Order Launches Get Kids to Camp Partnership
In May 2011, the national Order of the Arrow committee approved the Get Kids
to Camp Partnership, an initiative to financially support and help local Scouts
get to summer camp. Unlike other Scouting camperships, this program works in
partnership with local lodges and councils to create a matching grant program to
cover camp fees for qualified and trained adults to serve as leaders for
chartered or provisional units lacking adult leadership. This provides inactive
Arrowmen, who are past lodge leaders, an outlet to support Scouting through an
adviser/Scoutmaster role while increasing summer camp participation.
The Order of the Arrow, undoubtedly, has continued to serve the Boy Scouts of
America with many exciting initiatives nationwide. But as the organization
continues to roll-out new programs, our fundamental commitment to the youth we
serve has remained protected. As local councils continue to seek new ways to
promote and encourage camping, there is a new component to assist in their
efforts.
Every year, certain Scouts are unable to attend local summer camps because of
not having qualified adults to provide leadership to the unit while at summer
camp. The Get Kids to Camp Partnership solves this problem. Local lodges will
have the tools to coordinate with their respective council to organize
chartered/provisional troops throughout the summer camp season. This now
provides Scouts, who would have otherwise missed summer camp, an opportunity to
attend.
Quality adult leaders are often times very hard to identify and recruit. The
Get Kids to Camp Partnership program encourages the lodge to reach out to
previous lodge leaders (ages 25-30) to help support this initiative. Many times,
lodge alumni struggle with finding a suitable role as they transition into their
professional careers. The Get Kids to Camp Partnership provides these great and
experienced leaders a chance to support Scouting, and make a difference within
their local council.
The Get Kids to Camp Partnership program is very simple, but has the
potential for powerful results. Local councils will be able to apply for a 50%
matching grant to supplement adult summer camp fees. A council will be able to
apply for up to four grants each year. This would potentially cover the costs of
four adult volunteers. Lodges are considered eligible if they are in good
standing and have implemented an
OA Camp Coordinator program for the upcoming summer.
Youth development remains at the forefront of the Boy Scouts of America's
values. The Order of the Arrow will continue to align with these values, and
provide unique and engaging opportunities for Scouts and Scouters to have the
opportunities that Scouting has to offer. It will take the organization's
collective effort to continue Scouting's timeless values, and the Get Kids to
Camp Partnership is yet another piece to Order of the Arrow's fundamental
objective of serving tomorrow's youth.
Get Kids to Camp Partnership Resources:
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