Baltimore Area Council > Council News > Letters from the Scout Executive > Letter from the Scout Executive: January 2025

Letter from the Scout Executive: January 2025

2025: Building on Success for a Stronger Scouting Future

Letter from the Scout Executive: January 2025

As we wrap up a successful 2024, I thought I’d share a few of our Council successes of the past year.

Marketing and Publicity
  • Redesigned the Council website platform with the integration of HubSpot for a better customer-friendly experience.
  • Contracted with Maroon PR to market Scouting to the broader community through increased press/media coverage and the fall roundup sponsorship of Ledo’s Pizza.
  • Conducted a “Maryland Tough-Baltimore Strong” commemorative Council patch fund drive resulting in $32,000 donated to the United Way – Bridging the Gap fund in support of the dock workers displaced by the Key Bridge collapse.
  • Conducted County Government Council Presentations in Harford, Carroll, Anne Arundel, and Baltimore County, led by a youth Eagle Scout, sharing the impact of Scouting.
  • Recognized with a BSA National Marketing award for Social Media and Digital Marketing.
Membership
  • Overall growth in traditional Packs and Troops.
  • As it relates to the BSA National year-end report, out of 243 Councils, the Baltimore Area Council ranked:
  • #13 in total youth members served
  • #14 in total units
  • #5 in youth retention
  • Through the college internship program, the Council had 5 interns in 2024 representing Loyola, Morgan State, and Towson University.
  • This was the second year of the District Achievement Award recognizing those Districts who achieve membership and program delivery excellence. Congratulations to the Arrowhead, National Pike, River Hawk, and Carroll Districts.
Program and Facilities
  • Completion of the new $2.2M wastewater treatment plant at Broad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation.
  • $57,000 in funding secured and the installation of 88 new bunkbeds throughout the Reservation.
  • Acquisition of 8.7 acres of contingent property to Broad Creek filling a key gap in the property boundary.
  • Approval and funding for the construction of three new restroom/shower facilities at a cost of $2M for completion by Summer Camp 2025.
  • Broad Creek Scout BSA Resident Camp growth of 23% or an additional 154 youth participants.
  • Broad Creek Camp Staff College Scholarship program awarded $20,000 in scholarships to 13 senior camp staff members.
  • Removal and grading by Kinsley Construction of the non-operable Oest swimming pool providing an additional activity area in Camp Oest.
  • Extensive roadwork throughout Broad Creek donated by Alan Meyers and Comer Construction.
  • Record attendance at the annual Scout Day at Camden Yards with the Baltimore Orioles resulting in 4,070 Scouts, leaders, and parents in attendance.
Finance
  • Achieved an 18% increase with 127 units participating in the popcorn sale, providing over $400,000 in funding to our units.
  • Added $99,000 in new contributions to the Council Endowment Fund.
  • The Broad Creek Capital campaign secured $1.8M in new contributions for a total raised to date of $7.8M.
  • Overall growth in Council special events of 27% with total revenue of $1.1M.
  • 2024 Council operating budget surplus achieved.
Kenn Miller 2 cropped
Kenn Miller
Scout Executive and CEO

Building on this success and the support is over 5,000 registered Scouting volunteers, I know 2025 is going to be another outstanding year for Scouting in the Baltimore Area Council!

As always, if you have any questions or comments let me know.

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