Longhorn Council, BSA
Dear Scouting Leader:
Reference: Scouting Projects
Allow me to report on the status of several projects, future plans, and needs that impact our Scouting units and families. This year draws to a close with some very good results. A few high profile projects are (the entire list is much too long for this letter):
· Renovation of more than 70 latrines at SR2 and Worth Ranch.
· Acquired 15 adjoining acres and storage building at Camp Tahuaya. (This clears space for future program and building plans at CT.)
· A new shower house has been built at Worth Ranch. This facility is a prototype for all camp sites as the money becomes available.
· All boats have been over hauled and retrofitted.
· Basswood Scout Activity center is 95% complete and is open for your business.
· We have begun issuing a e-newsletter to all Friends of Scouting donors and families.
Planned for 2014 are:
· A complete redesign of a new and fully functioning Website with capabilities to register and pay for activities on line.
· The e-newsletter will increase publication to bi-monthly beginning in January.
· A ski slope will open at Worth Ranch.
· Latrine renovations at Camp Tahuaya will be completed.
A great deal of our focus in 2013 has been on improving our camping and activity facilities. While this has been very visible to all of those attending one of the camp properties, as a Council and Board, we have also been intently focused on Membership.
As a national movement we all must focus on the need to invite, recruit, and retain cub scouts, boy scouts, and venturers. That is after all, why we exist as an organization. I know you feel strongly about that too.
Future significant development of all properties is being planned and a full capital campaign will be carried out to bring these projects to life. On-going maintenance and small project development will continue as resources are available from Friends of Scouting, Popcorn, and Camp Card sales. Our largest source of funds is the Friends of Scouting (FOS) campaign. Forty percent of this campaign comes from the families currently benefitting. For 2014 we are working with volunteers in all districts to change our FOS presentations (all new), the time cycle (earlier in the year), and the incentives for participating.
The 2014 FOS campaign has a very special incentive for units which will further help your unit save funds and adjust to the registration increase. Your unit can receive all of its cloth advancement free with the completion of 3 criteria. You can get more of this information from your District Family Friends of Scouting Chair or the District Executive. Participating in this incentive is completely optional. We still want and need every unit to participate in the Friends of Scouting Campaign.
One of the very first steps toward participating is setting an Agreement (between your unit and the District Family FOS Chair or District Executive) on a Campaign Goal for your unit. We need to set the Council budget for 2014 to know the funds required for the unit incentives. Please complete your negotiations by December 13th if your unit wishes to participate in this FOS Unit Incentive.
While this is not mandatory, the FOS Incentive could be very beneficial to your unit. Whether or not you participate, we still Need your unit to schedule a FOS presentation date. A good FOS campaign directly impacts the ability of the Council to continue with camp projects, purchase liability insurance, and to provide other needed services.
To restate that request: The deadline for declaring the Unit's interest in receiving Free Advancements for (until September 30, 2014) is December 13th. I encourage you to schedule your Family FOS presentation as early as possible; set an aggressive goal to encourage and engage all families (75% of all families are NOT participating in FOS) and to get trained in your role within this Campaign.
2014 will be a Great Year! I have every confidence Scouting will grow with your leadership.
Sincerely yours,
John Coyle
Scout Executive
Kathy McLean
Finance Secretary
Longhorn Council, BSA
817-231-8561
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