This “Camp Journal” represents the growth of old traditions into new ideas, of young boys into leaders. It documents the tremendous dedication and support of our community in helping to grow our facilities and our capacity to enhance the lives of the boys who pass through our camps and our organization. It is a reflection of growth as an individual, as a Scout and as an organization–all with one important purpose, to create better citizens and men. This report was produced and provided to you at no cost through the support of the following companies: Rapid Solutions Group (Printing and letterpress) Walz Tetrick Advertising (Design and creation) Kathy Disney (Photography) Xpedx (Interior paper) Smart Papers (Cover stock at cost) Kansas City Envelope Company (Envelope) Olympic Engraving (Deboss die) Davis & Pierce Die Service (Letterpress die) Post Press (Debossing) J&L Bookbinders (Saddle-stitching) Graphic Art Services (Grommet) Thanks to the 19,353 adult volunteers who gave selflessly of their time and talent, the 760 Chartered Organizations who support Scouting and the thousands of donors who provided financial support – Scouting changed the lives of 43,614 young men and women in our community! We readily attribute our growth to these generous volunteers, contributors, leaders, parents, friends, and–of course–the Scouts. It is through this teamwork that we achieve success and help young people achieve their full potential. The 2005 Annual Report looks back at a year of capital improvements at our two major camping facilities and makes those accomplishments come alive. It’s a bridge between old traditions and new growth, between what’s architectural and what’s organic. In this report you will find a chronicle of improvements, a reflection of experiences, and a reminder of what Scouting can be when our parents, community leaders, educators, and young people are given the proper resources to deliver on our promise. Thank you for your support in this endeavor. Now lace up your boots, grab your gear, and explore the experience this year through this “Camp Journal.” Sincerely, Clifford W. Illig Council President Delvin L. Wilkinson Council Commissioner Timothy C. Bugg Scout Executive Tiger Cubs and Cub Scouting – For boys in first through fifth grades, providing family centered activities that help boys develop teamwork, develop new skills, and to do their very best. Boy Scouts – Serving young men ages 11 to 18, this program provides an environment in which young men become leaders as they mentor other young men that join the program. Self-reliance and self-esteem build as young people discover the outdoors and work toward the rank of Eagle. Varsity Scouting – For young men who are 14 to 18 years old to grow in teamwork and physical fitness in sports-related activities and outdoor adventure. These youth plan and implement their own activities, learning to set and accomplish goals, while having fun. Venturing – This program focuses on hobbies and hands-on activities that our older youth indicate an interest in. Through active participation, young people experience hands-on leadership through a co- educational program for young adults from ninth grade to age 21. Exploring – Programs conducted in the workplace for young people ages 14 to 21. Exploring helps young men and women learn firsthand about career fields including law enforcement, architecture, and health care. Post leadership comes from its members and the organization that shares their career opportunities. Preparing young people to make sound life choices as they complete high school and start a secondary education program is what Exploring is all about. Learning for Life – This value-based education program develops boys and girls in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Its goal is to prepare students for life by helping them learn ethical decision-making skills, social skills, and to grow in social adeptness. Lessons are classroom based and age appropriate. K-6 curriculum focuses on students’ decision making while 7-12 grades develop a career interest profile along with the needed skills to research and prepare for a specific profession. MEMBERSHIP OVERVIEW , There’s a new discovery and Cub Scouts 18,116 adventure waiting for us at the Boy Scouts 11,211 end of every trail and at the top Varsity Scouts 153 of every hill. Venturing 1,988 Explorers 1,106 Learning for Life Participants 11,040 TOTAL Members and Participants 43,614 UNIT OVERVIEW Cub Scout Packs 515 Boy Scout Troops 448 Varsity Teams 33 Venturing Crews 166 Explorer Posts 48 Learning for Life Groups 57 TOTAL Units and Groups 1,267 The Heart of America Council’s Executive Board authorized the Scoutreach program in 1988 to ensure that all young people, despite their socioeconomic status, can participate in Scouting. Through the use of program aides that serve as adult leaders, Scouting brings its excitement and adventure to young