Good Turn for America Awareness

Since the BSA's inception in 1910, both Scouts and Scouters alike have learned to live the principles of the Scout Oath and Law through community services and "helping other people at all times." With our rich history in mind, we are pleased to re-announce a service initiative - Good Turn for America.

What began with a singular act of service on a foggy London night quickly evolved into daily Good Turns and then into more encompassing national initiatives. These have included selling war bonds, collecting rubber and scrap metal, growing victory gardens during World War II, and more recently, Scouting for Food.

We now have the opportunity to raise our levels of community service and increase awareness of the Scouting program within our neighborhoods. Nationally, the Boy Scouts of America has partnered with The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and the American Red Cross to increase our efforts in meeting the challenges of the 21st century.

Good Turn for America will build on our members' and participants' current service efforts and will also include important partnerships with other community service organizations such as food banks, churches, schools, and many more. These partnerships will provide many additional avenues for all of our members and participants to provide community service in their neighborhoods.

"The concept of serving other people at all times, found in our Scout Oath, is a theme we want to reinforce with both the youth and adults in our programs," said Devin Koehler, council Field Director. "Good Turn for America is meant to include everyone in the community - you don't have to be a member of Scouting to make a difference in our community."

Good Turn for America will measure the number of hours we all are giving back to our community.  Are you one who will make a difference? Get involved.  For more information, please visit www.goodturnforamerica.org.  Tell us about your service project.  Call the Council office for your unit's username/password.

Every year millions of hours of community service are given by Scouts and Scouters. From barn raisings to soup kitchens, ordinary Americans have always made an extraordinary difference in the lives of their neighbors by lending a helping hand, and - as the Scout slogan states - doing a good turn daily. Today, America needs the service of its citizens more than ever to help overcome hunger, lack of adequate shelter, and poor health. 7.4 million hours and going.