SCOTTSDALE — The Boy Scouts of America’s Grand Canyon Council (GCC), an independent nonprofit organization chartered by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) in Ariz., has launched their annual Scouting fundraiser Camp Cards for a Cause. This year, the fundraiser is benefiting Arizona educators.
“Our educators faced an incredible challenge this year, transitioning to distance teaching and learning new technologies all while helping support their students through the pandemic,” said Andy Price, chief executive officer of GCC. “We wanted to show our appreciation.”
GCC’s goal is to raise $20,000 among its six Scouting Districts: Gila River, Lost Dutchman, Sonoran Sunset, Pinnacle Peak, Ponderosa, and Central. Each district will select one school in their region to gift the cards to, and for every $10 raised online, GCC will deliver a Camp Card to an educator in the Arizona community.
Scouts are selling Camp Cards now through June 30. Camp Cards provide deals on a variety of businesses around the state; some are featured on every card, like quick bites, and state sports venues, whereas others are specific to a card, such as local attractions, restaurants and recreation that may not exist in other regions.
“Our goal is to provide meaningful deals to each community, while boosting unit involvement and participation,” said Sondra Wendt, volunteer chair and executive board member. “Scouts earn 50 percent commission for the donations raised through Camp Cards for a Cause and receive credit for their Camp Cards for a Cause donations in early July, after the campaign has ended. Many Scout troops choose to put their credits towards camp funds for the following year, others put their earnings towards other outings.”
For each Camp Card donation, Scout units receive half of the amount for their Scouting adventures and an additional $5 is contributed to GCC to help provide an opportunity for Scouting to every youth in Arizona.
Wendt added, “Cards for a Cause not only gives Scouts the resources for yearly activities, but also shows our appreciation for our educators and supports essential workers and local businesses throughout our communities.”
Youth looking to get involved with BSA can visit www.BSAscout.orgto learn more. To purchase a Camp Card online visit Camp Cards for a Cause Event Page and select show more on the leaderboard.
About the Grand Canyon Council, Inc. — The Grand Canyon Council, Inc., Boy Scouts of America is a legally and financially independent nonprofit organization chartered by BSA to deliver Scouting programs throughout most of central and northern Arizona, a small part of southern Utah, and a small part of southwestern New Mexico. Their mission is to prepare young people make ethical choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. For more information, visit www.grandcanyonbsa.org.
The Boy Scouts of America Programs
- Cub Scouting is a family and home-centered program for boys and girls who are in kindergarten through fifth grade.
- Scouts BSA is for boys and girls ages 11-18 and is designed to achieve BSA objectives through a vigorous outdoor program and peer group leadership with adult counsel. The Motto, “Be Prepared” is recognized worldwide.
- Venturing is a coed program that focuses on outdoor and hobby activities as well as peer leadership.
- Exploring is for young men and women, ages 14-20, that provides real opportunities to explore career choices and other vocational opportunities. This is accomplished in association with business and community partners as well as local school systems.