Letter from the Council Key Three PAID Outstanding Achievements in 2017 ND Fargo, We are pleased to present to you, our partners and PERMIT #684 PERMIT U.S. POSTAGE U.S. Bismarck Staff NON PROFIT ORG NON PROFIT

Assistant Ranger shareholders in youth development, the Northern Grand Forks Staff Finance Assistant 2017 • Achieved Journey to Excellence ‘Gold’ Council status reserved Lights Council, , 2017 Annual for top 5% of the Boy Scout Councils in the country. Improved Report. in 12 out of 17 Journey to Excellence measures. The Council Camp Wilderness Ranger Tomahawk District Executive Tomahawk Roughrider District Executive Camping/Program Assistant

led Area 1 of the Central Region in Journey to Excellence. Great Plains District Executive Northern District Executive Sky In 2017, the was recognized

Membership Services Registrar Investors’ Report Voyageur Trails District Executive Trails Voyageur • One of eight Boy Scout Councils in the Central Region of the Assistant Training/Advancement as a ‘Gold’ Council in our Journey to Excellence. We ......

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...... Boy Scouts of America to have unit growth by starting 26 new ......

scored 2225 points, the most in the history of our

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journey. This makes five out of six years we have ......

...... • Exploring program grew from 295 youth in 2016 to 402 in 2017, received “Gold” status; and, we have improved our a 36.3% increase with a 35.7% increase in units, from 14 units point totals every single year. This recognition puts Geri Voit Vacant...... Ethan Crisp Cathy Peloubet Beth Ann Pulley Adam Marlow P J Jenkins Andy Keitzman Claudia Johnson Brett Drevlow Judy Kotta Kasey Carter to 19 units. Brenda Heitkamp the Northern Lights Council in the top 5% of Boy • 170 young men achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, a 20.5% Scout Councils in the country. increase over 2016. Eagle Scouts collectively provided over The Council saw improvement in 12 of 17 Journey 22,210 man hours of community service to local organizations. to Excellence measures including; positive Unrestricted Net Assets in the operating fund up

• 74 Boy Scouts, 8 Venturers and 9 Adult Volunteer Leaders Field Director .4%, Boy Scout Advancement up .6%, Cub Scout Advancement is up 2%, and both Boy Scout Office Manager

attended the 19th National Scout Jamboree of the Boy Scouts Program Director

Business Manager Camping up .4% and Cub Scout Camping is up 19%, Unit Retention is up 1% with 26 new units of America from July 19-28, held at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. Scout Executive/CEO Lakes District Director started in 2017 compared to 16 new units in 2016, and Direct Contact Leaders Trained is up • 5,755 merit badges presented to youth and 4,775 rank advancements among Cub Scouts and Boy Director of Field Service 8%. While the numbers make us look and feel good, the improvements behind the numbers Flickertail District Executive Senior Development Director Lake Agassiz District Director Scouts. Cub Scout Advancement rate was 59.7% and Boy Scout Advancement rate was 47.5%. Northern District Director Sky Oxcart Trails District Executive Oxcart Trails are what really count. A higher percentage of our Scouts stayed engaged in our character Marketing/Development Director Frontier Trails Sr. District Executive Sr. Trails Frontier . • More than 9,000 youth and adults enjoyed one or more year-round camps at Camp Wilderness, building and leadership development activities and programs. A greater percentage of our ...... Heart Butte Scout Reservation, Big 4 and Tom Brantner Memorial Camp......

...... leaders are trained in program delivery, our Council Executive Board became more engaged in

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2017 Northern Lights Council Staff ......

succession planning, strategic planning and governance, and our finances were scrutinized to • 86% of Cubs Scouts and 72% of Boy Scouts experienced a camping adventure in 2017......

...... ensure good financial stewardship, investing back into capital improvements and building our • $24,880 in financial assistance was provided to low income families in the form of camperships, membership scholarships, uniforms and books. endowment for the future. We must continue to focus on improving unit, district and Council Terri Schultz Terri Roger B. Hoyt Michael Schatz Darrell Utke O’Brien Patrick Thomas Huether Cory Wrolstad Darin Steindl Tom BarryTom Kevin Mehrer Kevin Lindsay Aune Connie Koehmstedt Ric Jensen Dale Musgrave operations in 2018.

