Maryland Scouts nail opportunity to promote Scouting during local PBS show

Given the chance to go on local television and promote the work their troop does for their community, a handful of Scouts from Troop 255 in Chevy Chase, Maryland, came through big time.

It’s Academic is a weekly quiz show that airs on WETA-TV featuring high school students from in and around Washington, D.C.

When Justin Rosentover, a former senior patrol leader from Troop 255, appeared on the show earlier this year, he found out about an opportunity for youth to prerecord a special segment to tell the audience how they help their communities.

Justin immediately thought of his Scouts BSA troop and jumped at the opportunity to tell their story.

He and three other members of the Troop 255 youth leadership team then recorded a brief segment pitching their unit’s service projects. It’s a great recruiting pitch for their unit in particular, and for Scouting as a whole.

Skip to the 21:40 mark of the video below to see the segment devoted to Troop 255.

Their pitch

The Scouts appeared in episode 1 of the show’s current season.

“Many students are getting involved in their communities in important ways,” says David Rubenstein, the philanthropist who sponsors It’s Academic. “I’ve asked them to share with us how they’re making a difference.”

Then Justin, Yasi Solomon, Nate Bingenheimer and John Morsberger introduce themselves as members of Troop 255.

“The four of us are current and former senior patrol leaders from Scout Troop 255 in Chevy Chase, Maryland,” says John. “In order to get the highest rank in Scouts, which is Eagle, a Scout has to plan and carry out their own unique service project.”

John goes on to explain how every few months, the Scouts join together to participate in a project led by an Eagle Scout candidate, including his own Eagle Scout service project, which benefited the National Park Service.

“I think the four of us are super happy to be able to serve our community like that,” John says.

How do you promote the work your Scouts do?

There are lots of ways to promote your Scout unit in your community.

Passive recruiting means simply showing up at local events in your Scout uniform and helping out however is needed.

Any local community event is a great way to remind your neighbors that Scouting is alive and well.

I was really impressed to learn where this troop showed up to recruit.

Oh, and don’t forget to update your BeAScout pin!