SYRACUSE, NY – Scouting America Longhouse Council is celebrating a significant milestone with the achievement of growth in Scouting enrollment of 1.4% over September of 2024. This growth represents a positive steps toward the Council’s key metric of serving more youth and families in the Scouting programs throughout Central and Northern New York. This includes a 50% increase in new Scouts recruited versus last September, and an overall 4.5% increase in Cub Scouting membership over this time last year.
The boost in enrollment is due to a combination of grassroots recruitment efforts, community-wide initiatives, and an emphasis on delivering fun, relevant, and values-based programming. Local units and their Scouts, leaders, and parents drove the increase by their on-the-ground presence at community and school events and direct invitations. This, in concert with Council-level marketing and social media campaigns led to large turnouts at many Packs’ Join Scouting Nights. The top recruiting Packs in the Council this September were Pack 208 Liverpool, Pack 22 Jamesville, Pack 26 Fort Drum, Pack 586 Adams, and Pack 173 Camillus.
Left: Pack 885’s Open House; Center: Pack 22’s Joining Event; Right: Leaders and Scouts from Troops 117 and 333 work to promote Scouting in Cicero
“This growth didn’t happen from behind a desk—it happened because our volunteers put on their uniforms, showed up at school nights, hosted recruitment events, and shared their passion face-to-face,” said Scout Executive/CEO Edwin Theetge. “Our parents and leaders are the heart of this movement, and their impact is being felt in every new Scout who joins.”
The achievement of enrollment growth, especially in the Cub Scout program, lays the groundwork for positive momentum for the rest of the year. Traditionally, Longhouse Council has welcomed even more Scouts in October than September. With this momentum, the Council hopes to continue to build on this success and continue to grow. This includes the organization of new units in underserved communities, especially in the urban and rural areas of the Council.
“This growth is more than just numbers. It’s a testament to the relevance and resilience of Scouting today,” added Theetge. “Families are recognizing that now more than ever, young people need opportunities to lead, to serve, and to connect in real, meaningful ways. Scouting offers exactly that.”
Members of the Council’s newest unit, Troop 203G serving girls in Liverpool, chartered in September.
As Scouting enrollment grows, the Council is committed to supporting quality program at the units through Council-level activities, training for new leaders, and direct unit service. The latter is the responsibility of the Commissioner Corps, a growing group of volunteers that provide coaching, advice, and customer service to Scouting units. To get involved with these efforts, contact your District leadership.
As the Council looks ahead to the rest of the program year, there’s a sense of momentum and unity among leaders. The recent growth has not both expanded membership and has deepened local engagement. “This is just the beginning,” said Theetge. “We’re building the future of Scouting right here, right now, and we invite everyone to be a part of it.”