• Achieved the National Boy Scouts of America Major Gifts Award for Endowment planning and LIGHTS COUNCIL NORTHERN BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA South 4200 19th Avenue ND 58103 Fargo, 877-293-5011 Tel Fax 701-293-8643 WWW.NLCBSA.ORG growth for the third year in a row. The Council had 10,050 registered youth in Scouting at the end of 2017 and served over 13,700 • The Council’s endowment fund totaled $4.8 million in net assets with $65,496 in new gifts and total youth throughout the year who were led by 3,140 registered adult volunteers. In addition pledges in 2017. Added four new James E West members in recognition of a contribution of $1,000 to our registered volunteer leaders, countless numbers of parents and family members gave of or more to the Endowment Fund and five repeating James West members who are reaching towards their time, talents and resources to help Scouting succeed. Our strength lies in these volunteers membership in the Second Century Society. as their enthusiasm gives guidance and encouragement to the young men and women who • Achieved a balanced budget with operating income exceeding operating expenses. participate in Scouting’s value-based programs. • Pa-Hin Lodge achieved Journey to Excellence ‘Silver’ status. Inducted 98 Ordeal Thank you for taking the time to read our annual report for an update on Scouting in the members, 54 sealed their membership by becoming Brotherhood members and 10 Vigil members Northern Lights Council; and, thank you, for taking the time to impact the life of a child through were honored and 2 Arrowmen received the Founders Award. The lodge is comprised of 255 youth your partnership with Scouting. and 122 adults. The Lodge completed 2,510 hours of service. Your investment of time, talent, and resources makes it possible for the Northern Lights Council to accomplish its goals, now and in the future. Our Mission Sincerely, To prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Scout Oath On my honor I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; continued support!

To keep myself physically strong, Thank you for your David A. Sprynczynatyk Michael R. Briggs Roger B. Hoyt mentally awake, and morally straight. NORTHERN LIGHTS COUNCIL Council President Council Commissioner Scout Executive

The Northern Lights Council, Boy Scouts of America serves the state of , 18 counties in northwest , and 2 counties each in and . WWW.NLCBSA.ORG CUB SCOUTING (Grades 1-5) BOY SCOUTING EXPLORING/ TOTAL AVAILABLE YOUTH 96,600 TOTAL CUB MEMBERSHIP 6,277 TOTAL BOY SCOUT MEMBERSHIP 2,226 REGISTERED VENTURERS 145 EXPLORING & LFL PARTICIPANTS 1,402 YOUTH MEMBERS & PARTICIPANTS 10,050 PERCENTAGE OF YOUTH SERVED 10.41% NUMBER OF CUB SCOUT PACKS 206 NUMBER OF TROOPS & VARSITY TEAMS 134 NUMBER OF VENTURE CREWS 11 NUMBER OF EXPLORING AND LFL UNITS 20 TOTAL NUMBER OF UNITS 371

