Press Releases
ALEXANDRIA, VA (July 26, 2010) – The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) today announced that the two organizations have signed a Memorandum of Mutual Support, agreeing to work collaboratively on initiatives that support one another’s mission. RBFF and BSA will work to extend the reach of both organizations into new and existing markets, helping young men and women grow in character, citizenship responsibility and leadership through a deeper appreciation for outdoor sports and activities.
This year marks BSA’s 100th anniversary and at the center of the celebration is the 2010 National Scout Jamboree taking place now through August 4, 2010, at Fort A.P. Hill, Va. RBFF is offering Scout leaders a chance to win fishing gear for their troop when they enter the Take Me Fishing sweepstakes at the Boys’ Life booth. The jamboree, which is held every four years, will host more than 40,000 Scouts and Scouters.
"We are thrilled to announce this agreement that will foster ways to introduce more youth to the fun and excitement of boating and fishing,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “We want to inspire newcomers to get active and develop leadership qualities to ultimately protect the legacy of the sport and the future of our nation’s waterways.”
According to the Special Report on Fishing and Boating, conducted by RBFF and the Outdoor Foundation, fishing is the most popular gateway activity that often leads to participation in other outdoor pursuits. The report also found that youth participants aged six to 12 are driven by a desire for fun (78.6 percent) and an interest in exploring the natural world (50.9 percent). Past research shows that 90 percent of adult outdoor enthusiasts were introduced to nature-based activities between the ages of five and 18.
RBFF launched a Scouting Patch Program in December 2009. Three new boating and fishing patches, available to Cub Scouts and Scouts, promote the merits of the sport and encourage scouts to plan and organize fishing trips using the resources found at TakeMeFishing.org. Since the program’s inception, more than 12,600 patch requests have been fulfilled.
“Our organization works with many groups that encourage young people to learn skills and activities that can foster a love of the outdoors,” said retired BSA Community Alliances Team Director Charles Holmes. “Through this MOU, Scouts can learn the skills needed to safely pursue their interest in fishing and boating.”
About RBFF
RBFF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, thereby protecting and restoring the nation’s aquatic natural resources. RBFF helps people discover, share and protect the legacy of boating and fishing through national outreach programs including the Take Me Fishing™ campaign and Anglers’ Legacy™.
About the Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America is the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. The Scouting organization is composed of 2.7 million youth members between the ages of 7 and 20, 1.1 million volunteers, and nearly 300 local councils throughout the United States and its territories. For more information on the Boy Scouts of America, please visit www.scouting.org. More information about 100 Years of Scouting can be found at www.scouting.org/100years.
