Rochelle Randles is a communications specialist at the Boy Scouts of America.
She enjoys sharing incredible adventure stories within the Scouting community and beyond.
If you have story ideas or questions, reach out to us at communications@scouting.org.
View all posts by Rochelle Randles →
Cub Scouts in Portage, IN receive fishing poles from Bass Pro Shops general manager, Marty Nealon. (Photo credit: Ty Washington/ Chicago Tribune)
Earlier this June, hundreds of youth gathered near Lake Michigan at a familiar outdoor adventure store, where they each received a summer gift any Scout would love—fishing poles!
Outdoor retailer Bass Pro Shops awarded these free fishing poles as part of the “Gone Fishing” initiative, which encourages kids to venture to the great outdoors. The Chicago Tribune details the event that undoubtedly sent Scouts flocking to lakes and streams in pursuit of a summer catch.
Throughout the initiative, Bass Pro Shops donated 32,000 fishing rods and reels for the sake of summer fun. The retailer then distributed the fishing gear to thousands of children with the help of the Wildlife Educational Exhibit of Northwest Indiana and of course, the Boy Scouts of America.
BSA and Bass Pro Shops certainly share an enthusiasm for outdoor enjoyment and both work to spark that passion in today’s young people.
Bass Pro Shops operations manager Stephen Lisek explained to the Chicago Tribune how the store offers experiences for even the youngest outdoor enthusiasts. “We run a lot of events geared for kids and even have a wonderland event at Christmas… We’re a family store.”
Encouraging outdoor activities is a mission Scouters like the Pathway to Adventure Council’s field director Ty Washington can appreciate. “We love partnering with Bass Pro Shops,” Washington shared with the Chicago Tribune.
Learn more about the adventures you can join through Scouting at BeAScout.org—as District Executive Bryce Shaffer told the Chicago Tribune, “We’re always looking for new people interested in Scouting to add to the fun.”
Ryan inspired his community to raise money for the memorial. (Photo credit: KESQ)
When Eagle Scout candidate Ryan P. of the California Inland Empire Council decided to memorialize fallen war heroes for his service project, he expected it to be a costly venture. What the Scout did’t expect was dozens of fellow community members banding together to help raise more than $7,000.00 for his patriotic Eagle project.
That’s exactly what happened when locals of Palm Springs, Calif. heard about Ryan’s noble effort to honor servicemen who gave their lives for their country. Thanks to the help of more than 80 community members, Ryan created a permanent memorial to honor local fallen soldiers.
The Scout explained to KESQ why giving is important to him. “There are so many people out there that need help and it’s important to remember and give recognition to their veterans who gave their lives for this amazing country.”
The dedication for the monument was the perfect depiction of how the community had teamed up to help erect the memorial months before. On May 21, Armed Forces Day, residents, community leaders, and family members of fallen war heroes attended the dedication at the Palm Springs American Legion post.
Scout Ryan P. and his community honor fallen soldiers. (Video credit: KESQ)
Ryan received praise from many appreciative citizens, including Palm Springs’ mayor, Robert Moon.
“What an eloquent and tenacious young man, and he even got through the bureaucracy of Palm Springs City Hall, which is saying something,” Moon shared with KESQ.
By completing this project, Ryan has done far more than building a memorial—he’s setting a positive example for other youth in the community. According to Kristal Granados, the executive director of United Way of the Desert, Ryan is nothing short of a trailblazer. “Ryan is the perfect example of a young man who has grown up in this valley, who is going to be a future leader and we can’t wait to see what he brings to the world,” she told KESQ.
To learn more about Ryan’s project, be sure to read the full article from KESQ.
To learn more about the positive impact that Scouting can have on young people like Ryan, be sure to check out this article on the recent Tufts study.
Cole D., waits for help, holding the American flag. (Photo credit: WTVM/ Rhonda Ordway Pester)
After an act of valor went viral, Cole D., 18, has been hailed a hero. But this young patriot was just doing what Scouts do—demonstrating Duty to Country.
Cole was passing a local school last week when he spotted an American flag partially lying on the ground after sinking from its flag pole. Knowing this was no state in which the American flag should ever be, the Scout rushed to the Star-Spangled Banner and swept it off of the ground.
Cole knew just who to call for help. As luck would have it, this was the very school for which his grandmother worked and she knew how to get assistance.
There he remained, flag in hand, until school officials arrived to hoist the flag back into its proper position.
As the two waited, Cole’s grandmother snapped a photo of her grandson as he patiently performed his patriotic duty. Cole’s mother, Rhonda Ordway Pester, shared the photo online and it wasn’t long before social media was buzzing with the story.
On his Facebook page, Cole shared, “This picture of me got almost 100 likes and almost 60 shares in two hours. Makes me proud. Thank you all for the support! I didn’t intend to get recognized for what I did. But I am sure glad to see the support and respect for the flag. I love this flag and this country. God bless America,” WTVM reports.
Pester explained to WTVM, her son learned the proper way to care for and honor the American flag through his involvement in Scouting.
