In a society rife with intense debate and diversity, the United States has long relied on its shared values and shared desire for the common good to forge a path to prosperity and progress. However, the intensity of today’s divisions and rhetoric makes me worry that we are losing sight of this path.
Beyond the political arena, where we can expect debate, consider the divisions and gridlock that plague our everyday institutions. Businesses that have been more outspoken in supporting humanity’s basic needs for the environment and a diverse, equitable and inclusive society are going quiet due to legal and stakeholder uncertainty. Distrust of the media we rely on to provide productive debate is growing, with one-third of U.S. adults under 30 turning to TikTok for news, according to Pew Research.
Looking around today’s divisions, I can’t help but wonder about the prospects for tomorrow’s leaders. Unless we teach and model tolerance, integrity and inclusive leadership skills to young people, future solutions to our greatest challenges risk being paralyzed by dissonance.
We can reverse this trend by refocusing young people on common interests that transcend our differences, and I believe organizations like the Boy Scouts can help. For 114 years, the Boy Scouts of America has provided young people with the experiences and training they need for strong character development and values-based leadership. More than 130 million Americans participate in the program, which develops life skills through the 12 elements of the Scout Law.
As an Eagle Scout, I camped, learned Scout skills, and even went on the famous Philmont Trek, all while gaining the skills needed to work with people of all faiths and backgrounds. Scouting has had a profound impact on my life: When I became a parent, I wanted my children to experience the joys and lessons of Scouting; when I became a business leader, I relied on the values of Scouting to build a turnaround Business records.
The passage of time and history forces BSA to respond to challenges and embrace change, guided by the timeless values of integrity, respect and service to others. Today, we know these values are not limited to a single gender, race, or identity, and our rebranding as Scouts of America reflects that.
As we look to the next chapter, I’m proud to stand alongside the more than 1 million young men and women serving in local councils across the country, as well as the 460,000 dedicated adult volunteers. Last year, Scouts provided 7.1 million hours of service to their respective communities, valued at more than $225 million, while earning more than 1.3 million merit badges that encourage their commitment to areas such as health care, social services and sustainable development. Interests and exploration of future careers, careers and hobbies and sports.
As we celebrate five years of welcoming women into our core Scouting program, formally known as Boy Scouts, we recognize the 176,234 girls and young women who have joined us, including more than 6,000 who have been awarded the rank of Eagle Scout identity person. Our focus on inclusion of all Scouts and leaders is also reflected in the fact that the rate of youth achieving Eagle Scout status is higher than the historical average of 2.5%.
In our digital age, it’s easy to think that what’s relevant and needed for today’s young people lies in technology, but in the midst of the teen mental health crisis, we’re also seeing how today’s digital experiences are dividing us. Through outdoor activities, achievement achievement, and community service, Scouting provides formative, unique human experiences that shape our bonds and our shared values.
Because fragmentation can hinder progress and productivity in many aspects of our daily lives, it is critical that our future leaders have a place to gain these foundational experiences. While its name has changed to reflect today’s youth, the Boy Scouts of America’s mission is to equip young people to make moral choices throughout their lives, and we cannot ignore the important role it plays.
Roger Krone is president and CEO of the Boy Scouts of America. An Eagle Scout and aerospace engineer, he previously held senior leadership positions at Boeing, McDonnell Douglas and General Dynamics before serving as CEO of Leidos.
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