S.M.E.
(A Discourse on Funding for Scouts)
By Vaughn J. Featherstone
Boy Scouts of America National Executive Board
Shared at Philmont Scout Ranch
1989
*Note: S.M.E. stands for Sustaining Membership Enrollment. Today, BSA council fundraising is referred to as Friends of Scouting, or FOS.
Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone (back row, right) at Philmont Scout Ranch, 1990.
The trouble most find with Boy Scouts
Is the money required to pay.
They like the program and experience
Even the code of honor, they say.
But the funding issue is predominant
And the dollars obscure the good,
T’would be better if we had our own program
And some say “possibly it would.”
We can control our own self-being
And reach ne’er beyond the Church,
Or we can join this world’s great program
As we everlastingly search
For good and holy and upright things
That influence and help our youth.
We can accept the inspired Scout program
As we glean the world for truth.
But cost it does and cost it will
As we train and develop a boy.
For Scouting and outing and advancement
Contribute excitement and joy.
As a Church we have always supported the truth
That our members not be on a dole
We can let other organizations support us
But some how that endangers the soul.
We spend great sums to support missionaries
And are grateful for our small part.
Should we not spend money in training
The skills for the soul and the heart?
We must be frugal and honest
And get the best value we can.
That’s why Scouting is so important
In preparing the boy for the man.
So contribute to S.M.E. freely
And give what your portion may be.
You’re investing in the lives of our young men
Which every one must surely agree
Is a blessing that will reach past tomorrow
And as far as reason may grope
For to build spirit and faith in our best youth
Is the church and America’s hope.