How School Principal Visits Can Be the Key to Membership Campaign Success
Story contributed by David Rico “Rico,” Southern Region – Membership Growth Coach
As professionals, we face many challenges to meet our membership goals. While many pros have developed processes in the past, it’s a good idea to revisit those processes from time to time to stay current. Having a solid plan will help you to exceed your membership numbers, but most importantly, deliver the promise to youth in our communities. We are in a very competitive world where we need to adapt to the changes in our society. This article will help you strategize and develop a plan that works for you and your district in our ever-changing world.
Where Do I Start?
As part of the process, we must do our homework and research. Take advantage of your access to social media, social networks, and the internet. Take the time to better understand your school districts and their leadership, including superintendents, board members, and principals.
Prepare a “School Night Fact Sheet” showcasing Scouting’s benefits, the purpose of the school night, Scouting highlights, and expectations. As part of the expectations, include Scout Talks (emphasize it will take approx. 5 mins), promotional materials, and highlight how posters should be placed in high-traffic areas.
Building and Maintaining Relationships with Superintendents
In an ideal world, you would have access to your superintendents. The reality is, not everyone has that privilege. Our recommendation is for you to utilize your resources to create the bridge between Scouting and the school system. Research and identify volunteers who have connections with the school system to open doors.
“The executive must help themselves by inviting a volunteer to make the connection with the superintendents of each school district to assist the recruitment process during the initial phases,” shared Taylor Neal, district executive at the Yocona Area Council.
If you have access to multiple school districts and superintendents, prioritize how you will connect with them. While preparing for your visit, think about making it a win-win situation. Consider highlighting the service benefits that many schools with Scouting youth experience.
During your official visit, it would be a great idea to start by sharing any impacting local Scouting stories to break the ice. Discuss the “School Night Fact Sheet,”upcoming events, or give them a token of appreciation.
Throughout your interaction, ask if they will be willing to create a one-year support letter. A one-year support letter ensures that you will have access during the fall and spring recruitment campaigns (share any samples from other districts if available). In addition, ask if they will be willing to share via e-mail with their principals. Finally, ask if you can get a few minutes to address the principals face to face during one of the principals’ meetings. After the meeting, send follow-up notes thanking them and letting them know the next steps.
School Principals Visits
Again, start the process of visiting principals by doing your research.
“Before conducting a principal visit, I always consult the websites of my schools prior to the visit because it is pretty common for the principals to change from year to year, but even then, the site may not yet be updated,” explained Austin Abee, district executive at the Yocona Area Council. “Calling ahead to schedule an appointment and speaking with an administrative assistant can help to confirm this, so you know ahead of time who you’ll be speaking with.”
“Knowing how each school works best with Scout Talks from previous years and the total number of all youth can be provided by the administrative assistant in advance of the meeting in order to discuss how each youth talk will be conducted,” added Taylor Neal, district executive at the Yocona Area Council. “This takes some heat off the principal and lets them know you are serious about limiting classroom disruption. We also encourage steering them away from lunchroom talks, because even a 5-minute interruption is very likely and that takes away from class time.”
When meeting with principals, never assume they know the process. You are the expert! Guide them throughout the process to ensure that you both get the most out of it. Don’t forget to highlight the benefits to the school and share with them any impactful stories to kick off the meeting.
Keep the meeting short and to the point, share with them information on the local unit(s), and highlight any past service projects, especially those that benefitted local schools. If possible, have a letter of support from the superintendent and the School Night Fact Sheet.
Once you explain the process, find out if there is a possibility to promote the Scouting night on their website, Facebook page, marquee sign(s), parents school text message system, and any other methods of communication available. Don’t forget to recap at the end of the meeting to ensure you are both on the same page.
“All in all, my goal is to come away with the principal feeling like Scouting is a worthy effort and any special requirements we may need or ask for are worth it,” said Jeremy Twachtman, district executive at the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council.
