Mohegan Council Welcomes New Executive Board President Charles E. Thompson
New president addresses the audience during Silver Beaver and Volunteer Recognition Dinner:
Thank you, Eric for that fine introduction.
Our challenge as leaders of the Scouting movement is to provide our fellow volunteers with the resources they need to serve our youth. Eric Schultz has done an exceptional job working with the board and others to accomplish this objective. The Mohegan Council has made great progress in fulfilling the elements of its strategic plan thanks to Eric’s dedication, passion for Scouting, and leadership. Thank you Eric for all you’ve done for Scouting in central Massachusetts.
Scouting has a lot to offer children: leadership skills, values, character, fun, and so much more. But at its most basic level, Scouting is about time...with a caring adult.
That's part of the magic of Scouting. For at least an hour a week, boys have our undivided attention. And in that sacred period of time between a child and a caring parent or volunteer leader—whether it's over a service project, on a hike, making a pinewood derby car, or a simple lesson in knot-tying—that's where character is formed.
Since 1910 more than 110 million young people have worn the Scout uniform, but we're just getting started and there's a lot left for us to do.
To accomplish our objectives on behalf of our youth, we must achieve the third pathway set forth in the Mohegan Council’s strategic plan – that of financial stability.
By the conclusion of this year – the centennial anniversary of Scouting- if we meet all of our fundraising goals, there remains a projected gap in the operational budget of over $62,000. While this amount may be perceived as substantial (and rightfully so), this is 56% less than the operating deficit that remained in 2009. We are moving in the right direction.
The Mohegan Council continues to address damage caused by the 2008 ice storm and other crucial repair work unrelated to the storm. The roads require grading and re-surfacing. The farmhouse which is used for training and housing for our ranger, has structural problems related to a problem with a collapsing foundation wall and the 1979 heating system needs to be updated. The wells need installation of piping required by the EPA. The estimated cost to address all these need areas is well over $400,000.
While the dining facilities have been improved this year the demand for space will be a key issue that will help or prohibit our achievement of financial stability.
The lack of bathroom/shower facilities severely compromises the camp experience for our youth and volunteers alike. We must construct bathroom and shower facilities in key locations on both the east and west side of camp to improve the camp experience.
Like many organizations today, we realize a more diverse revenue engagement model is necessary to provide a more sustainable financial base from which to continue our good work.
We will strive to build the resources to create a more sustainable financial base and we will continue to build on the success we’re achieved in programming, membership, and camp so we:
1.) reach more youth and engage them in the program.
2.) ensure that every scout in the program benefits from quality time spent with well-trained, caring adults.
3.) provide our volunteers with the resources they need to deliver an exception experience to our youth;
4.) strive to achieve our vision of being the best Scouting program in New England.
Thank you for this opportunity to work with you to achieve these common goals.
Read Eric Schult's Remarks