Scoutreach

Scoutreach gives special leadership and emphasis to urban and rural Scouting programs. Scoutreach is the BSA’s commitment to making sure that all young people have an opportunity to join Scouting, regardless of their circumstances, neighborhood, or ethnic background.

Today, young people are faced with many challenges as they often face fragile families and disintegrating neighborhoods. Scoutreach meets the developmental needs of youth in urban settings and the housing developments. The program also focuses on the U.S. rural population, which constitutes approximately 25 percent of the total U.S. population. Some rural communities are stable and growing, whereas others are characterized by decentralized, low-density populations and/or poverty.

Scouting, by emphasizing ethics and moral values, addresses many of the social concerns of parents and youth in our country. Scouting prepares urban and rural youth to be leaders, to accept responsibility, and to care about principles and causes beyond their own self-interest.

Our biggest asset in urban and rural neighborhoods is a well-defined program based on values, learning-by-doing, fun, and positive role models.

Scoutreach Mission

To recruit strong adult leaders and to develop solid relationships with chartered organizations in urban and rural communities nationwide to ensure that culturally diverse youth have the opportunity to join the Scouting program.

Recognitions

Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award
This national award is used by Councils to recognize outstanding service by an adult individual or by an organization in the development of Scouting for rural or low-income urban youth. Sometimes this award helps councils recognize “unsung heroes”—people who might not otherwise receive recognition for exceptional service to disadvantaged youth

The Spirit of Scouting Award
The Spirit of Scouting Award is designed for presentation to a noteworthy individual who has performed exceptional and unusual service to young people in urban and rural America over a long period. The award is presented to individuals at the unit level and to people of all races and income levels.

Scouting—Vale la Pena Service Award
The Scouting—Vale la Pena Service Award is used by councils to recognize Scouting volunteers, community leaders, or corporations that have had a positive impact in the service of Hispanic American/Latino youth in urban and rural communities.

Asian American Spirit of Scouting Service Award
The Asian American Spirit of Scouting Service Award is used by councils to recognize Scouting volunteers, community leaders, or corporations that have had a positive impact in the service of Asian American youth in urban and rural communities.

Assistance

Aenta formally Healthcare USA

HealthCare USA children are automatically enrolled in the Doc Bear Club. Members receive a birthday newsletter during their birthday month, and they may join one of the following after-school clubs: 4-H, Boys & Girls Club, Girls Inc, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Discovering Options, and Caring Community select sites! Request your club voucher today by calling Member Services at 1-800-566-6444.

Homestate Health

Coming soon

Great Rivers Council Financial Assistance Form

We are committed to ensuring that all youth have the opportunity to participate in Scouting. We know that for some families, the additional costs of Scouting can be a strain on the family budget. We have funds available to help families in meeting these costs.

Program grants are for youth and are intended to help families with expenses that they cannot afford at this time and are not covered by funds earned by the youth and unit through product sales or other group money-earning projects (for example: popcorn sales or pancake breakfast). Units should make opportunities available for Scouts to earn money to pay for their Scouting expenses before applying for grants.