Light the Path: Preparing Youth for Life
Message from the Council Key 3
Young people today face increasing academic, social, and economic pressures. Families across southern New Jersey are looking for proven, values-based programs that build character, confidence, and leadership. Scouting meets that need.
In 2025, the Scouting America Garden State Council expanded access to Scouting, strengthened program quality, and supported the volunteers who deliver these experiences locally. More than 4,000 young people participated in hands-on programs that built resilience, responsibility, and a lifelong commitment to service.
This report shows how donor support and community partnerships translate into real outcomes for youth. It highlights program participation, service to communities, and stewardship of resources. Above all, it reflects our shared commitment to preparing young people to lead with integrity and purpose.
We are grateful to the donors, volunteers, and partners who invest in this mission. Your support ensures Scouting remains accessible, impactful, and sustainable for the families and communities we serve.
Tim Guim Council President Al Garcia Council Commissioner
Patrick Linfors Scout Executive
Who We Are
Light the Path: Preparing Youth for Life
MISSION:
To prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
VISION STATEMENT:
Scouting America will prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
SCOUT OATH:
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; and to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
SCOUT LAW:
A Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.
Behind Every Badge
Earned Is a Network of Support
At a time when many young people have fewer opportunities for hands-on learning, outdoor experiences, and positive role models, Scouting provides structure, belonging, and purpose. The Garden State Council exists to ensure these opportunities remain accessible so every young person has the chance to grow into a confident and capable adult.
Lighting the Path Across Southern New Jersey
The Garden State Council serves youth and families across Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties, as well as Buena Vista Township and Buena Borough in Atlantic County. Programs are delivered locally through volunteers, community partners, and district leadership.
PINE HILL
Serving much of Camden County and parts of Burlington County
PINELANDS
Serving much of Burlington County
OSPREY
Serving Salem, Cumberland and Cape May Counties, plus a part of Atlantic County
CROSSROADS
Serving Gloucester County and parts of Camden County
Cub Scouts
Cub Scouts introduce elementary-age youth to Scouting through fun, family-centered activities. Youth explore the outdoors, build confidence, and learn values through hands-on experiences supported by parents and adult leaders.
Exploring
Exploring connects youth with real-world career experiences through partnerships with employers and community organizations. Participants gain workplace skills, mentoring, and exposure to potential career paths.
Eagle Scouts
Service and leadership are central to the Scouting experience. In 2025, Scouts demonstrated their commitment to their communities through Eagle Scout projects and service initiatives that addressed real local needs. These efforts strengthened neighborhoods, supported community organizations, and provided youth with meaningful opportunities to lead, problem-solve, and give back. Through service, Scouts develop a lifelong sense of responsibility, citizenship, and confidence that extends well beyond their time in the program.
150 Eagle Scouts delivered meaningful service projects while saving the community $251,361.
Our Impact
In 2025, the Garden State Council focused on outcomes that matter to youth, families, and communities by expanding access, delivering high-quality programs, supporting service and achievement, and stewarding resources responsibly.
MEMBERSHIP & ACCESS
Expanding Access and Belonging
The Garden State Council is committed to ensuring that every young person who can benefit from Scouting has access to its life-changing experiences. Membership growth is not measured by numbers alone. It reflects belonging, opportunity, and connection to a trusted support system that helps youth thrive.
This year, the Council focused on engaging new families, strengthening retention, and expanding Scoutreach efforts that reduce financial and access barriers. By partnering with schools and community organizations, and meeting families where they are, Scouting continues to reach youth from diverse backgrounds across southern New Jersey, creating pathways for leadership, confidence, and lifelong impact.
PROGRAM & PARTICIPATION
Delivering Adventure, Skills, and Character
High-quality programs are central to Scouting’s impact. Through outdoor adventure, advancement, leadership development, and experiential learning, Scouts build practical skills and confidence that prepare them for real-world challenges.
In 2025, the Garden State Council delivered engaging programs grounded in safety, fun, and purpose. From camping and advancement to Council and district activities, these experiences foster teamwork, resilience, and leadership while helping youth develop the character and skills they carry into adulthood.
On October 18, 2025, more than 1,400 Scouts, leaders, and family members participated in Cub Fun Day at Pine Hill Scout Reservation, with over 700 camping overnight, turning the event into a full weekend of outdoor adventure. Activities ranged from bottle rockets and monkey bridges to fire building and crafts, introducing many Cub Scouts to camping for the first time.
Community partnerships with schools and nonprofits strengthened access to Scouting and reinforced its role as a trusted youth development resource in underserved communities.
Fishing activities at Cub Fun Day introduced youth to outdoor skills and conservation, supported by in-kind donations from The Ike Foundation. As part of the weekend, participants also contributed 366 pounds of food to local food banks, connecting outdoor adventure with service.
IMPACT AT A GLANCE YEAR IN REVIEW | 2025
MEMBERSHIP & ACCESS
5,492 YOUTH participated in Scouting programs across southern New Jersey.
224 LOCAL UNITS delivered Scouting experiences in communities throughout the region.
537 YOUTH were served through 26 SCOUTREACH UNITS expanding access in underserved communities.
17 YOUTH received membership assistance to help remove financial barriers to participation.
1,217 NEW YOUTH recruited in 2025, marking our strongest recruitment year in seven years.
PROGRAM & PARTICIPATION
779 YOUTH participated in day camp and summer camp experiences.
3,543 YOUTH and 2,610 ADULTS participated in 80 Council and district activities.
115,971 POUNDS of food were collected through the annual Scouting for Food campaign.
18,862.5 SERVICE HOURS were completed through Eagle Scout service projects.
150 EAGLE SCOUT PROJECTS were completed, delivering meaningful community improvements while saving the community over $251,361.
2 EAGLE SCOUT SCHOLARSHIPS were awarded in support of continued education.
$251,361 IN COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS through Eagle Service projects participation. SERVICE & ACHIEVEMENT
PHILANTHROPY & STEWARDSHIP
$1.69 MILLION in gross total philanthropic revenue.
$432,000 net total through special events.
$167,290 net total through annual giving Friends of Scouting.
$213,019 Commission earned by units for Popcorn and Camp Card Sales.
913 special event attendees and/or players.
465 Friends of Scouting donors.
Garden State Council's Scouting for Food merit badge.