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I have the pleasure of being in our Nation's Capitol with this year's Report to the Nation delegation . This group of remarkable young people is in Washington to deliver this annual report, which covers the Boy Scouts of America's key achievements from the past year, to key U.S.
It's still pretty cold in most of the country to think about swimming, but we've found a great partner to help us promote healthier lifestyles among young people. Healthy living is a big priority in Scouting and has been since we began offering outdoor adventures more than a century ago.
With the world focusing on the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, I read with interest an article sent to me about how Scouting's commitment to service played a leading role in the 1932 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, NY.
As I read President Obama's State of the Union address, these words caught my attention: "Research shows that one of the best investments we can make in a child's life is high-quality early education." I couldn't agree more with that statement.
I'm a big fan of books by best-selling author Alvin Townley , not just because he's an Eagle Scout, but because of the unique way he brings stories to life with inspiration, adventure and purpose. His fourth and latest book that was just released (today/ February 4 th ) – Defiant – features all of those strong qualities.
I always enjoy hearing from our units when they share how proud they are of their Scouting activities. It sends a message that no matter how large or small the unit, they are committed to teaching Scouting's values and great things happen that benefit their communities.
One of Scouting's priorities is to reach out to underserved communities and introduce the values of Scouting to both young people and their parents, many of whom have never heard of the movement before. In many cultures, activities like Scouting can quickly evolve into a family experience, and we welcome parents and other family members…
As you might imagine, I have been to many Courts of Honor to see Eagle Awards presented during my Scouting career. It's always a proud moment, whether I know the recipient personally or have been requested by their council to attend.
I am really impressed with the stories I see and hear about how our Scouting units step forward to be stewards of the environment in their communities. A while back, I read about how Scouts in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin have a terrific project going to monitor water quality in Little Lake Wissota.
One great thing about Scouting is not only having our own adventures to look forward to in the New Year, but knowing how others in our movement have laid the foundation for their own exciting futures. I'd like to share two inspiring Scouting stories to illustrate my point.
I really enjoy hearing how our Scouts come up with thoughtful projects during the holidays to help people in the communities we serve. Service has been one of our legacy values for over a century, but the need continues to be strong in many communities for the support and good cheer Scouting can provide.
Hello everyone! I know we're all working to wrap up the year on a high note while weaving in our holiday preparations. I urge you to take a moment and read this blog from Dr. ck Andrade, a guest blogger you've heard from on Chief's Corner before .
In the spirit of this 2013 holiday season, we wanted to take this opportunity to share our thanks and thoughts as we look ahead to a new year. We hope that all of you will have a safe and restful holiday blessed with memories of time with family and friends.
This Saturday will mark the one-year anniversary of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. While deeply saddened to remember the victims of this senseless act, I'm inspired by the request made by the victims' families at a recent press conference : perform an act of kindness so "that some small measure of…
In reflecting on Nelson Mandela's passing last week, I thought about his commitment to peace for the people of South Africa and especially the youth of his nation. Photo courtesy of CNN.com Think of the challenges he faced during his lifetime to meet that commitment.
At the Boy Scouts of America, we are always looking ahead for new innovations and ideas to provide a quality Scouting experience for our young people. But I am always fascinated by accounts I read about Scouts or leaders from decades ago who share how Scouting's values helped to carry them through life, much like…
Across the nation, when one mentions "Medal of Honor," our thoughts go immediately to those courageous members of our armed forces who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to serve our country and put others above themselves to help protect our freedom.
Often when I hear people say: "When he was an Eagle Scout…" I stop and politely remind them that once you're an Eagle Scout, you are always an Eagle Scout. It's an honor that our Scouts work hard to achieve and helps set the tone for leadership and community volunteer spirit for the rest of…
Being a friend to the environment has been part of the mission of the Boy Scouts of America for over a century. We know that conserving the land, forests, air, water, wildlife and limited resources we all share is everyone's responsibility.
Over the next few weekends, Scouts will be out in force to gather canned good and other non-perishable foods for our annual Scouting for Food collection. These goods are a critical lifeline for food pantries across our country that give help to individuals and families in need.
It was a proud moment for the Boy Scouts of America when Gerald R. Ford became 38 th President of the United States, the only Eagle Scout to serve as the nation's Chief Executive. Now we can honor his memory again with the christening of the nation's newest aircraft carrier, the Gerald R.
Recently, I read a column that gave me a new perspective on how we can advise our young people to not just take the middle road of life, but to push a little harder and raise the bar on what they can accomplish.
In 2012, there were 21.2 million living veterans on record. Every year, we honor their service and the memory of those who have passed on or died in battle. Citizenship is among the important values we teach our Scouts, and remembering those who have served our country in military service is one of the responsibilities…
A key challenge for any volunteer organization is increasing membership and keeping programs timely and interesting. We know we've achieved success when our programs not only keep new members coming in, but are also helping to keep those members long term.
A while back, I received a question on Twitter from a dedicated Scouting volunteer who is having thoughts of joining our professional ranks. It's really a testimonial to how Scouting creates great leaders. We are always looking for great talent to help us continue our mission to serve America's youth with a quality Scouting experience.
We recently wrapped up our 2 nd National Youth Protection Symposium . The common goal expressed by everyone: Keep kids safe from those who might do them harm. Scouting Magazine Senior Editor Bryan Wendell did a nice wrap-up of the two-day event in his blog, so I encourage you to read his October 16 th posting…
I am pleased to announce that the BSA National Executive Board elected former Secretary of Defense and former CIA Director Dr. Robert M. Gates to the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America. Dr. Gates will serve as a member of the board's executive committee and as the national president-elect.
