Friends of Scouting

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Friends of Scouting is an annual pledge program in every Scouting America Council. The Potawatomi Area Council (PAC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a multi-million dollar budget who relies on product sales, camp and program fees, and donations to have enough finances to operate. This year, the United Way of Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties, who has historically contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to PAC, has announced a "huge shift" in funding that means that PAC will receive a much smaller donation this year and no donation in future years. You can read more here: urbanmilwaukee.com/2025/02/27/back-in-the-news-united-way-plans-huge-shift-in-funding/ 

More than ever, our children and the children of America need Scouting, and I am very proud to be a part of Scouting and this Council. 

Scout Units and the Council do not exist without each other. Without the youth and adult leaders, there is no Council. Without the Council, the Units will not be the same. In other states where Councils have merged, the programs provided by councils for the Scouts and adult leaders change and are often eliminated or too far away to participate in. We are very fortunate to have maintained one of the smallest councils by area with many Scouts and leaders, excellent programs and training, and an exceptional camp. Our Scouts love the camping, programs, and merit badges at Camp Long Lake and participate in excellent training like OKPIK cold weather camping and Trainers EDGE. Ask any of our adult leaders who have participated in our Council's Oak Leaf or Wood Badge training, and you will learn that our programs are special.

On behalf of the Potawatomi Area Council, I am asking your family for financial support. If you are able, please pledge a donation to ensure that the PAC can continue to provide the services, programs, and training and maintain OUR Camp Long Lake. Plus, your donation helps Troop 49! When we meet our goal, Troop 49 gets some rank advancement products from the Council at no cost!

As an added bonus, the Council is providing gifts for your pledge or donation:

For any donation of any size, you will receive the PAC Hooked on Scouting decal (sticker).

For any donation of $200 or more, you will receive the decal and the PAC Hooked on Scouting patch for Western Trails District. This can be worn on the Class A left shoulder. 

For any donation of $295 or more, you will receive the decal and patch and the PAC Friends of Scouting stainless steel mug.

For any donation of $595 or more, you will receive the decal, patch, and mug and the PAC Friends of Scouting 6-patch set (Muskie pentagon and each shoulder patch from each district).

The Friends of Scouting brochure and pledge sheet can be found here: pacbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/FOS_2025-Brochure_IN_OFFICE_PRINT_ONLY.pdf. Please see the several employers who match donations and notify your employer if they are on this list.

Alternatively, you may go to donations.scouting.org/#/council/651/appeal/8323 to make a donation online. If you choose to donate online, please email me your donation amount so I can share your gift with you.

Your donation makes a difference. Thank you!

Very Respectfully,

Mr. Adam C. Fritsch

Chartered Organization Representative, Troop 49

District Chair, Western Trails District, PAC BSA