The Colonial Virginia Council, Scouting America is a volunteer-led organization responsible for maintaining standards for local scouts, providing leadership to youth, training for scouting leaders, operating camps and shops and providing administrative support to troops. The local council has 2,180 youth scouts and 97 scouting units, and over the past year, the Colonial Virginia Council, Scouting America had more than 26,234 volunteer hours donated back into local communities.
Clinton Hammett has been the local council’s CEO for seven years, and a professional scouter for more than 20 years. His role as chief executive officer sees him responsible for the overall administration, financial management, marketing, recruitment, staffing, risk management, public relations and program delivery within the designated geographic area.
“I interviewed for this position because I was intrigued about the potential to ensure that all youth, regardless of their background and financial position, had the opportunity to be a scout,” said Hammett. “My wife graduated from Hampton University, and her familiarity within the area also helped our chances of truly calling Hampton Roads home.”
Hammett’s job allows him to watch scouts learn new skills they may not have otherwise had the chance to learn. “My favorite part of the job is seeing our scouts explore and experience what will be memories that last a lifetime. I enjoy attending campouts and meeting scouts who, for this first time, catch a fish and build their first campfire,” he says. “I also enjoy seeing scouts from underserved communities have a chance to leave their neighborhoods and explore what nature has to offer.”
The council recently hired a full time scoutreach executive whose primary responsibility is to help youth and families in rural and inner-city communities experience scouting, removing some of the barriers which may stop them.
For parents who may be undecided about scouting for their child, Hammett has some advice. “I would recommend all parents give their children, both boys and girls, the opportunity to become a scout because the program teaches leadership, citizenship, community service and helps develop character. These skills are vital and will help all youth become better prepared for life,” he says.
“My favorite part of being active within the Colonial Virginia Council is having the opportunity to train, develop and advance our professional staff while working with many volunteers who have a passion to help strengthen our local communities through scouting,” Hammett says.
When Hammett isn’t working, he enjoys watching his daughter participate in gymnastics, watching his son “break world records in track and field” and traveling with his wife.
So, what’s next for the council? Says Hammett, “The future is looking extremely bright for the Colonial Virginia Council, Scouting America. We have balanced our financial budget for the eighth consecutive year. We have shown growth in members numbers and currently have more youth enrolled than we did last year at this current time. We have dedicated volunteers, a strong staff and quality camping programs for all youth.”
The Colonial Virginia Council, Scouting America is open to both boys and girls who are interested in connecting with nature, learning leadership skills and giving back to their communities.
TO THE POINT :
Colonial Virginia Council, Scouting America
Address: 11834 Canon Blvd., Ste. L, Newport News, VA 23606
Phone: 757-595-3356
Website: www.cvcboyscouts.org;
beascout.scouting.org
