This past weekend, I had the honor and privilege of attending our Annual Convention to report on the state of our council. It’s a true honor to once again stand before the leaders, volunteers, families, and friends of Scouting in Montana, and report we are one year further down the trail, one year stronger as a council, and one year deeper in our shared mission to prepare young people for life.
Last year, I spoke about this Scouting Trail, which we’re hiking together. I reminded us that the trail didn’t end where we stood at the time – that it would take more hard work, more heart, and more commitment to move us from “good” to “great”.
Well, I’m proud to say: we’ve taken big strides up that trail.
Reflecting Challenges & Commitments
Twelve months ago, we acknowledged the weight of hard decisions that had to be made at every level of our movement. We reaffirmed our core priorities of safety, volunteer support, financial health, training, community presence, and recruitment.
We also embraced three Presidential Priorities: Training, Endowment, and Outdoor Program Excellence. These weren’t just words on a page – they became a call to action.
And you answered.
Before I share the highlights of 2024, let me say, “Thank you!”
Thank you to every volunteer who leaned in, to every donor who invested, and to every staff member who stayed focused on the mission. Together, we continue to create something uniquely special in Montana Council, something that is lasting and important – and it shows.
Membership Growth
Let’s start with the heart of our movement: our Scouts.
In 2024, we served 3,005 youth in our programs and saw nearly a 2% increase in membership over 2023. This marks the third consecutive year of growth and is a sign that families across Montana are hearing our message and finding value in our mission.
Adult volunteer Training efforts within the Districts have brought renewed energy, mentorships, and a deep belief in our purpose to the forefront. Together, these numbers mean more youth are being guided, taught, and inspired in safe, structured environments that deliver a quality Scouting program.
This is not just good news – it’s a testament to your recruitment and training efforts, which bear fruit in multiple ways.
Financial Strength and Endowment Growth
In 2023, we challenged ourselves to think long-term, to endow our operations and ensure our council’s stability for generations.
This year, I’m proud to report we’ve made powerful progress.
Thanks to your efforts, our fundraising has increased an average of 7% each of the last 5 years, with record-setting results from Investment in Character and Leadership (ICL) and special events in 2024. Just as important, our endowment fund grew nicely too, thanks to new gifts and major contributions.
These resources are already helping us launch new programs and improve camp infrastructure.
And just as critically, we had a balanced operating budget again. Fiscal discipline, transparency, and smart decisions are keeping us strong.
To every donor and steward of our resources, thank you for helping build a solid financial trail beneath our feet.
Service and Program Excellence
In 2024, Montana Scouts and volunteers performed over 21,467 hours of community service, valued at nearly $662,042 in our communities; projects that mattered, led by youth and adults who care.
From trail cleanups to food drives, Eagle projects to flag ceremonies, our Scouts were out there, not just learning to lead, but proving and improving themselves.
Our summer camps – K-M Scout Ranch, Melita Island, and MOHAB – welcomed 1,500 campers. Attendance continues to grow year after year, a huge accomplishment and proof that our outdoor program is thriving.
And it’s not just quantity, it’s quality as we continue to expand our program offerings at our camps. And we’re not done yet!
Our youth will remember their camp experiences for the rest of their lives. We are making great strides in helping them along the trail to becoming vibrant citizens.
Looking Forward: 2025 and Beyond
As we look ahead up the trail, we continue following the compass set by our 5-Year Strategic Plan.
In 2025, you’ll see continuing progress on:
- Membership and recruitment efforts
- Expansion of online and in-person training programs to equip every leader with the tools they need to succeed.
- The next phase of our camp master plan focused on the long-term and greater use.
- And continued efforts to ensure Scouting in Montana is a safe and fun place for every youth and every family.
Final Thoughts
My friends, let’s be clear: the winds continue to be at our back, and the path ahead is full of promise… but we’re still not done.
We stand at a place of strength, but also responsibility. The next steps we take will define the next decade of Scouting in Montana.
So, I invite each of you to: Recommit. Re-engage. Bring a friend. Mentor a leader. Sponsor a Scout. Share our story.
Because this trail we’re on only continues forward if we hike it together.
Thank you for your passion, your persistence, and your partnership. Thank you for making the Montana Council a beacon of what’s possible.
Ladies & Gentlemen, here’s to another year of growth, service, and Scouting excellence.
Let’s keep on climbing!
Walt McIntosh
Council President & Chairman of the Board