Among the many lessons learned in Scouting, Duty to Country teaches young people how important it is to honor the American flag and the values it symbolizes. As the Boy Scout Handbook, Thirteenth Edition explains, “The flag of the United States is much more than just a red, white, and blue cloth. As the symbol of America, it stands for the past, present, and future of our country. It represents our people, our land, and our many ways of life.”
To learn more about Cole’s dutiful act, read the full story by WTVM.
During the 2016 Boy Scouts of America National Annual Meeting, National President Dr. Robert M. Gates urged the organization to continue to strengthen Scouting for a crucial reason: America needs Scouting now, more than ever before.
As he reflected on his term as president, Dr. Gates lauded BSA’s ability to prepare America’s youth for leadership, and encouraged the organization to seize opportunities for growth in order to bring the values of Scouting, through character development and values-based leadership training, to youth throughout the country.
Watch:
Read:
May 26, 2016 – DURING A CAREER IN PUBLIC SERVICE THAT BEGAN 50 YEARS AGO, IT WAS MY GOOD FORTUNE TO LEAD THREE VERY LARGE, VERY DIFFERENT ORGANIZATIONS – AS DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE, OVERSEEING THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY AND THE FOURTEEN OTHER INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT; AS PRESIDENT OF TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY, NOW THE NATION’S FIFTH LARGEST; AND LEADING THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, WITH THREE MILLION PEOPLE AND THEN AN ANNUAL BUDGET OF NEARLY $750 BILLION, THE LARGEST AND MOST COMPLEX ORGANIZATION ON THE PLANET.
BUT MY FIRST LEADERSHIP POSITION WAS AS A PATROL LEADER IN BOY SCOUT TROOP 522 IN WICHITA, KANSAS. THE ONLY FORMAL LEADERSHIP OR MANAGEMENT TRAINING I EVER HAD WAS AT PHILMONT SCOUT RANCH IN WHAT WAS THEN KNOWN AS THE NATIONAL JUNIOR LEADER TRAINING PROGRAM.
HOW FITTING THAT A LIFE IN LEADERSHIP THAT BEGAN AS A BOY SCOUT PATROL LEADER LIKELY ENDS AS I CONCLUDE MY TERM AS NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE BOY SCOUTS. THERE IS A NICE SYMMETRY TO CLOSING THE CIRCLE IN THAT WAY.
I ASSUMED THE ROLE OF PRESIDENT TWO YEARS AGO. I AGREED TO DO SO SIMPLY BECAUSE I CONTINUE TO BELIEVE, AS I HAVE THROUGHOUT MY ENTIRE LIFE, THAT THERE IS NO FINER PROGRAM FOR PREPARING AMERICAN BOYS AND YOUNG MEN FOR LEADERSHIP THAN THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA. AND I BELIEVE TODAY THAT AMERICA NEEDS SCOUTING MORE THAN EVER IN OUR MOVEMENT’S MORE THAN CENTURY-LONG HISTORY.
IN EACH ORGANIZATION I HAVE LED, MY GOAL HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO MAKE STRONG INSTITUTIONS EVEN STRONGER. I CAUTIONED TWO YEARS AGO THAT IF YOU WANTED THE STATUS QUO, YOU SURELY HAD SELECTED THE WRONG GUY.
I TOLD YOU THEN THAT WE NEEDED TO CONTINUE IMPROVING THE VOLUNTEER GOVERNANCE OF SCOUTING, BUILDING ON THE WORK OF REX TILLERSON AND WAYNE PERRY. THANKS TO THE HARD WORK OF AUBREY HARWELL AND MANY OTHERS, OUR GOVERNANCE TASK FORCE UPDATED AND REVISED OUR BY-LAWS TO STRENGTHEN BOTH VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP AND TRANSPARENCY.
FURTHER, OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS, UNDER CHIEF SCOUT EXECUTIVES WAYNE BROCK AND NOW MIKE SURBAUGH, WE HAVE WORKED TO CHANGE THE CULTURE AT OUR NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS TO ONE OF LISTENING AND SERVICE RATHER THAN DIRECTING AND INFORMING. WE CAPTURED THIS EFFORT SYMBOLICALLY BY CHANGING THE NAME OF THE NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS TO THE NATIONAL SERVICE CENTER.
I SPOKE TWO YEARS AGO OF THE NEED TO STOP THE DECLINE IN MEMBERSHIP AND FIGURE OUT WAYS TO BEGIN GROWTH AGAIN – ABOVE ALL, BY EMPHASIZING THE RECRUITMENT OF CUB SCOUTS.
ANOTHER PRIORITY I MENTIONED WAS THE NEED TO DEVOTE MORE ATTENTION AND RESOURCES TO SCOUTREACH BECAUSE KIDS FROM DISADVANTAGED FAMILIES NEED SCOUTING MOST OF ALL. WE HAVE THE CHANCE TO CHANGE LIVES IN DRAMATIC WAYS BY GIVING THESE BOYS THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE SCOUTS.
