Announcing the Summer of Service Initiative
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing information with you around the upcoming Summer of Service. The Summer of Service is a national initiative designed to encourage our movement to “give back” at a time when a spirit of community service is needed more than ever.
As we have throughout our history, Scouting families have answered the call to work together in service of the greater good. From public health drives…to caring for the environment…to assisting neighbors in need…Scouts have always been a force for positivity and goodness in our communities. Now more than ever, our world needs that Scouting spirit once again. Let’s step up! Let’s answer the call to put “service beyond self” to make a positive impact in our neighborhoods and communities throughout the summer.
Through a communications push, toolkits, and recognition items, we’ll be asking our members to find ways…big and small…to serve others throughout the summer. We’ll be encouraging each other to live up to our mission of “helping other people at all times” and being “kind.” Kind to the environment…to people…and to our communities.
What are the requirements?
The Summer of Service is a broad initiative that allows families maximum flexibility in deciding the type of service that best fits their circumstances. From big projects to small spur-the-moment opportunities, we’ll ask participants to give back in some way and then tell us about it. Based on the honor system, participants will be able to download printable certificates and order a special recognition patch. All handled through the Summer of Service website, there will be no cumbersome forms or daunting lists of requirements. The important part is to activate the mindset of serving others.
What is the timing of the Summer of Service?
Service happening between April 1 and October 31 will be eligible for the Summer of Service recognition items. Do councils need to manage the Summer of Service? Councils may get as involved in the Summer of Service as they’d like, although there is certainly no requirement to do so. Some councils may choose to leave it up to Scouting families to determine whether to participate. In those cases, there is no council action required. Other councils may wish to organize large-scale community projects and manage something as a council. They may even wish to create a council patch or other council-specific recognition items. It is up to each council to determine their desired level of involvement.
Tracy Jones | Program Director
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
Southeast Louisiana Council
4200 S. I-10 Service Rd West, Suite 140
Metairie, LA 70001
P 504.889.0388 | F 504.889.1162 | C 504.615.0344
