Bill Smith's Sunset Trail Cub Scout RT

Bill Smith's Unofficial Cub Scout Roundtable A compendium of Ideas For Cubmasters, Den Leaders and those who help them.
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BSA Heritage Society and James E. West Fellowship
Meeting the Challenge
Character building, citizenship training, and fitness have been the objectives of the Boy Scouts of America since 1910. Achievement of these objectives will be of even greater importance in the years ahead. The Scouts of today, if properly trained, will be the leaders of tomorrow in business, education, government, and all walks of life. Bringing the benefits of Scouting to the family, community, nation and the world presents a great challenge for today and in the years ahead. Achievement of our objectives largely depends on the scope and vigor of the Scouting program.

Program Objectives

Scouting, serving thousands of young men and women in our council today, strives to develop youth who are morally straight. Duty to God and country is a fundamental principal of the Scouting program. Camping, conservation, leadership training, family activities, career exploration, progressive program development for handicapped and disadvantaged people, in addition to community service projects, combine to accomplish Scouting's objectives.

James E. West Award

The James E. West Fellowship Award is a national recognition for individuals who contribute $1,000 or more in cash or securities to the council's endowment trust fund. This contribution is n addition to, and does not diminish or replace, the donor's annual gift to the council.

Organizations or individuals may contribute an award in honor of someone, in memory of a departed loved one, or business associate. It is also appropriate for honoring a Scoutmaster, Cubmaster or other valued leaders.

Form of Recognition
The James E. West Fellowship Award is an attractive 8-by-10-inch certificate personalized with the donor's name, date of gift, and council name. In addition, there will be a distinctive lapel pin/charm and an exclusive knot for the uniform presented at an appropriate time. While it is a national recognition, the James E. West Fellowship Award is authorized and presented by the Local Council.

Background and Significance
The award named after the first Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America who exemplified Ralph Waldo Emerson's observation that "an institution is the lengthened shadow of one man." Scouting today is the "lengthened shadow" of more than three decades of the farseeing and dedicated leadership of Dr. James E. West.

Those who are recognized by the James E. West Fellowship Award will cast their own "lengthened shadow" as they help ensure the Scouting legacy for future generations of young people and create the financial stability of the program in the twenty-first century for your council.

Scouting Heritage Society

In an effort to encourage support for the endowment trust fund, the council has established the Scouting Heritage Society. Its objective is to encourage men and women who believe in Scouting to invest in the future. These individuals will be acknowledged as lifetime members of the Scouting Heritage Society.

Perpetuating Scouting's Future

Maintaining and expanding our outreach program to youth will become increasingly difficult in the years ahead. Innovative and relevant programs, to attract and hold youth, will require new and increased financial support. Funding the traditional sources becomes more challenging each year. In response to this challenge, the council is committed to further develop and expand the endowment trust fund. Its aim is to provide increased operating income from the source. This fund, which is permanent and professionally managed, with a board approved percentage of earned income used annually for the support of the program.

Tax Savings From Gifts

Our tax and estate laws encourage individual philanthropy by providing for generous financial incentives that can benefit contributors who share their resources with the Boy Scouts of America. Although the council is willing to provide and assist with helpful information, you are encouraged to consult your attorney, trust officer, or tax counselor to secure specific information on the tax consequences of your gift.