2003 TEXAS FRIENDS OF SCOUTING

Report to the Nation

Zac Gomez, of Troop 36 in San Angelo, was recently selected to represent the Boy Scouts of America as a member of the 2002 Report to the Nation delegation.  He was one of 8 Scouts chosen from across the nation to deliver this report on Scouting.  The last time a Scout from this area was selected for this honor was in the 1960’s.  Zac’ trip was a whirlwind of touring Washington DC, meeting with Texas and national dignitaries, including US Representative Charles Stenholm and President of the United States, George W. Bush.  Zac reported that President Bush told him to tell everyone in Texas “hi”.    Among Zac’s other stops on his trip were a visit to the Arlington National Cemetery, the Hard Rock Café in Washington DC and a tour of the pentagon and CIA headquarters.  The BSA honored Zac with a Medal of Honor for his efforts in organizing and conducting a blanket, coat and clothing drive for a San Angelo family shelter where he and his family spent 6 months several years ago.  He has been conducting the drive for 3 years now on his birthday in early December as a way of giving back to an organization that helped his family through some hard times.  Because of his commitment to “help other people at all times”, Zac was also recently recognized as a “Southern Region Hero”.  The presentation was made during a Regional meeting in Orlando Florida.  Zac’s family accompanied him on the trip and was able to be present for the ceremony.  The Gomez family was also able to visit Disneyworld during their stay.

Friends of Scouting

The Concho Valley Council is currently conducting its’ annual Friends of Scouting drive.  The council has to conduct this annual effort as many traditional funding sources has not kept up with increased in the council budget.  Your Council Budget is $634,500 and receives about 20% from 7 United Ways, 54% from popcorn sales, trading post, endowment, camping and activity fees, special events, and the remaining portion or 26% has to be raised from those who choose to be “Friends of Scouting”.  This is accomplished in two ways.  We organize campaigns Monies raised through this effort make up 26% of the overall budget.  There are two campaigns that make up Friends of Scouting, the Community Campaign and the Family Campaign.

The Community Campaign involves local community leaders in each of the cities and towns that make up the CVC.  These leaders solicit charitable contributions from businesses, civic organizations and interested individuals.

The Family Campaign gives parents and other family members of youth who are currently in Scouting a chance to help insure that the program continues to prosper and grow all across the council.  There is a 5-7 minute presentation that tells the overall story of Scouting and then every family has the opportunity to support Scouting.  Recognition items are presented to families who make contributions or pledges of support.  These recognition items include; a temporary patch for a $25 gift, a pocketknife for a $50 gift, a cap for a $75 gift and a commemorative council strip patch for a gift of $100.  This CSP is the first of a series of 6 strips and has the first two points of the Scout Law, “Trustworthy and Loyal” embroidered on it and is sure to become a collector’s item.  There are also a backpatch for gifts of $150 and plaques for gifts of $250 and above.

It costs $105 to deliver the Scouting program to each youth throughout the 24 counties we serve and only 20% of this money comes from our seven United Ways.  Says one Eagle Scout pilot; “Friends of Scouting is the fuel it takes to keep the great plane of Scouting in the air”.  Cub Packs are encouraged to have a Friends of Scouting presentation at their Blue and Gold or at their next Pack meeting, while Troops could have a presentation done a regular court of honor.  For more information or to find out how you can help with Friends of Scouting, contact Dennis Luellen at 325-655-7107 or 1-800-321-7107.