We're calling our campout next week a Happy Birthday Campout because February is the anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. We're going to observe the birthday by showing the public in our community what good Scouting is all about.

So in some ways this is an extra special campout. We want to look and act like Scouts, which means that we'll ask you to wear your uniforms and be on your best behavior.

This doesn't mean you can't have fun. In fact I think we'll have a lot of fun, but we'll do it in ways that will bring credit to our troop and to Scouting.

We're also having a court of honor this month as part of our birthday celebration. During the court program, we will ask you and your parents to contribute to Scouting's World Friendship Fund. This is a special fund of the Boy Scouts of America to help Scouting associations in poor countries. The fund provides money for equipment, uniforms, and training for leaders. It's one of the ways that all of us can help promote the idea of Scouting as a world brotherhood.

I suggest that each of you consider giving a quarter to the fund. If that's too much, give what you can. Whatever you give, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped a brother Scout in another country.