Scouts attending the University of Scouting. (Submitted photo)

by Sophia Root,

Commerce Chenango

CHENANGO COUNTY - Commerce Chenango is highlighting the achievements of the Baden Powell Council of Scouting America, located in Binghamton.

The council serves youth and families in six counties in the Southern Tier region of New York and Pennsylvania, engaging them with outdoor adventures, educational programs, and community service projects.

Matthew Bull, Scout Executive & CEO said, “The council is dedicated to preparing young people, both boys and girls, to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.”

The Baden-Powell Council is governed by an executive board consisting of stakeholders from across their service territory. Their offices are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and their retail store is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 to 6 p.m.

Scouting and the Baden-Powell Council have been serving this area of New York as early as 1910, the same year scouting was founded in the United States.

Bull said, “Local Scouting is supported in large part by the generous donations and sponsorships for our Distinguished Citizen recognition dinners throughout the area.” He added, “while scouting does employ staff, volunteers such as parents and lifelong scouters drive the program forward and ensure that scouts are receiving the promise of scouting that was made to them when they joined.”

Bull sees many benefits to being based in our area, “As everyone who lives in this area can tell you, the access to outdoor activity is second to none and our positioning along major highways as a corridor to the whole northeast allows easy access of scouts around the region to access our facilities, enjoy our business, and come back year after year to our camps.

“The Southern Tier enjoys one of the longest relationships with Scouting in the United States. This area of NY presents limitless opportunities for outdoor recreation and the people within our communities are warm and welcoming,” he said.

The council has seen recent developments and an increase in interest.

“We are excited to expand scouting into areas that have not seen scouting for a few years. It has been great to see a resurgence in families looking to the out-of-doors to get children off screens. We are excited that Camp Tusky (aka Tuscarora) is bursting at the seams with Scouts this summer. As we continue to grow each year, we are looking at adding new facilities to our camp properties,” said Bull. adding, “Our local Cub Packs and Scout Troops regularly host public events to showcase the best of Scouting and provide opportunities for families to join our program.”

The group regularly updates their Facebook page, which can be found at BPCouncil. To find contact information for your local Scouts, visit http://www.BeAscout.org and visit http://careers.Scouting.org to learn more about job opportunities.

SCOUT OATH


On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

SCOUT LAW

The Scout Law has 12 points. Each is a goal for every Scout. A Scout tries to live up to the Law every day. It is not always easy to do, but a Scout always tries.

A Scout is:

TRUSTWORTHY. Tell the truth and keep promises. People can depend on you.

LOYAL. Show that you care about your family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and country.

HELPFUL. Volunteer to help others without expecting a reward.

FRIENDLY. Be a friend to everyone, even people who are very different from you.

COURTEOUS. Be polite to everyone and always use good manners.

KIND. Treat others as you want to be treated. Never harm or kill any living thing without good reason.

OBEDIENT. Follow the rules of your family, school, and pack. Obey the laws of your community and country.

CHEERFUL. Look for the bright side of life. Cheerfully do tasks that come your way. Try to help others be happy.

THRIFTY. Work to pay your own way. Try not to be wasteful. Use time, food, supplies, and natural resources wisely.

BRAVE. Face difficult situations even when you feel afraid. Do what you think is right despite what others might be doing or saying.

CLEAN. Keep your body and mind fit. Help keep your home and community clean.

REVERENT. Be reverent toward God. Be faithful in your religious duties. Respect the beliefs of others.

(Information from www.scouting.org)