Choctaw Area Council - Boy Scouts of America

We Build Character

“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.”  This is the Boy Scout Oath, one of the foundations of Scouting.  The Boy Scouts of America was chartered by Congress in 1910 and the Choctaw Area Council was founded in 1920.  The mission of the 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.

The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations, providing programs for young people that build character.  In Scouting, boys and girls start with their best right now selves and grow into their very best future selves.  For the first time in its 100+ year history, the iconic program of the Boy Scouts of America is open to both young men and young women.  Scouts BSA is a year-round program for boys and girls in kindergarten through high school that provides, fun, adventure, learning, challenge, and responsibility to help them become the best version of themselves.  Scouting promotes activities that lead to personal responsibility and high self-esteem.  As a result, when faced with hard decisions, peer pressure can be resisted and right choices can be made.

“We are a 501-C, non-profit, that works with Charter Partners to deliver character education and value-based training to young people from grades K-12 in 5 counties in Mississippi; Lauderdale, Newton, Neshoba, Kemper, Clarke, and Choctaw County in Alabama,” says Ken Kercheval, Scout Executive/CEO.  “We are the longest running youth organization in the US,” he adds. 

The Council runs Binachi Shooting Sports, at Camp Binachi, that is open to the public and supports the Scouting operations in our area.  It is evolving into one of the premiere shotgun and archery courses in the South.  They hosted the State Games in 3-D and FITA Archery this year.  “This community really loves to support each other.  For-Profit and Non-Profit all work together for the common cause of making sure we all have a better quality of life,” adds Ken.  “We are a relationship town and it is all about being kind to your neighbor and having a welcoming spirit.  You cannot serve your community and not be a part of your community.  EMBDC provides this opportunity year in and year out.  Our council is proud to provide over 12,000 community service hours year in and year out.”

The Boy Scout Law says: “A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.”  Scouting is fun, hands-on learning and achievement that puts kids in the middle of the action and prepares them for today – and for life. A Boy Scout is Prepared.

Choctaw Area Council - Boy Scouts of America
4818 North Park Dr., Meridian, MS