Scouting CARES

Our Mission

Scouting C.A.R.E.S. (Character, Achievement, Respect, Education, and STEM) instills character development and leadership in youth through partnerships in communities that would benefit from a vibrant Scouting program.

The National Capital Area Council’s Scouting C.A.R.E.S initiative—focused on building Character, Achievement, Respect, Education, and STEM—is dedicated to expanding access to Scouting for all young people. By partnering with schools and community organizations that share our commitment to youth development and leadership, we work to ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience the benefits of Scouting, regardless of background, neighborhood, or circumstance.

Scouting C.A.R.E.S partners with schools and community organizations across the DMV to provide access to hands-on, character-based Scouting experiences that empower youth to develop leadership, confidence, and lifelong skills.

Today’s youth face a complex and changing world—from social pressures and digital challenges to finding spaces where they feel supported and valued. Scouting C.A.R.E.S helps meet these needs by fostering belonging, curiosity, and resilience through hands-on learning and positive mentorship.

Through its focus on service, collaboration, and ethical leadership, Scouting empowers young people in every community to take responsibility, make thoughtful choices, and contribute to causes greater than themselves.

Our greatest strength lies in a well-rounded program built on values, experiential learning, fun, and mentorship, creating opportunities for youth to thrive and lead within their own communities.

Motto
Learn the Values, Live the Values, Share the Values

Vision Statement

Scouting CARES gives leadership and emphasis in creating Scouting programs where they might not otherwise thrive in the National Capital Area Council. Scouting CARES expands Scouting programs to all youth and espouses the belief that Scouting is inclusive and available to all.

Scouting emphasizes character development, ethics, and moral values to address many of the problems youth and their families face in our country. Scouting prepares all youth to be leaders, accept responsibility, and care about principles and causes beyond their self-interest.

Scouting C.A.R.E.S reflects the diversity of the communities it serves and draws on that strength to create meaningful, engaging experiences that enrich the Scouting journey for youth and their families.

Summary

We recruit and employ positive adult role models who serve as leaders to provide in-school, afterschool, and community-based outreach programming through the Scouting CARES initiative. Our goal is to provide a premier scouting program to over two hundred Scouts across six sites in the following target areas – Washington, D.C., Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Alexandria, VA. This initiative is a 26-week program designed to meet youth and communities’ needs and interests in underrepresented neighborhoods while providing character development and leadership opportunities.

Scouting CARES will also offer outdoor experiences, such as Resident Camp and Day Camp. Finally, enrolled youth will enjoy the same Scouting program as Scouts throughout the Council.

Goals

To positively influence the lives of the youth population through activities that cultivate their skills in five critical elements of healthy youth development:

• Strong personal values and character
• A positive sense of self-worth and usefulness
• Caring and nurturing relationships with parents, teachers, other adults, and peers.
• A desire to learn and fostering a sense of community
• Productive and Creative use of time