Rotary Club of Port Jefferson (Jul 23, 2019)

Today's visiting speaker (and potential new club member!), Port Jeff businessman Chris Buzzanca, spoke to us about the organization with which he's most proud to volunteer, Boy Scouts of America (Suffolk County). Chris was, in his youth, first a Cub Scout and later a Boy Scout, but admits he dropped out in his mid-teens when he became more interested in interacting with girls. To this day, Chris rues the fact that he never reached the pinnacle of scouting achievement, Eagle Scout. Chris reminded us of the purpose of scouting: preparing today's youth for adulthood by building character and integrity. He also reminded us of the Scouts' Motto: "Be prepared". BSA recently celebrated its 100th anniversary in Suffolk. Chris recounted a bit of the history of the beginning of scouting in the USA and pointed out that the 1st Scouting Executive (or Chief Scout Executive), James E. West, a lawyer and advocate of children's rights, was a good friend of Rotary's founder, Paul Harris. Chris pointed out that the scouting oath is like a compass- and is similar to Rotary's 4-Way Test. He then spoke of Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the international scouting organization, whose main goal was to teach youth of the world how to work together so there'd be no need for war. Today, one of the first things young scouts are taught: to do a good turn daily. The youngest scouts are inevitably told the story of William Boyce, who was once lost in the fog and was helped through it by a young boy. It was Boyce who later founded BSA in 1910. (There are now over 2 million scouts in the USA and around 100,000 Units. ) Next, Chris spoke of the great staff at BSA's Suffolk headquarters in Medford. The current Chief Scout Executive of the Council in Suffolk lives in Port Jeff, and, working with a $2 million budget, serves around 13,000 youngsters. The local District, named for Benjamin Tallmadge, covers 1/2 of Smithtown and extends eastward to Orient Point. The Council works hard at fundraising in order to keep scouting activities going and growing. Chris mentioned several upcoming fundraising activities that include Cigar Night, to be held at The Old Field Club on September 17th, as well as a Gatsby Night. Chris pointed out that there are a number of Boy Scout Camps in the region like the one in Baiting Hollow that help teach and perpetuate the ideals of scouting. Chris explained that one of the reasons he came to speak to us was to ask for our time and expertise to help the scouts by becoming a merit badge counselor. Have a hobby or skill to teach the children? Can you help them earn their merit badges? Reaching the ultimate level of Eagle Scout is still a rare accomplishment- one that remains on one's resume as among the most impressive of life accomplishments. Scout leaders are needed as are other adult volunteers at the unit level and troop level. Have you skills, time, or energy that you can share with today's youth? Chris invites you to join him as a volunteer with BSA Suffolk. In a Q&A, Chris explained that though girls are now welcomed to join BSA, there are no co-ed troops. BSA now provides a high adventure program for young females. Explorers are still a part of scouting as are Sea Scouts. (Nancy pointed out that Mather has a Medical Explorer Post. ) National Jamborees are still held- now at an impressive venue in West Virginia. The International Jamboree (every 4 years) was held most recently in Poland. In summary: Scouting is alive and well.