Boy Scouts of America

Incorporated in 1910 and chartered by Congress in 1916, the Boy Scouts of America is one of the leading youth service organizations in the United States. The organization offers scouting programs for more than 40,000 youths in Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk and Sumter counties in Florida through its affiliate, the Gulf Ridge Council. It provides educational programs for boys and young adults between the ages of 7 and 20 to build character, train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship and develop personal fitness. It operates six programs: Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting and Venturing. Volunteer adult leaders serve at all levels of scouting in more than 300 nationwide councils. The Boy Scouts of America publishes two magazines: Boys' Life and Scouting. The organization s national council is supported largely through annual registration fees paid by all members, charter and service fees paid by local councils, and income from the sales of Boys' Life and Scouting magazines. The local councils are supported by communities through the Friends of Scouting campaign, the United Way, special events, foundation grants, investment income and individual donations. It maintains a presence in Tampa, Fla.