A Message from the Scout Executive

As we begin to close out 2015 I wanted to take a moment to say Thank you! Thank you to:

• Each and every one of you who took personal time, money and other resources to help grow and nurture the youth we serve across the state.  Being a Scouting volunteer is a big commitment that can and does have a significant and long-lasting impact on the positive development of a Scout. 

• The parents of the Scouts and Venturers who may not have a direct volunteer role in the Scouting unit, but provide support and encouragement to ensure their son or daughter stay active and involved as long as possible.

• All of our Chartered Partners; churches, service and veteran’s clubs, fraternal organizations and all other organizations that have taken on the challenge and interest to have Scouting as its youth outreach program. 

• Our professional and support staff who work tirelessly and passionately to provide the best support and guidance possible to the 

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• unit, district and council leadership. 

• All of the “Friends of Scouting”, who donated funds in support of growing the Scouting program in Vermont.  It is only through your generous donations that the Green Mountain Council leadership can reinvest those dollars back into the quality and quantity of programs and program support that makes the Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, Venturing Crews and the camps, stronger and better. 

I would offer that if you have not considered a donation to Scouting, or are looking for an organization to make a year-end tax deductible donation, Scouting is one of the best return on investments of any youth organization in America. 
There are several ways to make a donation:

• On line: Go to the Council website at www.scoutingvermont.org and click on the “Donate To Scouting” link on the left side of the home page.  Follow the prompts to make your gift.
• By credit card:  Call the Green Mountain Council Service Center at 802-244-5189 and provide card information over the phone.
• Send a check made payable to Green Mountain Council to PO Box 557, Waterbury, VT.  Indicate Friend of Scouting (FOS) on the check for proper recognition.
• Stop by the Service Center any time Monday-Friday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. 

With over 5000 non-profit organizations in Vermont, we know the challenges faced to compete for personal dollars.  However I think you will agree that Scouting offers opportunities for Scouts to make moral and ethical decisions over their lifetime by instilling in them the values found in the Scout Oath and Law, and to provide opportunities for adventure, achievement and leadership skills. Combined with the outdoor emphasis, no other organization that I know of can offer what Scouting can to a young person.
Scouting has changed my life in a very positive way and has provided opportunities I know would not have been possible had I gone in a different direction.  I think I can speak for hundreds of other adults whose lives have been changed though Scouting.
So to everyone, thank you so much for all you do to support Scouting in Vermont.  It is noticed and very much appreciated!  I wish you a very happy, healthy and safe Holiday Season.  Enjoy this time of the year with family and other loved ones, and reflect and be thankful for all of the good things in our lives.
Sincerely,
Ed McCollin
Scout Executive
Green Mountain Council, BSA