SCOUT EXECUTIVE'S MINUTE

Dear Fellow Scouters:

You have a lot to be proud of as you pause for just a moment to reflect back on 2006 and plan for an even better 2007. First and foremost, THANK YOU for everything you did as a Scouting volunteer to help kids experience a high quality and growing local Scouting program right here in the Northwest Suburban Council. Without your efforts, your leadership, your cooperation, your enthusiasm, and your dedication ---- none of this would have been possible.

Whether it was serving as a Den Leader to help a group of six to ten local and very active Cub Scouts on a weekly basis (and giving up nights and weekends that no one else even realized you were devoting to Scouting) to serving on a Unit Committee in a support role (keeping the books, recording advancement progress, driving Scouts to a campout, helping guide a Court of Honor, or running the Pack’s annual Popcorn Sales Campaign) to serving as a Scoutmaster of a large Troop for the past twenty plus years (just imagine the time commitment of doing that) to serving on a District/Council Committee ---- all of these efforts combined together help make the overall process successful. Each individual is needed and appreciated. Together the synergy works at an even better rate to make the whole experience bigger and better. So THANK YOU to each and every one!

What did we do together in 2006?

We’re growing. We have more youth members this year compared to last year.

We’re operating a balanced budget. We brought in more money than we spent.

We’re a quality organization. We met the BSA national quality standards.

We’re trained. The great majority of our leaders took position specific training.

We’re planning for the future. Over $1.8 Million has been raised for capital improvements and over $326,000 for endowment during the past year.

We’re organized. The Northwest Suburban Council and its Districts follow the BSA-approved organizational structure throughout its operation.

What are we going to do that is new or different in 2007?

Institute the new Centennial Quality Unit/District/Council Award

Initiate the public phase of the “Building a Legacy” Capital Campaign

Begin construction phase of projects being funded by the Capital Campaign

Begin paying down the accumulated debt

Continue growing, balancing the budget, and meeting BSA quality standards

Now, pause for a few moments --- reflect back on the successes and challenges of 2006, develop a comprehensive plan for an improved 2007, and then enact that plan.

Best regards,
Stephen J. Taylor, CFRE
Scout Executive
staylor@bsamail.org