How to Impact Scouting Before the End of the Year

For more than a century, the Boy Scouts of America has provided a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of citizenship, and develops personal fitness. It has helped build the future leaders of this country, and it has done so, in part, thanks to the generosity of those who have made a commitment to impact Scouting.

Recent participation during #GivingTuesday, for instance, helped further the mission of Scouting by helping America’s youth become better adults. Because of the generosity of all those who participated during #GivingTuesday efforts, the BSA is able to continue to improve its program and introduce new and exciting adventures to millions of youth in communities across the nation.

As the end of the year approaches, some people may be looking for additional ways to impact Scouting before the calendar rolls into 2017. Below are just a handful of ways to impact Scouting now and into the future.

Help Someone Else to Get Involved

One of the easiest ways to impact Scouting is to encourage others to join. Sharing Scouting with friends is as simple as posting the link to www.beascout.org on your personal social media like Facebook or Twitter. Share your Scouting story with others, and let them know what you love about Scouting and why you got involved.

Reunite with Scouting

Joining the Scouting Alumni Association is a great way to formally reconnect with Scouting. Even if you’re already involved with Scouting, becoming an official member of the alumni association helps you demonstrate your support of the next generation of Scouts and enables the SAA to do great things for youth in your community. Membership offers many other benefits such as access to Scouting publications, invitations to events/networking opportunities, and discounts to major retailers. Check out www.scoutingalumni.org for more information.

Contact Your Local Scout Council

There may be opportunities to serve your local council through volunteering, or maybe you have something you want to donate to your local council. You can find information on your local council by using the Local Council Locator. It will help connect you with a BSA council where you can make a difference.

Use AmazonSmile to Support Scouting

Many Boy Scouts of America councils are listed as part of the AmazonSmile program. As part of that program, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5 percent of the price of your eligible purchase to the 501(c)(3) public charitable organization of your choice. Check out this great article on the Bryan on Scouting blog for a detailed description on how to set up AmazonSmile to support Scouting.

Donate an Unwanted Vehicle

Do you have an unwanted vehicle, boat, and/or RV? If so, you can use www.onecarhelpsscouts.com to donate that item to help support Scouting. You can designate your local council as the beneficiary of your donation, and you’ll be helping to impact Scouting in a positive way in your community.

Make a Direct Donation

You can donate directly to Scouting at aplacetogive.scouting.org or connect with the Boy Scouts of America on Facebook and use the donate button on the page. 

Scouting is made possible because so many of those involved give generously of their time, energy, and money to help ensure the future of this program that focuses on improving the lives of youth. The Boy Scouts of America continues to be extremely grateful for the commitment and generosity of its many supporters.

What are some other great ways you can help to impact Scouting in your community before the end of the year?