Foundation Philanthropy

Go straight to the new ZeteScouts website, or read below for some extended information.

ZeteScouts, the newest ZeteKidz USA philanthropy effort, was started in January 2005 by the Nu chapter. The Nu was looking for a meaningful way to give back to its community. The group of brothers, which included 11 Eagle Scouts, decided that the best way to achieve this goal would be by partnering with a local Scout group - Troop 133 in Elyria, Ohio. During that semester, brothers taught the scouts how to build fires and other outdoor skills. After the semester, and in the spirit of its original concept, the brothers then joined with a troop closer to home – Troop 403 in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

The ZeteScouts program provides brothers the opportunity to teach and mentor scouts. For example, several brothers are registered as merit badge counselors. This allows them to teach scouts about activities ranging from First Aid and Rock Climbing to Engineering and Law. Merit Badges are a crucial way scouts learn about the world and start considering career opportunities. ZeteScouts is also working on developing a program where a brother who is an Eagle Scout pairs up with a scout who is working towards the same rank. The brother would work with the scout to support him through the process.

In 2005, the Nu chapter presented their concept at the National Convention. Rear Admiral James Carey took the initiative to approach Boy Scouts of America, where a Memorandum of Mutual Support was signed. This memorandum recognizes the similar values in which brothers and scouts conduct themselves, their obligation to help the surrounding community, and the mutual benefits of working together to enhance both groups education, leadership, and service. Furthermore, the Boy Scouts of America agreed to support and assist in the successful implementation of the program. The signing of this document allowed Zeta Psi to be the first social fraternity to have a program officially recognized by the Boy Scouts of America.

Since then, four chapters have been working towards supporting the goals of this Memorandum, with many more having shown interest. The ZeteScouts initiative was also presented at the 2006 Boy Scouts of America National Convention, and has seen a large group of scouting programs looking for Zeta Psi chapters across the nation to build programs. Zeta Psi IHQ also created a ZeteScouts committee whose purpose is to support and develop the program in future years. As a long-term task, it is also their goal to determine how many brothers have been involved in scouting in the past, and how many were Eagle Scouts during their scouting tenure.

Scouting has already benefited from the program through several events. Brothers at the Nu Chapter held a swim clinic in the winter to help inner-city scouts improve their swimming and lifesaving skills before going to summer camp. For some scouts this was an important step in being able to participate in aquatic activities during their weeklong camping experience. Also, brothers in southeast Pennsylvania held a fundraiser to help improve the local Scouting Council’s facilities. This allowed Scouting administrators to devote more time to supporting overall well-being of the local programs.

There are many ways chapters can get involved in creating a ZeteScouts program. Brothers serve in roles such as: leadership, career counseling and training, leadership training, merit badge instruction, and mentors. The program is open to any group of brothers who desire to work with a local troop; no scouting experience is required.

Contact for more information.

Edited by: Damon Bosetti, ZeteScouts Committee Member