I SPOKE OF THE NEED TO RENEW OUR EMPHASIS ON BUILDING STRONGER RELATIONSHIPS IN OUR COMMUNITIES – AND THE NEED TO BE FAR MORE AGGRESSIVE IN RECRUITING HISPANIC, AFRICAN- AMERICAN AND ASIAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY LEADERS TO OUR COUNCIL, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL BOARDS.
FINALLY, WITH ALL SINCERITY, TWO YEARS AGO I EXPRESSED SUPPORT FOR THE 2013 DECISION TO WELCOME GAY YOUTH BUT SAID THAT WE NEEDED TO PUT THE MEMBERSHIP STANDARDS ISSUE BEHIND US AND MOVE FORWARD. I SAID I WOULD OPPOSE ANY EFFORT TO RE-OPEN THIS ISSUE – ACKNOWLEDGING AT THE SAME TIME THAT NO ONE COULD FORETELL WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE.
AND NO ONE DID PREDICT THAT DURING THE ENSUING YEAR, WE WOULD BE CONFRONTED WITH NEW CHALLENGES WE COULD NOT IGNORE. FIRST, SEVERAL MAJOR COUNCILS OPENLY DEFIED THE NATIONAL POLICY WITH THE PROSPECT OF A NUMBER OF OTHERS FOLLOWING IN THEIR STEPS. AS I SAID A YEAR AGO, WHILE TECHNICALLY WE HAD THE AUTHORITY TO REVOKE THEIR CHARTERS, SUCH AN ACTION WOULD IMMEDIATELY DENY THE LIFELONG BENEFITS OF SCOUTING TO TENS OF THOUSANDS OF BOYS AND YOUNG MEN AND COUNTLESS MORE IN THE FUTURE.
SECOND, MORE THAN TWO DOZEN STATES HAD PROHIBITED DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT BASED ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND WE FACED A POTENTIAL ONSLOUGHT OF LEGAL ACTIONS IN MULTIPLE STATES WHICH I AND OTHERS BELIEVED WE COULD NOT WIN. THUS, SCOUTING WOULD FIND ITSELF IN THE UNTENABLE POSITION OF WELCOMING GAY YOUTH, BEING REQUIRED TO HIRE GAY PROFESSIONALS, YET BARRING GAY VOLUNTEER LEADERS.
THIRD, WE ALSO FACED THE VERY REAL PROSPECT THAT THE COURTS OR OTHER GOVERNMENT ENTITIES WOULD SIMPLY ORDER US TO CHANGE OUR POLICY, INCLUDING THE CONSIDERABLE LIKELIHOOD OF FORBIDDING ANY KIND OF MEMBERSHIP STANDARD, INCLUDING OUR FOUNDATIONAL BELIEF IN OUR DUTY TO GOD AND OUR FOCUS ON SERVING THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF BOYS.
THUS, I WARNED AT THIS MEETING A YEAR AGO THAT THE STATUS QUO IN THE MOVEMENT’S MEMBERSHIP STANDARDS COULD NOT BE SUSTAINED.
MINDFUL THAT 70% OF OUR SCOUT UNITS ARE SPONSORED BY CHURCHES, THE OFFICERS AND ENTIRE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF BSA HAD TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE LAST SUMMER. WE COLLECTIVELY CONSIDERED AND THEN OVERWHELMINGLY APPROVED A CHANGE IN POLICY THAT WOULD ALLOW GAY SCOUT LEADERS TO SERVE WHILE PROTECTING THE FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHT OF OUR CHURCH PARTNERS TO SELECT SCOUT LEADERS WHOSE BELIEFS AND LIFESTYLES WERE COMPATIBLE WITH THOSE OF THE SPONSORING CHURCH. AND WE HAVE MADE CLEAR THAT GOING FORWARD, BSA WILL SUPPORT AND PARTNER WITH ANY CHURCH SPONSOR WHOSE RIGHT TO CHOOSE ITS OWN LEADERS IS CHALLENGED.
AND SO A DIFFICULT DECISION WAS MADE, A DECISION THE OVERWHELMING PREPONDERANCE OF SPONSORING INSTITUTIONS AND VOLUNTEER LEADERS HAVE ACCEPTED. A DECISION THAT HAS ALLOWED US, AT LONG LAST, TO FOCUS ON PROGRAMS, ON GROWING OUR MEMBERSHIP AGAIN, ON REACHING BOYS AND FAMILIES IN NEED OF SCOUTING BUT UNAWARE OF ITS BENEFITS. ALLOWING US TO LOOK TO THE FUTURE AND TO BETTER SERVE AMERICA AND AMERICANS.
