Friends of Scouting 2004

Early in 2004, you will be asked to become a Friend of Scouting. The purpose of this letter is to provide some background on this important effort so you are able to make a thoughtful decision on how supporting scouting should fit into your family’s charitable giving for 2004. Please take some time to read this material and discuss it with your family. During one of your Scout’s meetings, you will be asked to pledge your support. Here are some of important points:

	Scouting successes in our Council
	How the Council’s Scouting services support your unit
	How Scouting is financially supported
	Campaign logistics
	How you may help

Scouting successes in our Council

The mission and purpose of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical choices over their lifetimes by instilling the values of the Scout Oath and Law. With your support, we are achieving much in the Mecklenburg County Council:

	Our scouting programs and services are reaching over 16,000 youth through the leadership of over 4,400 adult volunteers. We reach 27% of the youth in Mecklenburg County.
	Our ScoutReach Program for Urban and Hispanic Scouting reaches over 500 youth in 18 public housing communities and fragile neighborhoods.
	Scouting for the Disabled reaches over 2,000 special needs youth.
	Over 5,000 young men and women receive life skills, career guidance and ethics education through the High School Exploring and Learning for Life Groups.

How the Council’s Scouting services support your unit

	Camp Grimes & Clear Creek Scout Camp provide year round camping and activities for our units.
	Support for volunteer personnel and activities, including liability insurance.
	District & council activities such as Camporees & Family Fun Days.
	Scout Service Center provides unit support and scout supplies.
	Unit organization and leader recruitment and training.

How Scouting is financially supported in our Council.

It takes $2.9 million to support Scouting in the Mecklenburg County Council.

	25% from United Way.
	21% from camping and activity fees.
	14 % from popcorn sales.
	19% from special events and other income.
	The remaining 21% is through our annual Friends of Scouting campaign.

Campaign logistics

You will be asked to pledge during your unit’s Friend of Scouting presentation. You need not pay during the meeting, just fill out the pledge card and return to the presenter. For your convenience, you will be able to apply the pledge amount on your credit card if desired.

How you may help

Each of us has a story to tell about how Scouting has touched our lives and the lives of our family.

The council cost to support one Scout for a year is about $150. We ask that you consider that amount as a family level gift. Our thanks to each of you for supporting scouting. We ask for your continued support to keep Scouting strong in our community by becoming a FRIEND OF SCOUTING.

Yours in Scouting,

Miriam Olynick	Peter Olynick	Todd Bennett	Mike Rusho
Family FOS Cub Scout Committee Chairman	Family FOS Cub Scout Committee Chairman	District Director Apache	District Executive Apache
980-321-0400	980-321-0400	704-342-9336	704-342-9347