scouting America’s mission, or to sign your child up for Scouting, visit www.BeAScout.org.

About Lilly Endowment Inc

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly and his sons, Eli and J.K. Jr., through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although gifts of stock remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. The Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion.

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Oscar Raposo Joins Scouting America as New Chief Financial Officer

gordon.shattles — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 09:46:05 -0500

IRVING, TX (December 9, 2024) – Scouting America, the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, is proud to announce that Oscar Raposo has joined the organization as its Chief Financial Officer.

“We are delighted to welcome Oscar to Scouting America,” said Roger Krone, president & chief executive officer at Scouting America. “His extensive experience in financial management and his passion for Scouting make him an invaluable asset to our organization. We are confident that his leadership will help us continue to strengthen our financial position and support our mission of providing a positive and meaningful experience for young people.”

With over thirty years of financial and operational experience across non-profit, industrial, consumer, and financial services industries in both the public and private domains, Raposo will provide leadership and direction to the finance and accounting teams, endowment funds, cash management and investing functions and policies, the banking relationships and lending facilities, as well as Supply operations of Scouting America.

“I am honored to join Scouting America as the new chief financial officer,” said Raposo. “As a Scout in my youth, I witnessed firsthand the positive impact that Scouting has on young people. I am excited to leverage my financial expertise to support Scouting America’s ongoing mission of providing a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for youth development.”

Prior to joining Scouting America, he was the Chief Financial Officer at the International Rescue Committee, a $1.6 billion international non-profit, where he led financial operations supporting refugees and displaced communities in more than 40 countries and 30 US cities. Before that, Oscar was the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Operations Officer at United Way of New York City, where he supported the organization’s partnerships with government, corporations, foundations, and community-based organizations assisting low-income New Yorkers.

Oscar and his family emigrated from Cuba to the US when he was twelve years old. Joining the Boy Scouts (Troop 24) shortly after his arrival played a crucial role in his integration into American society and provided him with invaluable experiences and lifelong friendships. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Oscar has traveled to many of the major U.S. National Parks throughout the country.

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Scouting America and DHS Unite to Combat Online Child Exploitation and Abuse

Newsroom Blog — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 13:39:04 -0500

IRVING, TX (December 3, 2024) – Scouting America has partnered with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Know2Protect, a first-of-its-kind national public awareness campaign about the risks children face in the online environment, providing Scouts and their families with the knowledge and skills they need to protect themselves and their families online.

As part of this partnership, Scouting America will be offering a new, exclusive patch to Scouts and their families who participate in Project iGuardian training, the official in-person educational arm of Know2Protect. The patch serves as a symbol of their commitment to stay safe online and digital citizenship.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the Department of Homeland Security on this important initiative,” said Glen Pounder, chief safeguarding officer at Scouting America. “In today’s digital age, it is essential for young people and their parents to understand the potential risks of online activity. The Know2Protect campaign aligns perfectly with our mission to provide a safeguarded environment for young people to learn and grow. By equipping Scouts and their families with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe, we are helping to build stronger, more resilient communities.”

The Know2Protect campaign offers a variety of resources, including:

Online training modules: Project iGuardian offers presentations designed to inform children, teens, parents and trusted adults on the threat of online child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA), how to implement preventive strategies and how to report suspected abuse to law enforcement. Project iGuardian features Homeland Security Investigation’s case studies and investigative knowledge coupled with perspectives from victim assistance and forensic interview specialists.
Family activities: Fun and engaging activities that help families learn about online safety together.
Tips and advice: Practical tips for staying safe online, such as privacy settings, strong password management and avoiding suspicious profiles.

“Our partnership with Scouting America highlights our mutual commitment to combating child exploitation,” said assistant director of HSI Cyber and Operations Technology Robert Hammer. “The development of the Know2Protect Scout badge reflects our shared dedication to equipping children and their families with the knowledge and awareness necessary to prevent online exploitation.”

By partnering with the Department of Homeland Security, Scouting America is taking a proactive approach to addressing the growing threat of cybercrime. The Know2Protect program will help Scouts and their families develop the skills they need to stay safe and secure in the digital world.

About Scouting America

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Scouting America Holds Safeguarding Youth Symposium

gordon.shattles — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 10:38:12 -0500

Youth-serving organizations from across the country met with experts in youth protection to share the knowledge, tools and resources needed to safeguard young people

Scouting America, the nation’s largest youth development organization, hosted a Safeguarding Youth Symposium to underscore its unwavering commitment to creating a safe and secure environment for youth. The symposium brought together experts in youth protection and leaders and safety professionals in youth-serving organizations to discuss innovative strategies and best practices for safeguarding youth.

