G r e a t e r N e w Y o r k C o u n c i l s A n n u a l B u s i n e s s M e e t i n g 1C O U N C I L S E R V I C E C E N T E R C A M P P R O P E R T I E S D I S T R I C T O P E R A T I O N S

S T R A T E G I C P L A N2017-2020

G R E A T E R N E W Y O R K C O U N C I L SB O Y S C O U T S O F A M E R I C A

G r e a t e r N e w Y o r k C o u n c i l s A n n u a l B u s i n e s s M e e t i n g 1

C o - C h a i r s

E x e c u t i v e S u m m a r y

Ricky Mason and Geoff Mills

Council Service Center

Ricky Mason - LeadGeoff Mills

Ron Lo RussoMatt Van Buren

Bob Madsen – Staff Advisor

Camp Properties

Alex Fredericks - LeadTom Bain

Brian MaloneyCarol Lambos

Tom Pendleton - Staff Advisor

District Operations

Mike Sibilia - LeadGordon Whiting

Brian MooreTom BainTony Fiori

Dick Davies

The Greater New York Councils formed a committee of volunteers and senior staff to develop our strategic plan. We began the process by asking borough presidents, district leaders, unit leaders, parents of Scouts and GNYC executive staff for their input. To achieve success and sustainable growth, volunteer led committees explored ways to improve our council service center, improve camping properties, and develop effective district operations procedures. Each pillar will be led by volunteers with staff playing a key role in supporting their efforts.

S t r a t e g i cP l a n n i n gC o m m i t t e e

Chris Coscia – Staff Advisor

G r e a t e r N e w Y o r k C o u n c i l s A n n u a l B u s i n e s s M e e t i n g 1

Our Mission

The mission of the Greater New York Councils, 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.

MISSION STATEMENT

The vision of the Greater New York Councils is to serve kids and their families throughout the diverse communities of New York City and to help them to

prepare for success in school, career, and life.

OPERATIONAL VISION

Council Service Center Camp Properties District Operations

THREE KEY PILLARS

G r e a t e r N e w Y o r k C o u n c i l s A n n u a l B u s i n e s s M e e t i n g 1

Currently the Council is in a long-term lease with the Empire State Building, moving to an alternative space prior to 2024 would require a negotiated exit.

An exploratory commission of seasoned NYC real estate professionals has been established to discuss and consider opportunities for available office space and possible alternatives.

Backgrounda

Council Service Center

Economically efficient office solution Meet the needs of all GNYC stakeholders

o Provide a place for all our professional staff to conduct daily business.

o Allow for meetings and gatheringso Accessible

Objectivesb

G r e a t e r N e w Y o r k C o u n c i l s A n n u a l B u s i n e s s M e e t i n g 1

Cd

Council Service Center

Future Consideration should be given to purchasing a building that would be the permanent home of the

o Space for Council, Borough, District meetingso Space for a Scout Shop to support unit programingo Space for evening and weekend leader training sessionso Cost reduction o 20 – 25,000 square feet (if larger some space could be

sub-let to other non-profit)o Convenient to subway and bus lines with parking

availableo Space for Council Committee meetings

Relocation of Council Service Center:

oSpace for Council, Borough, and District meetings

oSpace for evening and weekend leader training sessions

oCost reduction o 15,000 to 19,000 square feetoConvenient to subway and bus

lines with parking availableoBuilding allowing seven day a

week and evening usage

Greater New York Councils, Boy Scouts of America. Based on funding capacity and real estate market pricing, timing is currently unknown.

G r e a t e r N e w Y o r k C o u n c i l s A n n u a l B u s i n e s s M e e t i n g 1

Camping Properties

GNYC owns three year-round camping properties and operates six different summer camps and additional programs.

Backgrounda Develop and implement vision for our camps

Identify whom we strive to serve Develop a sustainable plan for program &

capital enhancements that will lead to growth in market share.

Objectiveb

During the summer GNYC operates John E. Reeves Cub World for Cub Scouts. Throughout the year Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers and Explorers utilize the property. Training courses

are hosted frequently for volunteer leaders as well as area, regional, and national courses due to the Alpine’s location.

A l p i n e S co u t C a m pGNYC operates three resident summer camps with programs

for Boy Scouts, Venturers, and Explorers, in addition to our Family Camp. The TMR Trek program uses outposts located

across the expansive property.

Te n M i l e R i v e r S co u t C a m p s

During the summer Pouch Day Camp is open to Cub Scouts and the community. Berlin Lodge is used for district and unit

events throughout the year. Training courses are hosted frequently for volunteer leaders. The GNYC Scout Shop is

located at the camp office.

W i l l i a m H Po u c h C a m p

This committee broke into subcommittees (focus groups) by property

G r e a t e r N e w Y o r k C o u n c i l s A n n u a l B u s i n e s s M e e t i n g 1

All properties will develop a 20-year capital maintenance plan. Including a database of:

• Buildings & structures• Campsites & program areas• Vehicles• Infrastructure (water, sewer, electrical distribution, roads)

Evaluating the condition of each and forecasting needed repairs, replacement due to life expectancy, etc.

