On January 20th, the Greater New York Councils, Boy Scouts of America's Law Enforcement Exploring program, a community service, career-oriented program designed to educate high school and college students about law enforcement, was presented with the Mutual of America 2011 Community Partnership Award. 

Giving back to the community is a big part of the program. Each year, over 5,000 Explorers, collectively perform approximately 65,000 hours of community service, from cleaning neglected lots to manning tables at the March of Dimes Walk. 

The Mutual of America Community Partnership Award annually honors the outstanding contributions that 10 nonprofit organizations, in partnership with public, private and other social sector organizations, make to society. 

To read our Merit Finalist information from the Mutual of America 2011 Community Partnership Award Brochure, please Click Here.

To visit the GNYC, BSA Exploring program home page, please Click Here.
 

(CNN) -- Who walks away from $10 million?

Who creates something beloved and beautiful that will eventually earn him well in excess of $10 million, and says he doesn't want the money?

The answer is a story of generosity and grace that seems fitting for this season of giving.

I was doing some research on the great songwriter Irving Berlin, who, with his family, fled oppression in Russia when he was 5 years old and came to the United States. He knew no English; he grew up in poverty on New York's Lower East Side. He taught himself music. He wrote the lyrics and melodies to more than 1,500 songs, including some of the most popular in history: "White Christmas," "Easter Parade," "Alexander's Ragtime Band," "This Is the Army, Mr. Jones," "Cheek to Cheek." His feel for the sound of words was close to perfect; if you want to learn the craft of writing, not only music, but any kind of effective writing, study the lyrics -- the precision, the economy, the playfulness, the respect for language and cadence -- of Berlin's "There's No Business Like Show Business." There is not a wasted syllable.

Because "White Christmas" -- the cherished holiday song written by the Jewish immigrant -- will, as usual, be played and sung often this month, I was trying to find out all I could about Berlin's life and career. And came upon an astonishing, profoundly moving act of altruism.

It has to do with the song he considered the most important he ever wrote -- the song that meant the most to him.

(To view the full article written by Robert Greene, CNN Contributor please Click Here)

Local 94 Operating Engineers Gives Back to Scouting

On Saturday, October 15, 2011, a group of individuals from Local 94 Operating Engineers gave some of their free time to help plant “94” trees around William H. Pouch Camp in Staten Island. Through the efforts of Local 94 and the New York City Parks Department, they were able to help replenish many of the trees that were lost in the last several years as a result of heavy storms.

Kings County District Attorney's Office Explorers Take 1st Place at National Mock Trial Competition in Chicago

Law Explorers from our Brooklyn DA's Office post achieved a national mock trial victory in Chicago on July 30th. Four students won individual awards. 

The DA's office mentors paired up with teenage students interested in the legal profession. The teens learn about the roles of prosecutors, defense attorneys, plaintiff attorneys, witnesses and trial technique. The students made it through six preliminary rounds before making it to the finals against a formidable Indiana team at The John Marshall Law School.  

This is the second win for the Brooklyn Explorers team, who took home the top honors in 2007.

To read the full press release on our Explorers win, please click here. 

New York City Explorers attend the AT&T Summer Exploring Academy at Camp Keowa from July 11-14

Business Explorers arrived at Camp Keowa on July 11th for a four day training session at the Greater New York Councils' Ten Mile River Camp in Narrowsburg, NY to learn how to become thriving business professionals while enjoying the camp grounds.

With the help of the AT&T Business Academy,and volunteers from American Management Association, the Explorers were taught the essential skills and tools needed to succeed in the business world. This included an introduction to management, how to become a leader, strategic planning, business writing, negotiation, communication and presentation skills.

Thanks to AT&T and AMA, the Explorers were given an opportunity to meet and learn with other students and business professionals through this interactive and hands-on educational experience.

Greater New York Councils Enters into Option Agreement with The Trust for Public Land to Conserve William H. Pouch Scout Camp

We are pleased to announce our partnership with The Trust For Public Land to preserve William H. Pouch Scout Camp on Staten Island.

To view our full press release, please click here

Thank You to New Donor Pratt Industries

Thank you to Pratt Industries for becoming one of the Greater New York Councils' newest donors. The paper recycling company presented a check for Scouting at a recent Staten Island Yankees game. Pictured at left are Matt and Jeremy Gaor from Staten Island's Pack 6, Hank Levin of Pratt Industries, Staten Island Finance Chairman Chris Williams of Williams Eye Works, and Joe Schiltz, Staten Island and Queens Field Director.