Erie Gives with the French Creek Council, BSA

Every Child Deserves the Opportunity to Discover Their Potential

Imagine a child arriving at camp for the very first time.

They are nervous. They don't know anyone. They have never spent a night away from home, paddled a canoe, hiked a forest trail, or gathered around a campfire beneath a sky full of stars.

Just a few days later, that same child is laughing with new friends, confidently leading their patrol, mastering new skills, and discovering something even more important than outdoor adventure—they have discovered confidence in themselves.

That transformation happens every day through Scouting.

At the French Creek Council, Scouting America, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to experience these life changing moments. Through Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Exploring, and community based programs, we serve youth throughout Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Venango, Forest, and Clarion counties, helping them grow into leaders of character, service, and integrity.

For more than a century, Scouting has prepared young people for life by teaching leadership, responsibility, citizenship, and resilience. Today, those lessons are more important than ever.

Our youth face increasing challenges. They spend more time in front of screens and less time connecting with nature. They are searching for positive role models, meaningful friendships, and opportunities to build confidence. Scouting provides all of those experiences in a safe, welcoming environment where every young person is encouraged to grow, lead, and serve.

Whether a Scout is learning to pitch a tent, leading a community service project, earning their first merit badge, exploring careers in law enforcement or healthcare, or standing proudly as they achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, each experience builds skills that last a lifetime.

Camp for All

At the heart of our mission is Camp for All, an initiative that ensures financial circumstances never prevent a child from participating in Scouting.

Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the magic of camp.

At Custaloga Town Scout Reservation, Scouts unplug from technology and reconnect with the outdoors. They swim, hike, canoe, fish, climb, explore nature, build friendships, and discover talents they never knew they had. More importantly, they learn independence, perseverance, teamwork, and leadership in an environment that encourages personal growth.

For many young people, camp is where they discover who they are capable of becoming.

Unfortunately, not every family can afford the cost of registration, uniforms, camping equipment, or summer camp.

Your support helps remove those barriers.

Because of generous donors like you, children who might otherwise miss these opportunities are able to experience everything Scouting has to offer.

Your Gift Stays Local

When you support the French Creek Council through Erie Gives, your gift stays right here in our community.

Your generosity helps provide:

🏕️ Camperships and financial assistance for youth and families

🌲 Safe, exciting outdoor adventures at Custaloga Town Scout Reservation

🧭 Leadership development and character building programs

🎒 Handbooks, uniforms, and program supplies for new Scouts

🤝 Community service opportunities that strengthen neighborhoods throughout northwestern Pennsylvania

🚒 Career exploration programs that introduce youth to professions in public safety, healthcare, skilled trades, engineering, conservation, and many other fields

👨‍🏫 Training and resources for the dedicated volunteers who mentor and guide our Scouts every week

Every donation helps ensure that more young people have access to experiences that shape confident leaders and engaged citizens.

More Than Camping

Many people know Scouting for camping, but Scouting is so much more.

It is a young person discovering they can lead a team.

It is a Scout helping restore a local park.