Expandingour

Footprint

Relevant Programs

Career Exploration

Fun with Peers

Outdoor Adventure

Leadership Training

Environmental Education

Leadingour

Community

Dear FriendsSince 1911, the Boy Scouts of America has been one of our community’s foremost leadership and character building organizations. Each year we serve thousands of local Scouts who want to experience the adventure of the outdoors, challenge themselves physically and mentally, and test their ability to build leadership skills that will translate to success in their college years and beyond.

We are fortunate to have a support facility for our Scouts and their families in West Michigan; however, we are missing an important piece of the puzzle. Increasingly, we hear from core-city families that our outdoor camp experiences are too far from home or too cost prohibitive.

Accordingly, our Board has recently approved a $10 million advancement campaign to expand the campus of the DeVos Family Center for Scouting. We envision developing the acreage behind our current facility in Walker to include:

• Outdoor high-adventure opportunities for core-city youth within a few miles of their front door.

• Expanded science, math, engineering and technology programming that attracts and challenges the best and brightest young minds in our region.

• Enhanced leadership training and courses for our youth and for the professional business community.

• On-going emphasis on character building efforts to encourage integrity, volunteerism, and kindness in our next generation.

We anticipate that this expanded campus and mobile experimental lab will also attract regional groups from throughout the Midwest—bringing visitors and their tourist spending to Grand Rapids. This is a real opportunity to build a Scouting destination here in West Michigan. Please join us in supporting the “Build Character Today, Lead Tomorrow” campaign!

Sincerely,

Dick DeVos Steven Ford Honorary Co-Chair Honorary Co-Chair

Larry Hines Mike JandernoaHonorary Co-Chair Honorary Co-Chair

John Kennedy Honorary Co-Chair

CabinetJason AllenBill BoerJohn BollTracey BrameMike CazerBob FairmanDan GaydouTom GodfreyGeorge GrantJC HuizengaJose InfanteBirgit KlohsTracy LarsonWayne LindermanNat LoveScott LubbersBill MannsCandice MatthewsNate MoodyPat ParkerBob RothGil SegoviaJackie TaylorDave TupperJim WilliamsRon Yocum

Co-ChairmanWayman BrittDave HoogendoornMike MelinnTom Welch

Steering CommitteeDavid DamsChris EdgarJon Goad

“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, test their limits, and build values and morals that will carry them through their lifetime. That’s what the Boy Scouts can deliver.”

-Mike Jandernoa

“As the workforce evolves, the Boy Scouts continue their century-long commitment to provide relevant programs in science, technology, engineering, and math that prepare youth for successful futures.”

-John Kennedy

“Strong leadership skills drive success and it is through Scouting that young men and women can build these skills to become the leaders of our country.”

-Steven Ford

“Scouting programs challenge youth physically and intellectually, gives them a safe place to fail, and provides an outlet to make lasting friendships and memories.”

-Dick DeVos

“Preparing our youth to succeed starts withproviding them thecareer resources they need. Through Scouting, boys and girls can experi-ence programs they won’t get anywhere else.”

-Larry Hines

Building Character at the President Ford Field Service Council

Why Scouting? Scouting helps youth develop academic skills, self-confidence, ethics, leadership skills, and citizenship skills that influence their adult lives.

The Boy Scouts of America provides youth with programs and activities that allow them to• Try new things• Provide service to others• Explore careers• Build self-confidence• Reinforce ethical standards

“Scouting prepares you to succeed in every aspect of your life, and it is the best way I know to give back to the community that provides so much for all of us.”

- Dakota Garman, Troop 161

25 Counties

20,000+ sCouts

7-10 years old

56% 44%11+ years

old

1,751Scoutreach

inner-city youth

4,896 Adult leAders

4

Challenges

Building Needs Repair-Exterior construction-Safety updates-Accessibility additions-New parking lot-Mechanical upgrades-Shipping dock

Interior Design is Outdated-Meeting areas-Catering & technology support-Floor plan-Convenient space for Scout Shop-Indoor programming-Wifi broadband capabilities

Lack of Outdoor Activities -STEM outdoor labs-Ropes courses -Leadership training-Outdoor education -Shooting sports -Climbing and rappelling

In order to extend Scouting to inner-city youth and community organizations, the President Ford FSC will need to provide indoor and outdoor spaces that facilitate learning, have a convenient outdoor adventure facility within minutes of the city, and fulfil technology needs of STEM and meeting necessities.