SO, WHERE ARE WE TODAY? MOST IMPORTANTLY, THROUGH THESE CHALLENGES WE HAVE MAINTAINED OUR UNITY AS A MOVEMENT. SIGNIFICANTLY, MEMBERSHIP IN RECENT MONTHS HAS BEGUN TO MOVE IN A POSITIVE DIRECTION FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MANY YEARS. WHILE WE HAVE NOT YET RETURNED TO THE PLUS COLUMN OVERALL, WE HAVE GONE FROM A MEMBERSHIP LOSS OF NEARLY 8% IN 2013 TO A 3.9% LOSS LAST YEAR AND 2.8% THIS YEAR. WHAT’S MORE, THE RE- CHARTERING PROCESS HAS GONE MUCH FASTER THAN IN PAST YEARS AND RETENTION RATES ARE UP, SO WE BELIEVE THE CHANCES OF NET POSITIVE GROWTH THROUGH THE REST OF THIS YEAR ARE QUITE PROMISING. IN FACT, EVERY LEADING INDICATOR OF MEMBERSHIP GROWTH IS POSITIVE. FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MANY YEARS, WE SAW NET POSITIVE GROWTH IN CUB SCOUTS LAST FALL, AND WE HAVE SEEN GROWTH IN EXPLORING EACH OF THE LAST THREE MONTHS. IN SUM, WE ARE ON THE THRESHOLD OF A SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL EVENT – A RETURN TO POSITIVE NATIONAL GROWTH FOR THE FIRST TIME IN DECADES.
NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW HAVE OPENED BEFORE US, AS PUBLIC SCHOOLS, COMMUNITIES, CITIES AND OTHER GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS HAVE ONCE AGAIN OPENED THEIR DOORS FOR SCOUT RECRUITING IN SCHOOLS AND SCOUT USE OF CIVIC FACILITIES.
CORPORATIONS WHICH REDUCED OR ELIMINATED THEIR SUPPORT FOR SCOUTING AND COMPANIES THAT NEVER HAD SUPPORTED US ARE RETURNING TO THE FOLD OR JOINING US, INCLUDING COCA-COLA, WALT DISNEY, WELLS FARGO, HOME DEPOT, COLEMAN, MONSANTO AND MANY OTHERS.
THE MEMBERSHIP POLICY CHANGE HAS CREATED NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR US IN BOTH FUND-RAISING AND MEMBERSHIP GROWTH, BUT NEITHER WOULD MATTER IF WE DID NOT HAVE EXCITING NEW PROGRAMS TO ATTRACT BOYS. AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT WE HAVE DONE WITH THE BUILD AN ADVENTURE INITIATIVE, AND THE NEW CUB SCOUT PROGRAM. LET ME READ TO YOU AN E-MAIL I RECEIVED FROM A SENIOR OFFICIAL IN THE UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE EARLIER THIS MONTH:
“I AM AN ASSISTANT CUBMASTER AND DEN LEADER FOR MY SON’S PACK. I CAN SEE A CHANGE IN THE INTEREST LEVEL OF MY SCOUTS WITH THE NEW CUB SCOUT PROGRAM. I SPECIFICALLY SEE A DEFINITE EXCITEMENT FROM THE BOYS BECAUSE WE ARE GETTING OUTDOORS FOR ACTIVITIES WHILE LEARNING ABOUT SUBJECTS THAT CAN BE RELATED DIRECTLY TO THE SCOUT LAW. I LIKE THE IDEA OF THE SCOUT LAW AS PART OF CUB SCOUTS. I CAN EASILY RELATE EACH OF OUR ACTIVITIES TO ONE OR TWO PARTS OF THE SCOUT LAW. FURTHER, I BELIEVE KIDS NEED TO GET OUTSIDE – AWAY FROM ELECTRONIC DEVICE DISTRACTIONS – AND USE ALL FIVE SENSES TO GAIN EXPERIENCE AND LEARN. THE NEW CUB SCOUT PROGRAM HELPS ME TEACH THE FUNDAMENTALS OF SCOUTING WHILE GIVING ME THE FLEXIBILITY TO CUSTOMIZE THE PROGRAM TO THE NEEDS OF MY SCOUTS AND THEIR FAMILIES. ADDITIONALLY, THE NEW DEN LEADER MATERIALS SUCH AS THE LEADERS GUIDE ARE NOW VERY USEFUL BECAUSE THE RESOURCES ARE, FOR THE MOST PART, IN ONE PLACE. AS YOU CAN IMAGINE, MY JOB DOES NOT ALLOW ME THE OPTIMUM TIME I WOULD LIKE TO PREPARE FOR EVERY MEETING, BUT THE NEW MATERIALS ARE ‘WORKING PARENT’ FRIENDLY, ALLOWING ME TO ALWAYS PUT ON AN ENRICHING AND IMPACTFUL MEETING. AS AN EAGLE SCOUT WHO LOVES SCOUTING AND EVERYTHING IT GAVE ME, I WANT MY SCOUTS TO HAVE THE SAME EXPERIENCES I DID GROWING UP FROM CUB SCOUTS THROUGH BOY SCOUTS. THE NEW PROGRAM HELPS ME DELIVER THAT EXPERIENCE.”
IT IS CLEAR FROM SUCH RESPONSES THAT ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN DEVELOPING BUILD AN ADVENTURE AND THE NEW CUB SCOUT PROGRAM HAVE PLACED IN OUR HANDS THE TOOLS NEEDED TO ATTRACT AND KEEP BOYS IN SCOUTING. IT IS A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT.
