As a way to encourage continuous improvement in councils, districts, and units, the BSA launched a new performance recognition program this year called Journey to Excellence. Each council’s progress in delivering our mission was measured via 17 criteria in five main areas: Finance, Membership, Program, Unit Service, and Leadership and Governance. How did we do compared to 2010? The numbers speak for themselves—nearly 85 percent of councils increased their overall performance. Other key statistics include the following:

Membership

59: The percentage of councils that increased membership

1.4: The number of points youth retention increased nationally, to 70.6 from 69.2 percent

38,000: The average number of youth this equates to annually

Finance

57: The percentage of councils that experienced growth in fundraising

89: The percentage of councils that increased endowment gifts

17: The percentage decrease in the number of councils operating at a deficit

Program

6: The percentage growth of Cub Scouts earning a rank—a key factor in retention

2: The percentage growth of Boy Scouts earning a rank

12: The approximate number of hours, in millions, of community service provided by BSA youth

4.2: The average number of hours of community service per member