Best Practices
- It is recommended to visit with superintendents before summer.
- It is recommended to set up appointments before the summer and conduct visits during the summer when principals have more time to and fewer distractions.
- It would be ideal to create a principal development event to capture the interest of as many principals as possible. According to Trey Smith, district director of the South Plains Council, they host a breakfast for the principals. During the event they feed them, give them a mug, and report their success of the prior year.
- Build rapport with the gatekeepers (administrative assistants) and principals. Bring items like popcorn, camp cards, promotional items, etc. “It is important to have a good working relationship with the office staff because they will be the ones to ensure your fliers are distributed and posters hung up in the fall. They also control access to the principal,” shared Austin Abee, district executive of the Yocona Area Council.
Scouting Wire would like to thank David Rico for contributing this story.
Resources:
How councils can strengthen bonds with schools by leveraging school access bills
Why You Should Visit the Philmont Training Center
Are you looking for a training opportunity that will take your volunteering experience to the next level? District and unit volunteers are invited to visit the Philmont Training Center to explore unique ways to better serve their Scouting communities.
The Philmont Training Center (PTC) is the national volunteer training center for the Boy Scouts of America. Since 1950, the PTC has provided a unique environment for training volunteers, creating leaders, and hosting family friendly experiences and adventures. Each year, more than 6,000 Scouters and their families attend the PTC.
Every conference at the PTC features tools, techniques, audiovisuals, discussions, idea sharing, and activities led by a faculty of experienced Scouters. All of this equals highly effective and motivated volunteers within your district! All registered Scouters are invited to attend training center courses! For more detailed information and dates visit
Watch the video below for a glimpse into the Philmont Training Center and head to www.philmontscoutranch.org/PTC to learn more.
Time Management Strategies for District Executives with a Camp Assignment
Story contributed by Andrew Allgeier, district executive from the Greater Wyoming Council
My name is Andrew. I’m a district executive with a camp assignment, and I struggle managing my time. There, I said it out loud. It took years, some very serious feedback from family and friends, and a serious dose of humility to admit it.
Balancing your time in a large district (or multiple district) assignment can be challenging enough. Throwing in a camp assignment makes it even more difficult. Owning up to this has allowed me to overhaul how I manage my time and become much more effective. I have slowly (and at times reluctantly) implemented a few time management strategies to make it a little easier.
Time Management Strategies That Work for Me
I start by developing a yearly calendar for both the district and camp. I list the major tasks and objectives month by month. Keep in mind this should be a living list, but it won’t change much after the first two years. These are big picture items, not small tasks. Monthly goals and objectives are revisited at the very beginning of every month in a monthly day of planning. Yes, a whole day devoted to planning and scheduling!
Every Monday morning, I take 30-45 minutes to schedule my week. This is done in half hour blocks. I like to draft on paper and then input into my Outlook work calendar. Be sure to schedule personal or family time first. As part of the “fine” level of scheduling, be sure to include at least 30 minutes of flex/makeup time in each work day. This gives flexibility and helps me keep up with a schedule that gets interrupted by unplanned calls, emergencies, etc.
During big tasks, close your email and put away your phone. Utilize 60-90 minutes of uninterrupted, undistracted time to do only the scheduled task. I also recommend scheduling dedicated time for calls and email every day to keep up with incoming communication.
Of course, there are always more tasks and projects than any one person can accomplish. Enable/empower your volunteers to help share the load. They want to help. Keep a printed list of volunteer names on your wall to refer to if needed. Give them a task with specific parameters, a clearly defined goal and timeline and let them help. Always thank and recognize them for their work.
Additionally, I try to make the most of road time by making calls on the road, if possible. Please use a hands-free calling option! My council has also used the Zoom meeting system to help limit road time for both professionals and volunteers. A pro account is a smart investment once you start adding up savings from reimbursed mileage not used.
