Building Leadership and Lifelong Skills Through Scouting America: A Conversation with Jim Gillick
Guest: Jim Gillick, Executive Director, Scouting America – Jersey Shore Council
Host: Tom Mirabella, Grit Won’t Quit Podcast
Scouting has changed a lot since the days of pocket knives and campfire songs. In this episode, Tom sits down with Jim Gillick, who has led the Jersey Shore Council for more than a decade, to talk about how Scouting America is evolving, why it still matters, and how it continues to build future-ready leaders.
From the Shore to the Summit: What the Jersey Shore Council Serves
The Jersey Shore Council spans a long stretch of coastal New Jersey, covering Ocean and Atlantic counties and parts of nearby areas, with about 2,500 youth served each year across Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and specialty programs. After a pandemic-era dip, membership is growing again, especially among Lion and Tiger (K–1) Cub Scouts, with an ambitious 7% year-over-year growth goal fueled by energized volunteers and active school-based recruitment.
“The seeds are planted. Now we just need to bring in the harvest.”
What Changes, What Doesn’t: A Modern, Inclusive Scouting
Scouting America today is family friendly and inclusive, welcoming girls across programs. Nationally, girls make up roughly 10% of the program, and the Jersey Shore Council sits above that at ~12% and rising, especially at younger ages. The shift reflects a broader mission to make participation easier for busy families by offering activities that parents and siblings can enjoy together.
At the same time, the values haven’t changed. The Scout Oath and Law remain the foundation, shaping character, integrity, and service.
The Leadership Lab: How Scouts Learn to Lead
In Cub Scouting, parents help run age-appropriate, hands-on adventures. As youth transition into Scouts BSA, the approach shifts to the patrol method, where youth lead youth. Patrols plan trips, assign roles, manage gear, and learn to make decisions as a team. It is structured, practical leadership training.
“They take ownership of the program themselves… That’s what instills character, leadership, and positive achievement.”
Eagle Scouts: Why 5% Stands Out
Earning Eagle Scout is demanding, which is why only about 4–5% of Scouts reach it. Beyond merit badges and a capstone leadership project, Eagle candidates learn to juggle competing priorities: academics, activities, jobs, and life. That real-world project management mindset is a big reason Eagle Scouts often shine in college, careers, and community leadership.
Jim also notes research showing that five years or more of Scouting at any level correlates with positive life outcomes such as higher educational attainment and strong civic involvement, regardless of whether a youth ultimately earns Eagle.
From Blacksmithing to Game Design: Staying Relevant
Scouting has always adapted to the skills the world needs. In 1910, the most popular merit badge was Blacksmithing. Today, Robotics and Game Design are among the most pursued. The council also supports a STEM-focused Venturing crew where high schoolers explore engineering, rocketry, and technology alongside outdoor adventures.
The point is not to replace the outdoors, but to pair classic Scouting with modern skills so kids stay curious, confident, and engaged.
Growing Stronger Together: A Possible Merger on the Horizon
Jersey Shore Council and Monmouth Council have formed a merger subcommittee to explore combining operations. The goal is to reduce redundancies, expand program access, and enhance camps and activities. With assets like Quail Hill Scout Reservation (Monroe Township), Forestburg Scout Reservation (NY), and Joseph A. Citta Scout Reservation (Barnegat), alignment could unlock new experiences for families across the region.
Mark Your Calendar: Operation Halloween
Looking for a family-friendly fall tradition? Operation Halloween returns to the Citta Scout Reservation in Barnegat with Pumpkin Street for little ones, hay mazes, face painting, music, food, and a spooky haunted trail after dark. The event supports Scouting in partnership with the Southern Ocean Rotary, with proceeds benefiting community causes.
How to Get Involved
Find a local unit: Use the national locator at BeAScout.org to search by your address and see nearby packs, troops, and crews with meeting times and contact info.
Explore programs and council events: Visit JerseyShoreScouts.org for membership details, activities, camp info, and event registration.
Volunteer or donate: Ask your local unit or the council about ways to pitch in. From mentoring to event support, there are many meaningful roles.
Why It Matters
Scouting builds character, leadership, and lifelong skills. Whether your child loves camping, coding, service projects, or all of the above, Scouting offers a framework that meets kids where they are, teaches them to lead, and gives families a welcoming community.
“Scouting has never been more relevant. Our job is to keep it that way for every family who wants in.”
Episode Links
Scouting America, Jersey Shore Council: https://www.jerseyshorescouts.org/
Find a Unit Near You: https://www.beascout.org/
This podcast episode was filmed at Wingman Planning in Belmar.
