Since the inception of the Scouting movement, begun by Lord Robert Baden-Powell in 1908, the Scouting program has been known for its role in shaping men and women of character, conscience, and courage. These attributes are essential to the cultivation of a civil society, which is vital for the rise of stability in Iraq.

The Boy Scouts of Iraq was established in 1954. However, under Saddam Hussein severe restrictions were placed on the Scouting program. Thereby resulting in a corrupt pro-Saddam youth movement, which usurped Boy and Girl Scouts of Iraq.

The Marines, in cooperation with the “Green Zone Council”, are helping to re-energize involvement and opportunities for the Boy and Girl Scouts in Iraq and Spirit of America is supporting their efforts through our Marines Help Outfit Iraq Scouts project. This partnering of the Marines and the council will teach, coach and mentor youth in the values and skills needed for these young people’s success in life. With so much riding on the leadership of the next generation of Iraqis, this project is an important avenue to build up the country's youth to be the leaders of tomorrow.

The ultimate goal of Spirit of America’s outreach to Iraqi Scouts is to support this worthwhile community project in keeping with the Marines mission, which will "stand the test of time in reaching Iraqi leaders of the future across the nation - all 18 Provinces." To date, there are over 150,000 scouts in Iraq's 18 provinces.

Funds for this project are used to buy sleeping bags, tents, individual mess kits and first aid kits. To date, Spirit of America has purchased camping supplies for 400 Iraqi Scouts in both Baghdad and Northern Iraq. The project is presently in its third phase, with a new request to fund a Scout "Camporee".