BUILDING BETTER PROGRAMS…AN INVESTMENT IN YOUTH A Lifetime of Service to Others The Council is committed to providing facilities and programs that support our unit’s year- Council Financial Highlights Eagle Scouts–Servant Leaders in Our Communities One factor in how the Scouting program builds leadership and character is by “helping other people at all round. Capital improvements and program updates are ongoing at each of our four Camps and Public Support and Revenues Expenses Do you ever stop to consider the IMPACT our Eagle Scouts make times” our Council Service Center locations. In 2017 the Council kicked off two very important and much needed Capital Campaigns. Friends of Scouting $741,203 21.6% Program Services $3,049,979 93.7% in our communities today and in the future? We do! In 2017, 170 • 992 service projects included food collection and distribution, meal deliveries, serving food, tree Scouts in the Northern Lights Council achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. planting, repairing and maintaining homes/shelters, a health fair, litter cleanup and community Project Sales/Special Events $112,844 3.3% Support Services The first is for a new Bismarck-Mandan Scout Service Center. Thanks to the campaign’s Building These Scouts earned the required 21 merit badges, held leadership beautification, fun run/walk, conservation, military support and many other miscellaneous projects. Foundations and Trusts $53,211 1.6% Management and General $128,131 3.9% Committee and the support of our Leadership Naming Level contributors the campaign is at positions in their troop and made a significant contribution to their United Ways $116,075 3.4% Fundraising $78,938 2.4% • More than 15,650 youth and adults and 170 Eagle Scouts participated in at least one project and 82% of its goal. This new 6,000 square foot Service Center will be developed into much needed communities with their Eagle service project. These exceptional young Supplies/Product Sales $985,465 28.7% many participated in multiple projects youth and adult leader training and conference meeting space, a Scout shop and office/ Total Expenses $3,257,048 men provided leadership to other young men in their troop, school or Investment Income $210,518 6.1% place of worship and performed an average of 131 hours of service per • 80,000+ pounds of food was collected during “Scouting for Food” and donated to area food administrative space. The goal is to have the new Scout Service Center completed and ready to Change in Unrestricted Net Assets $171,056 move into by September 1, 2018. Camping Income $630,006 18.4% project. In 2017, the 170 Eagle Scouts from the Northern Lights Council pantries Board Directed Fund II/III Transfer $138,900 Activity Income $477,654 13.9% performed over 22,213 hours of community service. At today’s current 2017Unrestricted Budget Margin $32,156 minimum wage average of $7.60 an hour, that is an investment of over Secondly, we launched our capital campaign to build Safe Rooms at Camp Wilderness to keep Other Income $101,128 2.9% SERVICE HOURS BY DISTRICT everyone at Camp Wilderness and the Butler Wilderness Outpost safe during storms by building *Unaudited for year end 2017. $168,818 in our local cities and municipalities. Flickertail – 3,210 Oxcart Trails – 6,033 Lakes – 5,308 Northern Sky District – 23,908 FEMA approved shelters. Thank you to Jon L. Wanzek and the Matt and JoAnn Butler Family Total Public Support and Revenue $3,428,104 These Eagle Scouts will take the character development and leadership Foundation for your lead gifts. Construction will begin in the fall of 2018. Lake Agassiz – 6,342 Roughrider – 5,027 Tomahawk – 9,736 skills they have learned and incorporate them in their everyday lives. Voyageur Trails – 6,869 Frontier Trails – 16,065 Great Plains – 5,680 They will become our community’s business and civic leaders and family CAMP WILDERNESS members. Total Service Hours logged on Good Turn for America 88,178 Near Park Rapids, MN on Bad Axe Lake, Camp Wilderness is the perfect setting for many exciting Here is the by District: and challenging outdoor programs. Yearly, more than 9,000 youth and adults utilize the Camp’s year-round programs and facilities, including Cub Scouts who participate in an overnight Flickertail ...... 9 camping experience at the Butler Wilderness Outpost. In 2017, 1,343 Boy Scouts attended long Oxcart ...... 18 term summer camp at Camp Wilderness, 243 Boy Scouts attended other BSA camps, and 50 Boy Scouts attended a BSA High Adventure Base. In 2017, 72.09% of Boy Scouts attended camp. Lakes ...... 9 In addition, 27 Boy Scouts plus staff participated in a week-long National Youth Leadership Northern Sky ...... 58 Training (NYLT) course that emphasizes character development and leadership skills. 478 Cubs Scouts participated in Cub Resident Camp during the 2017 camping season. Lake Agassiz ...... 10 Roughrider ...... 6 HEART BUTTE SCOUT RESERVATION Tomahawk ...... 23 Southwest of Bismarck, ND on Lake Tschida, Heart Butte is a great weekend or overnight camping spot. Heart Butte has fishing, hiking, canoeing and a nearby public beach to make this Voyageur Trails ...... 5 a great camping experience for Scouts of all ages. 45 Cub Scouts attended resident camp at Frontier Trails ...... 19 Heart Butte in 2017. 2017 Council Board Of Directors Great Plains ...... 13 OFFICERS Total Eagle Scouts ...... 170 BIG 4 CAMP President ...... David Sprynczynatyk Vice President of Program ...... Steve Shark West of Minot ND and is an excellent facility offering programs Council Commissioner ...... Michael R. Briggs Vice President of Marketing ...... John Stern President’s Club Supporters for $5,000+ for Cub Scout Packs and Boy Scout Troops. Big 4 has continual Treasurer ...... David Bergstrom Vice President of District Operations ...... Adj. Gen. Al Dohrmann Endowment–Investing in the Future Bill Barth Ford, Inc. William B. Richardson facility upgrades to accommodate an increased numbers of Legal Counsel ...... Joseph Wetch, Jr. Vice President of Membership ...... Mark Zimmerman Scouts and adults who enjoy this camp. Vice President of Endowment ...... Tim Tello Past President ...... Bradley A. Ballweber Otto Bremer Foundation Souris Valley United Way Vice President of Administration ...... Tim Sayler Vice President at Large ...... Doug Restemayer The Northern Lights Council’s endowment fund helps to blend Harry B Eck Foundation Trail’s End Popcorn Vice President of Finance ...... Stephen F. Rufer Vice President at Large ...... Al Erickson your visions with the need and objectives of Scouting. It provides TOM BRANTNER MEMORIAL CAMP a source of permanent financial support for future generations of Forum Communications Company United Way of Cass Clay 20 miles east of Fargo, ND in Clay County, MN; Units can use Scouts. On December 31, 2017, the Council’s endowment fund the 48-acre property for short term and overnight camping Gate City Bank United Way of Dickinson EXECUTIVE BOARD totaled $4.8 million in net assets. The Council ensures good and experience a ‘leave no trace’ camping adventure. Gateway Chevrolet Wells Fargo Joel Arnason Richard Espeland Mark Malmberg Dave Ouradnik Wayne Stenehjem stewardship through a volunteer investment committee that Ryan Barth Trent Gerads Larry Martin Andrian Panther Craig Strehlow monitors fund performance with a sound investment strategy. Grainger Jeremy Berger Dann Greenwood Larry Maslowski Kent Reierson Jon Wanzek ® $65,496 in new gifts and pledges were received in 2017. That Leach Foundation Gifts of $5,000 or more in support of CUB SCOUT CAMPING Lance Bergstrom Pete Isom Barry Medd Dale Sandstrom Robert Wefald Operated 20 day camp sessions across the Council for 1,579 included four new James West Fellows. Plus, the Council had Midco Council Operations Cameron Carlson Shawn Johnston Mark Nelson Ed Schafer Drew Wrigley ® youth. 623 Cubs Scouts attended Cub Resident Camps at Norm Clark Dave Lakefield Dan Olson Ronald Schneider five repeating James West Fellows who are reaching towards Missouri Slope Areawide United Way Wilderness, Big 4 and Heart Butte. 86.4% of all Cub Scouts Tim Cox Loren Laugtug Richard Olson Evan Schroeder membership in the Second Century Society. attended one or more camps in 2017.