What's the Connection Between Scouting and Rotary?

Since their inception, Rotary International (1905) and the Boy Scouts of America (1910) 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 1,400 Scouting units (Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, and Venturing crews) serving more than 50,000 youth members.
 
District 7930 is looking to expand our relationship with Scouting: the youth, the leadership and the families involved with Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturing. We believe that the connection within our district is strong as can be evidenced by the support Rotarians like yourself provide in one or more ways throughout the year. Whether you were a Scout as a youth, have a child or grandchild enrolled in a program currently, serve as an adult leader or support their service projects in your community, Rotary is there, often behind the scenes. If you are one of these individuals and would like to be part of a new initiative to further develop options for shared mission and service, please send an email to Dave Gardner by clicking here!
 
For more information, please continue reading the story!
 
Our future lies within our children, and oftentimes the challenges and problems they face seem insurmountable. Today, more than ever before, our young people need the guidance and mentoring of quality adult role models. By being involved with a Scouting unit, Rotarians can provide a positive alternative for the youth of their community. Rotary and Scouting work to bring together people of all races, religious faiths, and political beliefs in a friendly, impartial atmosphere. Becoming involved with a chartered organization can result only in a win-win situation for a Rotary club. Not only will such a project bring club members together and allow them to directly serve the youth in their community, but also the image of the club will be enhanced in the eyes of the public.

Specifically, the BSA endeavors to develop American citizens who are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit; have a high degree of self-reliance as evidenced in such qualities as initiative, courage, and resourcefulness; have personal values based on spiritual concepts; have the desire and skills to help others; understand the principles of the American social, economic, and governmental systems; are knowledgeable about and take pride in their American heritage and understand our nation’s role in the world; have a keen respect for the basic rights of all people; and are prepared to participate in and give leadership to American society.
 
The community of Scouting is one which shares our common beliefs and those involved would make incredible Rotarians now or in the future. In past discussions in our district or in other districts I have discovered an incredible percentage of Rotarians who are connected to Scouting.
 
So what can we do?
 
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.
  • Has an opportunity to attract members who share our mission.
There is a full brochure describing the connection between Rotary and Boy Scouting here!