FAQs
- What is a Good Turn?
- What is Good Turn for America?
- How does Good Turn for America benefit the Boy Scouts of America and collaborating organizations?
- When did Good Turn for America begin?
- When will Good Turn for America end?
- Do I have to be a member of the Boy Scouts of America to participate?
- How is this different from Scouting for Food?
- How do units record their service hours?
- How can an Eagle Scout record his service hours?
- How does an Order of the Arrow lodge record their service hours?
- How do Lone Scouts record their service hours?
- Where does the Good Turn for America patch go?
- How can I get items such as pins, coins, etc?
- Can I download the Good Turn for America logo?
What is a Good Turn?
Some Good Turns are big—saving a life, helping out after floods or other disasters, recycling community trash, working with [others] on conservation projects.
But Good Turns are often small, thoughtful acts—helping a child cross a busy street, going to the store for an elderly neighbor, cutting back brush that is blocking a sign, doing something special for a brother or sister, welcoming a new student to your school.
A Good Turn is more than simple good manners. It is a special act of kindness.
The Boy Scout Handbook, 11th Edition, p. 55
What is Good Turn for America?
Good Turn for America is a national call to service by the Boy Scouts of America to address the issues of hunger, homelessness, and poor health in our nation. In this effort, the Boy Scouts of America is partnering with some of the nation's most respected service organizations, including The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, America's Second Harvest, and the Department of Homeland Security. These organizations and thousands of others will work to provide opportunities for youth and volunteers to fight hunger and homelessness, and teach the habits of healthy living.
Youth and volunteers are looking for ways to serve their communities. At the same time, service organizations need dedicated volunteer help. By working together, we can improve our young people, our communities, and the nation.
How does Good Turn for America benefit my community?
Meeting the substantial needs of every community is dependent on its citizens to answer the call of volunteerism. There is a natural fit between the Boy Scouts of America and other community organizations. Service learning is an integral part of the Scouting program. As a result, youth and adults seek opportunities to volunteer. Community organizations need volunteers to help them fulfill their missions. Working with these organizations creates a win/win situation for everyone.
When did Good Turn for America begin?
The initiative was launched in February 2004.
When will Good Turn for America end?
The initiative is scheduled to run through the BSA's 100th anniversary in 2010.
Do I have to be a member of the Boy Scouts of America to participate?
No. In order to fight hunger, provide shelter, and teach the habits of healthy living, we need your assistance. Contact your local Boy Scout council to find out how you can participate in your area.
How is this different from Scouting for Food?
Scouting for Food is a once-a-year effort focusing on one area of need. Good Turn for America is a year-round initiative that addresses hunger, inadequate housing, and health issues in our communities.
How do units record their service hours?
Click here to download the brochure.
How can an Eagle Scout record his service hours?
Click here to download the brochure. (See Eagle Scout Project section)
How does an Order of the Arrow lodge record their service hours?
Each local council has an OA Lodge ID that can be used to log Order of the Arrow service hours. Follow the same instructions for units recording their service hours.
How do Lone Scouts record their service hours?
There are two options available. Contact your local council to determine the best option for you.
Find a unit in your area and ask them to report your service hours along with theirs.
Each local council has an OA Lodge ID that can be used to log Lone Scout service hours. In order to track Lone Scout hours, it is suggested that in the area to list partners, you type in Lone Scout.
Where does the Good Turn for America patch go?
The Good Turn for America patch qualifies as temporary insignia. Therefore, it should be worn centered on the right pocket. Only one temporary patch may be worn at a time.
Female leaders wearing either the traditional yellow Cub Scout leader blouse or the optional tan leader blouse may wear one temporary insignia centered above the Boy Scouts of America strip. Females in Boy Scouting and Venturing place temporary insignia the same as on the men's shirt.
How can I get items such as pins, coins, etc?
Visit your local Scout Shop to find the following items. Also available on www.scoutstuff.org, search for "Good Turn for America."
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| Good Turn for America Flagpole Ribbon | Good Turn for America Wall Plaque | Good Turn for America Cap |
| $11.05 | $34.25 | $13.25 |
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| Good Turn for America Desk Award | Good Turn for America Sticker Sheet | A Daily Good Turn, by Rockwell |
| $39.25 | $3.95 | $89.95-$129.95 |
Can I download the Good Turn for America logo?
To download this image, right click on the file name and select "save target as" or "download file".
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| GTFALogo.jpg |