WE ARE ALSO SEEING, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MANY YEARS, ABSOLUTE GROWTH IN THE EXPLORING PROGRAM AND I KNOW MIKE SEES GREAT OPPORTUNITIES HERE. AND HATS OFF TO THE GREATER ST. LOUIS COUNCIL FOR THEIR BOLD INITIATIVE TO CREATE TWO NEW LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPLORER POSTS IN FERGUSON, MISSOURI. MORE AND MORE COUNCILS ARE LOOKING FOR AND IMPLEMENTING SUCH PROGRAMS THAT OFFER SO MUCH TO COMMUNITIES WHICH HAVE SO LITTLE.
OUR FUTURE IS BRIGHT. WHICH MEANS WE HAVE A FULL AGENDA. BEFORE I HAND OVER THE GAVEL TO RANDALL STEPHENSON LATER TODAY, I WANT BRIEFLY TO SHARE WITH YOU THREE PRIORITY AREAS ON WHICH I BELIEVE WE NEED TO FOCUS:
EXCELLENCE IN CONTINUED PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND MEMBERSHIP GROWTH ARE JOINED AT THE HIP.
SCOUTREACH – AND SUSTAINING SCOUTREACH PROGRAMS ONCE STARTED — MUST BE A HIGH PRIORITY. NO CHILD OF ANY ETHNICITY SHOULD BE DENIED THE SCOUTING EXPERIENCE BECAUSE HIS FAMILY IS TOO POOR OR HIS NEIGHBORHOOD LACKS PROPER ADULT ROLE MODELS OR A SPONSOR. SOME COUNCILS ARE DOING VERY WELL; THE REST SHOULD LEARN FROM THEM.
TO REPEAT WHAT I HAVE SAID EACH OF THE LAST TWO YEARS, WE NEED TO INCREASE THE DIVERSITY OF OUR BOARDS AT EVERY LEVEL. THE ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT OF COMMUNITY LEADERS AND LOCAL RELIGIOUS LEADERS WHEN IT COMES TO DEVELOPING SUPPORT FOR SCOUTING IS A NO-BRAINER.
A CLOSING THOUGHT AS I LEAVE THIS POST. AMERICA NEEDS SCOUTING.
CONTRARY TO WHAT YOU HEAR FROM SOME POLITICIANS, WE CONTINUE TO LIVE IN A GREAT COUNTRY. BUT IT WILL ONLY REMAIN GREAT AS LONG AS AMERICANS EMBRACE THE OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CITIZENSHIP AS WELL AS ITS MANY RIGHTS AND BENEFITS. AMERICA NEEDS SCOUTING TO REMIND ALL OF THEIR DUTY TO OUR COUNTRY.
AMERICA NEEDS SCOUTING BECAUSE IT TEACHES BOYS THAT THE ONLY SELF-ESTEEM OR ESTEEM FROM OTHERS WORTH HAVING MUST BE EARNED. NOT EVERY BOY IN SCOUTING GETS A TROPHY. EVERY BADGE, FROM A MERIT BADGE TO THE EAGLE AWARD ITSELF MUST BE EARNED. AND SCOUTING DOES NOT GRADE ON THE CURVE.
AMERICA NEEDS SCOUTING BECAUSE WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATION TAKES BOYS INTO THE WILDERNESS TO FIND ADVENTURE, TO LEARN ABOUT OUR PRICELESS NATURAL HERITAGE AND TO DEVELOP THE INNER STRENGTH AND CONFIDENCE TO OVERCOME CHALLENGES AND ADVERSITY.
LISTEN TO THE WORDS OF SUPREME COURT JUSTICE WILLIAM O. DOUGLAS, WRITTEN MANY YEARS AGO: “IF THROUGHOUT TIME, THE YOUTH OF THE NATION ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE THE MOUNTAINS OFFER, THEY WILL HELP KEEP ALIVE IN OUR PEOPLE THE SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE. THAT SPIRIT IS A MEASURE OF THE VITALITY OF BOTH NATIONS AND MEN. A PEOPLE WHO CLIMB THE RIDGES AND SLEEP UNDER THE STARS IN HIGH MOUNTAIN MEADOWS, WHO ENTER THE FOREST AND SCALE THE PEAKS, WHO EXPLORE GLACIERS AND WALK RIDGES BURIED DEEP IN SNOW – THESE PEOPLE WILL GIVE THEIR COUNTRY SOME OF THE INDOMITABLE SPIRIT OF THE MOUNTAINS,”
DOUGLAS ALSO WROTE, “DISCOVERY IS ADVENTURE…WALKING THROUGH THE WILDERNESS IS INDEED LIKE LIVING. THE HORIZON DROPS AWAY, BRINGING NEW SIGHTS, SOUNDS AND SMELLS FROM THE EARTH. WHEN ONE MOVES THROUGH THE FOREST, HIS SENSE OF DISCOVERY IS QUICKENED. MAN IS BACK IN THE ENVIRONMENT FROM WHICH HE EMERGED TO BUILD FACTORIES, CHURCHES, AND SCHOOLS. HE IS PRIMITIVE AGAIN, MATCHING HIS WITS AGAINST THE EARTH AND SKY. HE IS FREE OF THE RESTRAINTS OF SOCIETY AND FREE OF ITS SAFEGUARDS, TOO. BOYS, PERHAPS MORE THAN MEN, KNOW THIS EXPERIENCE.”
