The ScoutReach Program of the Cradle of Liberty Council, BSA is a council-assisted program which helps to meet the developmental needs of young boys in Philadelphia, Montgomery and Delaware Counties.  By emphasizing ethics and moral values, ScoutReach addresses many of the social concerns of parents and youth in the area.  ScoutReach expands Scouting to all youth and clearly portrays that Scouting is for everyone including the disadvantaged and minority youth.  Our mission is to ensure that Scouting is available to all youth regardless of their circumstances, or ethnic background by providing special leadership and emphasis to inner-city Scouting programs.

National Award for Philadelphia

Strategies

In Summer 2008 our ScoutReach Program was awarded national recognition for excellence. Our ScoutReach program has developed programs, staff, and incentives all designed to assist families in acquiring the skills needed to serve as Scout Leaders. Roughly 20% of our ScoutReach boys progress from a fully funded Scouting program to a THRIFTY fully volunteer lead Scouting Program.

ScoutReach Rewards - Scouts who live up to the Cub Scout Promise are recognized with the ScoutReach Rewards Program.  This program allows a boy to earn his uniform, badges and camping equipment.  All points are earned through one of three basic categories: Attendance, Behavior and Cub Scouting (or the ABC's of Cub Scouting).

Adult Leaders - titled "Program Specialists," are hired to serve as Cubmasters.

Phase 1: Almost all ScoutReach packs start out in Phase 1 - a fully funded after-school program that is staffed by the council.  ScoutReach believes that the most important resource missing from these neighborhoods is the HUMAN RESOURCE.  When Scouting can provide the leadership - the families respond.

Area Companies Sponsors - local companies and organizations such as the Philadelphia Phillies, Comcast-Spectacor and the Philadelphia Zoo assist ScoutReach by providing activities and events for our boys.  Keystone Mercy Health Plan is a major supporter.

Phase 2: A partially funded after-school program where parents/guardians become involved.  About 40% of our boys and parents reach this level of independence.

Families Helping Families - Many of our traditional Packs and Troops see the value of developing quality Scouting in our inner city neighborhoods.  These families have pooled their money and resources to Sponsor a Pack.  They also invite their Brother Pack to go camping with them, pooling additional human resources to provide better quality Scouting for everyone. 

Phase 3: An after-school program that is minimally funded by council and has strong parents/volunteer leadership support.  About 20% of Phase 1 ScoutReach boys and families eventually reach this level of independence.  Additionally, Phase 3  Cub Scouts often will cross over into traditional Boy Scout troops.

Good Guys - Often, families will join a ScoutReach program to provide much needed adult male role models for their son.  Occasionally, their troop is lead by a woman.  The Good Guys program aims to fill that void.  Each Pack has a Good Guy that will volunteer to visit occasionally and provide that consistent adult male role model.

Demographics

How you can help

Funds directed for ScoutReach help to provide:

Uniforms, handbooks, camping experiences, transportation to Scouting events and other Scouting opportunities.

You can also help by donating your gently used Scout Uniforms and/or handbooks, volunteer as a Good Guy or contribute directly.

For more information, please contact: Yasseline Diaz, ScoutReach Director.