Social Service Scouting Program Strives To Instill Values In Youths

The Boy Scouts of America first came to Idaho in 1913.

The Boy Scouts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preparing young people to make ethical choices by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. From Cub Scouting to venture crews and explorers, the Boy Scouts offers opportunities for young people ages 6 to 21.

Mike Jensen, district director in the North Idaho Service Center, provided answers to the following questions about the Boy Scouts.

Q. How many paid staff do you have?

A. Four in North Idaho. At the North Idaho Service Center, there is a district director, a district executive and an office manager. At Camp Easton, located on Lake Coeur d’Alene, there is an on-site camp ranger. All of these positions are year-round and full-time.

Q. What kinds of service opportunities exist for volunteers?

A. We have more than 650 adult volunteers in the Old Missions District, covering Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Wallace, Kellogg, St. Maries, Harrison and all rural areas of North Idaho. There are numerous positions for adult leaders, including cubmasters, den leaders, Webelos leaders, scoutmasters, assistants, varsity leaders and venture crew leaders. Adults also can be merit badge counselors, or involved at the district or council level. These positions can include day camp director or chairman of program. We are always looking for adult volunteers in all capacities.

Q. How are you funded? What is your largest fund-raising operation?

A. Our funding is provided by United Way, donations, our annual Friends of Scouting campaign and the community. We also host golf tournaments and large events such as Scout-O-Rama, held at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds. Our biggest fund-raiser is our annual Trails End popcorn sale, which runs Oct. 9 to 30. Scouts can earn money for their units as well as prizes for themselves. Many scouts sell more than $1,000 worth of popcorn each year.

Q. What services do you provide to the community at little to no cost?

A. In addition to our many youth programs, we also provide flag ceremonies, help with events such as bike rodeos and march in parades. Our Scouts perform service hours at all rank levels. To attain the rank of Eagle Scout, a boy must do a community-based project. The Boy Scouts have helped to repair city and community parks and camp areas, have built things for local schools and churches and have organized blood and clothing drives. Our annual Scouting for Food campaign in November brought more than 60,000 pounds of food to Idaho food banks.

Q. How has your agency grown? What growth do you predict?

A. Last year, we experienced a 14 percent growth in youth and adult participation in our district. We experienced growth in attendance at major events, such as summer camp, the winter Klondike Derby and also saw a jump in rank advancement and merit badges earned in 1999. Boy Scouts in the district earned 1,500 merit badges ranging in subject from personal fitness to auto mechanics. We expect to see continued growth in our community for years to come. Specifically, at least 5 percent next year.

Q. What is the impact of your organization on this region?

A. Our programs help prevent child abuse, substance abuse and crime with specific activities, materials and training provided at no charge by the Inland Northwest Council. Scouting builds youths who are physically, mentally and emotionally fit, reliant and resourceful. Scouting also has a positive economic impact. Former Scouts earn a higher income, are more likely to attend college and are more apt to volunteer with community agencies.

Q. What do you see as the largest unmet need of this community?

A. The largest unmet need in our area is for quality after-school programs for middle school and high school aged youth. We have a program called Learning for Life which could help area youth with job skills, personal growth and just plain fun wth games and crafts. We would like to see this program available to all youth for a minimal cost for youth ages 11 to 17.

Q. What is your most underused service?

A. Our Venture and Explorer programs. These units are designed for both boys and girls and offer a wide range of opportunities, including rafting, rapelling and caving, career and skill posts and much more. High school youth can learn about new careers in the medical field, firefighting, law enforcement, acting, and more.

Q. How can people contact you?

A. Our office is the North Idaho Service Center which is a satellite office of the Inland Northwest Council. We are located at 178 Commerce Drive in Hayden. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our phone number is 772-2455. Our fax number is 762-2423.