FOS, as it is commonly called, is the opportunity for families to make a financial contribution to help the Scout Program in the local area. Donations are used to support the Camps, materials for leaders, maintain advancement records, and keep the program affordable for all youth.

The Annual Friends of Scouting campaign has both a Community phase and a Family phase. The community campaign includes donations from businesses and community individuals while the family campaign enrolls the parents, and relatives, of youth enrolled in the Scouting program. The family campaign consists of a ten minute unit presentation that will be done at a Blue & Gold Banquet, Pinewood Derby, or Court of Honor.

This year the program also means money back to the units like the program provided last year. Units that have a presentation where over $500 is raised and paid in full by May 19, will receive 15% of that total returned to the unit account in the Pine Tree Council office to use for awards, advancements, or anything camp related. Families that donate a minimum of $125 will receive the limited edition Pine Tree Council shoulder strip for the Scout uniform. Units that hold a presentation will also be awarded a colorful recognition streamer for their unit flagpole and a Friends of Scouting sticker will be awarded to every family that participates in the program.

We appreciate any donation a family feels they can give. Please support the Scouting program by making a tax-deductible donation to the Pine Tree Council to keep the program available to every youth in Maine.