Overland Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation's largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. The BSA provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness.

For over a century, the BSA has helped build the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America believes — and, through over a century of experience, knows — that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society.

The local Scouting program has many needs and while we ask Scouts to be “Thrifty” and to help pay their own way through dues and fundraisers like popcorn sales, there are often costs that are not realized by these two sources of funding. Camperships to help send a Scout to camp who needs some assistance to get there or scholarship assistance to help with registration or to get a Scout into the iconic uniform which Scouting is known for. Youth leader training for Scouts to give them the tools to help lead their unit as well as training in youth protection to protect themselves against those who would do them harm and teach Scouts how to deal with bullies and say “no” to drugs. Basic leader training for adult leaders including youth protection training which is designed to give leaders the tools to help protect the youth of Scouting. Recruitment materials to help promote Scouting in the community, in the media, in schools, and elsewhere. Program assistance and program support to help cover costs of programs that Scouts and their parent participate in and the resources to support those programs.

More than anything, the local Scouting program needs people who want to make an investment in the future of Scouting. An investment so that the next generation of young people can collect more food for to donate to the local food pantry in the Scouting for Food program, that more Scouts can practice good citizenship by waving the flag patriotically during the parade, that can learn the importance of living a lifestyle that challenges them to be both physically and mentally fit, and a generation of youth that will learn the great values that Scouting teaches.

Mission

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

Boy Scout Oath

Scout Oath (or Promise)
On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

Boy Scout Law

A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.