96th Anniversary Appearance on Good Morning America

Cub Scouts from Lighthouse District Packs 128, 215, and 701, Boy Scouts from Troop 331, and Venturers from Crew 703.

On Wednesday, February 8, 2006, a group of 65 Scouts and 36 Scouters traveled from the Jersey Shore Council to New York City to participate in the studio audience of Good Morning America. The Jersey Shore group, 90% of the total studio audience that day, had the opportunity to be part of the live telecast shown nationally on the ABC Television Network.

Actor Steve Martin speaks with the Scouts.

The highlight of the morning show was the appearance of comedian Steve Martin, who spoke with all of the Scouts, then stood in the middle of the Scouts directly behind Diane Sawyer and Robin Roberts for one segment of the show. Robin quickly flushed out the "Pink Panther" as an imposter hiding among our Scouts.

Host Robin Roberts receives a gift from Cub Scout Rafael Campos, Pack 128, Washington Avenue School, Pleasantville.

Diane's interview of Steve followed soon after and occurred directly between our two groups, just a few feet away from our Jersey Shore Scouts. All three celebrities freely conversed with our Scouts and signed autographs, with Robin returning after the show for pictures with each of our five district groups.

GMA Staffer Christian, an Eagle Scout, chats with Cub Scouts Isaac & Jacob Clark and their mom, Heather. The twins are members of Pack 701, South Main Street School, Pleasantville.

The 48 Cub Scouts, 11 Boys Scouts, and 6 Venturers thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to interact with the cast and crew of the program in spite of the early morning bus departure times: 4:00am from Pleasantville, and 5:00am from Toms River. Special thanks to the Pleasantville Schools for providing the charter bus for our Atlantic County contingent, and to Ocean Ride for providing a bus and a van for our Scouts from Ocean County.

Webelos Scouts from Pack 160, Brick, and Boy Scouts from Troop 1, Toms River.

Jersey Shore Scout Executive Ethan Draddy introduces Scout Jamie Brooks to the audience. GMA audience coordinator Samantha shows the audience a copy of Scouting magazine, with Jamie featured on the cover.

Webelos Scouts from Pack 30 from the Lenape District with Robin and Rafael.

Venturers Erin Bondi, Tegan Dunnican and Liz Lefkowich, Crew 144 chartered to Ridgeway Fire Co., Manchester, sing their crew song.

The Merits of Marketing (marketing.scouting.org) is a resource for local councils, developed by the Marketing & Communications Division of the National Council, Boy Scouts of America.