“BOYS, PERHAPS MORE THAN MEN, KNOW THIS EXPERIENCE.” WHO, INDEED, KNOWS THESE THINGS BETTER THAN BOYS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE WILDERNESS THROUGH SCOUTING? WHERE, EXCEPT IN SCOUTING, CAN A BOY KEEP ALIVE THE AMERICAN SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE, THE THRILL OF RISK AND DARING, THE SATISFACTION OF OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGES OF THE WILDERNESS.
AMERICA NEEDS SCOUTING TO BUILD CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS IN BOYS AND YOUNG MEN. RARELY HAS THE LACK OF CHARACTER AND LACK OF COURAGEOUS, BOLD, VISIONARY LEADERSHIP BEEN SO APPARENT IN AMERICA. BUT NOT IN SCOUTING. WE ARE THE COUNTRY’S LARGEST AND BEST LEADERSHIP AND CHARACTER-BUILDING FACTORY. WHEN SOMEONE CYNICALLY REFERS TO A PERSON OF CHARACTER WITH THE PHRASE, “HE’S A BOY SCOUT,” IT IS, IN FACT, THE HIGHEST COMPLIMENT. IT IS WHO WE ARE.
FINALLY, AMERICA NEEDS SCOUTING BECAUSE IT NEEDS YOUNG MEN FOR WHOM GOD IS CENTRAL IN THEIR LIVES. FOR SCOUTS OF ALL AGES, DUTY TO GOD IS NOT A MERIT BADGE OR A PIECE OF METAL AND COLORED CLOTH. IT IS THE FOUNDATION STONE OF WHO AND WHAT WE ARE. WITHOUT DUTY TO GOD, THERE IS NO SCOUT OATH, NO SCOUT MOVEMENT. A BOY WHO KNEELS BEFORE HIS GOD WILL STAND TALL AS A MAN.
I JOINED CUB SCOUTS NEARLY 65 YEARS AGO. IN MY ADULT LIFE, I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA THAN I AM TODAY. OUR CHALLENGES FINALLY ARE MANAGEABLE, AND OUR OPPORTUNITIES LIMITLESS. WE MUST LEAVE THIS PLACE PREPARED TO BE BOLD, COURAGEOUS AND DARING IN THE SERVICE OF THE GREATEST YOUTH-SERVING ORGANIZATION IN THE WORLD. THIS IS OUR MOMENT; WE MUST SEIZE IT. GOD BLESS THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA, AND GOD BLESS AMERICA.
Former astronauts spoke to nearly 6,000 students about STEM education. (Photo credit: Kate Jacobs)
Thousands of Chicago-area youths were in for a stellar lesson this Thursday when they learned about space exploration skills straight from extraterrestrial experts.
Close to 6,000 students in the Chicagoland area received first-hand wisdom from 18 retired astronauts as part of the inaugural Mission One Inspiration Day. The school visits took placein coordination with the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) – the managers of the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory.
The former astronauts discussed how their passion for space drove them to reach for the stars and eventually reach low-Earth orbit. The space explorers told the audience what inspired them to become astronauts, what it’s like to live and work in space, and even shared a few pieces of classic Scouting wisdom.
“You can do anything you want if you prepare for it,” former Astronaut and Captain Winston Scott advised students.
Some students already knew a thing or two about exploring science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through Scouting. Several of the schools visited by the former astronauts have active STEM Scout units, which give young people opportunities to explore interests in science-related fields.
Jim Reilly, a former astronaut who was also a Boy Scout, explained how his Scouting experience helped him in his career. “Many of the skills you learn in Scouting are helpful in space.”
Part of the role of CASIS is to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers through STEM education initiatives—a goal they share with BSA’s STEM Scout program. CASIS Executive Director Gregory H. Johnson is in fact, an Eagle Scout, so it made perfect sense for the organizations to team up for an ingenious STEM project.
Those involved in these projects hope the initiative won’t end at “liftoff.” The groups aim to establish a long-term project in which Scouts and Explorers continually send payloads to the ISS for experimentation.
On the evening of May 19th, the astronauts attended a gala at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry in hopes of raising funds to promote STEM education, in particular through the BSA/CASIS partnership. Individuals in the Chicagoland area were able to meet with the national space heroes, all while supporting STEM opportunities not previously available for young students.
Funds raised at this event will help BSA and CASIS continue the Scout-led projects with the hopes that these creations will be tested in only orbiting laboratory in the universe.
Former NASA astronauts visited 13 Chicago-area schools for Mission One Inspiration Day. (Photo Credit: Kate Jacobs)
To learn more about the CASIS and BSA partnership, head to the ISS-CASIS website.
Do you have a knack for Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math? Be sure to check out the STEM Scouts’ official website to find out how you can get involved!
