Scouting alive, well and thriving in Corridor

Here in our corridor of Iowa City, Washington and Cedar Rapids, we have wonderful communities that care and are concerned about its youth. Recently, you may have heard about financial problems affecting Boy Scout councils in Iowa. Unfortunately, like many non-profit groups, many organizations have had to trim back spending, cut programming and liquidate assets.

Our local council, the Hawkeye Area Council, serves more than 7,000 youth and ended 2011 with one of the highest youth market share percentages out of all Boy Scout Councils in the country. Last year, we expanded our camp footprint and invested even more resources in our Linn County property.

This year is turning out to be an even better year of youth service. We have funding in place to construct new tornado safe rooms at camp and our youth membership is growing with our members staying year after year! This summer, we will announce exciting news of a national scouting retail destination that will be piloted right here in Cedar Rapids. Also our new special needs camp will bring in scouts from all over the country.

This is possible through the great leadership of volunteers working with involved staff. Our fiscal management is conducted through an open process with experienced community leadership. Our 2016 strategic plan includes investing with a long-term vision. We continue to lay the groundwork for scouting's service to our Eastern Iowa youth for many years to come.

Michael Stallman

Board President

Hawkeye Area Council

Boy Scouts of America

Walford