The symposium highlighted the complexity of the challenges facing youth safeguarding and emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach to keeping children safe from physical and online dangers.

“We are committed to providing a safeguarded environment for all Scouts,” said Roger Krone, Scouting America’s president and chief executive officer. “By bringing together experts from across the country, we can learn from each other and continue to improve our youth protection efforts.”

The symposium featured a variety of sessions, including:

Organizational Culture: Participants learned that organizations must be led from the top, and that a culture of safety and accountability must be reinforced at all levels.
Emerging Safety Challenges: Experts discussed current and emerging safety threats facing young people and how to address them.
Technology and Safety: The symposium explored how technology can be used to enhance youth safety and prevent abuse.
Survivor Insights: Protect Children Finland highlighted how Scouting America’s willingness to share a survivor survey proactively is crucial to understanding disclosure of abuse.
Partnerships: Participants learned about emerging collaboration with law enforcement and how academia is crucial in an evidence-based approach.

Scouting America has a long history of implementing rigorous youth protection policies and procedures. These include:

Mandatory Background Checks: All adult leaders are required to undergo comprehensive background checks.
Youth Protection Training: All adult leaders and volunteers must complete mandatory youth protection training.
Safe Environment Policies: Scouting America has strict policies in place to ensure that all activities and programs are conducted in a safe and appropriate manner.

“The safety and well-being of our Scouts is our top strategic priority,” said Glen Pounder, chief safeguarding officer at Scouting America. “This symposium was an opportunity to bring together industry-leading experts on youth safety with leaders from youth-serving organizations, including schools, sports programs, churches, and community programs, to develop new ways to provide a safe environment where young people can thrive.”

For more information about Scouting America’s youth protection programs, please visit https://www.scouting.org/training/youth-protection/.

About Scouting America

Scouting America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®”

Scouting America welcomes all of America’s youth into its programs. Our goal is to give them fantastic experiences in the outdoors, and elsewhere, where they can grow with us in a safe environment. More than 130 million Americans have been through our programs since our founding, and currently more than 1 million youth are served by 477,000 dedicated adult volunteers in local councils throughout the country.

To learn more about Scouting America’s mission, visit Scouting.org.

The post Scouting America Holds Safeguarding Youth Symposium appeared first on Scouting Newsroom.

National youth-serving organizations will strengthen their work in character formation

gordon.shattles — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 09:43:43 -0500

INDIANAPOLIS – Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded grants to eight national youth-serving organizations to support their efforts to help young people develop positive character traits, such as curiosity, empathy, honesty, kindness, responsibility, self-respect, respect for others and courage, among others.

The grants, which total $195 million, range from $15 million to $30 million. The Endowment made the grants through Character Development Through Youth Programs, an initiative designed to help youth-serving organizations create, test, implement and sustain strategies that support character development in the young people they serve in chapters and affiliates throughout the nation.

The grants will support a variety of approaches to fostering character development, which is central to the missions of the organizations. They include delving into the latest research about character development; aligning programs and curricula to focus more on character; expanding use of technology; offering new character development training for staff and volunteers; strengthening capacity to deliver more programs to more youth; and providing funding for local chapters and affiliates that choose to participate in new character development programs offered by their national organizations.

The funded organizations and grant amounts are:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Tampa, FL | $22.5 million
Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Atlanta, GA | $30 million
Girls Incorporated, New York, NY | $15 million
Girl Scouts of the United States of America, New York, NY | $30 million
Junior Achievement USA, Colorado Springs, CO | $22.5 million
National Boy Scouts of America Foundation, Irving, TX | $30 million
National Council of YMCAs of the United States of America, Chicago, IL | $30 million
National 4-H Council, Washington, DC | $15 million

In addition to Character Development Through Youth Programs, the Endowment is supporting projects that encourage character formation among young people in various other settings. In 2023, the Endowment made a $30.7 million grant to Wake Forest University to support the Educating Character Initiative (ECI). The aim of ECI is to provide a wide range of public and private colleges and universities in the U.S. with the resources, funding and other support needed to develop and implement ideas for integrating character education at their institutions.

In 2023, the Endowment approved a $45.5 million grant to the American Camp Association to support the creation of Character at Camp, a multiyear initiative to grow, improve and celebrate character development among young people at camps across the United States. Also, new Endowment grants in 2024 are supporting 15 children’s museums from throughout the country as they develop their efforts to enhance character traits in their exhibitions and other public programs (learn more about these grants here).