To fund the annual cost of depreciation, cash is to be moved from the camp operating funds to the capital accounts- funding future facility maintenance is critical to maintaining the camp at the level our Scouts, Scouters and board expect.

Capital Maintenance PlanLook at ways to generate new non-Scout revenue:

These programs should not interfere with our primary mission of supporting/delivering the Scouting program.

For Ten Mile River to be truly stainable, we must generate approximately $1 million in new revenue annually and believe it shouldn’t be on the backs of the Scouts we serve.

Form a Sustainability Task Force

Sustainable Approach

• Solar or wind farms• Tree farms• Partnerships with non-scouting NPOs• School based programs

Increase both the Ten Mile River Endowment Fund and John E Reeves Cub World Maintenance Endowment Fund to generate perpetual funding for the operation of the camps. The TMR 90th Anniversary is viewed and managed as an opportunity to initiate this process.

Endowment FundsAsset Manager/Camping Development: This person will be responsible to work with the Camping Committee and a Properties or Asset Management Committee (to be formed).They will report to the Director of Support/CFO. He/she would coordinate all of the items listed above.

New Position

G r e a t e r N e w Y o r k C o u n c i l s A n n u a l B u s i n e s s M e e t i n g 1

Individual compartmentalized bathroom upgrades to support families at camp Campsite upgrades and updates to tents and beds Add program areas: Adventure area with pump

track bicycle area and slingshot, archery, and BB ranges

Properties and Facilities

Program Expansion

Add day camp component to summer camp New program areas focused on expanded day

camp and weekend use Increase leader training opportunities at Reeves

Training Center

Alpine Scout Camp

G r e a t e r N e w Y o r k C o u n c i l s A n n u a l B u s i n e s s M e e t i n g 1

Berlin Lodge upgrades/updates Beautify camp front entrance Bathroom updates on camporee side of camp Bathroom and shower facilities in camp Electricity to cabins in weekend areas Permanent structures on camporee side of field to replace

trailers used as day camp office and health lodge

Properties and Facilities

Program Expansion

Berlin Lodge upgrades/updates Expand local media outreach to market day camp Electricity to cabins in weekend areas

William H. Pouch Scout Camp

G r e a t e r N e w Y o r k C o u n c i l s A n n u a l B u s i n e s s M e e t i n g 1

Currently Serves: Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, and Explorers year-round.

Methodology:270 Scouts, Leaders, and parents responded to a market research study identifying and ranking summer camp programs and elements of importance to them. This information was taking into consideration as the committee prioritized and determined physical upgrades and program improvements at the camps.

Ten Mile River

All TMR Camps Campsite improvements to include platforms and

tents as well as beds Develop the new “model campsite” for each camp

and work to get all campsites to match Year-round marketing plan for all camps to

increase attendance

Ten Mile River Scout Camps

G r e a t e r N e w Y o r k C o u n c i l s A n n u a l B u s i n e s s M e e t i n g 1

Ten Mile River

• Farm to table concept for unique program capitalizing on patrol cooking method

• Expand new programs in trades merit badges

Aquehonga

• Program enhancements with equipment at all areas• Science Lab (STEM) focus for unique camp program

Keowa

• Performing arts as unique camp program(already implemented- seeking grant opportunities)

Ranachqua

o Reconfigure old office to nature lodge

o New parking lot for additional carso Update dining hall to better serve the

needs of the customer

o New arts centero Upgrade dining hall roofo New well for potable water

(additional and redundant capacity)

G r e a t e r N e w Y o r k C o u n c i l s A n n u a l B u s i n e s s M e e t i n g 1

District Operations

Recruit, train, and inspire more

qualified adult volunteers and

staff to support growth of youth

membership in our traditional

Scouting districts.

Objectivea

Year Round District Nominating Committee

District Committee Training Conference

Community Scouting

Unit VolunteerRecruitment

Communications Plan

G r e a t e r N e w Y o r k C o u n c i l s A n n u a l B u s i n e s s M e e t i n g 1

Implement the practice of a year-round nominating committee in every district in GNYC. A year-round nominating committee would consist of a group of dedicated volunteers who each month (or two) would review manpower needs of their district and aggressively recruit additional manpower support for our district operations. This process would bring in a steady flow of volunteers and community leaders on an ongoing basis.

Year Round District Nominating Committee

Hold district annual meetings every April or May and institute one council-wide annual District Committee Training conference every year to help recruit, train and inspire district volunteers who have been elected to serve. During this conference launch new initiatives, onboard new volunteers and acclimate existing volunteers into new roles as district leaders.

District Committee Training Conference:

Develop a detailed plan to help introduce more adult leaders into our existing units through training, recruitment and recognition for units and staff.

Unit Volunteer Recruitment

Expand our volunteer footprint to all corners of New York City. Create defined sub-districts (geographic areas within our existing eight districts) to foster increased adult volunteer participation in overall district operations. (Pending budget approval)

Community Scouting Communications Plan

The council will coordinate a strong social media and online presence, direct email campaigns, newsletter publications, in-person meetings and seminars, and public relations media outreach. A plan will be implemented to better communicate our outstanding program opportunities with all our stakeholders and raise our visibility in NYC.

District Operations