A Scout Is Friendly …

The World Friendship Fund gives the members of the Boy Scouts of America an opportunity to help fellow Scouts in other countries who need their support. BSA Scouts and Scouters are eager for opportunities to help and, by holding a World Friendship Fund collection, be a part of worldwide Scouting in a personal way. More than $11 million has been donated by American Scouts and leaders to the World Friendship Fund since its beginning.

We Have Helped By

• Providing support to help create the first Scout camp and environmental center in Madagascar
• Providing funding for the sanitation needs of the National Scout Center in Bhutan
• Providing funding for a bus for the Scouts of Nepal to get to their camp
• Supporting the building of the Scout house in Mongolia
• Providing support of the Ecological Youth Center field project in Panama
• Providing support to the Asian Pacific region after the 2004 tsunami
• Providing supplies and relief to Haiti after a devastating earthquake

History

At the end of World War II, Scouts of all ages in war-torn countries had lost everything and needed help to restart their Scouting programs. In response to these Scouts’ needs, the World Friendship Fund was created. Fundraising efforts were successful and, through the contributions of the members of the Boy Scouts of America, made many things available in the years just after the war, such as equipment, uniforms, insignia, program material, and camping gear. As a result, Scouting is now flourishing in these countries.

Today

Since that war, we have seen the development of new nations and the democratization of others. These nations want their youth to have the benefits of Scouting. They need funding and materials for training, camping, manuals, and uniforms.

A Scout Is Helpful …

We know that members of the Boy Scouts of America will help if made aware of the need and given the opportunity to contribute to the World Friendship Fund. When units participate, Scouts and leaders become a part of a worldwide Good Turn. They develop an awareness of, and a concern for, the Scouting needs of others. World brotherhood through Scouting is realized when Scouts and leaders care and share. All Scouts learn and agree to live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law, regardless of the program in which they participate. Core to the Scout Oath is the charge that a Scout “help other people at all times” and that when living by the Scout Law he or she is to be “helpful” at all times. Challenge yourself and your Scouts to fulfill the promise and commitment you have all made to help others. You can do this by giving to the World Friendship Fund.