Friends of Scouting

Why the Friends of Scouting Campaign is Necessary

The Friends of Scouting Campaign keeps Scouting an affordable, effective youth development program. It funds the council’s infrastructure, or general operating portion of the budget, and provides a support system for the more than 1,000 volunteers and 80 community organizations that partner with the Rio Grande Council.

The current cost to deliver the Scouting program in the Rio Grande Council is $367 per Scout per year. This ensures that the Scouting program will remain strong for your family. The Friends of Scouting program is an opportunity to provide financial support to the Rio Grande Council. 

How Your Financial Support is Used

Over 1,500 youth are involved in the Scouting program across 5 counties that the Rio Grande Council serves. The goal is to maintain and refine current programs while continuing to expand Scouting’s reach to even more families.  

Outreach efforts have resulted in an ever-growing number of at-risk youth, involved in the Scouting program. The program has also positively impacted youth with special needs. Through membership assistance, uniform assistance, and camp scholarship funds we are able to help youth from families with limited financial resources.

The Rio Grande Council recognizes that trained leaders are the best resources for delivering quality program to youth participants. As a critical part our new strategic plan, is to increase the number of trained leaders in areas such as Summer Camp, Winter Camp, Aquatics, ATV, BMX, C.O.P.E., Snorkeling, and more! We also seek to add a Program Director staff position who can focus on supporting the training component of district operations.

Rio Grande Council provides $1 accident and liability insurance to all Scouts and leaders to protect them from liability and accidents incurred while on Scouting activities. While the cost for this insurance is substantial, the leadership of the Rio Grande Council believes that it is critical that volunteers, leaders and Scouts are able to enjoy the Scouting program while being covered by insurance.  Over 1,500 youth are involved in the Scouting programs in the 5 counties that the Rio Grande Council serves.

Rio Grande Council independently owns and operates two campground facilities: Charles F. Perry Scout Reservation (Rio Hondo Tx) and Laguna Station Sea Base (South Padre Island).  Our onsite Camp Ranger protects and preserves our campground year round!  Each year we host cub adventure weekends, long term camps, Pow Wow, Camporee, International Camporee, Order of the Arrow Ordeals, Woodbadge, and outdoor activity leadership training.  We maintain 12 campsites, 3 restroom/shower facilities, 1 dining hall, 1 physical fitness center, 3 shooting sports ranges, and swimming pool.  All of which is primarily funded through Friends of Scouting Contributions.