Long Island’s scouting community is on the brink of change. In September of 2025, Scouting America’s Theodore Roosevelt Council of Nassau County and Scouting America’s Suffolk County Council unanimously decided to merge the two councils’ board of directors. This decision benefits over 10,000 youth participant families as well as 5,000 adult volunteers across both counties. This merge allows for a combined and united effort in the planning and execution of future events involving outdoor programs and camping facilities.

Long Island’s Need for Scouts

Despite having both run successful individual runs for over a century, this consolidation creates a more unified message correlating directly to an anticipated increase in memberships. In a modern culture where scouting can become a forgotten activity, such an initiative promotes continued participation. Scouts fosters an environment that encourages community gathering, teamwork, work ethic, and diversity. Long Island is determined to continue the scouting legacy by ensuring all children have the opportunity to be a scout.

While many other activities enforce the same principles among the youth like sports for example, scouting delves deeper into the idea of impact. Scouting serves to provide young people with a deeper appreciation for service to others in local and surrounding communities, an endeavor sports cannot accomplish. Additionally, scouting can be a lifelong journey. Many scouts obtain lifelong memberships. Upon graduation, one’s scouting journey does not have to end. Strong friendships, relationships, and connections encourage students to become scout leaders in their adult years.

Furthermore, the current demographic yields to scouts of every identity. Boys and girls ages 5 to 18, in grades kindergarten through high school senior year are represented. Also, 15 percent of scout members are girls, a number that this initiative hopes to grow as merging efforts take place. This initiative ensures sustainability in scouting moving forward.

Merging Means Lower Costs

Most notably, Long Island’s scouting consolidation signifies lower costs and more effective spending. Specifically, administrative costs can be better allocated, contributing to better programs for children across Long Island.

According to Chris Coscia, CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Council, “‘Having a unified message will make us more visible, contributing to membership growth — and there are some efficiencies we can identify in our budgets, things like administrative costs, and that will help us save several hundred thousand dollars, which we can push into providing better programs for the kids.’”

Stimulating Educational Growth

Aside from the social atmosphere, scouting also has educational benefits including both useful life skills and the various forms of STEM learning. From learning practical skills to conducting complex scientific experiments, hands-on learning remains at the core of American scouts.

Uniting Different Generations

Beyond the activity itself, scouting can unite generations. Scouting has been a prominent extracurricular activity in America for over 100 years. The ethical standards and values set by the Scout Oath and Scout Law are just as relevant and significant in helping the youth learn their full potential as they were in 1910.

Scouts is one of the only youth activities that appreciates individuals of every age. Whether a scout group is creating a project to benefit an elderly home, working alongside elders, or learning directly from their experience, scouting blends the generational gap to create mutual appreciation for the youth, elderly, and in between.

Long Island’s Overarching Goal

Ultimately, the merger of Long Island’s scouting councils represents more than organizational, routine change; it signals a renewed commitment to the future of youth development across the region. By strengthening resources, expanding opportunities, and reinforcing the core values that have defined scouting for generations, this initiative ensures that the program remains both relevant and impactful. As Long Island looks ahead, scouting stands not only as a tradition worth preserving, but as a vital investment in the character, leadership, and potential of its young people.

FAQs

1) What does the merger of the two scouting councils mean?
The merger combines leadership and resources from Nassau County’s Theodore Roosevelt Council and Suffolk County Council to create a more unified scouting program across Long Island. This allows for improved coordination, stronger programming, and more efficient use of resources.

2) Who benefits from this merger?
Over 10,000 youth participants and 5,000 adult volunteers across Long Island will benefit. Families can expect enhanced programs, expanded opportunities, and a more connected scouting community.

3) How will the merger reduce costs?
By consolidating administrative functions, the councils can reduce overhead expenses. These savings can then be reinvested into scouting programs, camps, and educational opportunities for youth.

4) Is scouting still relevant for today’s youth?
Yes. Scouting continues to offer valuable life skills, leadership development, and community service experiences that remain highly relevant in today’s world. It also incorporates modern elements like STEM learning alongside traditional outdoor activities.

5) Can girls participate in scouting programs?

Yes. Scouting programs on Long Island are open to both boys and girls ages 5 to 18. Participation among girls continues to grow, and the merger aims to further expand inclusivity.

6) How is scouting different from other activities like sports?

While sports emphasize teamwork and discipline, scouting places a stronger focus on community service, leadership, and long-term personal development. It also offers lifelong involvement opportunities beyond youth participation.

 

Read full article here: Nassau and Suffolk Scouting America councils vote to merge