Friends of Scouting

The Western Massachusetts Council is the largest Council in Massachusetts serving the 4 western most counties. The Council is staffed by 4 experienced professional Scouters and a small support staff helping to deliver the Scouting program to over 100 Scouting units. We are joined by nearly 60 charter partner organizations sponsoring Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturing, and Exploring units in our Council. The Council’s goal is to be the premier leader in youth development. This is reflected in the Mission Statement of the Council:

The mission of the Western Massachusetts Council is to prepare youth in Western Massachusetts to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Building on an already strong tradition of youth and community service, the Western Massachusetts Council will develop and provide the highest quality Scouting program in its geographic area to accomplish the mission of the Boy Scouts of America, and in doing so be recognized and accepted as the premier leader in youth development.

Click here to see a map of Western Massachusetts Council’s Districts.

Your gift is a tax deductible donation, Western Massachusetts Council, Inc. is a 501c(3) Non-Profit Organization. Our Tax ID is 04-2104279.

YOUR MEMBERSHIP FEE

Goes Directly to the BSA National Council to Support Scouting things like:

YOUTH PROTECTION SERVICES - SCOUT HANDBOOK DEVELOPMENT - NATIONAL TRAINING SUPPLIES - MEMBERSHIP PROCESSING AND VOLUNTEER BACKGROUND CHECKS

WHY FRIENDS OF SCOUTING?

How do Scouts benefit from the Friends of Scouting annual giving campaign? In the funding of the Western Massachusetts Council, Boy Scouts of America, the question frequently arises – just what does this expenditure of Council budgeted money mean to our Pack, Troop, Crew or Post?

Western Massachusetts Council is 100% Locally Funded

Western Massachusetts Council is 100% locally funded and is its own 501C3. All of the funding needed to deliver our local program comes from local donations, and all of your support stays 100% local to support our Scouts. This also means that that all of your registration fees and magazine fees are sent directly to the National Organization, so our local program is funded in large part by your generous support through Friends of Scouting.

Camp Maintenance & Operations

The year-round operation and maintenance of Horace A. Moses Scout Reservation, a 1,300 Scouting paradise. Here are just a few projects over the past few years: New fishing pond and equipment, new handicapped accessible bathrooms, new climbing tower (Pike’s Peak), new Activity Building, and many structures received new roofs or refurbished roofs, among other improvements. Many of these facilities, campsites, and supplies are free to use for local Scout units.

Membership, Advancement & Training

Processing and maintaining a permanent record of membership, advancements, and training for each youth and adult.

Literature & Resources

Maintaining a large supply of literature, trainings, fliers, forms, badges certificates, etc.

Media Resources

The preparation, production and distribution of information bulletins (Compass Newsletter) and a website that assists units and leaders in providing youth with a quality program.

Administration & Customer Service

Handling thousands of phone calls and emails from unit leaders, parents, donors, the general public and others desiring information related to the program.

Liability Insurance

Providing liability insurance which protects both the unit leaders as well as chartered partner organization. The premium on this insurance cost several thousand dollars annually.

Camp Reservation System

Providing a reservations system where all Scouting units can use facilities for both weekend camping and long-term camp at H. A. Moses as well as register for many Scouting events throughout the year.

Leader Training Opportunities

Training opportunities for all volunteer leaders. Training is accomplished through scheduled training courses and monthly roundtable meetings. Training awards and other Scouter recognitions are provided at no cost.

Staff Support

Staff of both professional, support and volunteer personnel to assist units that may be having difficulties to ensure the youth continue to have a great program.

Unit Leaders - To schedule a Friends of Scouting presentation or to learn more about it CLICK HERE!

Donate Today

Pay Now: Make a gift by credit card using the online form below
Pay Later: Pledge a gift with the option for reoccuring payment - Click Here for the pledge form

Help keep Scouting strong here in Western Massachusetts by becoming a Friend of Scouting!