The Scout Reach Division gives special leadership and emphasis to urban and rural Scouting programs. Scout Reach is the BSA’s commitment to making sure that all young people have an opportunity to join Scouting, regardless of their circumstances, neighborhood, or ethnic background.
Today, young people are faced with many challenges as they often face fragile families and disintegrating neighborhoods. Scout Reach meets the developmental needs of youth in urban settings as diverse as the neighborhoods of Los Angeles. The program also focuses on the U.S. rural population, which constitutes approximately 25 percent of the total U.S. population. Some rural communities are stable and growing, whereas others are characterized by decentralized, low-density populations and/or poverty.
Scouting, by emphasizing ethics and moral values, addresses many of the social concerns of parents and youth in our country. Scouting prepares urban and rural youth to be leaders, to accept responsibility, and to care about principles and causes beyond their own self-interest.
Our biggest asset in urban and rural neighborhoods is a well-defined program based on values, learning-by-doing, fun, and positive role models.
Scout Reach Mission
To recruit strong adult leaders and to develop solid relationships with chartered organizations in urban and rural communities nationwide to ensure that culturally diverse youth have the opportunity to join the Scouting program.