Dr. Andrew Silverstone is set to receive his Eagle Scout award after 26 years. (Photo Credit: the Virginian-Pilot)
Many exciting things have happened for Dr. Andrew Silverstone since he was a Life Scout. He moved away, went to college, became an accomplished veterinarian, and opened his own practice. It wasn’t until recently, however, that Silverstone finally became an Eagle Scout at the age of 44.
Silverstone worked hard during his time as a Scout in Ohio; he diligently fulfilled all the requirements to become an Eagle but never officially earned the rank. Yet through the process, he learned to keep his goals in mind. The Virginian-Pilot shares the story of how this determined Scout reached the Eagle rank after 26 years.
The young Scout’s Eagle project even foreshadowed his future career. He had an obvious passion for animals, so he created a service project that brought pets to nursing homes in his community.
After completing his Eagle Scout project, the next step was to go before an Eagle board of review but this final task was delayed due to a requirement misunderstanding and a leadership change. As members know, to earn the Eagle rank, Scouts must complete all requirements before they turn 18. The new Scoutmaster, however, wasn’t clear on scheduling boards of review after a Scout turns 18. But by this point, Silverstone was already headed off to college to begin his next chapter.
The former Scout moved to Virginia Beach after veterinary school and although things were going well for his career, he knew he was still missing a particular accomplishment—his Eagle award.
Luckily, Silverstone’s parents had kept his Eagle paperwork for years, including all the documentation needed to verify his work as a Scout. He then reached out to the Tidewater Council to see if they could help him reach his childhood goal. An Eagle award such as this is rare, but the local council was ready to honor Silverstone with his long-awaited achievement.
“No matter when you make it, you’re in an elite club and should be recognized,” council director Rich Becker told the Virginian-Pilot.
Once his application was verified, Silverstone was granted a board of review to be conducted by his local council. His hard work will pay off on May 19 when he finally receives his Eagle Scout award.
Silverstone explained to the Virginian-Pilot how having a daughter— who happens to be a Girl Scout Brownie— has given him a new perspective.
“Now that I’m a parent, I see that things come along; and if you don’t take advantage them when they’re there, you may not get the opportunity again.”
You can read more about how Silverstone became an Eagle Scout at age 44 in the full story by the Virginian-Pilot.
Burke shares his Scouting story with Austin and Montrois. (Photo credit: Stephen Swofford/ The Watertown Daily Times)
Scouts at the Longhouse Council received a historic gift last week when 101-year-old Eagle Scout Bernard W. Burke donated his Scouting memorabilia to the William Hillcourt Scout Museum in Constantia, New York.
Lise T. Montrois, Burke’s daughter, was looking for a beneficiary for her father’s Scout gear when she discovered the volunteer-operated museum and decided to give them a call. Before long, the Scouting alumnus was sharing his story with the museum’s staff.
The story of Burke’s path to Eagle Scout, accentuated by relics from his youth, struck a chord with the museum’s operators. After careful discussion, Burke presented years worth of Scouting memorabilia to Stephen M. Austin, chairman of the board of the museum and John Binkowski, the museum’s archive curator.
Burke’s items will be featured at the Longhouse Council’s William Hillcourt Scout Museum. (Photo credit: Stephen Austin/ The Daily News Online)
Austin said the patches, medals, and Burke’s other items had been kept in an impressive condition, according to The Watertown Daily Times. In fact, Burke’s Scouting treasures will soon be a centerpiece for the museum, illustrating his journey to Eagle Scout in the 1920s and 30s.
The museum, named after BSA’s William “Green Bar Bill” Hillcourt, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and Burke’s donation makes the perfect birthday gift.
“We’re fortunate that we had some far-thinking individuals 25 years ago who formed the museum. It started small, but it’s grown over the years,” Austin shared with The Daily News Online.
Scout troops are regular visitors of the museum and they’re sure to enjoy a glimpse into what earning Eagle was like nearly ninety years ago.
Scout Trenton Z. supervises the construction of his Eagle project. (Photo credit: The Bismarck Tribune/ Aurora Zainhofsky)
The Cross Ranch State Park in North Dakota is known to be a beautiful camping and hiking area and Eagle Scout candidate Trenton Z., 14, of the Northern Lights Council is making it easier for people to enjoy the park’s outdoor adventures.
When the time came for Trenton to choose his Eagle project, he knew he wanted to share his passion for the great outdoors and he also knew he wanted to build something for others to enjoy.
With help from volunteers and donated material, the Scout was able to build an Adirondack shelter at Cross Ranch State Park where he had camped many times throughout his years as a Scout.
The project idea was the brain child of Mark Zimmerman, director of North Dakota Parks and Recreation, who had met Trenton through Scouting.
Trenton already had some building experience under his belt before the start of the project. The Scout found that he enjoyed building when he and his father constructed a deck.
“I thought: Why not step it up a notch?” he told the Bismarck Tribune.
The Scout approached the construction project with a cheerful heart and before he knew it, he and his volunteers had created a place for hikers and campers to take refuge without having to set up a tent. The project was so well organized, it took a mere two weeks to complete the shelter.
