Law Enforcement Explorers Perform Community Service for Opening of Harlem's New Target Store

Explorers in the 32nd Precinct's Law Enforcement Exploring Program assisted with the grand opening of Manhattan's first Target store on July 25th.  The Explorers spent the weekend before the grand opening preparing more than 2,500 gift bags for customers and then handed them out at the store opening, helping to promote the Exploring program while being part of the much-anticipated store's arrival.

Explorers perform thousands of service hours throughout the five boroughs every year as part of their commitment to the program and their communities. Target is a new partner and supporter of the Law Enforcement Exploring program and we are proud to help give back to Target and the Harlem community!

Empire State Building to Honor Boy Scouts of America in Lights July 30-August 1 

The Empire State Building will honor the Centennial of the Boy Scouts of America this weekend with three nights of red, white and blue to mark this historic milestone for one of the country's most highly respected youth-serving organizations. The iconic building is both the tallest building in New York as well as home to the local Scout office serving the five boroughs. 

The July 30- August 1 weekend coincides with both the National Scout Jamboree in Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, at which 46,000 Scouts are engaging in adventure activities and fellowship, as well as the New York City Scout weekend, the highlight of which is the all-day July 31st BSA 100th Anniversary celebration in Times Square.   

Greater New York Councils #14 out of 298 Local Scout Councils in Traditional Membership Growth

The Greater New York Councils' professional and volunteer efforts are paying off as we extend the Scouting program to an increasing number of youth in New York City.

At mid-year, we are seeing a 7.2% membership increase, which is an incredible accomplishment.  It is important because it represents kids who now have newfound social, educational and recreational opportunities through Scouting. Kids in every borough are learning life skills, going to summer camp, and making new friends. Thank you to all of our parents, volunteers, donors and friends who recognize the value of Scouting in a child's life and let's keep up the good work!

NYC Law Enforcement Explorers Win 4 1st Place Prizes at National Competition!

We are proud to report that our New York City Law Enforcement Explorers did their best ever at the Law Enforcement Exploring National Competition in Atlanta, Georgia.  They placed in over half of the competitions and came home with four 1st place finishes nationally in the Bomb Threat, Crime Scene Investigation, Emergency First Aid/ EMS and Community Service categories. The Explorers represented themselves and the Greater New York Councils extremely well to the rest of the nation as they were mentioned by everyone as the example to follow nationwide.

Furthermore,  one of our Explorers from the DEA was interviewed live on CNN discussing the New York City program and responded with great poise.  Please take a look at the CNN footage.    Congratulations, Explorers!

Only One Week Until the Scouting Event of the Century- Register Now for the GNYC Times Square Jamboree!

In case you haven't heard the news...the Boy Scouts are taking over Times Square next Saturday, July 31st!  Join us from 10:30 a.m. on for a day filled with exciting activities to show New York City that the BSA is alive and thriving at 100!  Bring your friends who'd like to have fun and learn about the adventure of Scouting.

The full day of events will feature a Scouting expo with a 24 foot climbing wall, 32 foot canoe canal, virtual kayaking, laser archery, first aid, emergency preparedness, fire building demonstrations and pinewood derby racing.  The day will culminate in a special New York City-style show and the nationwide broadcast of “A Shining Light Across America” from the National Scout Jamboree with two major viewing areas for a Scouting audience, a live stage with Broadway entertainment, and broadcasted content on the “big screens” throughout Times Square. We expect 5,000 Scouts and Scouters to make it a day or weekend activity! Register here and learn more about discounts at partner attractions and join the fun for the whole family!

BSA & Lemelson-MIT Program Introduce Inventing Merit Badge

The Boy Scouts of America, in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has formally launched the Inventing Merit Badge to help Scouts explore the power of creativity and solving real-world problems.

Merit badges have historically given Scouts the opportunity to experience and learn about a variety of hobbies and professions.  The tools Scouts learn while working on requirements can help make the world a better place.

As part of development and pretesting of the Inventing merit badge, 38 Scouts from six Boston area councils completed the merit badge requirements and were awarded their badges.  Additionally, two patent-holding Distinguished Eagles with connections to MIT were presented commemorative merit badges for their past inventive activities and ongoing support of Scouting.

For additional information, please read the full press release and view the merit badge requirements.

 USPS 'Celebrate Scouting' Stamp to be Available July 27th...and Scouts Celebrate our Troops and Veterans

The U.S. Postal service has given a 'stamp of approval' to honor the Boy Scouts of America's 100th Anniversary.  The stamp, to be available on July 27th and unveiled during a  ceremony at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree, depicts the spirit and outdoor adventure of Scouting.

