Community service is one of the benchmarks we can use to judge how our society is truly performing. When the care for those who need it the most is lacking, it speaks volumes about the direction of our society.

When people think about the Boy Scouts of America, one of the images that comes to mind is a uniformed Scout helping an elderly woman across the street or performing some other feat of service. This scene captures the essence of what Scouting represents—a selfless commitment to helping those in need.

Today, Scouts perform hundreds of service activities every day and their dedication to volunteerism has improved countless neighborhoods, cities, and lives. Their work has been recognized by national volunteer and conservation organizations that depend on Scouts to reach millions of needy Americans and conserve and protect our national parks and wildlife. Teaching youth to recognize and respond to the needs of others instills the value and duty of service in them and helps them feel more connected to their community.

Scouting’s early founders began a tradition of service with the slogan “Do a Good Turn Daily.” A Good Turn is any activity done to help someone in need without expecting anything in return. Rank advancement requires Scouts to complete a number of service projects and recognize their responsibility to their community. Scouts realize that service is not a one-time job. It is an ongoing duty.

One of Scouting’s most ambitious service projects began in 1997 with a pledge for Scouts to provide 200 million hours of community service as part of its partnership with America’s Promise. Founded by Secretary of State Colin Powell, who saw a need for our nation’s young people to become more involved in their communities, America’s Promise challenges the nation to make healthy youth development a priority.

Our 4.5 million youth members committed to provide at least one hour of public service each month for four years. It was by far the largest commitment for service from any organization.

Youth members cleaned up parks and neighborhoods, delivered food to senior citizens, assisted with public conservation efforts, and distributed food to the needy. Earlier this year, the BSA announced the 200 million–hour goal had been reached ahead of schedule, with an additional 60 million hours logged by adult volunteers.

While volunteerism has been on the rise in recent years, the number one reason people say that they don’t volunteer is because they haven’t been asked. By partnering with national service organizations, the Boy Scouts of America is able to call on volunteers from around the nation.

One of the best ways Scouts learn about service is by attending summer camp. At summer camp, they are required to keep campsites clean, serve food to peers, and participate in conservation efforts. Each summer, more than 40,000 youth, representing every state in the nation, participate in service projects and live the Scout Oath and Law.

Youth who best represent the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives are eligible for induction into the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s National Honor Society. The more than 180,000 Scouts who have achieved the honor have risen above and beyond the call of duty and epitomize the best of what the Boy Scouts of America has to offer.

This nation has reason to be proud of organizations like the Boy Scouts of America—organizations that realize service brings hope and optimism to those most in need of them.