LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Scouting America, formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America, is hosting recruiting events as the new year school year begins.
The Las Vegas Area Council serves more than 5,000 youth.
“These kids learn fiscal responsibility, they learn ethical decision making, because what our country needs more than anything is leadership,” Todd Walter, the scout executive/CEO of the council said.
This year, the 115-year-old organization underwent a historic rebranding. It’s an effort to be more inclusive and to help increase membership following years of sexual abuse lawsuits involving troop leaders and other adults, leading to its bankruptcy.
The valley council has a committee that focuses on safety.
“Our focus is 100 percent on how do we prevent bad things from happening to young people whether it is in our program or in the community as a whole, that is our focus,” Walter said. “As issues come up or arise they are dealt with immediately, they are not allowed to fester.”
Scouting America is now inclusive of LGBTQ2+ youth, including girls.
“32 percent of the youth that we serve are female now, we have 57 female eagle scouts now, four of the girls are amazing, all amazing, but four of these girls have earned both the Girl Scout Gold Award and the Boy Scout Eagle Award,” he added.
Walter says it’s not about competition, but about building future leaders.
“The girls scouts serve 4-5 percent of the market, we are serving 1 percent of the market, that is 5 percent of the overall market, 94 percent of the girls aren’t involved in either one of the programs,” he said.
Scouting America currently serves more than one-million youth members across the country. To find a Scouting home in the valley, you can find information here.
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