Another helpful tip: when you schedule meetings, cut your meeting times in half. You’ll be amazed at how your team can accomplish the same amount of work in the time allotted! This cuts down on non-necessary conversations. Every meeting must have start and end times AND an agenda.
Hopefully at least one of these ideas will help you to make the most of your time.
Scouting Wire would like to thank Andrew Allgeier for contributing this post.
These Activities Get Scouts of All Ages Excited About Environmental Education
Boy Scouts of America has teamed with the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and its award-winning environmental education program, Project Learning Tree (PLT). We’ve been working together to provide Scout leaders with ideas and outdoor, hands-on activities from PLT to help support Cub Scouting Adventures and Scouts BSA Merit Badges. PLT activities make learning about nature and the environment fun for all ages, while also building 21st century skills. The activities can be conducted by anyone at any time and provide lots of useful tips for managing active child behavior both indoors and outdoors.
What Is Project Learning Tree?
Project Learning Tree is designed for educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from preschool through grade 12. Established in 1976, the program’s activities are designed to get kids outside, connect children to nature in meaningful ways, and grow understanding of our shared environment.
The activities are fun and easy to do, and they relate to all kinds of subjects—from reading and writing, to science and math, to social studies and art. There are activities for all grade levels, and they are suitable for all demographics— urban, suburban, or rural.
In addition to building knowledge, PLT activities are great for developing STEM skills, such as collaboration and teamwork, creativity and imagination, critical thinking and problem solving. They also sow seeds of opportunity and encourage youth to explore careers in forestry and natural resources conservation.
Find a Project Learning Tree Activity
Project Learning Tree activities have been correlated to eight Cub Scout Adventures and six BSA merit badges. These crosswalks quickly show which PLT activities can provide fun and inspiring approaches for exploring the Adventure topics and Merit Badge requirements.
Cub Scout Adventures
This correlation is designed to assist parents, den leaders, and Cubmasters in helping Cub Scouts meet the following Adventure requirements. While the PLT lessons referenced will not satisfy all of the requirements a Cub Scout must fulfill to secure an Adventure, they will assist leaders in covering over half of the requirements for each of the following:
- Mountain Lion (Lion)
- Ready, Set, Grow (Lion)
- Backyard Jungle (Tiger)
- Fur, Feathers, and Ferns (Bear)
- Grow Something (Wolf)
- Spirit of the Water (Wolf)
- Into the Wild (Webelos)
- Into the Woods (Webelos)
For example, in PLT’s “Are Vacant Lots Vacant?”Activity, Scouts are invited to look closely over one small square and find that plants of all kinds thrive in vacant lots, along with a host of animals including insects, birds, and mammals. This activity transforms a nearby vacant lot, overgrown strip, or a landscaped area into a rich laboratory for Scouts to examine elements of an ecosystem. This activity supports the Tiger “Backyard Jungle” Adventure first requirement of “taking a 1-foot hike.”
BSA Merit Badges
This correlation is designed to assist merit badge counselors and Scoutmasters in helping Scouts meet the badge requirements for six merit badges. While the PLT lessons referenced will not satisfy all of the requirements a Scout must fulfill to secure a Merit Badge, they will assist leaders in covering over half of the requirements for each of the following:
- Environmental Science
- Forestry
- Nature
- Pulp and Paper
- Soil and Water Conservation
- Sustainability
For example, in PLT’s “A Forest of Many Uses” Activity, Scouts are taught how privately and publicly owned forests are managed to provide many different resources. Scouts learn how forests are managed to meet a variety of human and environmental needs. This experiential learning fulfills the Forestry Merit Badge’s Requirement 3.A (2), which necessitates that Scouts can “describe contributions forests make to social well-being.”
Why Project Learning Tree and the BSA Are a Natural Fit
Project Learning Tree and Boy Scouts of America are natural allies as we both aim to provide experiential, hands-on learning that results in positive outcomes for youth. We both value time spent outdoors and the lessons learned from those experiences. Combining both programs can truly enhance experiences for youth.
