Bigger Boy Scout retail store to open

A new Hawkeye Scout Shop will open Monday in Cedar Rapids under a partnership between the council and the Boy Scouts of America National Supply Group.

The council remodeled its existing office at 660 32nd St. SW to make 40 percent more retail space - a total of 2,500 square feet - available for the store.

Cedar Rapids was chosen for the new concept store by the National Supply Group, based in Charlotte, N.C. It will serve the public as well as members of Scouting with outdoor equipment, program materials and support for adult volunteers.

In addition to being larger and better stocked, the new store will be open more hours than the previous store: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 8:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays. Beginning June 30, the store will be open Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hawkeye Area Council Executive Director Travis Christopher said the council's youth membership has been growing over the past few years, allowing the council to financially support additional services. He said the national organization's investment of over $300,000 "is a testament to our growth trend and future potential."

The Hawkeye Area Council serves over 7,500 youth each year in the Corridor. It was recognized in 2011 by the Boy Scouts of America as a top Gold council for membership growth, fiscal transparency, membership and program quality.