Boy Scouts of America

DEI and Outdoor Access – An Important Message for All of Us

Over the last 20 months as our country has weathered the COVID-19 pandemic, people have gone outside to experience outdoor recreation in record numbers. But not everyone has the time and resources to pack up and head out outside. How can the BSA part of solving this issue?

These were the questions we began to ponder as we try to reach our goal in outdoor programs within the BSA: to help more youth and families enjoy our outdoor programs. As we continue to take this journey along with all of you, we were introduced to some other folks in the camping industry that are making strides in this area. One of those was Toby O’Rourke who is a Scout mom and the President and CEO of Kampgrounds of America (KOA). She and her team have had a huge impact on making the outdoor more accessible for all. She recently shared her thoughts on this critical topic at the National Outdoor Conference held in November. 

Here are few things we learned from her keynote address:

  • 16 million households camped in 2021
  • There has been 24% increase in Diversity since 2012 in camping
  • Half of new campers during this time were from diverse groups
  • There is a difference between including groups and making them feel welcome
  • Listening is the best resource to help everyone feel welcomed
  • Making partnerships in your community with likeminded groups is key to success
  • Inclusive photography in your marketing campaign is important to showing a welcoming environment
  • Understanding our unconscious bias is important for us to continue to move forward

Thinking through these ideas and key points that Toby shared will help us move the needle on welcoming new youth and new families to our outdoor programs. What can you do to take the next step to make sure we build a welcoming culture? Is there a step you can take in your council or camp that would help involve more youth and families in your programs?

If you would like to watch Toby’s full address you can do so HERE.

Let us know what you are doing and share some stories of success with us at outdoorprograms@scouting.org 

 

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Bray Barnes

Director, Global Security Innovative
Strategies

Bray Barnes is a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, Silver
Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Learning for Life Distinguished
Service Award. He received the Messengers of Peace Hero award from
the royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and he’s a life member of
the 101st Airborne Association and Vietnam Veterans Association. Barnes
serves as a senior fellow for the Global Federation of Competitiveness
Councils, a nonpartisan network of corporate CEOs, university presidents, and
national laboratory directors. He has also served as a senior executive for the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading the first-responder program
and has two U.S. presidential appointments

David Alexander

Managing Member Calje

David Alexander is a Baden-Powell Fellow, Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist, and recipient of the Silver Buffalo and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the founder of Caljet, one of the largest independent motor fuels terminals in the U.S. He has served the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association, Teen Lifeline, and American Heart Association. A triathlete who has completed hundreds of races, Alexander has also mentored the women’s triathlon team at Arizona State University.

Glenn Adams

President, CEO & Managing Director
Stonetex Oil Corp.

Glenn Adams is a recipient of the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the former president of the National Eagle Scout Association and established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. He has more than 40 years of experience in the oil, gas, and energy fields, including serving as a president, owner, and CEO. Adams has also received multiple service awards from the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.