Dear Devon 50 Scouting Alumni, Families, and Friends of Scouting – 

                Greetings, as we celebrate our Devon Troop 50’s 83+ years of service!  Over the years, thousands of youth have been attracted to Devon 50 and its great programs. Today, we celebrate our amazing 294 Scouts who have achieved Scouting’s highest award – Eagle Scout! Today, we have nearly 120 Scouts in our Troop. Devon 50 successfully continues: “To prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.”

·         Our Foundations.  As you know, our Camp Jarvis and the Browning Cabin have been synonymous with the Devon 50 experience. They have served us well as our “home base” for nearly 60 years. Thanks to our forefathers, the Jarvis property was acquired in 1951.  The Devon-Strafford Cabin Committee was formed, funds secured and the cabin built in honor of our Troop’s first Scout Master, Edward H. Browning. Our Camp Jarvis grounds were dedicated to our nine World War II Gold Star Scouts.           

·         Devon 50’s Community Outreach. Our property has enabled Devon 50 to provide exceptional service to our community while meeting our Troop’s needs. We have hosted hundreds of Boy and Girl Scout troops from adjoining states and the Eastern Seaboard. The cabin and grounds have served the Chester County Council for first aid events, training, and for Council and District Cub and Webelos events; and served, among others, our own Township police for training, etc.

New Opportunity.  Time and a pressing need in our present and future Scouting programs have necessitated a thoughtful and thorough evaluation of our facilities – especially our aging cabin. Devon 50 Trustees have wrestled with this challenge. Studies were done with input from our Scouts, Parents, and our Scoutmasters Staff. This resulted in a plan for raising funds for a New Cabin for our Scouts while retaining the Browning Cabin as a useful multi-purpose adjunct. It also would include an endowment to cover future maintenance.

Our CampaignToday.  Plans are being finalized for our new Troop Cabin. We have secured a significant family commitment to posthumously honor their father, a Devon 50 Eagle Scout of the 1940’s. Devon 50 Inc. Trustees have personally committed to the Campaign; also, the Trustees have set aside monies from their funds to be combined with Troop 50 funds. An initial mailing resulted in additional contributions and pledges. We now have a substantial amount  of the projected costs secured.

Making Your Commitment.  You are an important part of our Cabin Fund Raising Campaign. A “Devon 50 Gifting Opportunity Form” follows with various gifting levels and naming opportunities.  We ask that you thoughtfully consider your gift payable to Devon 50, Inc. and send your contribution at your earliest convenience following the instructions on the next page.  Gifts may be set up with a contribution of 50% now and a pledge for the balance payable by April 4, 2010.  (Devon 50 Inc. is a 501 (c) (3)  organization. Please check your accountant or lawyer for allowable charitable contributions.)

                                                                                                                Thank you for your consideration…Yours in Scouting,

                                                                                                                John B. “JB” Rettew, 3rd

                                                                                                                John B. “JB” Rettew, 3^rd, Eagle #29, SM Emeritus