Boy Scouts of America- Mid America Council

Scouting instills the character, values and skills that our youth need to take on the future.  Your charitable donation is more than a gift to Scouts - it's an investment in character and in the success of our community and the future of the world.  Scouting relies on the generosity of individuals, sponsors, organizations and charitable donors like you to help today's youth grow into the next generation of leaders.  

Image the face and feelings of a cub scout when they shoot their first arrow, sleep under the stars for the first time,  or learn how to transform a block of wood into a race care.  Cub Scouting is one thrill after another.  With more than 140 Merit Badges—from Archery and Art to Welding and Wilderness Survival—Scouting is the ultimate form of learning by doing. Scouts explore their interests and improve their skills while working toward Scouting’s highest rank: Eagle. By first imagining, planning then doing their own service projects, Scouts learn the value of hard work and experience the thrill of seeing it pay off. Add in outdoor adventures, hiking, and camping, and Scouting gives youth experiences that will benefit them throughout their life.  Most scouts will say their favorite activity is camping!

The Buffalo Bill District headquartered in North Platte serves 156 youth and completes about 2500 hours of community service annually with flag ceremonies, parades, trash walks, food drives, putting out wreaths and flags at Fort McPherson cemetery, and Eagle Scout Projects.  We average about 5 Eagle Scout projects annually and that may be a bench on the trails or at a dog park, a shelter to watch the sandhill cranes, projects at the Lincoln County Museum, or at Camp Maranatha.  We offer scholarships to help those who cannot pay the fees associated with scouting and offer a $12,000 college scholarship to all Eagle Scouts.  

The mission of the Scouting is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.  Did you know that for every 100 youth who join Scouting:  4 will become Eagle Scouts, 12 will have their first contact with a church, 18 will develop hobbies used during their adult life, 8 will enter a vocation learned through the Merit Badge program, 17 will be future scout volunteers, 5 will join the military, and 2 will use their scouting skills to save their own life and 1 will use it to save another person's life.  Investing in a child, Touches a Life Forever!

This is Alex's story:  Alex was a curious and adventurous child, always eager to explore the world around them.  One summer, Alex joined the local scout troop, excited about the promise of new experiences and friendships.  The scout troop was led by a wise and patient leader named Sam, who believed in the power of Scouting to shape young minds and build character.  Sam organized various activities that challenged the scout physically, mentally, and emotionally.  From camping to hiking expeditions to community service projects and team-building exercises, each activity was designed to teach valuable life lessons.

At one scouting activity, the troop participated in a community service project, helping to clean up a local park.  Alex and his fellow scouts worked together, picking up litter, planting trees, and painting benches.  Through this experience, Alex learned the value of teamwork and the impact of giving back to the community.  They realized that even small actions could make a big difference and that working together towards a common goal could create a sense of unity and purpose.  

One of the most memorable moments for Alex was during a camping trip when they had to navigate around the lake using only a map and a compass.  They discovered that pushing through difficulties not only made them stronger but also brought a sense of accomplishment and pride.  It was a test of their problem-solving skills and ability to stay calm under pressure.  Alex felt a sense of responsibility as he led their group, making decisions and ensuring everyone's safety.  This experience taught Alex the importance of leadership, trust and the confidence to take charge in challenging situations.

As the years went by, Alex continued to grow and develop through his scouting experiences.  He became more self-reliant, compassionate, and confident.  The lessons learned in scouting stayed with Alex throughout his life, shaping his character and guiding his actions.  In the end, Alex realized that Scouting was more than just an adventure; it was a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.  The challenges faced, the friendships formed, and the values instilled through scouting had built a strong foundation of character that would serve Alex well in all aspects of life.    Your Investment in a Child, Touches a Life Forever!