The Glacier's Council is comprised of representatives of more than 250 community organizations holding charters to operate a program of the Boy Scouts of America. The council meets annually in May to elect officers and board members. The Council was organized in 2005 growing from a consolidation of the Four Lakes and Sinnissippi Councils and granted a charter by the Boy Scouts of America.
The Glacier's Edge Council provides Scouting services to communities in the counties of Adams, Columbia, Dane, Grant, Iowa, Jefferson, Lafayette, Richland, Sauk, Rock, Walworth in Wisconsin as well as Winnebago and Boone counties in Illinois.
Membership - The annual youth membership remains steady at around 11,000 members, with 4,000 adult volunteers, in 385 packs, troops, teams, crews, posts and groups. Beginning in the first grade, boys can join as Tiger Cubs, continue on as Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts. High school age boys and girls can belong as Venturers. Co-ed high school youth seeking specialized career-oriented programs can become Explorers. Learning for Life groups provide character education and career awareness programs for youth from Kindergarten through High School.
Program Services - The Glacier's Edge Council provides a full range of council services and programs for leaders and youth. The council provides special activities which challenge youth and strengthen local programs, such as Klondike Derbies, Camporees, Circus Heritage, Cub Scout Heritage Days, Nature Trek, etc. The council promotes community service through the annual Scouting for Food Drive. Camping is the root of Scouting adventure, and the council provides Cub Scout Day Camps and Resident Camps, Boy Scout Summer Camps. We operate Camp Indian Trails, Ed Bryant Scout Reservation and the Woodman Center for camping and education.
Training - Training of volunteers to be successful in program delivery, and to be attentive to the health and safety of young people, is a primary service of the council. Training courses in basic leader skills, youth protection, outdoor skills, and junior leader development are offered throughout the year.
Funding - More than 8,000 donors (Friends of Scouting) provide 30% of the funds. Camping and activity fees provide 30%, but mostly cover direct costs of those programs. Product sales such as the annual popcorn sale and special events account for 25% of funds. Investment income provides 6% and sales of supplies though the Scout Shop provides 15% of the annual budget. Over 85% of expenses are direct services to volunteers, youth, parents, and programs, while 9% is administrative expenses, and 6% is fundraising costs.
What We Stand For - Since its founding in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has continued to provide programs which meet the developmental needs of young people, and has remained constant in its core values as found in the Boy Scout Promise and Scout Law. Each phase of the program meets needs of that group age, and develops youth in character, citizenship, personal and mental fitness.
The programs of the Boy Scouts of America address today's community needs, in providing sound leaders, responsible citizens, and individuals prepared for the challenge of today. The program continues to emphasize service, especially to combat the national disgrace of hunger; to prepare our young people for the working world though merit badges and career Exploring; and to fight illiteracy through handbooks, and Boy's Life Magazine, providing informative and interesting reading. The Boy Scouts of America continues to promote "Be Prepared," and "Do A Good Turn Daily," the values for which it is most commonly known.
