PURPOSE
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA), was incorporated on February 8, 1910, and chartered by Congress in 1916. Its purpose is to provide young adults an effective educational program designed to build desirable qualities of character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship and to develop in them personal fitness. Community groups such as religious, educational, civic, fraternal, business, labor, governmental bodies, corporations, professional associations, and groups of citizens who have compatible goals and utilize the program provided accomplish the purpose by the Boy Scouts of America on the local level.
MISSION STATEMENT
It is the mission of the Heart of America Council, Boy Scouts of America, to prepare the young people of eastern Kansas and western Missouri to make ethical choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
VISION STATEMENT
The vision of the Heart of America Council is to accomplish our mission statement in such an exemplary manner as to be recognized by our public as the premier youth organization in the communities we serve. In addition, we want to be recognized by other BSA councils and the National Council as second to none in all endeavors, and setting the standard in all measurable items.
SERVICES OF THE LOCAL COUNCIL
The National Council, BSA, charters the Heart of America Council to serve local chartered organizations and potential chartered organizations. The Council serves institutions through a large number of volunteers and a professional staff that supports the volunteer leadership by providing day-to-day administration. Community groups are supported by registration of members and leaders, advancement programs, communications, commissioner service, training of unit leadership, program enrichment activities, camping facilities, as well as volunteer recognition items, program supplies, planning materials, insurance and monthly roundtables.
The Heart of America Council is authorized by the National Council, BSA, to make Scouting available, and then to service, through chartered organizations and their units, in the following nineteen counties in eastern-Kansas and western-Missouri: Kansas-Anderson, Douglas, Franklin, Johnson, Leavenworth, Linn, Miami, and Wyandotte; and in Missouri-Bates, Cass, Carroll, Clay, Henry, Jackson, Johnson, Lafayette, Platte, Ray and St. Clair.
PROGRAMS OF THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
- Cub Scouting is a family and home-centered program for boys and girls who are in kindergarten through fifth grade.
- Scouts BSA is for boys and girls ages 11-18 and is designed to achieve BSA objectives through a vigorous outdoor program and peer group leadership with adult counsel. The Motto, "Be Prepared" is recognized worldwide.
- Venturing is a coed program that focuses on outdoor and hobby activities as well as peer leadership.
- Exploring is for young men and women, ages 14-20, that provides real opportunities to explore career choices and other vocational opportunities. This is accomplished in association with business and community partners as well as local school systems.
