Be a Scout! 1,600 new scouts, 60 new groups, goal of Narragansett Council Scouting America

Scouting in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts is about to grow. The Narragansett Council – Scouting America has been awarded $250,000 in national grant funding to expand youth programs across Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. The four-year grant, made possible through Scouting America’s Unit Growth Executive (UGE) Initiative and funded by the Lilly Endowment Character Development Through Youth Programs, will fund a new full-time staff position dedicated to reaching communities where Scouting opportunities are limited or wholly unavailable.

“Families across Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts are choosing Scouting because it builds confidence, character and life skills,” said Tim McCandless, CEO of Narraganset Council – Scouting America. “We are deeply grateful to the Lilly Endowment for investing in our mission and helping us to bring Scouting to more youth.”

The Narragansett Council selected Aaron Christian (left), a lifelong Scout who most recently served as senior district executive with Massachusetts’ Mayflower Council – Scouting America.

With extensive experience in membership growth and recruitment efforts in Scouting, Christian began his journey in Scouting with Pack 41 Abington in 2009 before earning his Eagle Scout rank with Troop 41 Abington in 2016.

“Scouting set my life on a trajectory of growth and opportunity – giving me experiences that have shaped who I am today. It’s an honor to be able to give that back to a new generation of Scouts,” said Christian. “I’m thrilled to work with the Narragansett Council to build on their incredible legacy of growth and impact across Southern New England.”

In 2024, the Narragansett Council reported a 3.7% growth in membership, leading to its ambitious goal of a 5% growth in 2025. The grant will support the creation of 60 new Scout groups and is projected to serve 1,600 new Scouts.

The Narragansett Council has identified several neighborhoods where programs are lacking. In his new role, Christian will focus on building partnerships and launching new programs in these underserved areas.

“The Narragansett Council’s impressive recruitment efforts and strategic growth plan stand out as a council that truly embodies the mission of Scouting America,” said Chuck Brasfeild, Executive Vice President of Council Operations for Scouting America. We are proud to award the Narragansett Council this grant and help more families discover the joy and adventure of Scouting.”

The Narragansett Council is currently open for new members and Scouting Sign Up Day is almost here! Go to NCScouts.org/join to find a troop event near you and sign up online by September 27 to save $25 using the code Scout2025.

About the Narragansett Council Scouting America:  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, Exploring and Community Scouting. The council serves over 6,000 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/.