10078 Reading Road
Cincinnati, OH 45241
ScoutREACH
Dan Beard Council, Boy Scouts of America prepares thousands of youth and families in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. One of Dan Beard Council’s top priorities is to serve children and families in underserved communities in the region through ScoutREACH. A grant from the Dater Foundation supported the commitment to making sure that every child has an opportunity to be a Scout, regardless of their circumstances, neighborhood, or ethnic background. The organized program provides a safe environment for youth with positive adult role models who teach kids about healthy living, introduce future career opportunities, and reinforce character development.
Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the Dan Beard Council provided Scouting outreach programs to over 800 youth this past year. Typically, this program is operated in-school and after-school at various Cincinnati Public Schools, and other local schools in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Due to the pandemic in 2020, the Council partnered with local school partners to help to deliver virtual Scouting programs. Video and virtual programs were used to supplement in-person content and program delivery.
Challenge Camp, one of the showcase initiatives of ScoutREACH, offered an outdoor summer camp experience free of charge to 35 youth from all walks of life and many youth from the inner city in 2020 despite a pandemic. The Dater Foundation’s grant helped ensure that enhanced health and safety protocols were in place resulting in zero reported COVID-19 cases in summer camps. A diversified group of volunteers who deliver the annual program includes a mix of businessmen, police, firefighters, and community leaders. In addition to facilitating fun outdoor programming, they mentor a small group of youth through team building initiatives and personal interaction.
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