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Some of the various activities of the local Boy Scouts of America

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For over a century, the Boy Scouts of America has helped build the future leaders of our 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.

As 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 participatory citizenship and develops personal fitness.

The Scioto County area is very fortunate to have an active BSA program with more than 1,500 youth registered in 49 Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops and Venture Crews that are sponsored by 36 area Charter Organizations.

The year 2012 was a big year for the Tecumseh District which encompasses Scioto, Adams, and Lawrence counties in Ohio along with Greenup County in Kentucky. As one of the 18 counties included in the Simon Kenton Council, the local district is proud to be the home of 14 Scouts who attained the Eagle rank during 2012 – our leaders of tomorrow. Through an independent study, it was found that Eagle Scouts are more likely to hold higher levels of planning and preparation skills, be goal-oriented and network with others as well as hold leadership roles in their community or place of employment. These Scouts indeed should be considered the future leaders of our community. In addition, nine Eagle Scouts from Scioto County were the recipients of the prestigious 2012 Samuel Wilson Ware Eagle Scholarship. All of these Scouts were introduced to more than 150 community leaders at the annual Leadership Dinner in April 2012

Scouting holds more than a century-long tradition of civic involvement and service to the community. 2012 area Scouts collected more than 8,000 pounds of food for local food banks and contributed more than 10,000 service hours to their communities. IN addition to the communal benefit, Scouts gained meaningful appreciation of civic duty and pride in citizenship.

Through adventure and service, Scouts are better prepared to become our future business and community leaders. More than 2,000 Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venture Scouts, their families and friends participated in local BSA activities offered locally in 2012. From winter, spring and fall camping at the Council’s camp, Camp Oyo, to Cincinnati Reds ballgames and roller skating outings plus Day Camp and resident camps throughout the area, area, our youth learned life skills in an exciting environment.

As Scouting looks to the future, the Simon Kenton Council and the Tecumseh District join the national effort to better prepare the next generation to compete globally. S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) is at the forefront of our Scouting objectives. Local Scouts will participate in five STEM-related merit badges at S.T.E.M University scheduled for March 16th at Portsmouth High School. Thanks to the generosity of the Scioto Foundation, The Marting’s Foundation and Fluor B&W, area Scouts will have hands-on experiences with Welding, Robotics, Personal Management, Architecture and Engineering under the guidance of local business owners. In addition, expanded programs at summer camp and additional Scouting events will provide even more opportunities in this critical area. Cub Scouts throughout the area engineer pinewood derby cars that require math and measurements in the design process for the annual Pinewood Derby race, one of the most popular winter activities. While having fun, these youth are building their knowledge for the future.

The Boy Scouts is comprised of three program areas including Cub Scouts for boys grades one to five, Boy Scouts for boys ages eleven to seventeen and Venturing, a co-ed program for young adults ages fourteen to twenty. There is also a place for adult volunteers who have the opportunity to give back to the youth of our community

The local Scout Service Center is located at 318 Chillicothe Street and offers a Scout Shop which provides Scouting gear and program materials.

For further information on the Boy Scout program in our area, contact the local Scout Service Center at 740-354-2811 or visit www.skcbsa.org