Local Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts are preparing for a really big birthday party. The organization that they belong to, Boy Scouts of America, will turn 100 years old on February 8th 2010.

“This is an exciting time to be involved in Scouting,” according to Bill Piazza, a Scoutmaster in Southern Wake County. “Scouting is a great program even under normal circumstances and now there are all kinds of special events being planned for the 100th anniversary.”

And the Scouts want new members to help them celebrate.

“We always look for new members this time of year,” Piazza added. “But we’re going to make a special effort to bring new boys into Scouting during the next year so that they can be a part of the 100th anniversary celebration.”



The 100th anniversary celebration will include a Scouting expo at the state fairgrounds in April 2010, an increased emphasis on community service projects, and a National Jamboree in Virginia in July.



Scouts in this area are part of the Occoneechee Council which recently cut the ribbon on a new 16,000 square foot dining facility at Camp Durant. The ribbon cutting was attended by the well known Meteorologist, Greg Fishel, of WRAL TV, who performed the day’s weather forecasts live, one broadcast included Robert J. Mazzuca, Chief Scout Executive. Camp Durant is one of the Council’s campgrounds in Moore County. “The newly opened Grand Lodge is reported to be the largest indoor meeting spaces in Moore County” according to Piazza.



The Scouting program is open to boys from age 7 to 20. Younger boys in grades 1 through 5 can join a Cub Scout Pack while older boys can join a Boy Scout Troop (up to age 17) or boys and girls can join a co-educational Venture Crew (ages 14 to 20).

Some of the best activities that Boy Scouts and Venturers do is “still going down to the local fishing pond, catching a huge catfish, and feeding your entire group,” said Matt Price, Assistant Scoutmaster and Crew Advisor for Troop and Crew 444, “add in sleeping overnight on an aircraft carrier, or hiking Mount Mitchell with the thrill of knee boarding or tubing, or visiting one of the high adventure bases, you have a program that not only keeps interest, but you expose the Scouts and Venturers to a character building experience. Those are stories that go back to friends and family; those memories will be told to their sons and daughters.”

Scouting is a program that benefits the community. “The Boys genuinely take an interest in their community and attempt to help any way they can through Scouting for Food, Adopt-A-Highway, service projects for other groups, teaching other kids or adults a skill, or just working a day at the local non-profit thrift store,” Mr. Price continues, “it gives them the perspective that they play only a small part in the larger picture. It gives them not only a sense of accomplishment, but instills the citizenship and ethical values that they will carry on into their adult life.”

How can boys become involved in Scouting? “Parents can call 919 872-4884 and we’ll help them find a unit for their son or daughter.” Mr. Piazza added. Scouts and parents can visit http://www.race2scouts.com for a unit that is close to their home. The website has up-to-date contact information and times when the units meet.

About Occoneechee Council – BSA

Occoneechee Council represents the Boy Scouts of America in twelve counties of central North Carolina. Over 14,000 youth members and 7,500 adult volunteers are registered in the program. Scouting remains an educational program with an emphasis on building strong character and a respect for the outdoors. For information, visit www.ocscouts.org or call (919) 872-4884.