2023 Annual Council Recap
The Garden State Council, BSA is chartered by the National Council, BSA, to provide program and administrative support for the Scouts and units within the council territory which serves communities across South Jersey. The BSA was founded in 1910 on the principles of making a difference through civic service. Today, Scouting provides quality youth programs that build good character while building better communities.
The Garden State Council serves Scouting units the following counties:
- Burlington
- Camden
- Cape May
- Cumberland
- Gloucester
- Salem
- Atlantic: Buena Vista Township and Buena Borough
The Garden State Council is one of the largest youth-serving organizations in South Jersey. In 2015 we had more than 8,000 young people registered in Garden State Council programs. These young people are supported by over 3,000 adult volunteers who serve as leaders, merit badge counselors, and committee members to deliver a quality Scouting program.
We offer a variety of Scouting programs for youth from Kindergarten through age 21, and have several co-ed programs.
- Cub Scouting (age 5 – 10 year old boys and girls)
- Scouting (age 11 – 17 year old boys and girls)
- Venturing (co-ed age 14 – 21)
- Sea Scouts (co-ed age 14 – 21)
- Exploring (co-ed age 14 – 21)
- STEM Scouts (co-ed grades 3 to 8)
The Garden State Council operates under, and promotes, the mission and vision of the Boy Scouts of America.
MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
VISION STATEMENT: The Boy Scouts of America will prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
SCOUT OATH: On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
SCOUT LAW: A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
Making a Difference: ScoutReach Program
The Davis Family School in Camden, NJ, has partnered with ScoutReach, a program of the Garden State Council, Scouting America, to bring the classic Scouting experience to students in a unique and accessible way—right within their school. This afterschool program fosters growth, resilience, and community connections through fun activities and outdoor adventures.
See how this collaboration is empowering the next generation—watch the full video below.
Kathleen B. Hansen & Henry R. Hansen Scouting Memorabilia Museum
This video, produced in May, 2020, gives a tour of this scouting heritage museum, housed in the Garden State Council at the Loren S. Riggins, Jr., Scout Service Center, Millville. In 2024, the museum will be relocated to Westampton to be co-located at the Rowan Scout Resource Center with our main Scout Shop, next door to our Council administrative offices.