Early July in Northwest Florida marks the end of an exciting and adventurous summer for the Boy Scouts of America along the Gulf Coast. 

Led by Scout Executive & CEO, Greg Voyzey, the Boy Scouts of America’s Gulf Coast Council serves eight counties from Pensacola to Port St. Joe, along with three counties in Alabama. And while it is called Boy Scouts, girls are welcome to join and have been part of Boy Scouts of America since 2019.

• With the Summer camp now concluded, the Scouts are gearing up for fall as they prepare to welcome new members into their ranks as the upcoming school year gets started.

During the summer, the Spanish Trail Scout Reservation in DeFuniak Springs became a hub of activity as families and older kids gathered for weeks of adventure. Greg Voyzey explained that this camp provides a unique opportunity for older Scouts to work on merit badges, take part in skill challenges, explore leadership roles, and advance toward the coveted rank of Eagle Scout. 

• The younger Cub Scouts also got their turn in the spotlight during the last week of June, where they engaged in various activities while bonding with their parents.

Voyzey says the Scouts aim and methods center around character development, leadership development, personal fitness, and citizenship. These principles are instilled in Scouts starting from kindergarten until they reach the age of 18, giving them ample time to grow and excel within the program.

The benefits of being involved in Scouting are far-reaching. Voyzey says that while everyone starts at the same time, each Scout has their own unique journey. While some benefit from career exploration through merit badge programs, others develop valuable leadership skills by participating in advanced leadership programs. The Scouts also actively contribute to their communities through various service projects, honing their leadership abilities along the way.

The phrase “prepared for life” resonates deeply with Scout families, and is a phrase that Voyzey believes in. Scouting imparts a diverse range of experiences and skills, ensuring that young Scouts are equipped to navigate life’s challenges successfully.

• “There isn’t one specific thing that a Scout is always going to get, but it’s always about the phrase “prepared for life,” he said. “That resonates really well with our families as they’re thinking about all the things they can put their kids into. Being ‘prepared for life’ is one of the things that really stands out.”

As summer comes to a close, the Gulf Coast Council will soon host their “Joining Nights” across the three counties. These events offer interested families a chance to interact with Scout leaders, learn more about the program, and register their children for a transformative experience.

• Beyond the summer camp and “Joining Nights,” Voyzey urges families interested in learning more to visit beascout.org, where they can find the nearest program based on their location and the child’s age range. Alternatively, you can contact the Gulf Coast Council’s office directly for assistance.

Coming out of COVID, Voyzey says that Scouting has become a beacon of outdoor family activity, offering opportunities for parents and children to bond while exploring nature together. 

• “A lot of our camp weekends that we do in the fall and in the spring time are filled with our families,” he added. “Our families love the opportunity to be able to go and just spend time with their family outdoors.”

To learn more about how your child can embark on a transformative journey with the Boy Scouts of America Gulf Coast Council, visit their website at www.gulfcoastcouncil.org or call their team at 850-476-6336.