Scouts prepared for 2012 'Friends of Scouting' campaign

Like it is for most individuals and organizations, the start of the new year is an opportunity to evaluate the last year's challenges and successes while planning new efforts and programs for 2012. The Friends of Scouting Campaign staff and volunteers met to do just that at their annual kick-off held at the LeJardin Restaurant at Cantigny last Thursday evening.

“Scouting remains strong in Three Fires Council with the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Venturing, and Exploring program services being provided to over 30,000 youth with help from almost 8,000 volunteers,” said Matt Ackerman, Scout Executive for the Three Fires Council. “We had 342 young men earn their Eagle Scout Badge – Scouting's highest rank.”

Through the Friends of Scouting Campaign, the Boy Scouts of America, Three Fires Council spends approximately $150.00 per Scout each year to ensure high quality programs for all of its members. 100 percent of the funds raised stay local; 77 percent of the annual fund is spent directly on Scout programs and activities, while only 23 percent goes to fundraising and management.

The Friends of Scouting Campaign provides support for the operation and maintenance of camping properties at Camp Big Timber and Camp Freeland Leslie. Friends of Scouting also helps to maintain the Scout Adventure Camp in Rochelle, through a partnership with Des Plaines Valley and Three Fires Council.

The Scout Service Center in St. Charles, which provides staff support to local units and leaders, is also supported with these funds. Two Scout shops, activities and events such as Camporees, summer camp programs, adult leader training, and paid accident and liability insurance coverage for all youth and adult leaders are also programs that fall under the Friends of Scouting Campaign umbrella.

Programs integral to the Scouting experience are those that are funded by the Friends of Scouting Campaign. Without the enthusiasm and contributions of this donor group, Scout programming would be cut dramatically.

Friends of Scouting donations can also be made online at: here.

About the Three Fires Council, Boy Scouts of America:

The Three Fires Council serves over youth throughout Kane, DuPage, Kendall, DeKalb, and parts of Will and Cook counties. Our mission is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. For more information please visit www.ThreeFiresCouncil.org or www.BeAScout.org.