Increased Space for Programs-Updated building design -Focus on program activities

Adult leAders

VISION PLAN

• Relocating the Scout Shop

• Renovating the previous store location to serve as a large classroom with outdoor access

• Consolidating program support spaces

• Utilizing a mobile lab

• Implementing a shuttle system

ground floor

top floor

main floor

• Classroom • Overnight Camping• Storage &

Mechanical

• Program Support• Large Classrooms• Conference Room• Scout Store• Storage & Loading

• Large Classroom• Conference Room• Storage

To repurpose and expand the current facility and utilize the land to offer extensive indoor/outdoor programming in two phases. Phase one, the building will be repurposed within the confines of its current footprint and the outdoor renovation completed to offer new programming. The second phase is to expand our indoor programming and would be predicated on the operational model and capacity of the first phase.

REPURPOSE PHASE ONE

LEADING PROGRAMS

a.

g.

f.

e.

d.

c.

b.

Ecology and Resource Center

Outdoor Classroom

Amphitheatre & Inter-faith worship center

Camp Sites

Archery Range

Air Gun Shooting

Climbing Walls, Ropes Course

Coun

cil

Northrid

ge Dr.

I-96

Mobile Experimental Learning Unit available for Scouts and community organizations

Outdoor expansion

CONCEPTUAL PHASE TWO

• Additional classrooms

• Winter camping area • Emergency weather

shelter• New computer and

radio lab • Conference and team

meeting rooms • Equipment storage

rooms• Moveable counters,

tables,chairs, and other lobby furniture to enlarge lecture hall

• Reduced administration occupancy

Indoor Expansion 7,000 sqft

Indoor expansion

• Enlarge front porch to create an outdoor group teaching and program area

• Utilize parking lot for multiple

program opportunities.• Pinewood derby

car, rocket, boat and truck race areas

• Bike safety training• Hike and bike way

stations• Drone and rocket

launch area• Robotics

completion area• Staging area for

marathons

Exterior Expansion

• Large deck for STEM programming and outdoor classrooms.

• Outdoor observation landing

ExpandingProgramsThatBuildCharacterAnd DevelopLeadership Skills

“One of the things the Boy Scouts have taught me is maturity and the ability to lead others in a way that they understand.”

--Jacob Bakker, Toop 39

“We, the staff, can see how Scouting has helped the boys grow in their leadership skills as well as communication, sense of fairness and loyalty.”

--Cheryl Brewster, Program Coordinator, United Methodist Community House

85%

6

“My son liked Boy Scouts because he got to chose his own path.” --Parent“The ultimate test of leadership is not the polls you take, but the risks you take. In the short run, some risks prove over-whelming. . . But the greatest defeat of all would be to live without courage, for that would hardly be living at all.” -President Gerald R. Ford

of merit badges meet National Science Education Standards.

67%

of Michigan students did not meet Math ACT College Readiness

68% of Michigan students did not meet Science ACT College Readi-ness

A facility with indoor/outdoor classrooms and technology focused on STEM:

• Build robots• Design and pilot drone aircraft• Study space exploration and build rockets• Study alternative energy and conduct experiments• Learn about DNA and new methods of treating disease• Work alongside computer experts who are looking at new ways of doing business• Mobile Experimental Learning Unit used to

bring programs to youth and adults throughout the community

STEM

Leadership

STEM & Leadership

• Conference facilities for speakers• Indoor/outdoor classrooms for

training• Team building programs

The Nation’s top organization in leadership development will open its doors to the community to offer:

Gerald R. Ford, Neil Armstrong, Hank Aaron, Michael Bloomberg, Robert Gates, Steven Spielberg, Sam Walton, George W. Bush, Walter Cronkite, Harrison Ford, Bill Gates, John F. Kennedy, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Notable Scouts

*Photo courtesy of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library

*

“Like music and art, love of nature

is a common language that can

transcend political or social

boundaries.” --President Jimmy Carter

7

Through the program development of the property, area schools, organizations, and existing Scout troops will have opportunities to:

