The South Bend-based Boy Scouts of America LaSalle Council continued its momentum with another year of growth in 2024.
The LaSalle Council provides programming to families throughout Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan. In 2023, it ranked second in percentage growth out of 245 Boy Scout councils nationwide. The council saw a 21% growth rate of new Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA youth members.
John Cary, LaSalle Council CEO, said the council experienced another 5% growth in 2024, marking the third straight year the council has seen a spike in membership.
Part of the LaSalle Council’s success comes from a $1.35 million Lilly Endowment grant dispersed over three years. The endowment helps keep scouting affordable for families.
“Seventy percent of our membership come from economically challenged areas, but because our fundraisers have been so successful, and the Lilly Endowment also sees such value in our programming, we have been able to cut the cost in half for families,” Cary said in a press release. “This has made scouting affordable for families at a time when most other things are not affordable.”
School partnerships, increased volunteers and expanded programming have also contributed to the council’s growth. The grant has helped bring programming into diverse communities. The council developed a Latino-based scouting program in 2023, boosting its minority membership to 28% with a 3% growth in 2024. They have also implemented a four-week STEM day camp for all members.
“One of the highlights of 2024 was the construction of our solar pavilion,” Bob Bycraft, board president, said. “It is currently feeding power to the office and allowing the youth to learn about alternative energy sources. It has been a fantastic way to become proactive in greener practices in what we do while also providing valuable education to our members.”
Cary said the ability to have boys and girls participating in the same programs is another factor driving growth.
“It has been a combination of those things,” Cary said. “It shows that scouting is still revered and respected. When you add it all up, that’s really the secret sauce to our growth.”
The LaSalle Council serves the eight counties of Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan. The council has over 4,000 youth and adult leaders.
