June 8, 2023 | Candace Hammond, Boy Scouts of America

Candace Hammond, District Executive for BSA's Chisholm Trail and Black Beaver districts, talked about Boy Scouts' history and the needs facing the organization in the present.

 

The Rotary Club of Chickasha met June 8, 2023. 

 

Rotarian of the Day Ann Manchester introduced the speaker, Candace Hammond. Hammond is the District Executive for the Boy Scouts of America Chisholm Trail District, which includes Grady, Stephens, and Jefferson counties, as well as Black Beaver District, which includes Caddo, Comanche, and Cotton counties. Both districts are part of the Last Frontier Council. Hammond described her role as on of marketing, development, and relationship-building.

 

 

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. According to the Scout Law, a Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.

 

Like many organizations, BSA has seen decline in participation in recent years. However, this past year, the district saw an increase in membership, the first time since 2018. Also like many organizations, Hammond expressed a critical need for volunteers. She explained that BSA instills "leadership qualities that you can't get in other programs." The most dire need is in Cub Scout units. She said that it takes about 5-10 volunteers to get a unit going. Committee members are also a critical need, as the local council is operating much smaller than the ideal.

 

The district is in the process of adding an "exploring unit"—a dedicated training program—for aviation in Duncan. They are also looking for a committee to help put on a "pintwood derby"—a pinewood derby for adults—at Legends Pubhouse.

 

To close the meeting, Rotarian Ed Stanton delivered Fun Facts. June 8 is...