Director’s meeting 2/2022
Directors of the Belize Scout Foundation met for the second time this year in the Sir Colville N. Young Museum in the Sir Colville N. Young Building “Home of Scouting in Belize”.
The meeting dealt with numerous issues and reports from the various sub-committees as follows:
In relation to the Scout building, it was reported that at a short but historic ceremony a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Belize Scout Foundation and The Scout Association of Belize was signed on June 13, 2022, at which time the building was officially handed over to the Scout Association. It was also reported that in connection with the MOU, the first monthly check of $600.00 was presented to the Scout Association on June 16, 2022 to assist the Association with their utility bills for the next twelve months as they settle and learn to administer their building.
The meeting also heard a report on the progress made towards launching of the Sir Colville N. Young Fellow program, which aims to increase the capital fund to enable the Foundation to increase its investments to provide more financial support to the Scout Association and Scout Groups countrywide. The directors present had the opportunity to see the Lapel pins and certificate jackets firsthand. A date for the launch of the program will be set shortly.
The Financial report showed that the Foundation increased its investments with Belize Electricity Limited in the month of March of this year which will provide more grant money for approved Scout programs. At this point, the directors expressed concern that Scout groups are not applying for funding which opens each year in January and closes at the end of June. Information is sent to the Association to disseminate to the groups and as was reflected in the finance report, not one group applied for funds this year. Annually funds are made available for the following:
• The implementation of group, district and national programs with specific developmental goals;
• Environmental projects that will create an impact in our communities;
• Community projects that will enhance the visibility of Scouts demonstrating service to community;
• Membership expansion to exclude giveaways, traveling and subsistence expenses;
• Repairs and improvement of camping grounds;
• Publication or purchases of Leaders training manuals or Scouts training manuals;
• Subsidy of Scout uniforms for needy Scouts particularly in rural areas but not limited; *
• Subsidy for the training of adult volunteer’s leaders locally and internationally; *
• Subsidy for needy Scouts to attend camps both locally and internationally; *
• Subsidy for needy Scouts to attend training courses both locally and internationally. *
*(Subsidy meaning that the participating Scout or adult and the Association must also contribute financially towards the cause)
The Foundation Directors hope that Scout Groups will take advantage of the grant program in the new year 2023.
The Belize Scout Foundation – Investing in a better Belize
Photos credit: Alejandro Tovar-Click and Photos