“I first became introduced to PLT when I was volunteering as a troop leader. Immediately I was hooked,” says Jane Thornes, 4th grade teacher at Heyburn Elementary School in St. Maries, Idaho. “The easy-to-follow approach that PLT uses to educate young minds is smart, refreshing, and fun.”
A hallmark of PLT is how easily you can begin using it right away, in any setting. While PLT activities employ highly effective and well-tested teaching strategies, they can be used by anyone. Each activity provides step-by-step instructions for getting ready, conducting the activity, and assessing learning. Many activities can be conducted in an hour, rely on simple materials that you likely already have on hand, and can be implemented with minimal prep time.
“The benefits of connecting kids to the outdoors has implications in many aspects of their lives, and using PLT is a great way to get kids excited about nature,” says Kathy Fischer, a Michigan 4-H Program Coordinator. “PLT activities connect to all educational disciplines, so they are easy to intertwine and reinforce concepts already being taught.”
For more information, visit https://www.plt.org/bsa.
Tips for Working with School Digital Communications Platform Peachjar
Many school districts are beginning to use digital communications platforms like Peachjar for delivering items like activity fliers to parents. For Scouting, that means learning how to follow some basic guidelines to optimize communications items for that platform. Here, we explain more about what Peachjar is, how to follow their guidelines, and their expert design tips!
How Does Peachjar Work?
Peachjar streamlines school-to-home communication by distributing fliers, community resources, and vital school updates directly to parents through their digital service.
Over 600 school districts and more than 20,000 community organizations use this tool to deliver communications to school parents. And if a school district is using Peachjar, then they are contractually obligated to send all school communications through the Peachjar digital platform rather than through printed materials.
Every Flier Must Be Approved by the School District and Must Follow Their Individual District Guidelines.
Yes, that’s right. Each district has a set of guidelines that determine what kids of fliers they will approve to be sent out to parents. Peachjar links these guidelines in their program provider accounts under a “District Guidelines” tab. An example may be requiring your flier to have both an English and Spanish version.
Peachjar Fliers are ADA Compliant!
Peachjar fliers adhere to ADA compliance. That means, for example, that parents that have visual impairment can receive information from Peachjar fliers via screen reading devices that detect text, then read it back to them.
For this process to work properly, there is a step in the flier upload process that populates the text from your flier into a box as it will be “read” by Peachjar systems. If the text in that box does not match what is on the flier, you run the risk of the flier being denied by the district, so be sure to check that it is correct.
Over 14,000 schools use the Peachjar system.
That’s close to 20 percent of all schools in the United States who use the Peachjar system. The platform has heavy coverage on the West Coast, East Coast, and throughout the South. To see if your school is a Peachjar school, check this list.
Peachjar Design Tips are Easy to Follow!
Peachjar recommends strong, clear calls to action, simple copy, and large images. This fits our Scout Me In! fliers perfectly! If you’re looking for some great fliers to get you started, check out the options in the BSA Brand Center. You can find fliers for Cub Scouts, fliers for Scouts BSA, and more!
Although the Peachjar system is free to school districts who utilize the platform, there is a fee for organizations, such as the Boy Scouts of America, to distribute their fliers through the platform. Costs can vary by timing and number of schools.
This article is part of an ongoing series that covers digital platforms used to deliver items like our Scout fliers. Please be sure to look for more of our other articles on different platforms.
Use These Best Practices for Scout Flier Design
For as long as most of us can remember, the Scout flier has been one of the primary options in your recruiting toolbox for attracting new members to your packs and troops.
When executed well, a Scout flier can be an effective tool. Executed poorly, it either won’t make it home or can actively deter new families from joining.
So, what makes a well-executed Scout flier? We’re glad you asked!
Below are two samples, one that is executed well and another that needs some work. Let’s dive into the elements that make successful fliers and those that should be avoided.
