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About Grand Canyon Council BSA

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA), was incorporated on February 8, 1910, and chartered by Congress in 1916. Its purpose is to provide young adults an effective educational program designed to build desirable qualities of character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship and to develop in them personal fitness. Community groups such as religious, educational, civic, fraternal, business, labor, governmental bodies, corporations, professional associations, and groups of citizens who have compatible goals and utilize the program provided accomplish the purpose by the Boy Scouts of America on the local level.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Grand Canyon Council, Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

VISION STATEMENT

The vision of the Grand Canyon Council is to accomplish our mission statement in such an exemplary manner as to be recognized by our public as the premier youth organization in the communities we serve. In addition, we want to be recognized by other BSA councils and the National Council as second to none in all endeavors, and setting the standard in all measurable items.

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SERVICES OF THE LOCAL COUNCIL

The National Council, BSA, charters the Grand Canyon Council to serve local chartered organizations and potential chartered organizations. The Council serves institutions through a large number of volunteers and a professional staff that supports the volunteer leadership by providing day-to-day administration. Community groups are supported by registration of members and leaders, advancement programs, communications, commissioner service, training of unit leadership, program enrichment activities, camping facilities, as well as volunteer recognition items, program supplies, planning materials, insurance and monthly round tables. 

COUNCIL OPERATING PRINCIPLES 

  • Communicate and lead effectively.
  • Inspire through exceptional customer service.
  • Simplify processes, achieve goals, and be accountable.
  • Create and celebrate success.
  • Focus on the big rocks first.
  • Cultivate social capital.

GOVERNANCE

Grand Canyon Council, Inc., Boy Scouts of America, is the legally and financially independent nonprofit organization chartered by BSA to deliver Scouting programs throughout most of central and northern Arizona, a small part of southern Utah, and a small part of southwestern New Mexico. A map of the council’s territory (showing our district breakdown) is available online.

The council is incorporated in Arizona and registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission. It is governed by its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. An all-volunteer Executive Board is elected each year at the Annual Business Meeting. Among its many responsibilities, the board is charged with hiring a Scout Executive to oversee and lead daily operations. A list of the 2021 Executive Board is available at: Council Leadership 

PROGRAMS OF THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

  • Cub Scouting is a family and home-centered program for boys and girls who are in kindergarten through fifth grade.
  • Scouts BSA is for boys and girls ages 11-18 and is designed to achieve BSA objectives through a vigorous outdoor program and peer group leadership with adult counsel. The Motto, “Be Prepared” is recognized worldwide.
  • Venturing is a coed program that focuses on outdoor and hobby activities as well as peer leadership.
  • Exploring is for young men and women, ages 14-20, that provides real opportunities to explore career choices and other vocational opportunities. This is accomplished in association with business and community partners as well as local school systems.

GRAND CANYON COUNCIL HISTORY

The Grand Canyon Council serves Scouts in Arizona and New Mexico, offering Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA to boys ages 7 through 18. Both girls and boys ages 14 through 21 can be involved with Venturing, a high adventure outdoor program or in Learning for Life, a career-based program.

In 1916, the Globe Council was founded, ending in 1919. In 1925, the Verde Council (#0715) was founded. It merged into the Yavapai-Mohave Council in 1927.

In 1921, the Phoenix Council (#010) was founded, changing its name to the Maricopa County Council (#010) in 1923. The Maricopa County council changed its name to the Roosevelt Council in 1924. In 1922, the Yavapai District was founded, changing its name to the Yavapai & Mohave Counties Council (#012) in 1924. In 1926, Yavapai and Mohave Counties changed its name to Yavapai-Mohave Council (#012). In 1922, the Grand Canyon Council was founded. It merged into Yavapai-Mohave in 1929. The combined councils changed their names to the Northern Arizona Council. In 1934, the council was disbanded and service was taken over by Direct Service.

The Three G Council (#009) was formed in 1943, changing its name to the Copper Council in 1962. In 1977, the Copper Council merged into the Theodore Roosevelt Council (#010). In 1993, the Theodore Roosevelt Council reformed into Grand Canyon Council (#010).

Council Properties

Grand Canyon Council has one scout service center and 4 camps. Several of our properties and facilities are available to rent by all groups, organizations and individuals. Visit our Rentals page for more information.

Dave Alexander Scout Service Center: 

8840 E Chaparral Rd Suite 200
Scottsdale, AZ 85250 (602) 955-7747

R-C Scout Ranch
19887 E AZ Hwy 260
Payson, AZ 85541

Camp Geronimo
2599 W. Webber Creek Rd.
Payson, AZ 85541

Heard Scout Pueblo
1901 E Dobbins Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85042

Camp Raymond
7709 S. Boy Scout Camp Rd.
Parks, AZ 86018

2023 Summer Camp Report

Check out our summer camp recap infographic for all the stats and highlights from Camp Geronimo and R-C Family Camp! It’s your go-to for a visual journey through the adventures, activities, and fellowship that made this season unforgettable. Don’t miss out—click here to explore the infographic now!