Did you know that yesterday, February 8, was National Boy Scouts Day?

Even though we are a day late to celebrating the holiday, it’s never too late to celebrate the hard work of Boy Scouts throughout the nation, including those Scouts here in our community.  One of the ways we recognize the Boy Scouts in our community year after year is through the Boy Scouts of America Fund, established in 2000 at the Rush County Community Foundation by William “Bill” Herdrich.  Through a competitive application process, the fund provides financial support to the Rush County Boy Scouts and troops.  Since inception, the fund has provided 22 grant awards totaling more than $5,000 to local boys interested in becoming more involved in Boy Scouts.

For those not entirely familiar with the Boy Scouts of America, the organization and involvement provides youth with programs and activities that allow them to try new things, provide service to others, build self-confidence, and reinforce ethical standards.  Involvement in Boy Scouts ultimately provides essential needs of young men:  mentoring, lifelong learning, faith traditions, serving others, healthy living, and building character.  Simultaneously, the communities Boy Scouts serve benefit from the organization:  in 2017, hundreds of service hours were performed by Boy Scouts in Rush County alone.

Last year, eight local youth were able to attend camp because of the Boy Scouts of America Fund at the Rush County Community Foundation.   The Boy Scouts of America Fund offers an opportunity for youth and young men desiring to be a Scout, regardless of financial standing.  Rush County is fortunate to have these youth involved in our community.  Without the Boy Scouts of America Fund, many of our local Boy Scouts may not have had the experiences and subsequent outcomes made possible.

Locally, 56 youth and 35 adults represent three Cub Scout Packs and two Boy Scout Troops.  Yesterday, more than 52 million Boy Scouts throughout the nation celebrated National Boy Scouts Day.  If you would like to see the Boy Scouts of America continue to develop and grow locally, consider a donation to the fund at the Rush County Community Foundation!  The endowed fund is set up to last forever, giving generations of young men opportunities that ultimately enhance the quality of life within Rush County.  Contact the Foundation office at (765) 938-1177, visit our website www.rushcountyfoundation.org, or stop by our office at 117 N. Main St. to learn more about this fund, how to apply for grants, and/or to make a donation.