First, let’s look at a recommended flier approach.
What makes the above an effective Scout flier? Several things.
- SIMPLICITY. Too often, we see fliers that are loaded with images, graphics, clip art, and copy points. The goal of a flier isn’t to drive registration right then and there, it’s to get someone interested enough to look for more information. Keep it simple!
- CLARITY. Strong fliers have a clear, targeted message for the audience they are trying to reach. You want youth and families to understand the message at a glance. Avoid confusion by providing a clear message that is easy to digest.
- BREVITY. Fliers are not meant to be the only source of information for potential new members and their families. The temptation to provide a wealth of information is strong, but avoid it. This is not a real estate contract. Ideally, a flier will have just enough information to pique your interest and drive you to another location for more information.
- BOLD. Strong fliers have large, bold imagery that captures the attention of the child or parent who receives it. This is especially true if the school you’re working with uses an online resource like Peachjar, Remind, Smore, etc.
- CALL TO ACTION. Effective fliers have a simple message to youth and parents, “Go do this…” Whether it’s visiting your unit’s website, social media page, contacting a leader, or attending a meeting to learn more, there needs to be a simple and clear call to action for parents to execute as they are reading your flier.
Now, let’s take a look at a less effective flier (note: this is not a real flier, but it helps illustrate the point).
Since we’ve reviewed what makes an effective flier, we bet you can guess why the above version isn’t as strong.
- LACK OF SIMPLICITY. There is a lot going on here. Too many images, too much information, nothing to draw the eye in or capture the attention of a potential new family. Color is always a good idea, but too much becomes a distraction. Keep. It. Simple.
- NO CLARITY. What exactly is being communicated here? It’s rather hard to digest because the message isn’t clear. Do you want this family to learn more? Come to a meeting? Go on a campout? Join today? Keep your message clear and concise.
- IT’S NOT BRIEF. Simply put, there is too much text on here. A flier is meant to drive the viewer to a place with more information – not to provide every possible detail all on one page. Be short and clear in your message.
- NO FOCAL BOLD IMAGE. Big, bold images are more effective at grabbing the attention of a potential new member. Putting too many images on a flier doesn’t give the eye anywhere to focus. Many people will simply skip over this because there’s just too much to process.
- NO SINGLE CALL TO ACTION. This goes hand in hand with clarity. The goal of the flier is to get the user to take action on something. Be clear about exactly what you want them to do and how/where/when to go and do it.
To sum it up, effective fliers communicate one clear message, concisely, with bold imagery that captures the eye, and drive people to another location where they can learn more information or ask more questions.
The good news is that many of you are already doing this! For some, this will be a departure from how you’ve done things in the past; but, trust us, it’s worth it.
Putting these tactics to use is easy. It will make your fliers more effective, it will help make you a stronger recruiter, and it will lead to more members in your council.
If you’re looking for some great fliers to get you started, check out the options in the BSA Brand Center. You can find fliers for Cub Scouts, fliers for Scouts BSA, and more!
Jeff Hotchkiss Selected as Scout Executive of Catalina Council
Please join us as we congratulate Jeff Hotchkiss, who will serve as Scout executive of the Catalina Council in Tucson, Arizona effective May 1, 2019.
Jeff began his Scouting career as a district executive at the Orange County Council in Santa Ana, California. After several assignments there, he moved on to become a field director with the Western Los Angeles County Council in Van Nuys, California and was later promoted to director of finance and administration of the San Gabriel Valley Council in Pasadena, California. He left the profession after being called to serve as the Director of Administration and Finance with Tabernacle Presbyterian Church in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. He rejoined the profession in Indianapolis with the Crossroads of America Council to help with a capital campaign and later served as a field director. He was then promoted to Scout executive of the Mohegan Council in Worcester, Massachusetts and concluded his tenure there with the successful merger of a neighboring council to form the new Heart of New England Council.
