Big Bend Boy Scouts of America celebrates 100 years of service

• The Suwannee River Area Council Boy Scouts of America is celebrating 100 years of service to younger generations of leaders and our communities.
• They will celebrate the Jamboree on Saturday, October 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Watch the video to find out how this group has impacted our communities and their goals for the future.

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

A local scout troop has been helping to develop future leaders for 100 years. For this group, it’s about much more than just the number of years passed. It’s about the impact they’ve had in that time, the communities they’ve served, and their goals for progress over the next 100 years.

Celebrating 100 years of learning new skills, building friendships and shaping the future generation.

“It’s important to be a good human being, give back to the community and help other people,” said Isabelle Coffman, a scout.

He appreciates that the Suwanee River Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, has been teaching for the last century.

“There’s always room for improvement, there’s always room for learning, that’s what I love about scouting,” Coffman said.

For Coffman, the benefits of scouting go beyond exposure to new experiences

“Attending my meetings is a release from school, from being stuck in my room and from the worries of everything,” Coffman said.

Coffman is also leader of an all-girls troop, a big step forward for a Council that used to serve only boys.

“I wanted a place for our girls to be themselves, not be judged, and just have a good time while learning how to survive in the real world,” Coffman said.

Council’s Ken Griffin said they have maintained a progressive approach for the past 100 years.

“We’ve worked to modernize ourselves and not be the stale old scouts of years ago,” Griffin said. “We want to continue to expand our programs to meet the needs of today and the needs of tomorrow, we want to adapt to these young people.”

Griffin said they now have badges for computer skills, game design and social media.

The heart of its mission also remains the same: to instill good moral character in young people.

“My proudest moment is just seeing all of these people grow up and become productive members of society,” Griffin said.

It’s a value that affects Coffman.

“I have grown as a sister, daughter, friend and definitely a student,” Coffman said.

The Suwannee River Area Council will celebrate its centennial on Saturday, October 26. This event is open to the public from 10 am to 4:30 pm. There will be a variety of activities and more information if you want to get involved with scouting.