Partnering to Make Scouting Accessible
Workforce Development
Exploring is a Scouting program that can serve a unique need in our community. In Heart of New England Council we developed a partnership between Scouting America, Worcester Public Schools, the Worcester Regional Ariport, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, and MassPort to pilot an Exploring Club for middle schoolers. This program met a community need and also helped to raise the profile of Scouting in the community. This program's success has led to planning for new programs in additional industries.
Scouting in Every Community
The Main South neighborhood in Worcester is a vibrant, densly populated, and culturally diverse community that has long been overlooked in terms of investment. Heart of New England Council is launching a new initiative, starting a family of Scouting units at the main school for this neighborhood. Financial support from the community has made this program accessible to every student in the school so that family finances don't become a barrier to participation.
All Ability Scouting
Scouting should be a program available to all young men and women, regardless of ability. Sometimes, Scouts are best served by leaders with training and experience in serving their unique needs. Heart of New England Council has created a specific troop to help meet this need and make sure that Scouting is accessible to people of all abilities.
