Nearly 1,300 Rotary Clubs Charter BSA Units

The BSA operates a little different than most national Scouting organizations in that the BSA doesn't deliver the Scouting program to youth, but charters civic, faith-based, and educational organizations to deliver each of the 3 different Scouting programs in their community. Since the BSA's inception in 1910, Rotary International and the Boy Scouts of America have been partners in serving young people. The principles and goals of both organizations are closely allied. Character-building; service to country, to others, and to self; teaching leadership skills; and becoming aware of the world around us—these are all incorporated into the programs and activities of each organization.

The values expressed in Rotary International’s Motto and the Four Way Test greatly parallel those articulated in the Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan. Rotarians have long served as role models, demonstrating leadership, character, and the value of selfless service to the community. Rotary clubs in the United States charter nearly 1,300 Scouting units (Cub Scout packs, Scout troops, and Venturing crews) serving more than 40,000 youth members.

For more information see the BSA Publication http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/03-233.pdf

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Organizing a BSA Unit

Through Collaboration With Scouting, a Rotary Club

• Provides mentoring opportunities for club members to share personal skills, interests, and experiences with youth participants.
• Builds better youth and future leaders for the community and the nation.
• Shares the purposes of Rotary through Scouting.
• Forms enduring friendships among future leaders of the community.
• Provides service to the community by offering a time tested, high-quality developmental youth program that has continuous identification with your Rotary club.
• Achieves greater public awareness of the ideals of Rotary.

How to Organize a Scouting Unit

• Club leadership is informed about Scouting.
• Club board and membership officially adopt Scouting, and a chartered organization representative is selected from the club’s members.
• The chartered organization representative appoints an organizing committee of local parents and interested club members.
• The organizing committee identifies and recruits unit leaders and committee members.
• The leaders are trained in program planning (Fast Start training).
• The program is planned for at least the first six months.
• Local youth are recruited.
• Unit meetings begin.
• The unit is installed and the charter is presented at a formal ceremony held at a club meeting.

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Units Chartered to Rotary Clubs Indexed by State