2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Greetings from the Suwannee River Area Council!
We are pleased to provide you with some highlights from our 2024 Suwannee River Area Council Annual Report. The quality of our Scouting program remains strong, as we continue to serve 1,425 youth. 2024 marked the 100th year that the Suwannee River Area Council has been serving youth in our area. As of 2024 our service area includes the following 13 Counties: Seminole, Decatur and Grady, Thomas, Colquitt in Georgia; Jefferson, Madison, Taylor, Wakulla, Franklin, Leon, Gadsden, and Liberty in Florida.
The values found in the Scout Oath and Law have become the compass that guides young people along the path to responsible adulthood. These values are needed now more than ever. In our culture and our world, these values become the foundation needed to overcome everyday challenges. Truly, these values are the foundation for a successful life.
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; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
Scout Law
The Scout Law has 12 points. Each is a goal for every Scout. A Scout tries to live up to the Law every day. It is not always easy to do, but a Scout always tries.
A Scout is:
TRUSTWORTHY. Tell the truth and keep promises. People can depend on you.
LOYAL. Show that you care about your family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and country.
HELPFUL. Volunteer to help others without expecting a reward.
FRIENDLY. Be a friend to everyone, even people who are very different from you.
COURTEOUS. Be polite to everyone and always use good manners.
KIND. Treat others as you want to be treated . Never harm or kill any living thing without good reason.
OBEDIENT. Follow the rules of your family, school, and pack. Obey the laws of your community and country.
CHEERFUL. Look for the bright side of life. Cheerfully do tasks that come your way. Try to help others be happy.
THRIFTY. Work to pay your own way. Try not to be wasteful. Use time, food, supplies, and natural resources wisely.
BRAVE. Face difficult situations even when you feel afraid. Do what you think is right despite what others might be doing or saying.
CLEAN. Keep your body and mind fit . Help keep your home and community clean.
REVERENT. Be reverent toward God. Be faithful in your religious duties. Respect the beliefs of others.
2024 Accomplishments:
Membership:
- 1,425 youth participated in programs this year
- 485 adult volunteers served as role models for our youth members
- There were 54 units registered this year – Packs, Troops, Crews, and Posts.
Quality Program Delivery:
- 36 Scouts earned their Eagle Scout award
- 7.9% of our Scouts BSA membership (higher than the National average)
- 7000+ Community Service Hours were performed by Scouts
- 1,552 Merit Badges were earned by Scouts
Finance:
- $2,532,756 Total Net Assets
- $35,816 Investments made in Capital Projects
- Hosted a successful 2024 Golden Eagle Community Dinner.
- Ended the year with a positive operating income position
- The Council Popcorn sale grossed $114,900 in sales.
- The Council’s Camp Card Program sold 2,000 cards, grossing $20,000 for Scouting programs.
Quality Programs and Training:
- 60% of top adult leaders have been completely trained for their position
- 49% of Scouting units have earned the National BSA Quality Unit recognition.
Camping and Activities:
- 1,219 youth and adult volunteers participated in programs at Wallwood Scout Reservation
- 105 Scouts BSA attended week-long Summer Camp session at Wallwood Scout Reservation
- 105 Cub Scouts attended Cub Scout Day Camp in the Suwannee River Area Council
- 495 Youth and Adults attended our 100th Anniversary Celebration Jamboree
- Scouts collected over 19,000 pounds of food for local food pantries during our Annual Scouting for Food Driv
