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SERVICE PROJECTS
Since the BSA's inception in 1910, members have learned to live the principles of the Scout Oath and Law through community services and "helping other people at all times." With that history in mind, the BSA has developed a service initiative - Good Turn for America.
What began with a singular act of service on a foggy London night quickly evolved into daily Good Turns and then into more encompassing national initiatives. These have included selling war bonds, collecting rubber and scrap metal, growing victory gardens during World War II, and more recently, Scouting for Food.
We now have the opportunity to raise our levels of community service and increase awareness of the Scouting program within our neighborhoods. Nationally, the Boy Scouts of America has partnered with The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, America's Second Harvest, and the Department of Homeland Security to increase our efforts in meeting the challenges of the 21st century.
Good Turn for America will build on our members' and participants' current service efforts and will also include important partnerships with other community service organizations. These partnerships will provide many additional avenues for all of our members and participants to provide community service in their neighborhoods. Our part in Good Turn for America includes the following. Good Turn for America Website | http://www.goodturnforamerica.org
Lions Club Pancake Breakfast Pack 461 assists the Bloomington Lions Club with their annual fundraiser (Pancake Breakfast) on Palm Sunday. The scouts set and bus tables under the direction of Lions Club volunteers. The Lions Club of Bloomington purchased the Pinewood Derby track for Pack 461. Lions Clubs International | http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/index.shtml
Normandale Lake Cleanup Pack 461 will serve the residents of the City of Bloomington by helping to keep our city clean. We will meet on the lower level of Normandale Hylands UMC. A brief video about conservation will be shown. Instructions for the cleanup will also be given. Garbage bags will be provided. Then we will head down to Nomandale Lake. Please wear your uniform, but also dress for the weather. Boots and gloves are recommended to keep your feet and hands clean and dry. All family members are encouraged to join us.
Scouting for Food In 2007, we collected 280 pounds. Thank you to the scouts and families that helped with Scouting for Food collection. Nate S, Dan R, Michael R, Andre B, Dan L, Mitchell H, Andrew M, Keegan J. Siblings: Ben S, Christina R, Connor M. In 2006, we collected over 1300 pounds for the food shelf in Bloomington.
What is Scouting for Food?
Scouting for Food is the Council’s annual Good Turn project to help collect food for the needy families in our communities. Through this effort over 500,000 pounds of food are collected each year while Scouts have the chance to experience the good feeling that comes from helping others. Hundreds of thousands of families get to participate in this community effort to help their neighbors by contributing food donations. Scouting for Food is one of the largest food drives because it makes giving so easy by having Scouts collecting door to door.
How does it work?
Each Scout Unit is assigned a geographic area in their community. During the week, Scouters distribute the Scouting for Food bags in their assigned area, letting the community know they will be around on that Saturday to collect. On the Scouting for Food collection day units go back to their area and pickup the bags that were left for them. The food is then brought to a designated food shelf where the food is sorted and distributed to families in need.
Scouts should work in teams, it is much easier to approach a stranger if you have a friend with you. Be sure to have at least two adults with every team. Suggestion: two scouts on each side of the street delivering bags, with two adults supervising. Wear your uniform.
Scouting for Food Website | http://www.nsbsa.org/ActivitiesCivicService/CivicService/ScoutingForFood.aspx
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