Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout? Series to Debut on National Geographic Channel This Fall

New Series From Original Productions Pits Adults Against Boy Scouts for a Variety of Challenges

Irving, TEXAS (Jan. 17, 2012) — Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout? It’s the question being asked by a new unscripted series from Original Productions (Deadliest Catch, Ice Road Truckers) set to air this fall on the National Geographic Channel.

Those who have been involved with the Boy Scouts of America know how tough Scouts can be. They master hundreds of unique skills, learn what it takes to survive in a variety of circumstances, and focus on teamwork to accomplish goals that otherwise would be insurmountable. Now, as part of Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout?, teams of adults from different backgrounds will have an opportunity to test their mettle against some of those Scouts in challenges based on the Boy Scout Handbook.

“I was three badges short of my Eagle Scout badge, and I know I am not alone,” said Original Productions founder and producer Thom Beers. “This series is going to allow people like me one more chance to achieve such an incredible milestone. Plus, it’s authentic, has a fun and interesting set of circumstances and underdog characters with a story to tell. And frankly, who doesn’t love the Boy Scouts?”

“This is a wonderful, unique opportunity to demonstrate the value, fun, and challenge of Scouting to audiences who might be wondering what Scouting in 2012 is all about,” said BSA Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca. “We know Scouts are ‘Prepared. For Life.^TM,’ so they’re up to facing the challenges life throws their way. Watching them face and overcome challenges on national television will be a new way for people to get a glimpse of what it means to be a Scout.”

“Partnering not only with Thom Beers, but also with an organization as renowned as the Boy Scouts of America is an incredible opportunity for us to try something different,” said National Geographic Channel Executive Vice President of Programming Michael Cascio. “This series will showcase our passion for adventure and exploration in a whole new way.”

Production of the six-episode series is set to begin this spring, with the series premiering later this year on the National Geographic Channel.

Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout? is produced by Thom Beers’ Original Productions, a FremantleMedia Company. For Original Productions, the executive producers are Thom Beers and Philip D. Segal. For the National Geographic Channel, the executive producer is Richard Wells; the executive vice president of programming is Michael Cascio.

About the Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts of America prepares young people for life by providing the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. The Scouting organization is composed of 2.7 million youth members between the ages of 7 and 21, and more than a million volunteers, in nearly 300 local councils throughout the United States and its territories. For more information on the Boy Scouts of America, please visit www.scouting.org.

About the National Geographic Channel

Based at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C., the National Geographic Channels US are a joint venture between National Geographic and Fox Cable Networks. The Channels contribute to the National Geographic Society’s commitment to exploration, conservation, and education with smart, innovative programming and profits that directly support its mission. Launched in January 2001, the National Geographic Channel celebrated its fifth anniversary with the debut of NGC HD. In 2010, the wildlife and natural history cable channel Nat Geo WILD was launched, and in 2011, Spanish language network Nat Geo Mundo was unveiled. The Channels have carriage with all of the nation’s major cable, telco, and satellite television providers, with NGC currently available in more than 71 million U.S. homes. Globally, National Geographic Channels International is available in more than 380 million homes in 163 countries and 37 languages. For more information, visit www.natgeotv.com.

About Original Producions, a FremantleMedia Company

Founded by Thom Beers, Original Productions (www.origprod.com) produces authentic nonfiction programming featuring everyday heroes in extraordinary situations, including Emmy® Award-winning Deadliest Catch, Ice Road Truckers, Ax Men, Black Gold, and instant rating hit Storage Wars. Beers’ steadfast focus on top-notch storytelling with engaging personalities in high-risk circumstances has produced more than 1,200 hours of original programming. In February 2009, a majority stake in the 12-year-old-company was purchased by FremantleMedia (www.fremantlemedia.com), one of the leading creators and producers of worldwide entertainment brands.