The Reaching the Summit Community Initiative to Kick off Five Days of Service

BECKLEY, W.Va., July 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- This week, thousands of volunteers will pour into nine southern West Virginia counties to take part in The Reaching the Summit Community Service Initiative, the nation's largest community service project of its kind in U.S. history.

In conjunction with the 10-day 2013 National Boy Scouts Jamboree, the more than 350 community service projects will draw Scout volunteers and volunteers from throughout the United States, AmeriCorps / NCCC, representatives from Volunteer West Virginia and the West Virginia University Football team. The Initiative will occur over five days July 17-19, and 22-23, in Fayette, Greenbrier, McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Nicholas, Raleigh, Summers and Wyoming counties.

"The Initiative is remarkable and the most significant project of its kind in our nation's history," said Robert A. Martin, CEO, Citizens Conservation Corps of West Virginia. "Moving forward, what we accomplish over these five days of service will be a shining example of what can be accomplished when we all work together."

The historic nature of The Initiative has drawn the national attention of the Corporation for National and Community Service CEO, Wendy Spencer. Spencer will visit West Virginia to tour project sites and to volunteer on Thursday, July 18 and Friday, July 19.

"CNCS is proud to be a part of this historic and inspiring service initiative," said Spencer. "AmeriCorps members and Boy Scouts will roll up their sleeves and work alongside citizens of the Mountaineer State to build stronger, healthier, and safer communities, improving the lives of not only West Virginians but also those who are serving." 

The Citizens Conservations Corps of West Virginia (CCC), in oversight and coordination of The Initiative, solidified more than 350 projects to be completed in the nine counties. Community service projects will focus on one or more of the following categories: Green-Friendly, Wellness, Construction, Infrastructure and Arts & Education.

A complete list of approved projects for The Initiative can be found on the CCC'S website which is www.cccwv.com.

ABOUT THE INITIATIVE

The premier quadrennial National Scout Jamboree will occur at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, located in Fayette County, W.Va. For the first time in the history of the National Jamboree, 300,000 community service hours will be performed by the Scouts. During the 10-day event, five days (July 17, 18, 19, 22 and 23, 2013) will be reserved for "giving back" community service projects. This presents a significant opportunity for counties within the nine-county region including Fayette, Greenbrier, McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Nicholas, Raleigh, summers and Wyoming counties. Each project will be designed to have "Scout Value" with a sense of accomplishment to include educational and recreational experience. These projects also will provide a way for Scouts to explore the Mountain State and return home as ambassadors for West Virginia.

ABOUT THE CCCWV

The Citizens Conservation Corps of West Virginia (CCCWV) operates some of the most innovative, unique and successful workforce development, and service and conservation programs in the country. The Boy Scouts of America selected the CCCWV because of its proven track record, capacity and consensus building ability, and familiarity with West Virginia's culture. CCCWV is poised and seasoned with project start-up techniques,

MEDIA CONTACT:

Matt Sutton
304/384-4475

Aly Goodwin Gregg
304/549-5092

This press release was issued through eReleases® Press Release Distribution. For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE The Reaching the Summit Community Service Initiative