District executives Edwin Hubbard Jr. and DePaul Davis of the Boy Scouts of America’s Greater Cleveland Council work diligently to deliver character-building Scout programs to the urban areas of Cleveland, Ohio.

Hubbard and Davis’ recruitment efforts extend to the Cleveland, East Cleveland, and Warrensville Heights areas, according to featured article “Want to be a Scout? Recruitment under way in schools, rec centers and churches” in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Their goal this year is to see a 2 percent increase over last year’s membership. This increase would be significant, considering the fact that the BSA has seen a 2 to 4 percent decrease in its membership over the past several years.

But to Hubbard and Davis, it is more than increasing membership. It is about giving every boy an opportunity to be a part of the Cub Scouting and Boy Scouting programs. It is about character building and giving urban youth the resources to become responsible members of their communities in a fun, adventurous way.

“I know the impact being a Scout can have on youth. It’s all about character development and leadership development,” said Hubbard, who was involved in Scouting as a youth. “It’s also about helping a young man find intergenerational leadership with someone who can bring him along. It’s important to work with urban youth because it’s the population that needs it the most.”

According to Davis, “It’s an opportunity to instill what the Boy Scouts is about, which is being reverent and loyal and character building. I think it’s important for these kids to learn about this.”

For councils seeking help with their recruitment efforts, visit the National Council Marketing Web page to download the “Build an Adventure” recruitment tool kit.