24-29-BSA-220.qxp_SMALLER 1/30/20 8:20 PM Page 24

YOUTH connection

In many ways the programs offered by the Mid-America Council, Boy Scouts of America are the same as former Scouts remember, with an emphasis on activities promoting life skills, personal growth and teamwork. But Scouting has also evolved to meet the needs of the boys—and girls—of today, with a local membership more than 7,500 strong.

WHEN HE WAS A boy scout a couple of decades ago, s. scott Moore had to flip through a paper book to look up Merit badge requireMents. brad von gillern reMeMbers when “be prepared” included always having a diMe in your pocket for a pay-phone call and carrying your pocketknife everywhere in case you needed to break out one of its handy tools. the programs of boy scouts of america (bsa) have certainly adapted somewhat over time and reach new participants including girls and underserved youth today, but the fundamentals of building character and developing leadership are the same as they were 110 years ago when the organization was founded.

Most parents of current scouts have never been

five primary programs

camping, so we are at risk of losing a second

bsa offers five basic programs: cub scouting for

generation who might never learn to love the

youth in kindergarten through fifth grade; scouts

outdoors.”

bsa for youth ages 11 through 17; venturing for youth 14-20; sea scouting for 14- to 20-year-olds;

“from when i was in it 30 years ago to today, i don’t think anything has fundamentally changed,” said Moore, a partner with commercial real estate firm oMne partners. he and his wife wendy were happy to support son Jake’s interest in scouting as

and exploring for ages 10 through 20. the Midamerica council, boy scouts of america provides scouting opportunities to youth in 58 counties throughout eastern nebraska, western iowa, and

a youngster and were especially proud and

union county in south dakota. it provides

pleased when he recently attained the

programming in four of the five primary bsa

organization’s highest rank of eagle scout, he said. programs; sea scouting is the exception based simply on the geography of the region served. “scouting still teaches you leadership and responsibility. when you go to these campouts,

the first recorded scouting activity in the area

you don’t just sit around and watch someone put “building character, modeling integrity and teaching leadership skills will never be out of style. it is even more relevant today as there are fewer and fewer good role models for kids,” said von gillern, ceo of lueder construction and the board chair for the Mid-america council, boy scouts of america.

experience, learn, become von gillern added, “scouting is about the only organization that still values and teaches outdoor skills. in a time where kids are likely to be sitting on the couch with a device in their hands, scouting gives them an opportunity to experience nature, learn survival skills and become betterrounded citizens.

dates back to 1917 and more than a century later, your tent up,” Moore added. “you learn duty, order, participation is robust: the Mid-america council roles and responsibilities. a big piece of it is that currently serves nearly 16,000 youth and you learn by doing. they teach you and train you, but then you’re expected to do it.”

approximately 4,600 adults including more than 7,500 scouts and almost 2,400 volunteer adult leaders in the metro area alone.

scouting programs are designed to meet the needs of today’s youth by implementing fun and challenging activities that promote character development and physical fitness. with positive

cub scouting and scouts bsa are the traditional scouting programs most people have heard about

adult mentors, encouragement

and which men may remember participating in as

to “do your best” and one-of-a-kind outdoor

boys. cub scouting focuses on promoting

programs, scouts see personal growth and

education, developing character and building

develop interpersonal skills, leadership

self-esteem with wholesome activities and

experience, self-confidence, teamwork and

outdoor fun. cub scouts meet regularly and earn

conflict-resolution skills at their specific age level. badges by completing specific tasks

24

mMAgAzine •

FeBRUARY 2020