Even as we continue on the trail toward Scouting's future, there are times when we should stop, look back and see how far we've come. That's the exciting premise behind "A Century of Honor," the special celebration of Scouting on Tuesday, Oct.
One of Scouting's priorities is to reach into underserved neighborhoods, where we can help provide the resources and leadership to young people who otherwise would not have the opportunity to live Scouting's values and experience great outdoor adventures. Thanks to the wonders of Amateur Radio, we are able to spread the word about Scouting around…
We owe a lot to the members of our volunteer force in Scouting. They are the lifeblood of our mission to provide a quality Scouting experience for America's young people. Without the support of our terrific and dedicated adult volunteers, our youth would be missing out on great Scouting experiences and the opportunity to learn…
Our Venturing crews do great service for our communities. It's our co-ed branch of Scouting for young men and women ages 14 (13 if they've completed the 8 th grade) to 20. Because they are a bit older, they can take on some of the tougher community projects, like one I just read about in…
When we speak of Scouting's commitment to teaching our young people about the outdoors, it often brings visions of rolling streams, forests and mountain ranges. For our young people of the inner city, it's often a different picture and landscape, but Scouting's lessons and values are still there.
It's vital to the sustainability of any organization to continually attract new members and fresh talent, and that's why our fall Scouting recruitment is one of my favorite times of the year. While all groups and activities serving our young people have important roles, this is when we can use effective recruiting strategies to set…
One of our priorities is to find new ways to take Scouting into underserved neighborhoods. That mission gets even better when you can throw high technology into the mix! The National Capital Area Council just launched its new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) van.
September 11 th will always be a difficult day for Americans as we struggle with the horrific memory of the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, D.C., and the crash of Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. As painful as that memory can be, it's also an opportunity for us to salute the many heroes of…
I can't say enough about how important it is for young people get training in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, or " STEM ." That's why this Eagle Scout project caught my eye to share with you. 17-year-old Alex Monseau of Troop 43 in Princeton, NJ, came up with a brilliant Eagle project that ties hi-tech to…
Hello again! We are very proud to be celebrating the 101 st anniversary of the first Eagle Award that was presented on Labor Day 1912. Since then, more than two million young men have achieved that top honor in Scouting, with nearly 58,000 Scouts earning their Eagle just last year.
Hello again! As a steward to the outdoors, the Boy Scouts of America has a big responsibility. We're not only responsible for making sure our young people have a strong appreciation and respect for our outdoor resources…we also want to make sure that we leave the world a little better than the way we found…
I am really proud of our Scouting volunteers. Our movement would not be possible without the leadership and creativity of the 1.2 million adult volunteers that mentor our Scouts today. For more than a century, the time and dedication of our volunteers have helped provide strong leaders and terrific citizens who have helped keep our…
We often talk about service to others as one of the core tenants of Scouting. We remind ourselves to "do a good turn daily." Our commitment to serving our communities where we live, work, and play has always been the lifeblood of Scouting.
Bullying can be an unfortunate part of growing up. And the prevalence of bullying among children and teenagers is shocking. Consider these bullying statistics : More than 3.2 million students are victims of bullying each year. 71 percent of students report incidents of bullying as a problem at their school.
Hello again! It's hard to believe that summer is quickly coming to a close and the kids are headed back to school. As part of our commitment to healthy Scouts, I think this would be a good time to take a look at how we can keep an eye out for symptoms of stress as…
As we look ahead to Scouting's next century, we know that giving our Scouts solid skills in Science, Technology, and Engineering and Math – or STEM – is what will make the difference in having a qualified workforce where it's needed to help keep our nation strong.
A look back at the last two days of a really spectacular gathering of Scouts and Scouters from all across our own great nation and many others. OA members perform a Native American grass dance at the Indian Village on the Garden Ground Mountain.
BSA has gone from green to "deep green." We've been a leader in conservation for more than a century. Our LEAVE NO TRACE ® philosophy has been followed by generations of Scouts as we camp, hike or conduct other activities with a potential for leaving litter or waste.
A spectacular fireworks show wrapped up a day of church, games, and fellowship yesterday. A glorious sunset on a great weekend of fun, fellowship and Scouting. This is the view from Basecamp Foxtrot. Nate Feldman, 17, from Old Bridge, New Jersey, is all smiles as he is stuck in a group hug at Base Camp…
Directing the Jamboree Band in a John Phillips Sousa march. A great moment. BSA's National President, Wayne Perry, greets King Carl Gustav of Sweden, the head of the International Scouting Movement. Eagle Scout Mike Rowe speaks to the crowd during Saturday's stadium show.
Nick Vernon, 17, Life Scout, slides in the mud as Nick Davis, 13, Life Scout, looks on during a brief rain storm that hit the 2013 National Scout Jamboree on July 18, 2013. They are both from Great Salt Lake Council D110.
Scouts install part of a new boardwalk at Wolf Creek Park in Fayetteville, West Virginia during a Day of Service at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree After conquering a class 2 rapid on the New River, Venture Scouts load their raft back onto the trailer at the Fayette River Station pull out spot, just short…
Cameron Johns, 14, of Grand Canyon Council Troop D239 climbs up the Challenge course Enjoying the water on standup paddle boards. A scout showing tremendous skill and determination on the Water Reality Obstacle Course. Callie Copeland, 15, of East Carolina Council Crew F604 focusing as she makes her way across the Challenge course.
