Boy Scouts of America Prepare to Celebrate 100 Years
Scouts Continue 100th Anniversary Planning at BSA National Annual Meeting; 100 Years of Scouting - Celebrating the Adventure, Continuing the Journey
SAN DIEGO, May 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Hank Aaron, President Gerald Ford, Tom Brokaw, and Michael Jordan -- all American icons throughout the past 100 years; all former Scouts who were taught to always be prepared.
Today, Boy Scouts of America (BSA) leaders are preparing for the next century of service with a multi-year 100th Anniversary celebration: "100 Years of Scouting -- Celebrating the Adventure, Continuing the Journey." Scout leaders from around the country will kick off the next phase of the program in San Diego this week at the BSA national annual meeting. Feb. 8, 2010 marks 100 years of Scouting in America for the country's largest youth-serving organization.
"Our purpose driven 100th anniversary represents much more than a date on the calendar," Robert J. Mazzuca, chief Scout executive, said. "It represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tell the story of Scouting in America -- to celebrate our rich heritage and the role that Scouting plays in shaping our nation's culture and our future."
"Boy Scouts has created a strong foundation of leadership, service and community for millions of America's youth," Mazzuca continued. "As the organization moves toward the next century, we look forward to connecting with everyone whose life has been touched by Scouting. We will implement initiatives to reaffirm our commitment to instill a pride for what Scouting has been, is, and will be, and to inspire and prepare future generations of leaders."
Over the next three years, BSA will reintroduce to America the contributions Scouting makes in communities across the country and the positive impact Scouting has on millions of young lives. The purpose driven celebration will include major national events, activities, and initiatives to engage more than 4.6 million youth and 1.2 million volunteers; an estimated 50 million Scouting alumni; and the general public.
The celebration focuses on a number of key strategic areas:
- Nationwide Focus -- Leadership, resources, and infrastructure to deliver a consistent nationwide program.
- Membership Connections -- Activities to engage millions of Americans in the celebration, re-kindle memories of Scouting experiences, and reconnect alumni with the Scouting program. The 100th Anniversary engagement effort began last year as more than 4,000 Scouts participated in a national contest to develop the logo for the celebration. Eagle Scout Philip Goolkasian, of Fresno, Calif., will be recognized for designing the official 100 Years of Scouting campaign logo at the San Diego meeting. Contest category winners from Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturing also will be honored.
- Recognizing Leadership -- Future engagement activities include a community service and achievement program; a major national gathering in conjunction with the 2010 National Jamboree; a national Hall of Leadership recognizing Scout volunteers; and a new alumni outreach program.
Additional program initiatives will include strategically targeted advertising, public service announcements, and proactive communications. In connection with the celebration, an expanded search is underway to find a permanent home for the National Jamboree starting in 2013. Details will be announced soon.
More information about 100 Years of Scouting can be found at http://scouting.org/100years.
Website: http://www.scouting.org/