Rachel Carson, a Unit Services Director for the Boy Scouts of America who lives in Manchester actually grew up in Hudson. The BSoA is broken down into 4 field offices in Michigan, she said and serves the Southern Shores Field Service Council encompassing Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties.
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. Cub scouts serve the youngest population (Kindergarten to 5th grade) and belong to dens and complete various projects and work with their families to earn rank, she said.
The next level is Scouts USA – 11 to 17 year olds and the program is guided by adult volunteers. Their Venturing program is for youth (up to 20 year olds) who earn badges and awards. These individuals focus on leadership, personal growth and service.
Exploring is part – a career exploration program for youth ages 14 through 20 years old. Some Exploring posts are housed within several fire departments, she said, and give them experience with firefighting so they may consider making it their career in the future. Trade skills that used to be taught in our local schools is not part of the BSoA programming, Rachel said.
The Boy Scouts is now named Family Scouting since it is no longer limited to just boys. This started back in 2018 with the Cub Scouts, she said. It was in February of this year that the program allowed girls to join.