people in the urban core of Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas. Scouts participate in camps, enjoy field trips, and earn rank advancements while connecting with positive adult role models. This is made possible through the generosity of numerous donors in the Heart of America Council. The Scoutreach program serves 11,522 young men and women in the urban core of Kansas City. Currently 5,133 young men are served through the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing programs and 6,389 young men and women are served through the Exploring and Learning for Life programs. Camping is for all, and one way to make this guarantee is to ensure that dollars are available for those in need. Our Campership program allows a young person to earn his way to camp through service to others. This instills the fact that a Scout is thrifty into the boy’s values. Through the Campership program, 794 Scouts received more than $114,000 in support to help them experience the fun and excitement of camping in the summer of 2005. Despite physical or mental abilities, Scouting is a program that is there for everyone. Special Needs Scouting ensures that all young people can experience lifelong memories of campfires and the outdoors. Much of this magic is delivered at Rotary Camp to 57 Scouts with special needs. Scouts participate in swimming, crafts, and earn merit badges. One of the greatest discoveries here at camp is finding friends, because although we may come from different cities, different worlds even, our shared experience becomes a strong bond that lasts a lifetime. The Heart of America Council’s camping program is recognized as a national leader. In 2005, over 82% of our Boy Scouts and 54% of our Cub Scouts participated in a summer camping experience. This equates to 13,894 young people who enjoyed a Heart of America Council summer camp program. The outdoors is an environmental educational facility that Scouting believes should be a vital part of every Scout’s life. Young men and women learn how their actions can negatively or positively affect others and the environment while at camp. It is important that resources are conserved for future generations while at the same time providing enjoyment and learning opportunities today. An outdoor environment builds confidence and improves self-esteem in the young person that learns to respect nature. H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation – Over 4,400 acres of outdoor fun, the hills of Osceola hosted 5,911 Boy Scouts in 2005. The H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation’s environment challenged Scouts to hone their skills in swimming, boating, conservation, rifle and shotgun, and wilderness survival. Camp leaves a lasting memory on those who come for the first time as well as those who return for their fifth year. New experiences are available for those who want to try it all. Theodore Naish Scout Reservation – Over 1,100 acres of oak and hickory covered hills located near Bonner Springs, Kansas, play host to Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts each summer. With improvements at Cub World and in Central Camp, Scouts get to enjoy the latest outdoor experience. A highlight this summer was the Cub Scout Bear Camp that served 780 Cub Scouts and their parents. In total, 680 Boy Scouts attended camp at the Theodore Naish Scout Reservation and 2,935 Webelos enjoyed an overnight camping experience. The new Pirate’s Ship and the Lost Mine were big hits. Cub Scout Day Camp – 3,532 Cub Scouts participated in this year’s Day Camp program. These programs are held in local parks so that a Cub Scout can participate without great distance of travel. It also provides a way for Scouting to showcase its program in public. Archery, crafts, rope making, first aid training, and water games were all part of the fun for these Cub Scouts enjoying their first taste of camp. High Adventure Experiences – 1,130 Scouts from the Heart of America Council participated in a National High Adventure program at the Florida Sea Base, Philmont Scout Reservation, or Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base. This is an opportunity for Scouts to enjoy How many boys have come before me?adventure in a part of the country they have never before traveled to How many have felt the excitementand to meet Scouts from around the country. and pride I feel right now? Good Turn for America Since 1910, Scouting has provided community service to our local communities. From leading the recycling effort through World War II to national good turns through Scouting for Food, we have been there to help when America needs us. In 2005, 237 Heart of America units logged onto www.goodturnforamerica.org and recorded 492 community service projects. Over 7,048 Scouts invested over 21,000 hours of community service in the areas of providing food, shelter, or healthy living improvements to others.