Arrowwood District Leads Early Momentum as

FOS Breakfast Raises Over $58,000

The Black Swamp Area Council, Scouting America, launched its 2026 Friends of Scouting Campaign with extraordinary momentum this week—powered in large part by the Arrowwood District’s strong early performance and this morning’s successful Hancock County Friends of Scouting Community Breakfast at the Hancock Hotel.

Hosted by Dr. Aaron Doty, the breakfast generated $58,575 in contributions and pledges from attendees and early supporters, marking one of the strongest single?day starts to the campaign in recent years. Scouts from Troop 322 presented the colors, followed by an invocation from Pastor Kirk Schneemann of College First Church of God.

Friends of Scouting Chair Adam Cupp welcomed more than 100 community leaders, emphasizing the vital role local support plays in ensuring high quality Scouting programs across Northwest and West Central Ohio. Thanks to the generosity of breakfast hosts Dr. Aaron and Dr. Stan Doty, 100% of funds raised directly support youth programs in the Black Swamp Area Council.

Attendees heard inspiring remarks from Eagle Scout Emerson Wise, a Findlay High School senior who shared how Scouting shaped his leadership and service. State Representative Ty Mathews delivered the keynote address, highlighting the importance of character?building programs that prepare youth for life.

Scout Executive Marc Kogan provided an update on the council’s 13?county service area, noting continued growth in youth leadership and outdoor programs—including year round camping at Camp Berry and Camp Lakota. He reminded the audience that Scouting invests over $300 per Scout annually, making Friends of Scouting one of the most essential funding sources for the council.

Council Wide Campaign Progress

As of February 23, the 2026 Friends of Scouting Campaign has reached $73,560 pledged, representing 21% of the council’s $345,000 goal. This reflects an increase from $70,183 the prior week, with $3,377 in new gifts helping sustain early?season momentum.

District Breakdown

• Arrowwood District – Continues to lead the council
  • $51,163 pledged toward $140,000 (37%)
  • $2,023 in new gifts this past week
  • Strong donor engagement is driving council?wide success
• Chinquapin District
  • $6,829 toward $75,000 (9%), with $200 in new gifts
• Great Oaks District
  • $7,193 toward $50,000 (14%)
• Old Sycamore District
  • $6,200 toward $45,000 (14%), with $1,000 in new gifts
• Council Community Campaign
  • $2,175 toward $31,000 (7%), with $154 in new gifts
• Exploring remains at 0% and is a priority for renewed outreach.

Board Giving Continues to Impress

Board support remains one of the campaign’s strongest assets:

• $44,240 pledged toward the $63,000 goal (70%)
• 19 of 38 members have contributed to date
• Additional commitments are anticipated as follow?up conversations continue

Key Takeaways

• The council surpassed $73,000, maintaining solid early?campaign momentum.
• Arrowwood District remains the clear leader, now entering the breakfast week with both strong campaign progress and demonstrated community support.
• Old Sycamore generated strong new gift activity this week.
• Chinquapin and Great Oaks remain poised for growth with targeted outreach.
• Exploring and Council Community areas need increased engagement in the coming week.
• Board giving remains a powerful driver at nearly three?quarters of goal.

Next Steps & Calls to Action

District leaders and units are encouraged to:

• Share the online giving link widely:
  https://donations.scouting.org/li/2026BSAC
• Follow up with past donors who have not yet participated.
• Continue building momentum from today’s successful Arrowwood FOS Breakfast.
• Promote attendance at upcoming district?level FOS events to extend this early?season surge.

About the Black Swamp Area Council

Serving more than 5,000 youth and adult volunteers across 13 counties, the Black Swamp Area Council delivers year round outdoor adventure, leadership development, and character building programs through Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Exploring. For more information or to get involved, visit www.BlackSwampScouting.org or www.BeAScout.org, or call 419?422?4356