About Lilly Endowment

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. The Endowment funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion, and maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.

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Star Running Back David Montgomery Encourages Families and Youth to Participate in Scouting America

Newsroom Blog — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 09:04:41 -0400

Professional Football Player Signs on as Scouting America Recruitment Ambassador

IRVING, Texas (Oct. 9, 2024) – You see him on Sundays making an impact on the football field. But before he was running through defensive lines and scoring touchdowns at the highest level of the sport, he was earning merit badges. Now David Montgomery is sharing with families and youth how his experience in the Scouting America program shaped the successful athlete and person he is today.

David Montgomery

“While Scouting took me outdoors and helped me discover a lifelong love for camping and fishing, it also taught me valuable lessons like developing a strategy and executing a plan, as well as how to be accountable for others than myself,” said David Montgomery. “These skills helped me both in Scouting, and also taught me how to be a better athlete on the field.”

Montgomery started his football career in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he balanced his love for football with the important life and leadership skills learned through being a member of Scout Troop 772. In fact, his passion for both played a pivotal role in his effort to earn Scouting’s highest honor, the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. For his Eagle Scout project, Montgomery capitalized on the popularity and high attendance of Friday night football games to support his community by leading toiletry drives to support Cincinnati’s unhoused community.

Parents who are unfamiliar with – or perhaps even have misperceptions about – modern Scouting might assume that it’s all camping, fishing and hiking. But they also take advantage of Scouting’s modern-day skills that range from essentials in self-sufficiency and kindness learned early on in Cub Scouts to advanced skills like rocketry, robotics and coding learned as they progress. And David Montgomery showcases how Scouting can fit into your family’s existing extracurricular schedule … even if you’re playing under the Friday night lights.

“David’s inspiring story showcases the valuable impact Scouting can have,” says Roger Krone, Scouting America CEO. “Because of the skills David learned while part of his local Cincinnati Troop, he was able to reach the pinnacle of Scouting, and also his athletic career. We appreciate David’s leadership on and off the field and we’re excited to have him share the Scouting story with a new generation of youth.”

As parents navigate the complexities of preparing their children for adulthood, Scouting America stands out as a trusted partner, teaching young people the life skills needed to navigate 2024 and beyond. To learn more, including finding your local troop, visit www.BeAScout.org.

About Scouting America

Scouting America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®”

Scouting America welcomes all of America’s youth into its programs. Our goal is to give them fantastic experiences in the outdoors, and elsewhere, where they can grow with us in a safe environment. More than 130 million Americans have been through our programs since our founding, and currently more than 1 million youth are served by 477,000 dedicated adult volunteers in local councils throughout the country.

To learn more about Scouting America’s mission, or to sign your child up for Scouting, visit www.BeAScout.org.

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Scouting America and Blue Origin’s Club for the Future Partner to Ignite Young Minds Toward Space and STEM Careers

Newsroom Blog — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 11:03:30 -0400

IRVING, TX (October 3, 2024) – Scouting America and Blue Origin’s non-profit Club for the Future announced a collaboration to inspire and prepare young people for careers in the space industry. Together, the organizations will develop innovative programs and resources to mobilize future generations to pursue STEM. Additionally, the collaboration will support the national Space4All initiative that is underway to promote the limitless opportunities associated with space exploration to youth who may otherwise believe that a future in space and STEM is unattainable.

“We are thrilled to partner with Blue Origin’s Club for the Future to inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, and space explorers, opening up a world of possibilities for our Scouts,” said Roger Krone, president & CEO of Scouting America. “By combining the power of Scouting with the excitement of space exploration, we can create an environment where young people can discover their passions and develop the skills they need to succeed.”

As part of this new alliance, Scouts at the National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) in Boulder, CO, had the opportunity to get up close and personal with a full-scale version of Blue Origin’s New Shepard crew capsule. New Shepard is a reusable suborbital launch vehicle capable of carrying people and payloads to space and back above the Kármán Line, the internationally recognized boundary of space.

“We are proud to align with Scouting America and support its long-term commitment to helping students be better stewards of our planet,” said Michael Edmonds, President of Club for the Future. “This initiative will help these student leaders gain skills that will prepare them for careers in STEM as well as grow their understanding of how harnessing space resources can help preserve and restore Earth for future generations.”

