We’ve been busy this fall! We’ve had me, etings, trips, and camporees. We’ve done Scouting for Food and popcorn sales. We’ve had rechartering, Hit a Homerun, and much more. Stop, for just a moment. Stop and take a look.
It is a difficult time in our community and more families are facing difficult circumstances. Yet, when our Scouts visited their neighborhoods during Scouting for Food, they collected the most food ever! Our council’s total in that project was 566,000 lbs. That means that Scouts provided over 1 million meals for those in need, right here in our own community!
At the beginning of the school year we extended a personal invitation to every eligible boy or girl to join a Scouting program. Eagerly, families signed up their kids as Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, or Venturers. Over 8,000 new families became part of Scouting this fall! That means we have 8,000 young men and women right here in Central Florida who will grow up with Scouting values and leadership. And, statistically, that is 160 more Eagle Scouts in America.
This has been a stunning season for our events. We had the biggest camporee in our councils history with over 5,000 visitors, complete with a laser show, concert, helicopters, NASCAR cars, and conservation project…and all on the new CFC Scout Ranch. Our district’s Cub Family Campout was the biggest in our district’s history–over 450 camped at Bulow! And, it’s been a record-breaking fall for Cub Scout campouts at Camp La-No-Che. What I’m trying to say is that Scouting is delivering the promise. Scouts are taking hold of the opportunity to go camping, shoot bows & arrows and BB guns, and face physical and mental challenges in the great outdoors! I hope your family had the opportunity to enjoy one of these outdoor events. If not, don’t worry. We have more events coming this spring! (Webelos don’t forget Webelos Woods on February 6-8, 2009!)
It’s a busy time of year, and it’s been a busy year for Scouting. I’m so proud to serve as your executive and to see the outstanding things you’ve accomplished in your packs, troops, and crews. Thank you for being a part of the Scouting family and for “doing your duty to do your best”. In the hustle and bustle of your Scout’s program, take a moment to look around and see what we are accomplishing. We are building the America of tomorrow, because it’s leaders are your Scouts.
Please enjoy this holiday season, and my best wishes to you and your family!
Posted by halifaxbsa 