THE BLUE MOUNTAIN COUNCIL
HELPS DELIVER QUALITY SCOUTING
Scouting thrives in local communities when local packs, troops, and crews deliver strong and vibrant programs to youth and families. These strong and vibrant units attract youth and parents who keep coming back week after week because Scouting is fun and impactful. But, these high performing units aren’t born this way. They were once a fledgling pack or troop that became great over time, and they will need ongoing support to ensure they keep delivering Scouting’s mission at a high level for generations to come. This invaluable support, whether provided when a new unit is first established or years later, is the responsibility of a local council.
These important support services are provided through a collaborative relationship between numerous dedicated volunteers and a small but dedicated professional staff as we work together to carry out the following key council functions, which will be further explained in the videos and text that follows
- Direct Unit Support
- Marketing and Communications
- Membership Growth
- Program Services and Activities
- Fundraising
- General Administration
HOW THE BLUE MOUNTAIN COUNCIL
PROVIDES DIRECT SUPPORT TO UNITS
The Blue Mountain Council provides direct and regular support to units by:
- Helping recruit, train, and motivate unit volunteers
- Sharing best practices
- Reinforcing Scouting America guidelines
- Assisting with problem solving and conflict resolution
- Providing guidance on membership standards
HOW THE BLUE MOUNTAIN COUNCIL
MARKETS SCOUTING TO OUR COMMUNITY
The Blue Mountain Council establishes and raises awareness of our local Scouting presence in the community through regular and impactful efforts to tell the Scouting story, share inspiring messages and accomplishments, and in general strengthen the Scouting brand in the minds of our broad and very diverse community, with focused efforts on:
- Managing effective media relations
- Maintaining an active presence on social media
- Publishing an updated and engaging website
- Distributing regular newsletter communications
- Making regular presentations at civic clubs and other community organizations
- Showcasing Scouting at special marketing events
- Maintaining a local service center for public service and interaction
HOW THE BLUE MOUNTAIN COUNCIL HELPS
TO GROW MEMBERSHIP IN SCOUTING
The Blue Mountain Council is supremely focused on growing the Scouting footprint in our communities. With a current market share of just 1%, we have plenty of opportunity to expand our reach and make a much larger difference for youth and families through Scouting.
- We provide tools for units to successfully recruit more Scouts
- We generate leads and connect families to local Scout units
- We help families overcome financial barriers to be able to join a unit
- We establish new units with new chartered partners
HOW THE BLUE MOUNTAIN COUNCIL HELPS
DELIVER QUALITY PROGRAMS TO OUR SCOUTING FAMILIES
The Blue Mountain Council maintains a council program committee of volunteers that helps support council and unit programming and activities. This committee addresses support for:
- Youth rank advancement and awards
- Volunteer recognition
- Youth and volunteer training
- Activities like camporees, cub day camps, and merit badge opportunities
- Specialized training and resources for safe high adventure experiences
- Access to Martin Scout Ranch and Camp Wallowa
- Guidance for other local camping and hiking destinations
HOW THE BLUE MOUNTAIN COUNCIL
HELPS FUND SCOUTING IN OUR COMMUNITY
The Blue Mountain Council maintains a focus on ensuring funds necessary for sustaining and growing Scouting can be adequately generated and used efficiently. This includes:
- Providing units fundraising opportunities
- Maintaining and cultivating relationships with donors and prospective donors
- Carrying out special events designed to generate funds and awareness for Scouting
- Identifying specific funding needs and available resources to satisfy those needs
- Managing endowment funds and encouraging generous contributions to grow this fund
HOW THE BLUE MOUNTAIN COUNCIL PROVIDES KEY
BACKGROUND SUPPORT FOR SCOUTING
So much more that the Blue Mountain Council does is difficult to categorize and even describe, but these activities are just as important, often relating to activities like:
- Volunteer recruitment and support
- Nonprofit governance
- Safety and risk management
- Collaborations with neighboring councils and the national organization
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT FOR SCOUTING IN THE BLUE MOUNTAIN COUNCIL
Thank you for the part you play in Scouting here in the Blue Mountain Council. We hope these videos have helped you understand more clearly why we have a council, including some of what we do to support our local units, to grow our Scouting presence, and to ensure Scouting’s impact is around for future generations.