The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations, providing programs for young people that build character.
Jacob Jackson, an Eagle Scout and current President of the Hudson Clocktower Rotary Club, used a PowerPoint presentation and video to give us an update on the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).
The BSA is in its second year of allowing girls to take part in scouting. Cub Scouts, which is aimed at children from 6 to 10, also allow girls. Jake explained that the move to accept girls into scouting came about because of the flood of requests from families who wanted their daughters to have the same leadership training available to their sons.
For privacy purposes, shower houses and bathroom facilities have been upgraded to separate boys from girls. Separate sleeping quarters are employed to ensure gender privacy.
Impact of Eagle Scouts in the Community
Jackson reported that there are more than 230 Eagle Scouts in Ohio. They have contributed almost 37,000 hours of community service. A Baylor University study found over 10,000 scouts in the greater Akron area. About 7 percent will become Eagle Scouts. The first Eagle Scout rank was created in 1912.
Among the more famous Eagle Scouts are Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Jim Lovell – all from the space program, Hank Aaron, Harrison Ford, Jimmy Buffett, Andy Griffith and Steven Spielberg.
The BSA is currently moving through bankruptcy in order to facilitate the settlement of sexual abuse claims that have come to light in the last few years. Emerging from bankruptcy will assure that the program can move forward with the strength needed to deliver its leadership program to scouts for generations to come.
Learn more at Scouting.org.