Member Profile – Crossroads of America, BSA
The Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee takes pride in acknowledging the historic anniversaries of our member organizations. Earlier this month, the Crossroads of America Council (Boy Scouts of America) announced a rebrand coming to the organization early next year in honor of their 115th anniversary. To learn more about the exciting change, we spoke with Scout Executive / President & CEO of Crossroads of America Council, Joseph E. Wiltrout.
Access member profiles from previous months here. Have news you want shared? Let us know!
Can you share more about Crossroads of America Council’s history within the Indianapolis community?
The Crossroads of America Council, headquartered in Indianapolis and serving 26 counties in central Indiana, currently serves more than 16,000 youth and is a youth development organization affiliated with Scouting America (formerly the Boy Scouts of America), nationally chartered in the United States in 1910. Our local council began in 1914 with 100 boys and has changed names and geography a few times over the last 110 years. Regardless of name changes and methods of program delivery, our unwavering mission has remained the same: We are committed to fostering ethical and moral decision-making in young individuals through positive adult mentors. We are dedicated to the principles of citizenship training, character development, physical and mental fitness, and leadership enhancement. As a registered Indiana 501(c)(3) organization, the Crossroads of America Council operates under a local governing board’s guidance, overseeing its comprehensive array of programs, services, and resources.
What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your role?
Having the privilege and honor to serve the youth and families of our country for the last 27 years in 5 different states and cities is just a true blessing. The BSA/Scouting America has given my family and me many life experiences, friendships, and relationships that would have never been possible without my role as a career professional and servant leader to the community. This role empowers me to bring people and organizations together for the betterment of our countries and communities’ future leaders. I am fortunate to see youth try new things, grow, achieve, and prosper. A weekly highlight is signing Eagle Scout applications and having the ability to play a small part in this accomplishment that has been worked on so hard. I love to go to camp during the summer and see all the Scouts having fun, learning, and just living their best life. The friendships and relationships with volunteers, community leaders, and board members are just an aspect of the career I cherish daily.
Tell us more about the rebrand! When will it officially take effect?
On Tuesday, May 7, 2024, our National organization announced the forthcoming change of our organization’s name to Scouting America. We welcome this transition as we believe it better aligns with the diverse communities we serve. Since 2019, we have proudly served the full family. Embracing diversity in gender, ethnicity, background, and culture is paramount in delivering a program that resonates with the next generation of Scouts. We view this name change as a pivotal step in that direction. The full implementation of our new name is February 8, 2025, coinciding with our organization’s 115th birthday.
How can GIPC members get involved with Scouting America programming?
We are constantly seeking volunteers to support our Scouting programs, ranging from roles such as Cubmaster, in-school Scouting program coordinator, community partner, donor, or task force committee member. Adult volunteers play a pivotal role in advancing our mission. Opportunities abound, whether engaging directly with youth or supporting those who do. The time commitments for these positions vary, from year-round and seasonal roles to those requiring only a few hours per week or year. Please note that all volunteers undergo an application process, including a criminal background check.
To learn more about how to become a Scouting volunteer, please visit www.crossroadsbsa.org/support/volunteer/.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I believe that Scouting is needed more than ever in the world today. I believe this is an exciting time to be a part of this movement that has been woven into the fabric of our community for over 114 years. I’m excited about our welcome statement, “Scouting invites every youth to a safe, fun place to learn, explore, and grow. ”As an Eagle Scout and parent of two daughters, one son, and one granddaughter, I am proud to represent the best youth-serving organization in Central Indiana. I feel that our new name, Scouting America, will help refresh, reintroduce, and reinvite America to Scouting. Our organization welcomes all youth. Scouting is an environment where everyone should feel respected and valued. For girls, boys, rural, urban, affluent, and under-resourced, eligibility is simply based on age: 5-20 years old.