For Immediate Release- Nov. 12, 2008
Contact: Shelly Grimes
(317) 925-1900 ofc.
(317) 946-6999 cell
sgrimes@crossroadsbsa.org
Foundations award $225,000 to expand Scouting programs
to more Delaware County youth
Indianapolis, Ind., Nov. 12, 2008— The Crossroads of America Council, Boy Scouts of America has received two grants to help more Delaware County youth become involved in Scouting. The George and Frances Ball Foundation has awarded a grant of $125,000 and the Ball Brothers Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to the council.
Most of the two grants will help expand ScoutReach, a program that serves low income, at-risk and special needs youth including providing more activities for ScoutReach youth, and increasing the number of and better train program aides. These grants will also help implement needed improvements at Camp Red Wing and install Web-based training for Delaware County Scout leaders and volunteers.
“There is a strong need in our community to get more youth involved in Scouting,” said Joe Wilson, Scout volunteer and board member. “Scouting provides creative, customized and cutting–edge programs to reach more kids and families than ever before.”
More than 11,000 youth in central Indiana, including 600 in Delaware County, currently participate in the ScoutReach program through units in public-housing communities and after school programs. Crossroads of America Council’s ScoutReach program is among one of the best in the nation, being honored for the past eight years with the National Boy Scouts of America President’s Urban Emphasis Award recognizing outstanding programs, leadership, growth and fiscal responsibility.
Boy Scouts of America is a youth development organization that’s designed to prepare young people to make ethical and moral decisions throughout their lifetimes. The goals of Scouting consist of citizenship training, character development and personal fitness. Throughout the Boy Scout program, young people are encouraged to advance through ranks by fulfilling requirements in the areas of leadership, service and outdoor skills. To get more information on Scouting, call (317) 925-1900 or 877-925-1900 (toll free) or visit www.crossroadsbsa.org.
###