Scouts at the conference also had the opportunity to participate in Club for the Future’s Postcards to Space program. The initiative provides the opportunity for anyone to submit their drawings and messages on a postcard, which are then flown into space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket. After their flight, the postcards are returned to their creator with a memorable stamp, providing a tangible way to connect youth with the experience of space exploration.

About Scouting America

Scouting America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®”

Scouting America welcomes all of America’s youth into its programs. Our goal is to give them fantastic experiences in the outdoors, and elsewhere, where they can grow with us in a safe environment. More than 130 million Americans have been through our programs since our founding, and currently more than 1 million youth are served by 477,000 dedicated adult volunteers in local councils throughout the country.

To learn more about Scouting America’s mission, visit Scouting.org.

About Club for the Future

Founded by Blue Origin, Club for the Future is a non-profit with the mission to inspire and mobilize future generations to pursue careers in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) for the benefit of Earth. The Club and its partners are doing this through the Postcards to Space program, providing space-focused lessons and events, and activating ambassadors around the world.

About Space4All

Space4All is a national space STEM awareness campaign, managed through a public-private partnership with four nonprofit organizations – American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Women in Aerospace, Blue Origin’s Club for the Future, and Space Foundation. The campaign aims to inspire, prepare and employ our nation’s future space STEM workforce, with a specific focus on underrepresented communities, by uniting the space industry and space champions from a wide variety of business fields under one core brand. Speaking with one voice, the campaign hopes to attract millions of workers into space STEM careers and spread the excitement of space and its benefits to life on Earth. For more information, visit Space4All.us.

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Parents of America: If Your Child Isn’t a Scout, They’re Missing Out

Newsroom Blog — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 12:02:03 -0400

New research reveals that post-pandemic parents are worried their kids’ childhood is slipping away

IRVING, Tex. (Aug. 15, 2024) – While most of us would like to forget the impact of COVID-19, its effect on parents and children is impossible to ignore. New research shows that post-pandemic parents are worried that their kids’ childhood is slipping away. For their part, kids are increasingly focused on things like friendship and the future, being trusted and respected, and being capable of solving problems on their own. Fortunately, Scouting America has been evolving to meet the needs of both groups, easing parent concerns and helping kids thrive.

Research company Human-ology assessed more than 100 human values and emotional priorities of parents ages 19-60 and children ages 6-12 over the course of five years. Unsurprisingly, when COVID-19 hit in 2020, parents were focused on safety and control, especially when asked about their children. By huge margins, parents traded the stated desire of “letting my kids be kids” for “avoiding sickness and disease.”

However, in the third quarter of 2020, there was an “aha moment.” The delta between these two desires closed, and the opposite is now true. In fact, “letting my kids be kids” ranks 18% higher on parents’ priorities lists than it did pre-pandemic while “avoiding sickness and disease” ranks 6% lower. Other priority shifts include:

Preparing my child for real life (+22% in 2024 vs. 2019)
Teaching my child to be resilient (+15% in 2024 vs. 2019)
My child discovering their world (+15% in 2024 vs. 2019)

The global pandemic made parents realize that they will never be able to fully protect their kids from harm and therefore made them more enthusiastic about equipping their kids with traditional skills more associated with older generations, such as preparedness, resilience and ingenuity, to help their kids lead vibrant, resilient lives.

“Scouting America can be a big part of the solution for these understandable concerns,” said Roger A. Krone, president and chief executive officer of Scouting America. “Especially when introduced at a young age, Scouting can help kids develop relevant skills and promote the resilience, critical thinking and leadership their parents seek that are vital for them to become well-rounded individuals, ready for success in today’s world.”

Similarly, COVID-19 made life chaotic for kids, and as worry took over, childhood took a back seat. Kids traded the stated desire of “just being a kid” for “feeling safe and content in my home,” and while “feeling safe and content in my home” remains a priority, “just being a kid” is up 22% from its pandemic low, reflecting kids’ desire to grow in a supportive, structured way.

Across the board, kids are increasingly focused on things like competency, friendship and the future, such as:

Having fun with my friends (+27% increase in three years)
Being good at something I like to do (+21% increase in three years)
Being trusted and respected (+14% increase in three years)
Having the freedom to make my own choices (+9% increase in three years)
Being capable of doing things and solving problems on my own (+12% increase in three years)

A pandemic that created chaos and a sense of lost control seems to have made kids increasingly interested in having a say in their lives.

“Based on our analysis, there is a growing demand from both parents and kids for opportunities that unlock the full experiences of childhood.” said Nico Turk, senior strategist at Human-ology. “Scouting can play a pivotal role in addressing these needs. Their programs provide structure to kids so they can accomplish things they haven’t yet imagined.”