• Study bird habitats while building bird houses• Catalogue plants and trees• Identify different fish• Learn from wildlife conservation officers• See how recycling works at our on-site recycling center• Study clouds and weather• Learn about endangered species and how to protect them• Investigate existing animal habitats• Build ecology observation trail and tree house environmental learning

Environmental Education:

Environmental Stewardship

Raises Overall

TestScores

Emphasizes Critical

Thinking Skills

DevelopsAnalytic,Problem

Solving Skills

EncouragesPursuit of

Environmental,Natural Resource

Careers

Operational: Revenue & Expenses Operational Revenue 1 Program Fees 2 Room Rental Income 3 Program and Operations Funding4

Total Revenue Operational Expenses5 1 Staffing 2 Program Expenses 3 Occupancy/Maintenance Total Expenses

8

Adventure

• Indoor archery area• Indoor air-gun area• Winter camping area• Emergency weather shelter• Compass training and GPS courses• Bike safety training• Hike and bike way station• Drone and rocket launch area• Robotics completion area• Staging area for marathons• Ziplines & climbing• Ropes courses• Camp sites

Get Active

18% Youth 6-11 years old are overweight 21% Adolescence 12-19

are overweight

Physical activity can lower the risk of obesity and related diseases. The increase in indoor/outdoor programs at the DeVos Family Center for Scouting will provide adventure-based, vigorous activity programs as well moderate activity programs including:

Outdoor Activity Encourages:

Self reliance Resourcefulness

ConfidenceSkill TrainingTeamwork

DeVos Family Center for Scouting-Expanding our Footprint and Core-City Outreach

49507: 52.6% African American, 34.8% Hispanic, 10.9% Caucasian, 1.7% Other, Average Income: $35,489 , 56% Single-parent household

49506: 16% African American, 2.3% Hispanic, 81% Caucasian, .7% Other, Average Income: $44,09727% Single-parent household

49508: 39% African American, 28% Hispanic, 27% Caucasian, 6% Other, Average Income: $30,00039% Single-parent household

49505: 13% African American, 8% Hispanic, 75% Caucasian, 4% Other, Average Income: $41,17140% Single-parent household

49503: 18% African American, 23% Hispanic, 54% Caucasian, 5% Other, Median Income: $44,09753% Single-parent household

49504: 6% African American, 17% Hispanic, 72% Caucasian, 5% Other Median Income: $40,202. 39% Single-parent household

819 Scouts, 13 Units

177 Scouts, 5 Units

238 Scouts, 9 Units

66 Scouts, 3 Units

72 Scouts, 2 Units

65 Scouts, 3 Units

Serving more than 1,400 core-city youth in the Greater Grand Rapids area

Projected Increase in Youth Served

Two phases of program enhancements

A $10,000,000 campaign budget

- Increase in youth served due to new facility and mobile learning lab- Includes Scouts and new community members

Blue: Phase OneGrey: Phase Two

Demographics by zipcode

The Build Character Today, Lead Tomorrow campaign is seeking $10 million in community philanthropy to provide funding for an expanded DeVos Family Center for Scouting. You can help us achieve this important goal by supporting this campaign through:

• A one time cash gift• A multiple year pledge commitment (may be paid over a three-year period)• A gift of appreciated assets (i.e. stock)• The donation of an asset that can be converted to cash (i.e. property, an automobile, collectables, etc.…) • An estate gift

The Boy Scouts of America (President Ford Field Service Council), is a qualified 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Accordingly, your charitable gift is tax deductible to the full extent of state and federal law. Please check with your tax advisor to determine how your gift may affect your personal tax situation.

How You Can Help

“I want to be a better person; I want to help other people; I want to make the community a better place.”

-Life Scout, Andy Zinck Troop 271

238 Scouts, 9 Units

65 Scouts, 3 Units

- Increase in youth served due to new facility and mobile learning lab- Includes Scouts and new community members

Contact

President Ford Field Service Council

3213 Walker Ave. Grand Rapids, MI 49544

O: 616.785.2662 F:616.785.0835

www.BuilCharacterToday.org

All inquiries sent to:

Sarah Hotchkiss

Campaign Director

616.785.2662 ext. 207

sarah.hotchkiss@scouting.org

Jenny Driesenga

Campaign Specialist

616.785.2662 ext. 210

Jenny.Driesenga@Scouting.org