Jeff is an Eagle Scout and a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow. He is also Wood Badge trained and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive. He has served his church as both an Elder and a Deacon. He’s also been active as a leader in Kiwanis and Toastmaster groups.
Jeff enjoys the outdoors, good movies and like everyone else in the family he always enjoys a good book.
Jeff and his wife Melody have two grown children. Their eldest, Kim, and her Eagle Scout husband, Trygve, live in Minneapolis, as does their younger daughter Becca.
Please help us send Jeff our well wishes in the comments below as he joins in partnership with the volunteers and staff of the Catalina Council to deliver quality Scouting experiences to the young people of the communities they serve.
Diversity & Leadership Conference Features BSA Leaders & More
This week, the BSA is proud to participate in and sponsor the 15th Annual Diversity & Leadership Conference, April 8th-11th in Dallas, Texas. Keynote speakers such as 44th President of the United States Barack Obama and General Colin Powell will present topics important to today’s culture, such as diversity & inclusion, professional development, talent management, corporate responsibility, and legal and organizational health.
And we’re in good company! Along with BSA, the 2019 conference is also sponsored by 54 other companies, including Amazon, Toyota, Valero, and Morgan Stanley, and approximately 1,500 conference attendees.
What BSA’s Bringing to the Conference
Erin Eisner, Chief Strategy Officer for Culture and People will be contributing as a speaker on the topic of Developing Leadership Presence and Current State of Employment Discrimination Law. In addition, Dinaz Jiwani, Diversity & Inclusion Specialist at the BSA will present ERG 101 – Starting fromScratch, a session to help workplaces form employee resource groups. Jiwani will also moderate the Changing demographic of the U.S. session, so if you plan to attend, get ready to engage with some of BSA’s brilliant minds!
The BSA team will also attend conference discussions on managing and leading a successful diversity council, diversifying the people supply chain, the changing demographics of America, starting diversity initiatives from scratch, and how to apply conference learnings to expand diversity outreach.
We are thrilled to participate in the learning, partnership and collaboration this conference will deliver as we share our strategic vision to serve families from all backgrounds and prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
The BSA is committed to Diversity & Inclusion– people, culture and diversity are considered top priorities, as they are inherently intertwined and pivotal to Scouting’s success as a movement. The opportunity for BSA to participate in the 15th Annual Diversity & Leadership Conference works to bolster our organizational focus of all three of these strategic priorities.
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Youth Protection Training is Now Available in Spanish
Para garantizar que la capacitación de Protección Juvenil de BSA sea accesible para tantas familias como sea posible, ¡el programa requerido de Capacitación de Protección Juvenil de BSA ahora está disponible en español!
La capacitación en idioma español tiene la misma información, el material y los recursos de expertos que la versión en inglés, y les brinda a las familias que hablan español las herramientas que necesitan para ayudar a mantener a todos los jóvenes a salvo mientras disfrutan de su experiencia Scouting.
Visite My.Scouting.org para acceder a la Capacitación de Protección Juvenil en Español ahora. Como siempre, puede acceder a la capacitación en Inglés aquí.
Si conoce a una familia que habla español que necesita esta información, por favor comparte este artículo.
To ensure the BSA’s Youth Protection training is accessible to as many families as possible, the BSA’s required Youth Protection Training program is now available in Spanish!
The Spanish-language training has all the same expert-sourced information, material, and resources as the English version, providing Spanish-speaking families with the tools they need to help keep all youth safe as they enjoy their Scouting experience.
Visit My.Scouting.org. to access the Spanish-language Youth Protection Training now. As always, you can access the English-language training as well from My.Scouting.org.
If you know a Spanish-speaking family who needs this information, please share this article!
John Mosby Selected as Assistant Chief Scout Executive – Development
Please join us as we congratulate John H. Mosby, who will serve as Assistant Chief Scout Executive – Development, effective April 15, 2019.
