TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
William F. Cronk
President |
Roy L. Williams
Chief Scout Executive |
Donald D. Belcher
National Commissioner |
For almost a century, Boy Scouts have served others at all times with
sincerity and conviction. In fact, the Boy Scouts of America was founded on the
premise that to be a good citizen you must do for others.
In 2006, the Boy Scouts of America continued serving others by specifically
addressing the issues of hunger, inadequate housing, and poor health through the
Good Turn for America initiative—a collaborative effort with Habitat for
Humanity, the American Red Cross, and The Salvation Army. From January 2006
through December 2006, more than 1.6 million service hours were reported by
6,877 units, resulting in 17,189 service projects with the involvement of
approximately a quarter million youth and adults. In addition, more than 330 BSA
members were honored in 2006 for their courageous performance of lifesaving and
meritorious actions.
In addition to providing service to others, the BSA continues making a
difference in the lives of its youth members. Through the efforts of almost 1.2
million dedicated volunteers and the support of religious and civic
organizations in communities across the country, the BSA reached millions of
young people in 2006 with its program of citizenship, mental and physical
fitness, and character development.
While these numbers are impressive and show our impact, millions more youth
can benefit from the BSA's programs by learning leadership, developing
character, and serving others. Thus, the first year of the BSA's new National
Strategic Plan, "2010: When Tradition Meets Tomorrow," focused on how to reach
more young people. Research conducted by the BSA in 2006 included how to better
serve young people in Hispanic/Latino, Asian, and African American communities
as well as how to best meet the needs of a new generation of parents and
volunteers.
Scouting is strong and experienced a growth in the number of young people
enjoying the Scouting experience in 2006. The Boy Scouts of America will
continue to recruit quality leadership, adequately fund programs, invite youth
from all backgrounds to join, and offer a fun and exciting program, enabling
young people to become extraordinary adults.
William F. Cronk
President |
Roy L. Williams
Chief Scout Executive |
Donald D. Belcher
National Commissioner | |