Scouting America is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of both kids and parents. For parents, it can help their kids navigate a world that can be unkind. For kids, it provides a shot at childhood for a generation who has only known chaos.

Parents who are unfamiliar with – or have misperceptions about – modern Scouting might assume that it’s all camping, fishing and hiking. Make no mistake, many Scouts love their boots and tackle, but they also take advantage of Scouting’s modern-day skills that range from essentials in self-sufficiency and kindness learned early on in Cub Scouts to advanced skills like rocketry, robotics, coding and combating cyberbullying.

“At Scouting America, we pride ourselves in delivering the skills we know youth seek in fun and exciting ways,” says Angie Minett, Scouts BSA Chairperson. “For example, engineering and creativity are taught as early as Cub Scouts with the iconic Pinewood Derby, offering Scouts hands-on problem-solving experience that remains relevant in today’s environment. While kids may think they’re just building and racing cars, we know they’re accomplishing so much more.”

About Scouting America

Scouting America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®”

Scouting America welcomes all of America’s youth into its programs. Our goal is to give them fantastic experiences in the outdoors, and elsewhere, where they can grow with us in a safe environment. More than 130 million Americans have been through our programs since our founding, and currently more than 1 million youth are served by 477,000 dedicated adult volunteers in local councils throughout the country.

To learn more about Scouting America’s mission, or to sign your child up for Scouting, visit www.BeAScout.org.

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Scouting America Joins Forces with RealResponse to Enhance Youth Safeguarding

Newsroom Blog — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 11:27:13 -0400

The ability to easily share insights and concerns anonymously helps ensure all Scouts and their parents have amazing experiences and memories

IRVING, TX (August 12, 2024) – With a focus on enhanced safety for Scouting youth and parents, Scouting America and RealResponse are proud to announce that they are working together to reduce barriers for communicating safety concerns. By offering a protected and anonymous platform through which to share information, Scouting America continues to embrace innovative ways to keep Scouts safe and deliver unique and valuable experiences.

As part of its “Scouts First” approach to the protection and safety of youth, Scouting America established a dedicated 24-hour helpline (1-844-SCOUTS1) to receive reports of behaviors that might put a youth at risk. Expanding on that safety focus, Scouting America will now offer a text option and a QR code to share feedback and concerns at any time.

Utilizing the RealResponse platform, Scouts and their families can share their concerns and questions in real-time, with the knowledge that these communications are going to the right place in the fastest way possible, anonymously, often creating meaningful dialogue about tough issues.

“As one of the foremost youth programs in the country, recognized for its tremendous tradition and the rich experiences it offers kids of all ages, I couldn’t be more pleased and honored to bring Scouting America on board,” says David Chadwick, founder and CEO of RealResponse. “We are like-minded in our endeavors to create exceptional and safe experiences for youth and young adults participating in organized programs, and elevating their voices to ensure that they are heard helps us achieve this.”

The safety and security of youth and their families will always be the primary focus at Scouting America. To ensure the safety and well-being of all its members, Scouting America has policies in place including criminal background checks for leaders and volunteers, mandatory youth protection training, two-deep leadership (two adults at all Scouting events and meetings), no one-on-one contact between adults and youth members including digital communication, as well as rules against hazing, bullying, and harassment.

“As a former Scout who had an amazing experience, it is of utmost importance to me that everyone participating in this organization has a similar experience,” stated Roger Krone, president and chief executive officer of Scouting America. “We are always looking for cutting edge, sophisticated tools to keep our kids safe. With RealResponse, we are providing a private and protected way for parents and Scouts to communicate, enabling us to turn feedback into positive action while ensuring a safe environment for every youth and family who want a Scouting experience.”

About Scouting America

Scouting America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®”

Scouting America welcomes all of America’s youth into its programs. Our goal is to give them fantastic experiences in the outdoors, and elsewhere, where they can grow with us in a safe environment. More than 130 million Americans have been through our programs since our founding, and currently more than 1 million youth are served by 477,000 dedicated adult volunteers in local councils throughout the country.

To learn more about Scouting America’s mission, visit Scouting.org.

About RealResponse

Founded in 2015, RealResponse provides a secure, confidential platform for individuals to provide feedback on difficult or sensitive issues within an organization. We ensure voices are heard and people are empowered – with real-time, two-way anonymous communications. These insights enhance communication between participants and their respective organizations and provide valuable opportunities to turn feedback into action. For more information, visit realresponse.com.