John will bring proven leadership experience to support our staff and volunteer leadership in taking our development efforts to the next level. Aligning support for both National and local council initiatives has created synergy over the past several years and now, more than ever, expanded fundraising at all levels will provide the resources necessary to support our growing membership.
John began his Scouting career in 1990 as a district executive at the Heart of America Council in Kansas City, Missouri. He served in several positions at the council including program director, district director, assistant director of field service, and eventually director of field service. In 2001, he was selected as the Scout executive of the Illowa Council in Davenport, Iowa. From there, John moved on to become the Scout executive of the Northeast Illinois Council in Highland Park, Illinois and then the Narragansett Council in Providence, Rhode Island. John was then named the regional director of the Northeast Region, where he has successfully served since 2016.
John graduated with a bachelor of science in education and a minor in mathematics from Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri.
John is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow who enjoys running and bicycle racing.
John has two grown Eagle Scout sons, Tom and Jacob, and he has enjoyed serving over the years as their volunteer leader including treks to Philmont, the Florida Sea Base, and the National Jamboree.
In the comments below, please help us send John our best wishes as he assumes this new leadership role in the BSA. John brings tremendous energy and commitment to deliver the Scouting program to the youth of our Nation and we look forward to seeing how that enthusiasm will propel us forward in the years to come.
A Crossover Ceremony With Extra Significance for These Scouts
For this group of Scouts in the Boy Scouts of America Del-Mar-Va Council, experiencing their first crossover ceremony represented something more than a simple transition from Cub Scouts into Scouts BSA. It was a chance to continue a journey that, for some of them, had started in another country.
Most of the boys in Pack 003 are part of families that immigrated to the United States within the past few years. In fact, the families of the 17 youth at this crossover ceremony came from countries including Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
When these families first came to the United States, they looked for an opportunity to introduce their children to the traditions and culture of their new home in the Easton, Maryland, community. Through a collaboration with the Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center (ChesMRC), many of these families discovered Scouting.
As its mission, the ChesMRC “empowers people from different cultures to become successful and engaged members of our community,” which is complementary to the mission of the Boy Scouts of America “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.”
Scouting, which has long been a part of American culture, represented a place for these youth and their families to feel welcome and to learn about the culture of their new community as well as gain valuable skills that would serve these families well into their future.
“I love being a Scout because we get to do some things that most kids don’t get to do,” said Blas S., who has been part of Cub Scouting for several years and was excited to be making the transition into a Scouts BSA troop.
Ana Argueta, a mother who has been helping with the Cub Scout pack, talked about learning right alongside her son and the value that has for her family.
“Back in my country, I don’t think we’d have this opportunity,” she said. “So I think it’s a very good opportunity as a parent.”
As part of their participation in Scouting, the boys have had many adventures in and around their community.
“We get to explore the Del-Mar-Va peninsula a lot more, the traditions and cultures here,” said Cub Scout leader Matthew Peters.
To see more on the story of these Scouts, be sure to watch the full report from WBOC-TV 16 below.
WBOC-TV 16, Delmarvas News Leader, FOX 21 –
photo: WBOC-TV 16
See What These BSA Leaders Have to Say About Women in Scouting
We may only be three months in, but 2019 has already been a momentous year for the BSA! As March comes to a close and we wrap up Women’s History Month, see what these female leaders around the BSA have to say about women in the Scouting movement.
Cathy Wilson, Sr. Admin Assistant
“I am excited about Mike’s vision for engaging more women in the BSA movement. I think this is a great time for BSA to truly develop into an organization that leads from the front on engagement and inclusion of women leaders. I believe this will lead to a healthier, more well-rounded BSA.”
