The Valley’s own Boy Scouts of America, Grand Canyon Council is announcing its Changing Times…Enduring Values Capital Campaign at a Kick-Off Breakfast November 7, 2007 at U.S. Airways Center (201 East Jefferson Street in Phoenix, Arizona 85004). The reservation only breakfast and program will begin at 7:15 am. The event was made possibly by generous donations of venue and professional time by various Scouting supporters. The Changing Times…Enduring Values Campaign reflects the history and purpose of Scouting and places the emphasis on the evolving nature of extensive programming to meet the needs of young people.

Grand Canyon Council:

The Grand Canyon Council covers most of Arizona and serves over 56,000 youth. It is the one of the largest youth program in the state with multiple successful programs that continue to grow and evolve with the needs of the youth. The Grand Canyon Council operates five camps throughout the state: Camp Geronimo, Camp Raymond, R-C Scout Ranch, Heard Scout Pueblo, and Lake Pleasant Camp. In addition to the traditional Scout camps, the Grand Canyon Council also operates several Scouting Service Centers.

Campaign Goals:

The Changing Times…Enduring Values Campaign focuses on five main priorities:

1. Health & Safety: Camps must comply with state and county regulations
2. Restoration of Existing Facilities: Necessary repair and maintenance on current Scouting structures.
3. New Construction: Additions of new buildings and program elements to enhance camp experience and improve on existing facilities.
4. Endowment: Immediate development of a maintenance endowment to sustain each individual facility on an annual basis.
5. Educational & Community Outreach: Increased field personnel and ongoing educational resources to increase the expansion of Scouting into populations not yet served.

In order to accomplish the Capital Campaign Goals the Boy Scouts of America, Grand Canyon Council has set an $8,000,000 goal.

Current Campaign Status:

The Campaign was initiated in May of 2007. Prior to the official public “Kick Off” Date of November 7, 2007 the Grand Canyon Council has already collected close to $3,000,000. With the help of generous individuals, corporations and organizations throughout Arizona’s communities, the Grand Canyon Council will be able to change the lives of young people across Arizona and offer new opportunities to achieve new heights in Scouting.

The BSA:

Since its inception in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has become the largest, most respected youth organization in the United States. The mission of the BSA is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

The Scout Oath:

On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

The Scout Law:

A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.

Recent studies have shown that the young men involved with Scouting for at least five years are more likely to:

●  Graduate from high school

●  Graduate from college

●  Value family relationships

●  Earn higher household incomes

●  Believe that helping others should come before one’s own interests

●  Resist peer pressure to take part in delinquent behavior

●  Have higher self confidence

●  Assume leadership roles

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