Scouting and community service go hand-in-hand. Just think about the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and Scout Slogan: “On my honor I will do my best to help other people at all times. A scout is helpful, friendly, courteous, and kind. Do a good turn daily.”
Community service can be defined as voluntary work intended to help people in a particular area the work is done for free without expectation of reward. Performing community service contributes to the development of citizenship and good character. During a group service project, Scouts cooperate with one another as they work together, all the while doing something that helps other people.
There are all kinds of service projects performed by Scouts: those that benefit someone directly like an elderly person or the family of a deployed soldier, those that benefit the chartered organization (journey to excellence requires at least one annual service project to benefit each units chartered organization) and then of course there are those that benefit the community at large.
Nothing a Scout unit does raises community awareness more than a service project. These concerns are some of our best marketing tools, sending the message that Scouts are here making life better for all of us. The Boy Scouts of America actually collect service project hours to demonstrate the value that Scouting provides to the nation. These hours are reported to the states and to Congress based on the amount of community service provided by Scouts. The BSA and local councils receive grants and foundation donations.
In order to get credit for the projects, journey to excellence requires units to record projects and hours on the service hours reporting website. In most scouting programs, community service is required for rank advancement. Of course this should never overshadow the worthwhile experience of performing a good turn and helping other people during a service project. Everyone can and should get into the act! This includes Scouts of all ages as well as adult volunteers setting a good example for all above. Even siblings can get involved (some will become Scouts!), and everyone should be taught the valuable ethic of helping others.
When planning a service project, ask these questions:
What is the project’s purpose?
Who should be contacted as resources?
How many Scouts must be involved to complete the work in the allotted time?
What tools and other materials are needed?
What safety issues must be addressed?
It’s always good to discuss various project ideas with the scouts. Scouts are more likely to buy into a project if they have taken an active part in the selecting planning and organizing process. Service projects should be significant, accomplishing something important. Make sure the project has definite beginning and end points with a clear goal, allowing everyone to measure the progress along the way. This increases everyone’s sense of participation in pride in a job well done. When the project is completed, all who participated should be able to look back with satisfaction on an effort that made a difference in their community.
A great example of a worthwhile service project is Scouting for Food. To the best of their abilities, it’s good for all units to participate in this kind of district- or Council-wide effort which has a positive impact on a community and makes such a positive statement about Scouting to help Scouts realize how they benefit others by volunteering and participating in community service projects when the work has been completed. A period of reflection and discussion will make the experience more meaningful to all those involved.