Minneapolis — Polaris Industries, the leading manufacturer of off-road vehicles (ORVs), today announced the company has entered a 10-year, exclusive partnership with the Boy Scouts of America, the largest youth organization in the U.S., to provide all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), side-by-sides (SxS) and safety equipment to select Boy Scout camps across the country.
“Polaris is proud to join forces with the Boy Scouts of America to develop a comprehensive off-road vehicle program that introduces youth to our sport with an emphasis on safety, responsible riding and respect for the environment,” said Scott Wine, Polaris Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We are encouraged by the success of the pilot off-road programs and look forward to expanding the course to a national level.”
The partnership promotes youth off-road safety practices, environmental respect and the benefits of outdoor activities. Polaris has donated ORVs and safety gear to the BSA’s Northern Star Council’s Tomahawk Scout Reservation, the second largest Boy Scout camp in the nation, and the Northern Lights Council’s Camp Wilderness. The pilot programs at these camps were very popular, with more than 900 Boy Scouts learning basic riding and maintenance while earning safety patches. This 10-year partnership will improve and extend the reach of these courses.
“The off-road vehicle pilot we conducted in conjunction with Polaris and several local council camps proved to be both successful and very popular among the youth,” said Chief Scout Executive Wayne Brock. “As we work to keep our programs relevant to the youth of today and tomorrow, we are grateful for this opportunity to work closely with Polaris. We are excited that in the coming years, with the help of Polaris, we will be able to teach youth safe and responsible practices for the use of off-road vehicles.”
Polaris vehicles available to camp visitors for the program include the easy-to-use Phoenix 200, Sportsman 570 EPS and RZR 170 youth SxS. As part of the donation, Polaris will adjust models as needed and replace older units over time to ensure that Boy Scouts always have the most up-to-date and age-appropriate vehicles available.
