Samoset Council Achieves “Gold” Standard, Ranks 2nd Nationally

For the City Times

The Boy Scouts of America has recognized the Samoset Council for its exceptional service to youth in Scouting.

For the third year in a row the Samoset Council has earned the “Gold” standard of excellence from the Boy Scouts of America.

In 2017 the Samoset Council ranked second among 270 Boy Scout Councils across the country and number one in the mid-west.  It marks the third year in a row and the fifth time in the past six years the council has ranked in the top five nationally.  In 2012 the Samoset Council ranked number one in the country.

“Achieving Gold recognition is a remarkable accomplishment.” said Jeff Ottosen, Samoset Council Scout Executive. “It is a tremendous tribute to the more than 1,700 volunteers and more than 4,500 youth involved in Scouting.”

The Boy Scouts of America annually recognizes local Boy Scout councils for achievement in 18 different areas including outdoor programs, youth advancement, community service, growth in membership and fiscal stewardship.

The Samoset Council is also a national leader in the development of the BSA’s new STEM Scouts pilot program.  In 2015 the council was chosen as one of twelve in the country to help launch the new program.  Over the first two years the Samoset Council has established 32 STEM labs, serving more than 350 youth.