NEWBERRY — The annual Friends of Scouting local fund raising campaign has started.

David Senn, community chairman of Newberry County’s Friends of Scouting, is directing a number of local volunteers who realize they are making a difference in the community by supporting scouting.

Lynn Cousins, chairman of Newberry County’s Family Friends of Scouting, and other members of her committee are visiting local troops and packs presenting programs to parents and family members of current scouts who know first hand the impact scouting has on each scout.

The two committees are combining their efforts to raise funds for the Blue Ridge Council, which serves over 15,000 youth and adult volunteers in eight counties, training them to live by the scout oath and law, to value their duty to God, and to help other people at all times.

Funds raised throughout this campaign are sent directly to the Blue Ridge Council rather than staying with an individual unit.

What does the Council do with the funds? The largest council expense is for program services.

In 2012, Camp Old Indian, the beloved scout reservation of scouts past and present, served over 2,510 participants from 135 troops during Boy Scout Summer Camp. Cub Scout Resident Camp served 122 scouts and leaders while cub/parent weekends served 2,860 at Camp Old Indian. Cub Scout Day Camps served 812 Cub Scouts.

The Blue Ridge Council’s operating expenses serve four scouting programs: 6,877 Cub Scouts in 150 packs, 3,183 Boy Scouts in 141 troops, 310 Venturers in 33 crews and 550 Explorers in 35 posts.

Over 34 percent of the council’s source of income is from the annual Friends of Scouting campaign. Why does the community support this campaign? A survey of scouts showed the following:

— Some 75 percent of scouts agree that scouting taught them to always be honest and to be a leader.

— Eight of 10 scouts believe helping others should come before their own self-interest

— 80 percent of scouts say scouting taught them to treat others with respect

— 78 percent said it helped them to get along with others.

— Nine of 10 Scouts believe older people should be treated with respect.

— Some 78 percent of Scouts say scouting has taught them to care for other people.

— Boys in scouting for five or more years are more likely to reject peer pressure to hang out with young delinquents.

— About 78 percent of scouts are happy with their schools and neighborhoods.

— Today 82 percent of scouts say saving money for the future is a priority.

— Around 80 percent of scouts say scouting has increased their confidence and 51 percent rate their confidence as excellent.

— Around 79 percent of scouts say scouting has taught them to have more respect for the environment and their physical fitness.

— Another 83 percent of men who were in scouting for five or more years say attending religious services as a family is very important.

A monetary gift to the Friends of Scouting Campaign does make a difference in youth and the community. If you are not contacted and want to make a donation, contact the district executive.

The Friends of Scouting dinner will be held at Central United Methodist Church in Newberry at 6:30 p.m. March 7. This year’s honorees will be Eagle Scouts who live in Newberry County. All Eagle Scouts, old and new, are encouraged to attend the dinner and be recognized. The group especially encourages those who received their Eagle rank in 2012 to attend.

Members of the community who are willing to support scouting and to celebrate scouting’s success are invited to attend the dinner.

RSVP by March 4 to District Executive Nick Schwartz at 864-420-4534 or nicholas.schwartz@scouting.org or David Senn at 276-3438 or david.senn@edwardjones.com.