Trenton’s father, Blaine Z., used his professional carpentry expertise to ensure the shelter followed proper safety codes and was a suitable place for people to stay. Although he had his father’s help, Trenton was the master project manager, and according to Blaine, was “involved in every phase.”
Even though the Scout is somewhat young to be an Eagle Scout candidate, he has a special inspiration driving him to achieve Scouting’s highest rank. Trenton’s great-grandfather, Manley Hillesland, 87, was also involved in Scouting and Trenton wants his great-grandfather to see him achieve the rank.
Blaine, also an Eagle Scout, told the Bismarck Tribune, “That’s been [Trenton’s] drive ever since he started scouting,”
Trenton and the finished product of his Eagle project: an Adirondack shelter for others to enjoy. (Photo credit: The Bismarck Tribune/ Aurora Zainhofsky)
Trenton’s Scouting journey doesn’t stop at Eagle, however. After he attains the Eagle rank, Trenton says he wants to serve in a leadership position so he can help other Scouts.
Zimmerman said many of the state parks’ improvements are made by youth groups, including Boy Scouts.
“There’re some projects we wouldn’t do if it weren’t for Scouts or other youth groups,” he told the Bismarck Tribune.
These projects are rewarding for everyone involved. Not only do the parks benefit from youths’ service, but according to Zimmerman, project volunteers have also been known to return to the parks to enjoy their handiwork during outdoor activities.
Zimmerman explained, “It’s a partnership for all of us.”
To learn more about the positive impact that Scouting can have on young people like Trenton, be sure to check out this article on the recent Tufts study, and watch this video:
Derby Scouts perform in last year’s Scout Gang Show. (Photo Credit: New Haven Register)
Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Venturers from the Housatonic Council will gather this May for the 92nd annual Scout Gang Show in Derby, Conn.
More than 100 youth members, Scout leaders, and parents will take part in the show, carrying on the thespian Scouting tradition in a mix of vaudeville and variety performances.
Scoutmaster Randy Ritter shared with the New Haven Registerhow the Scout Gang Show premiered in 1922 and except for two years during World War II, has been an annual tradition for the council.
According to Ritter, the name “Scout Gang Show” stared in the 1930s when a team of London Scouts was preparing for a show. After returning from a break, one Scout announced, “the gang’s all here,” and the Scout Gang Show name was established.
Years ago, a Derby-area Scouter attended these London Scout Gang Shows and eventually brought the concept back to Derby Scouts. This modern Scout Gang Show is the only event of its kind still being performed in the U.S., Ritter said.
The Scoutmaster told the New Haven Register, “the annual show enables our Cub pack, Scout troop, and Venturer crew to work together towards a common goal, and the Scouts gain self confidence performing while learning traditional songs and we raise funds to support our Scouting activities.”
The Scouting variety show has had notable fans through the years, such as President Ronald Reagan. The former president penned a letter to the Scouts of the time, saying the show was “Connecticut’s finest example of controlled chaos.”
Derby’s former mayor and current City Clerk Marc Garofalo will make a guest appearance in the show this year, although it won’t be his stage debut. Garofalo also performed in the one-of-a-kind Scout Gang Show when he was a Cub Scout.
“The Gang Show is a great way for past Scouts to participate in a nearly 100-year old tradition with the current Scouts… It is a great and unique opportunity for people to enjoy the music of yesteryear and to hear jokes that have been recycled for the same nearly 100 years,” Garfalo explained.
Former Scouts reunite at the site of Camp Monocan. (Photo Credit: NBC 29)
How does it feel to reunite with old friends after four and a-half decades? Pretty incredible, according to a group of Boy Scout alumni from the former Piedmont Area Council.
For the first time in 45 years, these former Scouts gathered from across Virginia to the site of their childhood summer adventures, Camp Monocan.
This central Virginia Scout camp served as a summertime getaway to troops from the surrounding area. Even though their merit-badge earning days are behind them, the Scouting spirit was alive and well as campers reconnected and recollected Scouting memories.
“It’s really a great opportunity to relive old times,” Charlie Shaeff, a former staff member shared with NBC 29.
In addition to catching up with fellow Scouts, the group also received a visit from a Camp Monocan staple: Errett “Mountain Man” Callahan, who taught wilderness survival to campers in the 1960s.
Reunion organizer and former camper, Bill Callahan explained the significance of the locally known legend. “If they would qualify to go spend a night on the mountain with Mountain Man, then they would learn different Scouting skills.”
The lessons taught at Camp Monocan stayed with patrons like Harold Tate. Scouting’s values resonated with Tate, guiding him through a career with the Boy Scouts of America for nearly 40 years.
On the day of the reunion, the Scout-turned-Scouter told NBC 29 the camp still feels like home. “Camp Monocan holds deep, deep recollections and memories,” Tate said.
As the former Scouts of Camp Monocan know, one of the many benefits of Scouting is lifelong friendship. You can learn more about this reunion in the full story by NBC 29.
Part of the role of CASIS is to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers through STEM education initiatives—a goal they share with BSA’s 