– Cathy Wilson, Sr. Admin Assistant
Carol Whitebook, Area 7 Director
“As the first female Southern Region Scout executive (2008) and the first female area director in the Southern Region as of this past October, I am passionate about making sure women in the Scouting movement realize their opportunities are unlimited. With female representation on the Chief’s Cabinet and our first female National Commissioner, I am ecstatic about the forward momentum I am seeing for women, and frankly, all diverse candidates, across our Scouting workforce and volunteer structure. I would encourage all female commissioned employees and all National Council females to gain support by joining RISE, our women’s workforce resource group. “
– Carol Whitebook, Area 7 Director
Ellie Morrison, National Commissioner
“When men and women work side by side with respect and towards a common goal, great things happen. That can be seen in action every day in the BSA. Men and women are working together at every level: unit, district, council, area, region and national. All of them are investing in children not their own—and those investments pay off in terms of character development, service and leadership—not only for the youth, but for the adults as well. The addition of girls in Cub Scouting and Scouts BSA to Scouting’s other programs for young women will expand opportunities for everyone. It is exciting to see both men and women work together to ensure those girls have a great Scouting experience. As those young women earn their Eagle Scout Award, they will take their place alongside young men. Only time will tell where that will lead them and our country, but we know they will be prepared to do great things together.”
– Ellie Morrison, National Commissioner
Lucia Bernal, Field Director
“I think we have the ability to make a difference and give other women the opportunity to join us in this great movement because women have the power to move mountains and show a different perspective in a professional setting where everyone can rise. Our organization has the platform and allows professional women to create a better version of themselves and help young boys and girls become the leaders of tomorrow through the Scouting program.”
– Lucia Bernal, Field Director, Greater Los Angeles Area Council
Sharon Moulds, Scout Executive, Pittsburgh PA
“Women have been involved in the Boy Scouts of America for a very long time. We have even gotten better about attracting women into professional Scouting. Because of that, we must continue to reach out to them to ensure they have the support they need to be successful.
As a female professional, my vision for engaging more women in the movement is to provide them with a platform where they can speak openly about challenges and opportunities they are experiencing. Then we create a forum where they can work on solutions that will help everyone; giving them a voice.
I would like other women in the profession, including myself, to welcome the new women coming in so they have someone they can reach out to. This would be especially helpful in smaller councils where they may be the only female. Everyone needs someone they can call to get advice and if we could be proactive by reaching out to them, perhaps they will feel important and understood.
I dream of the day where we are a successful organization that is the model of diversity and a true example for the rest of the world.”
– Sharon Moulds, Scout Executive, Laurel Highlands Council
Alison Schuler, Executive Board Member
“Women are going wherever Scouting needs them. Women, like men, can now use every asset at their disposal—time, talent, treasure, passion—to empower Scouts to have the character, commitment and training to lead, guide, and enrich their societies. When all are benefitted, all should participate; when all participate to their best ability and without limitation, all are benefitted to the same degree. Go forth, gentlemen and ladies, and serve!”
– Alison Schuler, Executive Board Member
Erin Eisner, Chief Strategy Office for Culture & People
“Scouting is premised upon servant leadership. Women in Scouting have long-ago mastered the concept of working in service of others. Their work and dedication to Scouting has helped instill values such as honor and leadership in millions of youth across our nation. This rich history of Women in Scouting is one to be recognized and celebrated. But now is also a time for deepening this connection and creating a new and vibrant path for women as volunteer leaders, women working in and leading our councils and young women in Cub Scouting and Scouts BSA. Women in Scouting are authentic leaders who bring diversity of thought, experience and perspective to strengthen our Movement. We have a mission to change as many lives through Scouting as we can. We are volunteering, working, leading and learning in the most exciting time in BSA history. Our future is bright and together, the Scouting family will continue to raise young leaders with strong character and unwavering respect for God, our country and each other.”
– Erin Eisner, Chief Strategy Office for Culture & People
RISE is a resource group for Scouting professionals throughout the BSA— both men and women. RISE works to recognize, inspire, support, and empower the women of Scouting through professional development, fellowship, service, and inclusion.
Special thanks to Dinaz Kachhi-Jiwani, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy Specialist and RISE Chairwoman for submitting this story.
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