Nonprofit Spotlight: Boy Scouts of America Del-Mar-Va Council

BY AMANDA SCHIMMEL

Exponential advancements in technology, coupled with society’s increasing acceptance of working from home, has unfortunately delegated soft skills to the backburners in our current workforce. In lieu of developing people skills, professional relationships now often rely on email exchanges, with younger generations opting for a lone-survivor mentality. Hard skills may get you the job, but communication, teamwork, and people skills are the foundations of a successful career. The need to introduce and foster these qualities during a child’s formative years weighs heavily upon us now more than ever before. Boy Scouts of America (BSA) addresses this need through its experience-based programs.

Established in 1910, the mission of the Del-Mar-Va BSA “is to develop character and citizenship in young men and women [by] developing the leaders of today and tomorrow,” says Pat Press, president of the board of directors of the Del-Mar-Va Council. “The BSA provides a really unique opportunity for young people to engage in programs to develop—at a very young age—leadership skills that are easily transferable to any future endeavors.”

The BSA largely revolves around community-based work, “instilling the value of service towards others,” explains Ray Teat, director of finance for the BSA. What really sets the organization apart is the chance to apply learned information to real-life experiences. Within the programs, there are a plethora of opportunities for large group presentations and collaboration. Press explains that “from the time they’re in cub scouts, kids are working together in groups for the purpose of accomplishing the challenges together.” Moreover, while parent volunteers are encouraged to participate, the real organizational burden lies upon the kids, who are responsible for bringing the right equipment to the events.

Integrating such skills at this age is key in fostering the next generation of professionals entering the workforce.

At only 14 years old, each prospective Eagle Scout must have the communication, leadership, and coordination skills necessary to fulfill the award requirements. “It is unquantifiable in terms of the experience that [these skills] bring to that person,” says Press. Team building and conflict resolution are what make someone successful in the workplace, and this award is the culmination of everything the scout has learned throughout the program. Additionally, the Eagle Scout award highlights one’s dedication and tenacity when listed on a resume. The mandatory council-wide meeting and subsequent report that must be written further seal the knowledge within their minds.

With an emphasis on leadership, character development, and core values, the outlook for tomorrow’s workforce looks promising in the wake of the Boy Scouts of America. Teat perfectly summarizes the organization’s lasting impact when he remarks, “This program really doesn’t ever leave someone. Whether they exit the program or have a really great experience as a young person, it changes them forever.”

Amanda Schimmel served as a communications and events intern with the State Chamber. She is currently in her fourth year at the University of Delaware and is pursuing B.A. degrees in both Economics and English with a Spanish minor.