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Scouts of the Narragansett Council – 2024 Report to the State of Rhode Island
More than 19,000 hours of community service, over 177,000 pounds of food collected and 1,487 new Scouts joined in 2024
Photo, top: Scouts and leaders of the Narragansett Council meet with (Top L to Bottom R) R.I. Senator John P. Burke, R.I. Senator Matthew L. LaMountain, R.I. Senator Brian J. Thompson, R.I. Senator Andrew Dimitri, R.I. Senator Jonathon Acosta, R.I. Senate Majority Leader Valarie Lawson and R.I. Senate Majority Whip David P. Tikoian in the Rhode Island State House Rotunda.
Bottom Left: Scouts meeting with R.I. Governor Dan McKee. Bottom Right: Cub Scouts Ben Arnold and Sophie Sapegin receive citations from (L to R) R.I. Representative Stephen M. Casey, R.I. Representative John G. Edwards, R.I. House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, R.I. House Majority Leader Christopher Blazejewski and Narragansett Council President Gary Furtado.
Dozens of Scouts from across Rhode Island, along with their leaders and volunteers, addressed the Rhode Island General Assembly to present their annual Report to the State yesterday. Hosted by Narragansett Council Scouting America, the event showcased the significant impact of the Scouts in the Ocean State during 2024, including an impressive 19,653 service hours completed in communities across the state and the collection of 177,847 pounds of food for families in need.
“Scouting in Rhode Island continues to grow and thrive, thanks to the dedication of our leaders and donors,” said Narragansett Council Scout Executive and CEO Tim McCandless. “The milestones achieved in 2024, including the significant support for families and the addition of girls to our programs, reflect our commitment to inclusivity and community service. We are proud of our Scouts’ accomplishments, which are preparing them to be future leaders.”
During their visit, the Scouts learned about the legislative process, attended Senate and House sessions, and met with key state leaders, including Governor Dan McKee, Secretary of State Gregg Amore and House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi.
The dedication and commitment of the Scouts were recognized by state officials through a resolution read in both chambers. Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, along with other legislators, acknowledged the Scouts for their contributions.
“The Scouts’ dedication to community service and leadership is truly inspiring,” said Senate President Dominick Ruggerio. “Their impressive contributions, from thousands of service hours to significant food donations, highlight the positive impact they have on Rhode Island. We are proud to recognize and support their efforts in shaping the future leaders of our state.”
House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi echoed this stating, “We were happy to host the Scouts’ at the State House to further their civic engagement and community service. Their achievements in 2024, demonstrate their commitment to helping those in need. It is an honor to celebrate their contributions and support their continued growth.”
Since its establishment in 1910, the Narragansett Council has played a vital role in shaping Rhode Island’s youth, preparing them to become future leaders. Since Scouting programs were opened to girls in 2019, more than 20 female Scouts have earned the coveted rank of Eagle Scout, with 326 girls enrolling in 2024, bringing the total to 1,125 girls since 2019.
Additionally, $543,414 in donated support was invested in families in both urban and rural communities through Scoutreach, the Council’s program designed to provide Scouting opportunities to youth and their families, regardless of their economic background.
In 2024, Scouting continued to thrive in Rhode Island, welcoming 1,487 new Scouts and families. Other notable milestones and achievements include the donation of 272 pints of blood and the 1,060 youth served in Community Scouting programs, which offer non-Scouts a glimpse into what Scouting has to offer. Scouting remains a beacon of leadership and community service, shaping young minds to embrace challenges with courage and contribute positively to society with every thoughtful deed.
About the Narragansett Council:
The mission of Narragansett Council Scouting America is to serve others by helping to instill values in young people and, in other ways, prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime in achieving their full potential. The Narragansett Council’s research-backed, youth development programs are for boys and girls ages 6 to 20 through Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouts and Exploring. The council serves over 5,000 youth annually in Rhode Island, Southeastern Massachusetts, and Pawcatuck, Connecticut. People can learn about Scouting programs and find groups near them at www.BeAScout.org. On May 7, 2024, it was announced that the Boy Scouts of America are rebranding as Scouting America. For more information on the Narragansett Council, please visit www.ncscouts.org or visit us at facebook.com/ncscouts/.