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Scouting America Goes to Washington

Newsroom Blog — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 14:07:01 -0400

Scouts from across the country joined elected officials in Washington DC to highlight the importance of Scouting

IRVING, TX (July 17, 2024) – Scouts and leaders from Scouting America joined Senate and Congressional leaders in Washington last week to highlight the importance of programs for the nation’s youth and discuss the positive impact these youth programs have on our communities.

Building on 114 years of serving America’s youth and their families, Scouting America’s goal is to provide young people with a safe environment where they can learn meaningful life skills and have fun, educational experiences, fostering their growth as future leaders.

“There is no better program in the nation to instill leadership and good character in our youth than Scouting America,” said Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson of Pennsylvania, co-chair of the Congressional Scouting Caucus and himself a Distinguished Eagle Scout Award recipient.

Washington officials were joined by Scouting America youth in the Cub Scout and Scouts BSA programs, as well as members of the Venturing, Exploring and Sea Scout programs. Bringing real excitement and competition to the meeting, Cub Scouts from Pack 98 of National Capitol Area Council provided a Pinewood Derby track and cars for officials to race. Special guest NASA astronaut and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award recipient Mike Fossum immediately picked-out the Space Shuttle Pinewood Derby car and challenged all Cubs Scouts to race.

“For over a century, Scouting America has provided the nation’s premier program for character development and values-based leadership training for more than 130 million young men and women,” said Roger Krone, president and chief executive officer of Scouting America. “We want to thank our elected officials for their unwavering support for advancing the mission of Scouting, and we look forward to another century of working together.”

About Scouting America

Scouting America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®”

Scouting America welcomes all of America’s youth into its programs. Our goal is to give them fantastic experiences in the outdoors, and elsewhere, where they can grow with us in a safe environment. More than 130 million Americans have been through our programs since our founding, and currently more than 1 million youth are served by 477,000 dedicated adult volunteers in local councils throughout the country.

To learn more about Scouting America’s mission, visit Scouting.org.

Media Contact:

Gordon Shattles

Director, Corporate Communications

Gordon.Shattles@Scouting.org

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Scouting America Partners with DHS to Keep Children Safe Online in Nashville

Newsroom Blog — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 14:21:40 -0400

IRVING, Tex. (June 12, 2024) Scouting America and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provided the first of many presentations of the Project iGuardian program to the Scouting America Middle Tennessee Council.

“We would like to thank Homeland Security Investigations for taking the time to present on such an important matter,” said Larry Brown, Scout Executive for the Scouting America Middle Tennessee Council. “Being aware of online risks will help keep our Scouts safe and our parents informed.”

Scouting America and DHS partnered with public and private sector organizations nationwide for this first-of-its-kind national public awareness campaign about the risks children face in the online environment. iGuardian provides the opportunity for every Scout in America to meet directly with Special Agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

“HSI is proud to partner with youth-serving organizations like Scouting America to educate children and adults in their lives with vitally important information about the threats they face online,” said HSI Nashville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Dennis M. Fetting. “HSI is leading the fight against online child sexual exploitation and abuse by targeting offenders and rescuing victims. Our Project iGuardian educates today’s young people about how to stay safe in the digital environment, while raising public awareness of online dangers.”

Online child exploitation and abuse is reaching epidemic proportions and threatens the safety of children globally. Project iGuardian educates and empowers young people, parents, and trusted adults on ways to prevent and combat exploitation and abuse both on and offline, explain how to report incidents of these crimes, and offer support resources for victims and survivors of online child sexual exploitation and abuse.

The presentation covered tactics used by online predators, the information devices give away about users, including children, and ways that families can stay safe while online.

“The critical information shared directly by Special Agents can and will literally save lives,” said Glen Pounder, Scouting America’s Chief Safeguarding Officer. “Law enforcement alone cannot protect our children online, there simply aren’t enough cops. Bad guys trick their way into kids’ lives via apps and games; it can happen over a long period of time or within minutes. Scouts learn that if they make a mistake, we will help them, no matter what. I hope every Scout in America can become a digital leader through iGuardian, only these criminals need to be afraid.”

About Scouting America

Scouting America offers unique programs focused on character development, leadership and outdoor exploration that provides a lifetime of benefits and helps young people be prepared for life.

Scouting invites every youth to a safe, fun place to learn, explore, and grow. Scouting America aims to prepare young people for lives of impact and purpose. We welcome, at every level of our movement, youth and families who wish to live such a life of impact and purpose, guided by the Scout Oath and Law.

