Scouting programs get a boost

The Jersey Shore Council, Boy Scouts of America, has been awarded $20,000 by the OceanFirst Foundation of Toms River to continue school-based scouting programs in the community. The grant will allow youth in the school-based scouting programs in Seaside Heights, South Toms River and Lakewood to participate in traditional scouting activities, many of which are available at the Joseph A. Citta Scout Reservation in Brookville.

According to a press release, school-based scouting programs introduce youths to the values and aims of traditional scouting, yet are provided in schools. The programs are currently based at the Hugh J. Boyd Jr. Elemen-tary School in Seaside Heights, the South Toms River Elementary School, Discovery Place, and the Clifton Avenue, Oak Street and Spruce Street elementary schools in Lakewood.

"Community support for school-based scouting programs is vital to their success," said Ethan Draddy, Scout executive. "With their generous gift, our friends at the OceanFirst Foundation have made a commitment to ensuring Ocean County youths can enjoy the benefits of scouting."

Founded in 1996, OceanFirst Foun-dation is the first foundation in the country to be established by a bank as part of an initial public offering, with a grant of $13.4 million in OceanFirst common stock. OceanFirst Foundation provides grants to local organizations such as the Jersey Shore Boy Scouts that make a real difference in the lives of their customers and neighbors, according to the press release.

The Jersey Shore Council, Boy Scouts of America, with Scout service centers in Toms River and Egg Harbor Township, serves 15,000 youths and adult volunteers in Ocean and Atlantic counties, parts of Burlington County, and Ocean City in Cape May County.