Friends of Scouting: Investing in Youth, Strengthening Our Communities

Friends of Scouting is the heart of our annual support for Scouting in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties. Through this program, individuals and businesses come together to invest directly in young people—helping deliver experiences that build character, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to service.

Each year, Friends of Scouting provides approximately 11% of the annual budget that supports more than 2,400 youth and 1,500 volunteers across the Pennsylvania Dutch Council. These gifts help fund local programs, maintain camps, train volunteer leaders, and ensure Scouting remains accessible to families throughout our communities.

The impact is tangible. A gift of $250 helps support one Scout for an entire year, covering the resources, training, and program support that make Scouting possible.

When you give through Friends of Scouting, you’re not just making a donation—you’re investing in future leaders, stronger communities, and the values that Scouting instills every day.

Thank you for believing in the mission of Scouting and the young people we serve.

Get a special limited edition Council Shoulder Strip for Supporting a Scout for a Year!

To make a pledge or donation to the 2026 Friends of Scouting Annual Campaign, please click the button below.

Donate Here – 2026 Friends of Scouting

New! Set Up a Reoccurring Gift

About This Year’s Friends of Scouting Campaign

This year’s Friends of Scouting campaign—Charting the Course for Our Youth—focuses on removing barriers and expanding opportunity so every young person can experience the promise of Scouting. Through programs like ScoutReach, summer camp, and year-round advancement opportunities, Scouts are learning courage, teamwork, and leadership while giving back to their communities.

Your support helps fund summer programming for youth in Lancaster and Lebanon Cities, maintains access to camp experiences, and strengthens programs that help Scouts grow in confidence and skill. When you give, you’re not just supporting today’s programs—you’re helping young people chart a course toward a brighter future.

Download this year’s Fillable Flier

Download this year’s $250 Recognition Flier

Why Participate in Friends of Scouting?

Think of Scouting like a tree…

When families look at Scouting, they see the branches – the Pack meetings, the Courts of Honor, summer camp, pinewood derby, service projects, badges earned, and friendships formed.

These are the visible parts of your child’s Scouting journey…The Canopy

But a healthy, thriving tree can only exist because of what you don’t see…The Roots!

Just like a strong tree relies on deep roots for stability, nourishment, and growth, Scouting depends on the vital support systems made possible through Friends of Scouting.
These “roots” include:

• Volunteer and staff training & recognition — ensuring leaders have the skills to guide youth safely and effectively.
• Insurance coverage for volunteers, chartered partners, camps, and activities — keeping everyone protected.
• Camp Rangers who maintain Camp Bashore and Camp Mack year-round so your family can enjoy safe, well-run outdoor programs.
• Camp infrastructure and equipment: tents, tools, canoes, waterfront gear, vehicles, program supplies, building maintenance, and ongoing repairs.
• Professional staff support to help units grow, recruit new families, deliver training, assist district volunteers, and ensure every Scouting program runs smoothly.
• Administrative essentials: computers, software, postage, communications systems, and office operations that keep Scouting functioning across two counties.
• A local Service Center and Scout Shop that provide uniforms, books, awards, derby supplies, and in person support.
• Recruiting materials and communications that help bring new families into Scouting.
• Camp scholarships and registration assistance ensuring finances never prevent a young person from participating.

Your gift and support is greatly appreciated!

Give Now for 2026!

Please consider supporting one or more Scouts each year with your investment in the future of the youth in our communities.  For more information on Friends of Scouting please contact Chris Styers at 717-394-4063 or chris.styers@scouting.org.