In the true scouting spirit of being prepared, a campaign is raising funds that will allow participating youths to safely continue what organizers describe as “educational adventures” at venues including Camp Raven Knob in Surry County.
The effort seeks to aid members of local Cub Scout packs; BSA (formerly Boy Scouts of America) troops; and Venturing Crews, an inclusive BSA program offered for males and females, along with activities at the camp — all weathering a challenging year.
“Of course, COVID has affected everything,” scouting volunteer Ann Vaughn of Mount Airy said regarding how the disease has not only curtailed group events but efforts to support them including the annual Friends of Scouting fundraising campaign now under way.
This has prompted a special appeal for support to area residents by the Dogwood District, of which Vaughn is a committee member along with being on the governing board of the Old Hickory Council that includes the district.
“The Dogwood District needs the community’s help to meet its Friends of Scouting goal,” says a statement from the organization.
Its campaign already has made headway and is seeking further support toward realizing a 2021 goal of $29,000. At last report, about 60% of that total had been generated.
Individuals or businesses in the area not contacted by a scouting volunteer already, and would like to contribute, can call or text Dogwood District Executive Chris Duggins at 336-409-0411 or email him at chris.duggins@scouting.org.
Vaughn said the campaign began in April and hopefully will be concluded by the end of this month.
“Our District Committee would like to express gratitude to those who have already contributed to the 2021 Friends of Scouting campaign,” the statement from the district adds. “We also hope to encourage others, who have yet to give, to join our effort to provide programming and support that benefits our local youth.”
All dollars donated to the 2021 Friends of Scouting campaign will remain locally in the Dogwood District and Old Hickory Council to provide programming and support benefiting youths.
The Dogwood District has served scouts in the Mount Airy, Dobson, Pilot Mountain, Shoals, Westfield and Lowgap communities of Surry County since 1969.
An important mission
When combined with donations from seven other counties, about 25% of the local scouting program’s budget is achieved through the annual Friends of Scouting effort. Most of the remainder of the budget is met through popcorn sales and scout card sales, officials add.
Local funding allows scouts to participate in hiking, camping and rank advancement in Surry.
Yet based on information from the Dogwood District, they do much for their respective communities which arguably matches or exceeds yearly campaign contributions.
Local scouts provide hundreds of community service hours while earning advancement and gaining valuable life skills, officials say.
Meanwhile, the leadership opportunities in scouting provide knowledge and personal development that is beneficial throughout a scout’s youth and adult life, which in turn strengthens the community.
Girls and boys in Surry, ages 5 through 17, participate in all aspects of the BSA programs in the Dogwood District, with youths involved having the opportunity to pursue the trail to the Eagle Scout rank.
Many become adult scouting volunteers, maintaining continuity and allowing the program to flourish, officials say.
With the pandemic gradually being overcome, they are hoping for a continuation of the major financial and volunteer support for the Old Hickory Council which has been received from Mount Airy and surrounding communities since 1954.
Local citizens and businesses have provided funding that has created exceptional camping and leadership experiences for youths, both within their respective units and at Camp Raven Knob, according to the Dogwood District statement.
That facility annually provides summer jobs for about 120 staff members, who direct a full scouting program of swimming, hiking, boating, shooting sports, high-adventure activities, leadership training and other skills.
Officials say the camp is fully invested in the local community, bringing business back to Surry County through supply purchases and services provided.
Source: https://www.mtairynews.com
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