Boy Scouts of America

Executive Communications

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Executive Communications
Hear from Scouting’s Leadership

Executives share thoughts on a variety of key Scouting topics.

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  • A Message from the Chief Scout Executive
  • Youth Leadership Development
Youth Leadership Development
Topic: Thoughts from the CEO
05/21/2024

Friends –

Growing up in Cincinnati, faith was an integral part of my life. My family, church, school, and troop all provided a community that helped shape who I was and who I would become in life. Even today, the simple, quiet reverence of Scout Vespers moves me. I know many of you who have grown up in Scouting feel the same way.

As a parent, I believe that faith should be an integral part of childhood. In an increasingly complicated world, faith helps young people develop a broader perspective on life. Faith gives them a sense of hope and teaches them acceptance and selflessness in a society that sometimes tells them they aren’t enough. Ultimately, faith is an individual journey which can help define who we are and who we’ll become. The Scouting tradition says that youth are better served when they live lives of reverence and faith.  And I believe that is true.

Recently, some have wondered if Scouting’s commitment to faith was still strong. They supposed that by changing our name we might somehow be moving away from our core ideals. I can assure you that nothing could be further from the truth. The Scout Oath and Law begin with Duty to God and conclude with Reverent. This is not an accident. Scouting’s founders knew that faith acts as a type of compass that guides and ultimately makes our families, communities, and our nation stronger.

We are committed to the unchanging ideals of the Scout Oath, Law and our duty to country and our faith. Like the points of a compass, they are constant. They unite us as a movement as we prepare young people for lives of purpose and impact.

I hope you’ll join me as we continue to live these ideals and invite more youth and families to join Scouting. An invitation to a classmate to visit a pack meeting or to come along on a campout could be the first step for someone who needs the fun, faith and adventure that awaits. Along the way, they may just find a new path through Scouting America.

Yours in Scouting,

A Message from the Chief Scout Executive
Topic: Safeguarding Youth
07/16/2024

We’re pleased to announce the introduction of another new tool designed to help safeguard youth in Scouting America: Anonymous Reporting.

The Scouts First Anonymous Reporting allows anyone to submit anonymous reports of physical, psychological, or sexual abuse. By facilitating two-way, anonymous communications through texting, email, and QR codes, Scouts First Anonymous Reporting ensures youth and adults alike can be heard and start the path to giving them the advice or help they need.

How does it work?

Reporting is easy. Reports can be submitted by text, a phone call, or QR code by using (1-844-Scouts1 or 844-726-8871). By creating two-way, anonymous communications, Scouting America can start a dialog and get the person making the report the advice or help they need.

What happens after a report is received?

After a report is submitted, the person who reported receives an automated reply. The submission will be reviewed based on several factors, and depending on the content of the report, Scouting America will follow up to learn more in order to take appropriate action, including provide assistance and/or reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities.

With a process of measured, two-way communications, we gain the trust and confidence needed to appropriately provide advice or help.

What happens if Scouting America is unable to learn the identity of the person making the report?

The goal of the two-way communication is to provide a trusted conversation with the person making the report so we can provide advice or help. This is a process that can take time. By providing an avenue we open the door to help.

What should be reported?

Anytime a youth feels they are in danger, uncomfortable, are being abused and are looking for advice or help.

Adults may also use Scouts First if they believe a youth has been harmed or their safety and well-being is at risk and feel they cannot immediately reach their Scout executive or local council.

With Scouts First Anonymous Reporting, anyone can report a concern, and everyone’s identity remains anonymous and protected.

Safeguarding the youth in Scouting is our top priority. Tools like Anonymous Reporting are just one more way Scouting America is working to protect youth and families. Click here to find out more.

Yours in Scouting,