Becky Robbins introduced the speaker for the day, Misti Allen. Misti is not only one of the newest members of the Rotary Club, but is also the local District Executive of Scouting America, formerly known as the Boy Scouts.
Misti holds a bachelor’s degree in Cellular Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Penn State University. Before her current position, she served in the U.S. Navy, where she met her husband, also a Navy veteran. Now married for more than 29 years, the couple has a son, Jack, who is
home-schooled.
Misti holds a bachelor’s degree in Cellular Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Penn State University. Before her current position, she served in the U.S. Navy, where she met her husband, also a Navy veteran. Now married for more than 29 years, the couple has a son, Jack, who is
home-schooled.
Misti became interested in scouting as a mother when Jack joined a Tiger Scout troop. He now is working toward the rank of Eagle Scout. Her husband also serves as a Scoutmaster. In fact, the couple has held week-long Scouting camps at their home! That’s how devoted they are to
Scouting.
A ten-year volunteer within the Scouting Trailblazer District and the Allegheny Highlands Council, she was honored with the Boy Scouts of America District Merit Award for outstanding service and leadership in youth development. She designed the Scout REACH program here and helped expand Scouting to underserved communities. She is also the Shooting Sports Director at Camp Merz.
Beyond Scouting, Misti has volunteered on school PTO boards, Lakewood village committees, and led local baseball and soccer organizations.
Misti shared various details about Scouting America, the different programs involved with the organization, and her role with the local district, having joined the staff in 2024. She said the mission of the organization is "Scouting is fun with a purpose", with a goal of raising awareness of various opportunities in the community, while also helping to build leadership skills and general life skills. The local district's territory covers all of Chautauqua County and half of Cattaraugus County.
For programming, Scouting America engages and collaborates with various organizations, including the YMCA and the Jamestown Community College Manufacturing Institute. Other groups include Veterans agencies and Public Safety. Misti said one of the most important programs is Scout Reach, which works to serve underprivileged and underserved areas on Chautauqua County. This includes both rural areas and within the city. She said the program has been very effective, reaching out to over 900 youth. Much of that is due to support from local funders, including the United Way of Chautauqua County and the Sheldon Foundation.
Misti explained that an important focus of Scouting America is to teach skills revolving around STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), but she also added that the Arts are also sometimes focused on, to help inspire creativity. She added later that often times merit badges are given out for specific arts-related projects and efforts.
When fielding questions, Misti was asked about the decline in campers at Camp Mertz. She indicated it was more driven by a lack of funding to cover costs, rather than interest from local youth. She indicated that efforts are underway to revitalize the summer camping program, including the possibility of collaboration with other organizations, including the Y's Camp Onyahsa.
Following Misti's presentation, the meeting was adjourned.
Scouting.
A ten-year volunteer within the Scouting Trailblazer District and the Allegheny Highlands Council, she was honored with the Boy Scouts of America District Merit Award for outstanding service and leadership in youth development. She designed the Scout REACH program here and helped expand Scouting to underserved communities. She is also the Shooting Sports Director at Camp Merz.
Beyond Scouting, Misti has volunteered on school PTO boards, Lakewood village committees, and led local baseball and soccer organizations.
Misti shared various details about Scouting America, the different programs involved with the organization, and her role with the local district, having joined the staff in 2024. She said the mission of the organization is "Scouting is fun with a purpose", with a goal of raising awareness of various opportunities in the community, while also helping to build leadership skills and general life skills. The local district's territory covers all of Chautauqua County and half of Cattaraugus County.
For programming, Scouting America engages and collaborates with various organizations, including the YMCA and the Jamestown Community College Manufacturing Institute. Other groups include Veterans agencies and Public Safety. Misti said one of the most important programs is Scout Reach, which works to serve underprivileged and underserved areas on Chautauqua County. This includes both rural areas and within the city. She said the program has been very effective, reaching out to over 900 youth. Much of that is due to support from local funders, including the United Way of Chautauqua County and the Sheldon Foundation.
Misti explained that an important focus of Scouting America is to teach skills revolving around STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), but she also added that the Arts are also sometimes focused on, to help inspire creativity. She added later that often times merit badges are given out for specific arts-related projects and efforts.
When fielding questions, Misti was asked about the decline in campers at Camp Mertz. She indicated it was more driven by a lack of funding to cover costs, rather than interest from local youth. She indicated that efforts are underway to revitalize the summer camping program, including the possibility of collaboration with other organizations, including the Y's Camp Onyahsa.
Following Misti's presentation, the meeting was adjourned.
