“A Good Turn is more than simple good manners. It is a special act of kindness.”
The Boy Scout Handbook, 11th Edition, p. 55
VISION:
Good Turn for Greenwich is a local call to service by Greenwich Scouting with a goal of providing 100 Good Turn projects within the Town of Greenwich, from 2010 (the 100th Birthday of the Boy Scouts of America) to 2012 (the Greenwich Council’s 100th Anniversary). Good Turns are intended to improve issues such as healthy living, shelter, disaster relief, elderly, food collection, military, safety, and much more. To address these issues, Greenwich Scouting invites other community and civic organizations to collaborate on these important projects.
OVERVIEW & BENEFITS:
Since its inception in 1910, members of the Boy Scouts of America have learned to live the principles of the Scout Oath and Law through community services and "helping other people at all times." With that history in mind, the BSA recently developed the service initiative “Good Turn for America.” To expand upon that program and to celebrate the monumental 100th Anniversaries of the BSA and Greenwich Scouting, Good Turn for Greenwich (GTFG) has been created, with Peter Tesei, First Selectman of the Town of Greenwich, serving as Chairman.
Meeting the needs of the Greenwich community is dependent on its citizens to answer the call of volunteerism. There is a natural fit between the Boy Scouts of America and other community organizations. Throughout its existence the BSA has partnered with community organizations to charter Boy Scout Troops, Cub Scout Packs, Explorer Posts and Venturing Crews, and has been a common bond between our organizations (see list on page 2). Service learning is an integral part of the Scouting program. As a result, youth and adults seek opportunities to volunteer. Community organizations need volunteers to help them fulfill their missions. Working with these organizations creates a win/win situation for everyone.
WHAT IS A GOOD TURN?
Good Turns may be big - helping out after floods or other disasters, recycling community trash, working on conservation projects, saving a life; or they can be small - thoughtful acts, helping a child cross a busy street, going to the store for an elderly neighbor, doing something special for a brother or sister, welcoming a new student to your school.
For Good Turn for Greenwich a Good Turn is defined as a service project benefiting our community and involving one or more individuals volunteering at least 10 total hours of community service. GTFG launches on May 1st, 2010 with the Greenwich Scouting clean-up and conservation project on Island Beach and Great Captain’s Island.
What organizations are currently partners with Greenwich Scouting?
American Red Cross*
Bethel AME Church
Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich
Christ Church Greenwich
Cos Cob Archers
Diamond Hill United Methodist Church
First Congregational Church of Greenwich
Glenville Volunteer Fire Co.
Greenwich Emergency Medical Service
Greenwich Family YMCA
Greenwich Police Department
Habitat for Humanity*
International School at Dundee PTA
Junior League of Greenwich
Neighbor to Neighbor
Ninth District Veterans Association
North Mianus School PTA
Old Greenwich-Riverside Civic Center
Presbyterian Church of Old Greenwich
Round Hill Community Church
Saint Catherine of Siena R.C. Church
Saint Michael the Archangel Parish
Saint Paul Lutheran Church
Saint Paul R.C. Church
Salvation Army*
Second Congregational Church
Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Department
* Denotes National BSA Partner for Good Turn for America
Do I have to be a Greenwich Scouting member or volunteer to participate?
No. In order to improve the Greenwich community we need everyone’s assistance. Any organization is welcome to join the Good Turn for Greenwich initiative. Please contact Jessica Reid at 203-869-8424 or jessica.reid@scouting.org with organizations looking to partner with Greenwich Scouting on local "Good Turns" or with service project ideas.
What type of projects will be considered for Good Turn for Greenwich?
A conservation / clean-up project, volunteering at Neighbor to Neighbor, a long-term project at a church or synagogue or one that benefits the elderly, a clothing and/or food collection drive, efforts to assist with storm clean-up, an Eagle Scout Leadership Service project, to name a few.
How are the Good Turn for Greenwich projects recorded?
Once your project has been approved, details and photos of local Good Turns are submitted via the Greenwich Scouting website.
Contact Us:
Greenwich Scouting Service Center
63 Mason Street, Greenwich, CT
Phone: 203-869-8424
Email: Jessica.Reid@scouting.org
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