Local Boy Scout council sees nationally-ranked growth in 2023

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The Boy Scouts of America LaSalle Council experienced a growth rate of 21 percent over 2023, which ranked second out of 245 councils across the country. 

“The excitement and energy surrounding the recent achievements of the BSA LaSalle Council is like nothing I’ve ever seen before in my career. We’re not just growing – we’re thriving – and this momentum is showing no sign of slowing down,” said CEO John Cary.

Some of the demographics that saw the most growth locally include a seven percent increase in female scouts, and a five percent increase in new programs for Cub Scout Packs and Boy Scout Troops.

“The factors behind this are crystal clear," Cary said. "We grew because we have great partnerships with our schools, we have great volunteers, and we were able to maximize a Lilly Endowment gift that allowed us to make scouting affordable for kids in economically challenged areas."

Officials say the Lilly Endowment has funded the LaSalle Council with $1.35 million over three years from 2023 to 2025 to expand programming into diverse communities throughout Indiana counties.

In 2023, those funds were used to provide over 600 kids with a scouting program during or after school and four weeks of summer STEM Day Camps for roughly 500 local kids.

The council also created the first Latino-based scouting program, which is a fully functional program in Elkhart County that has over 30 kids enrolled.

“Going forward, these recent achievements provide us with a new baseline from which to expand, and even more opportunities for a very bright future for all of our scouts," Cary said. "And we’re ready for it."

The LaSalle Council serves eight counties across Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan. The council is divided into four geographic districts.