More than 130 million Americans have been through our programs since our founding, and currently more than 1 million youth are served by 477,000 dedicated adult volunteers in local councils throughout the country.

To learn more about Scouting America’s mission, visit Scouting.org.

The post Scouting America Partners with DHS to Keep Children Safe Online in Nashville appeared first on Scouting Newsroom.

Professional costume designer starting a cosplay Venturing crew https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2020/05/21/professional-costume-designer-starting-a-cosplay-venturing-crew/ …

(@BoysLife) — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 21:40:51 -0400

Professional costume designer starting a cosplay Venturing crew https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2020/05/21/professional-costume-designer-starting-a-cosplay-venturing-crew/ …

Meet Tyler Grey, Venturing’s top youth leader for 2020-2021 http://dlvr.it/RXmdSn

(@BoysLife) — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 11:48:33 -0400

Meet Tyler Grey, Venturing’s top youth leader for 2020-2021 http://dlvr.it/RXmdSn

Scouts break out the needle and thread to make face coverings during pandemic https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2020/05/22/scouts-break-out-the-needle-and-thread-to-make-masks-during-pandemic/ …

(@BoysLife) — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 06:30:41 -0400

Scouts break out the needle and thread to make face coverings during pandemic https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2020/05/22/scouts-break-out-the-needle-and-thread-to-make-masks-during-pandemic/ …

Stuff We Like: SansBug Mosquito Nets https://boyslife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/168848/stuff-we-like-sansbug-mosquito-nets/ …

(@BoysLife) — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 03:45:44 -0400

Stuff We Like: SansBug Mosquito Nets https://boyslife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/168848/stuff-we-like-sansbug-mosquito-nets/ …

Best Water Bottle for a Long Camping Trip https://boyslife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/168715/best-water-bottle-for-a-long-camping-trip/ …

(@BoysLife) — Sun, 31 May 2020 21:40:49 -0400

Best Water Bottle for a Long Camping Trip https://boyslife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/168715/best-water-bottle-for-a-long-camping-trip/ …

Home cooking: Scouts practice preparing camp recipe together over Zoom https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2020/05/26/home-cooking-scouts-practice-preparing-camp-recipe-together-over-zoom/ …

(@BoysLife) — Sun, 31 May 2020 06:30:38 -0400

Home cooking: Scouts practice preparing camp recipe together over Zoom https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2020/05/26/home-cooking-scouts-practice-preparing-camp-recipe-together-over-zoom/ …

What’s the highest award in every Boy Scouts of America program? https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2020/05/27/whats-the-highest-award-in-every-boy-scouts-of-america-program/ …

(@BoysLife) — Sun, 31 May 2020 03:45:48 -0400

What’s the highest award in every Boy Scouts of America program? https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2020/05/27/whats-the-highest-award-in-every-boy-scouts-of-america-program/ …

Scoutbook introduces a faster way to track your Scout’s progress https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2020/05/28/scoutbook-introduces-a-faster-way-to-track-your-scouts-progress/ …

(@BoysLife) — Sat, 30 May 2020 21:40:44 -0400

Scoutbook introduces a faster way to track your Scout’s progress https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2020/05/28/scoutbook-introduces-a-faster-way-to-track-your-scouts-progress/ …

Watch This Moving Scout Thank-You Video for Essential Workers https://boyslife.org/video-audio/168836/watch-this-moving-scout-thank-you-video-for-essential-workers/ …

(@BoysLife) — Sat, 30 May 2020 06:30:37 -0400

Watch This Moving Scout Thank-You Video for Essential Workers https://boyslife.org/video-audio/168836/watch-this-moving-scout-thank-you-video-for-essential-workers/ …

Write a Funny Caption For This Photo https://boyslife.org/games/write-a-funny-caption/168859/write-a-funny-caption-for-this-photo-111/ …

(@BoysLife) — Sat, 30 May 2020 03:45:44 -0400

Write a Funny Caption For This Photo https://boyslife.org/games/write-a-funny-caption/168859/write-a-funny-caption-for-this-photo-111/ …

Life Scout performs lifesaving CPR on brother with illness linked to COVID-19 https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2020/05/29/life-scout-performs-lifesaving-cpr-on-brother-with-illness-linked-to-covid-19/ …

(@BoysLife) — Fri, 29 May 2020 21:40:43 -0400

Life Scout performs lifesaving CPR on brother with illness linked to COVID-19 https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2020/05/29/life-scout-performs-lifesaving-cpr-on-brother-with-illness-linked-to-covid-19/ …

