President-Elect Marion Beckerink introduced our speaker, Britney McClain, the Regional Director of Boy Scouts of America, and a new Jamestown resident. Born and raised in Buffalo, Britney is nearing completion of her Master’s of Public Administration from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo in the field of Nonprofit Management. She also holds a Bachelor of Science from SUNY at Buffalo in biomedical sciences.
As District Director with the Allegheny Highlands Council, Boy Scouts of America, Britney works with 1100 youth in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua Counties in New York and McKean and Potter Counties in Pennsylvania.
Britney explained that a Council priority is to recruit and develop more members and programs. Approximately 400 students attend the Council’s after-school programs in Jamestown and Dunkirk. She spoke about the Scouts’ Camp Merz and the renovation of a camp building right on Chautauqua Lake. The Council raised $8,000 in camp scholarships last year. She talked about work to form partnerships with local organizations such as the Fenton History Center where Scouts can earn merit badges.
Britney said that people can help the Boy Scout program locally by donating for camping and membership scholarships or general operating funds; helping Scouts earn merit badges at places of business; volunteering in troops; and recruiting new Scouts. She mentioned support from the United Way.
