Welcome to Scouting at Dan Beard Council!

Each spring, the Dan Beard Council, BSA celebrates the legacy of great civil rights leader Whitney M. Young, Jr. and the spirit of community engagement that he inspired by holding a special event named in his honor. Although that event has been moved to the fall due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting on Mr. Young’s life and the wisdom he shared with the Boy Scouts of America is timely.

Over the years, Whitney Young often engaged with the Boy Scouts of America.  Just before the publication of his second book “Beyond Racism,” he addressed the BSA national organization and it was around that same time that he invoked the BSA’s motto in a memorable quote: “I’d rather BE PREPARED for an opportunity that never comes, than have an opportunity come and I am not prepared.” 

OL?

_76Given the challenges facing our world today, the words of the Scout Oath and Scout Law are a clear invitation – but, we are prepared! The calls for respect, courtesy, helpfulness, and bravery that are implicit in our Scout Oath and Scout Law guide us to always stand up to injustice, to thoughtfully listen to one another, to be committed to becoming the best versions of ourselves, and to lift up all of our communities. The Scout Oath and Scout Law have been our guiding principles since the BSA was founded in 1910. They have prepared generations of young people to work and serve in the world. And now, the opportunity is ours to be living examples of these ideals through our actions and words with all of those we encounter each and every day.