How Many Service Hours Did Scouts Perform in National Parks?

Scouting was founded on the premise of doing a Good Turn daily. Community service is very important in the character-building process and, as Scouts, we have made the commitment to give back to our communities. Each year, millions of Scouts perform service projects throughout their communities – but exactly how many hours did they perform?

In 2015, 11,635 Scouts performed 56,978 service hours of activities in National Park sites. The graph below illustrates the breakdown by region of Scouts who performed service projects in National Parks throughout the U.S. in 2015.

2015 Boy Scouts in National Parks as measured by National Park Service. Percentages are measured from total service hours (56, 978) served by Scouts.

Encouraging More Service in National Parks

Scouts can increase these numbers by participating in the National Park Scout Ranger Program and the William T. Hornaday Award Program. Both programs allow Scouts the opportunity to explore their parks, gain a better understanding of our nation’s natural resources, and become leaders in conserving and protecting the environment.

NPS Centennial Commemorative Patch

“Boy Scouts and National Parks have been intertwined since the beginning,” said George McDonald, NPS National Youth Programs Manager. “Through campouts, hikes and service projects, tens of millions of Scouts have experienced and supported their National Parks for 100-plus years. Their ongoing commitment and invaluable contributions have advanced the National Park Service mission to conserve and protect our nation’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. We encourage all Scouts to Find Your Park during this centennial year and be a part of this longstanding tradition.”

Let’s increase these numbers by offering opportunities for more Scouts to contribute to the betterment of our country! How do you encourage your Scouts to serve at National Parks? Tell us in the comments below.