Boy Scout Anniversary Week / February 8, 2004

 Publicity – District Units & Volunteers
 “Memories and Achievements”

This event would offer a chance for units and dens to celebrate scouting with another member in the community who was a part of the scouting program as they grew up.   If each unit / den could seek out someone who was a former volunteer and someone who was a former scout in years past – they could then invite those persons to an informal pot-luck with them.  (If more than one former volunteer and scout are available – even better!) They would be asked to share their memories of the scouting program, and how it has enhanced their life.  Many scouts (and volunteers) may not realize the lasting impact such a wonderful program can have on their lives.  Smaller units can work together to hold a larger event, if desired.  This contact with former scouts would be a great bonding experience for both the current and former scouts and volunteers.  It could also lead to increased volunteer support.

They could become pen-palls with another unit or den somewhere across the country to celebrate this anniversary.  They could determine a specific place they would like to learn more about, or simply randomly choose a location on the map, and then seek out a unit or den in that area.  They could then create something to send to that den / unit, which would represent them, and the area in which they live – also inviting the other den or unit to do the same.

Publicity – Media Relations

Advance announcements could be sent out to the media requesting that former scouts and volunteers contact the council office to participate in an anniversary celebration.  In conjunction with this announcement, we could offer a council representative (or various district representatives) for a print or media interview on the history of Boy Scouts. This would need to include ideas for some type of demonstration featuring the basic skills of scouting.  Or, topic could be… “Scouting yesterday and today.”  This would highlight the basic skills and character that have been instilled in young men since its inception, as well as the entrance into today’s technology with regard to the media and career (explorer posts). We could seek out the oldest scout we know of in the council, to see if there would be photos available of his experience.  That person might also be available for interview.  This would achieve a two-fold purpose… seeking out former scouts in the community, and publicizing the event.