Boy Scouts of America Aloha Council

Aloha Council Boy Scouts America is a great place to find friendly about anything Boy Scout related. All staff are knowledgable and very friendly. They simply go out of their way to get things done for their costumers and volunteers.

A great place! Didn't even know the building/store was there. Bought all the proper uniforms for my son and I. The place is really clean. It is kinda small and on a day like last Saturday, when there are soooo many new scouts, the place can get really packed. Overall, it was a cool place.

Wow I am so sorry the other person had a bad experience. One thing to remember is scouting is a volunteer based program. Each leader and unit is different all though there is training provided from the organization. I'm not a cut scout master but My son has been involved with scouting for about 4 years now. We have several children in our pack that have different needs. I know many boys with special and individual needs involved in BSA. Our pack has been great. My son has learned a lot and I have learned a lot about patenting. I cannot stress enough how important the leaders are and finding the right match for you. I am more involved as a den leader now and just last night I received training on "scouting with special needs and disabilities" the entire manual just on this topic is over 160 pages. The core of scouting is that it is for all boys, not some or excluding anyone but completely inclusive. It changed my sons life from the inside out. I'm so sorry that the other woman or for anyone for that matter had a poor experience. It's a volunteer program and any bad experiences do not reflect what the true BSA standards and intentions are. Scouting is for everyone.

On a Sunday I was exiting Lowe's on Nimitz, when I was approached by a young cub scout. My mother and I followed him to the table display. I asked him to explain to me where the money they collect from the fundraisers go. With a bit of encouragement, he was eloquent and informative. I purchased an 18 ounce bag of chocolate popcorn and a smaller bag of trail mix. When the young lady told me $50. I thought that I heard her incorrectly! With disbelief, I handed her the cash. Today I called Boy Scout headquarters to get some clarifications. I spoke with a lady and she suggested I speak to a district manager. She said that she only answers the phone. I repeatedly told her that I was not mad or upset. I realize that the prices are set by others.I did not wait to speak to any one. I have experience with fundraisers. My children attended a local Catholic school and fundraisers were in fact part of the budget. What I don't understand is the unreasonable mark up for the product. $25. for 18 ounces of chocolate popcorn! It is my fault for not asking for prices in advance. To tell you the truth, it never occurred to me to do so. I would have contributed regardless. If I had a bit more time to think, I probably would have given them $20. and not purchased any product. Every one knows that when you contribute to a fundraiser it costs more. You participate for the children. It provides them with excursions, education and fun programs. I ask the Boy Scouts to consider giving better value for the dollar. Maybe more people would be interested in participating. Yes, I read the poster that says over 70% of the funds raised goes to the scout's programs. So, 30% is for admin cost. Better value that $1.39 an ounce.

Cub Scouts DISCRIMINATES against children with Special Needs. Cub Scout leaders were handing out flyers at our elementary school. I gladly took one since I thought my 11 y.o. would really enjoy, and benefit from, Cub Scouts. He loves the outdoors, he loves to help and serve. We do community services on our own and with our church and he loves it. He also needs to build character. I also thought it'd be good for him to get more involved with other boys. There was only one downfall - he has Autism and a learning disability. I thought they would accommodate my 11 y.o. but I found out the hard way that they would not.... Our first meeting they were making announcements to "keep quiet", and everyone kept looking at my child. He has echolalia imitates sounds without explicit awareness. I asked them after the meeting if they are discriminatory against children with autism or special needs. They adamantly said NO. They said now that they know he has echolalia they won't make global announcements for him to be quiet, but he would need to sit in his seat and be still. I let it go. I was ready to walk away, but I felt I needed to push through in hopes that things would get better. .. It didn't... They said we could come to a den meeting with other kids in his grade. I asked them if he could be with the kids in a few grades below him. He is smaller for his age wears size 5/6 and 7/8 clothes; he is challenged academically, and won't be able to keep up with any homework or reading at his grade level. They said they'd ask someone and get back to me. They never asked, and never called back. I had to continuously text/call the man in charge. He blew me off for 3 1/2 months. He actually came to my door without realizing it was our house and asked for donations for his son for his boy scouts. I laughed and then gave him a donation. He recognized me and apologized for not being in touch, but still was not in touch. My last text to him was, "Ok I see that my child with special needs is not welcome in Cub Scouts here in Hawaii. I'll stop bothering you now.". He responded and told me the location of the next meeting. My child and I went to the den meeting. When we showed up, they had homework for the kids to do. My child backed up and got uncomfortable. I asked the man I had been corresponding with if he asked the leadership if my child could be in a lower grade level. He looked at me like a deer in headlights and said, "Uh. He can't." I asked if he asked them about it and he stumbled over his words and then said he did ask and they said no. I got the impression that he did not ask, and then just lied to me. The Boy Scouts that were there were mean to my child and no one said anything about it. The boys were mocking him and making fun of him. None of the parents scolded their children. Most of the parents were sitting right there; some were silent and others laughed. The lady in charge demanded that my child sit down and do the homework that he is in-equipped to do. I told her that the homework is too advanced and she said he needed to do it anyway. We were there for less than five minutes and we walked away. Of all agencies to be discriminatory, I figured Boy Scouts would be the last one to be discriminatory. Boy was I wrong!

The success of the Scouting Program in Hawaii is a great example of the communities commitment to the growth and development of our young people. I am truly humbled to be apart of this.

Still a great program, now coed across the board! Council is a great starting point if you are interested in Scouting - ask for Vanessa!

Great staff! Vanessa and Ellise are super helpful. If you ever need anything, request Vanessa's help! Everyone is so friendly.

Great place to get your uniforms and accessories and pine wood derby parts. Use your Makahiki ticket scout shop discount to save more.

We love the Boyscouts. The Aloha Council has such an amazing headquarters with a fun little gift shop.