Home cooking: Scouts practice preparing camp recipe together over Zoom https://bit.ly/3epg8Wl

(@BoysLife) — Fri, 29 May 2020 16:57:01 -0400

Home cooking: Scouts practice preparing camp recipe together over Zoom https://bit.ly/3epg8Wl

Life Scout performs lifesaving CPR on brother with illness linked to COVID-19 http://dlvr.it/RXcQWM

(@BoysLife) — Fri, 29 May 2020 14:24:32 -0400

Life Scout performs lifesaving CPR on brother with illness linked to COVID-19 http://dlvr.it/RXcQWM

What’s the highest award in every Boy Scouts of America program? https://bit.ly/2X5oA7n

(@BoysLife) — Fri, 29 May 2020 10:45:09 -0400

What’s the highest award in every Boy Scouts of America program? https://bit.ly/2X5oA7n

Join tomorrow! https://bit.ly/36CV9ws pic.twitter.com/R8i2aFXQQm

(@BoysLife) — Thu, 28 May 2020 16:57:03 -0400

Join tomorrow! https://bit.ly/36CV9ws pic.twitter.com/R8i2aFXQQm

Download a Printable Paper Chess Set That You Can Make at Home https://bit.ly/3fIcFUe pic.twitter.com/Hog17Wn5o6

(@BoysLife) — Thu, 28 May 2020 12:50:02 -0400

Download a Printable Paper Chess Set That You Can Make at Home https://bit.ly/3fIcFUe pic.twitter.com/Hog17Wn5o6

Friends, family congratulate new Eagle Scout with a surprise parade https://bit.ly/3dFQDzP pic.twitter.com/MHeuZGsyxD

(@BoysLife) — Wed, 27 May 2020 16:57:02 -0400

Friends, family congratulate new Eagle Scout with a surprise parade https://bit.ly/3dFQDzP pic.twitter.com/MHeuZGsyxD

How to Make a Face Mask Using a Scout Neckerchief https://bit.ly/3c77n25

(@BoysLife) — Wed, 27 May 2020 10:45:07 -0400

How to Make a Face Mask Using a Scout Neckerchief https://bit.ly/3c77n25

Scouts have been an essential part of this half-century of service https://bit.ly/2MEEAZX

(@BoysLife) — Tue, 26 May 2020 20:17:00 -0400

Scouts have been an essential part of this half-century of service https://bit.ly/2MEEAZX

Even at Yosemite, Prepare to Be Flexible! https://bit.ly/3brAEo2

(@BoysLife) — Tue, 26 May 2020 12:50:01 -0400

Even at Yosemite, Prepare to Be Flexible! https://bit.ly/3brAEo2

Council Camporee - https://mailchi.mp/7d4740901a4d/council-camporee … https://mailchi.mp/7d4740901a4d/council-camporee …

(@sccbsa) — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 16:07:33 -0400

Council Camporee - https://mailchi.mp/7d4740901a4d/council-camporee … https://mailchi.mp/7d4740901a4d/council-camporee …

Stony Brook University Occupational Therapy graduate students are working towards completing a capstone project that will benefit the Suffolk County Boy Scouts of America community. The goal of the... https://stonybrookuniversity.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/fo

(@sccbsa) — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 18:00:10 -0400

Stony Brook University Occupational Therapy graduate students are working towards completing a capstone project that will benefit the Suffolk County Boy Scouts of America community. The goal of the... https://stonybrookuniversity.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cA6buGrHXwz4DZj …

We are coming down to the early price deadline for our 100th Anniversary Camporee. Please units get those save the spots and registrations to our camp department so you can save money at this amazing event! Check out all the information by clicking... ht

(@sccbsa) — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 10:00:59 -0400

We are coming down to the early price deadline for our 100th Anniversary Camporee. Please units get those save the spots and registrations to our camp department so you can save money at this amazing event! Check out all the information by clicking... https://www.sccbsa.org/Camporee2019

Free tickets for Scouts for April 25 AKC Agility Premier Cup at Nassau Coliseum. https://link.akc.org/view/5b6b341c639ec83f07431c075ca24e212e9bba2f275682b4/7a83579c …

(@sccbsa) — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 13:21:29 -0400

Free tickets for Scouts for April 25 AKC Agility Premier Cup at Nassau Coliseum. https://link.akc.org/view/5b6b341c639ec83f07431c075ca24e212e9bba2f275682b4/7a83579c …