Mission & Vision

Mission Statement

The mission of Scouting 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.

Scout Oath

On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.

Scout Law

A Scout is:
Trustworthy
Loyal
Helpful
Friendly
Courteous
Kind
Obedient
Cheerful
Thrifty
Brave
Clean
Reverent

Vision Statement

Scouting America will prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and Law.

About Us

The Black Swamp Area Council was founded in 1991 and consists of thirteen counties in Northwest and West Central. The service area includes: Allen, Auglaize, Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, Seneca, Van Wert and Williams counties. The council is comprised of 4 districts: Arrowwood (Hancock & Seneca county), Chinquapin (Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Paulding & Williams county), Great Oaks (Allen, Putnam & Hardin county) and Old Sycamore (Auglaize, Mercer & Van Wert county). There are two camps that the council operates. Camp Berry is located in Findlay, OH and Camp Lakota is located in Defiance, OH. There are two service centers that support the council. They Findlay Service Center in Findlay, OH is the council's main office and also houses the National Findlay Scout Shop. The Lima Service Center in Lima, OH is home to the Lima Scout Shop.