In conjunction with the stamp's debut, the BSA is conducting a nationwide campaign encouraging Scouts to send letters and care packages to veterans and military men and women overseas, to remind them of our support and gratitude for their service. There are countless ways to add to a letter-writing or care package activity into existing Scouting events.  

Visit the Celebrate Scouting stamp webpage for more information and resources.  Download the new toolkit document to learn how to engage your local post office in this opportunity.

Must-Read Youth Protection Training Update

Youth safety is the number one concern for the BSA.  To increase awareness of this societal problem and to create even greater barriers to abuse than already exist today in Scouting, the Boy Scouts of America is implementing several important changes to further enhance its Youth Protection policies. Effective June 1, 2010:

-Youth Protection Training is required for all registered volunteers.

-New leaders are required to take Youth Protection Training before they submit their application for registration.  The certificate of completion for this training must be submitted at the time application is made and before service with youth begins.

-Youth Protection Training must be taken every two years. If a volunteer's Youth Protection Training record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be reregistered.

Please click here for additional information. Thank you for your commitment to our children's health and safety.

TIGERS Exhibition Offers Excitement, Learning, Merit Badges and Discounts from Tiger Cubs to Eagle Scouts!

Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts are encouraged to attend the new high-tech, high-touch "TIGERS: Tracking a Legend" Exhbition at South Street Seaport, open now through January 15, 2011.

A special TIGERS patch for Scouts aligns with several Boy Scout merit badges, including Wildlife Conservation, Mammal Study, Environmental Science, and more.  See rare HD wild tiger footage, inspiring photos, and more immerse yourself in more than 20 fun interactive exhibits that blend science, biology, ecology and natural history.

See the exhibition flyer, learn more about the exhibition, and review the fun interactive guide and activities for children and families, including information specifically for Scouts.

Boy Scouts Ring Opening Bell at New York Stock Exchange

Scouts from the Greater New York Councils rang the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday, May 5, 2010.

Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers from throughout the five boroughs joined Scout Executive Charlie Rosser and Tony Fiori, board member and 100th Anniversary Chair, to mark the occasion of the Boy Scouts of America's 100th Anniversary.  In addition, Duncan Niederauer, CEO, NYSE Euronext, is being recognized by the Greater New York Councils at the Financial Tribute Reception on Thursday, May 6th. 

Video of the bell ringing can be found on the New York Stock Exchange website here.

National Youth Leadership Training Strengthens Scouts and Troops- Sign Up Now!

The National Youth Training Conference (NYLT) is a proven method for fostering personal growth of Scouts and is a vital ingredient in developing high-performing Boy Scout Troops.  Qualifying Scouts are encouraged to attend the upcoming conferences at the recommendation of their Scoutmaster. 

Upcoming opportunities will take place from July 11- July 17 at Camp Keowa, Ten Mile River Scout Reservation, as well as this fall from September 24- 26 AND October 8- 11 (both weekends required) at Alpine Scout Camp.  Registration and other details on the  summer session can be found here and details on the fall training can be found here.  We hope your Scouts take advantage of these educational outdoor experiences. 

Scouts Show Their Pride in NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade!

Scouts, Explorers, and leaders were out in full force representing the Boy Scouts at the 2010 New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade!  This year's parade Grand Marshal, NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly, dedicated the 249th NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade to the Boy Scouts of America in honor of our 100th Anniversary.  About a thousand Scouts and leaders came out to march, play in the Scout band, and show their Scouting pride.

Please view our photo album of the day's festivities!

Televised video of Scouts in the parade can be found on the "GNYC on YouTube" link on the lefthand navigation bar.

Thank you to all the members of the Scouting family who joined us for an amazing turn-out. What a wonderful day!

Happy 100th Anniversary, Boy Scouts of America!

100 years of Scouting in the United States is being celebrated today, February 8, 2010. Scouting's impact on millions of young people over the last century is immeasurable, helping build local and national leaders, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg, President Gerald Ford, Steven Spielberg, Walter Cronkite, Neil Armstrong, and millions of other Americans of character, including husbands, fathers, and regular people who do their best every day.

Scouts today are helping in Haiti's relief efforts, participating in community service projects, and preparing the next generation of youth for the changing world. 

See more news about Scouting's history and Centennial celebrations in the national media's coverage of this milestone:  Good Morning America, NPR, and Fox News.

Upcoming springtime events to celebrate the 100th Anniversary include the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade being dedicated to the Boy Scouts this year and a citywide service day on April 24th.  Stay tuned for details about our July Times Square celebration, coinciding with the National Jamboree.