What is the PINE BEND SCOUT CLUB FOUNDATION?

The Foundation was created in 2002 to support Birch Bend campground, youth education and development projects of Pine Bend Association, Inc. (PBA).  Youth education in the outdoors has always been a mission of PBA.  In support of this mission, the College of Wilderness Knowledge (CWK) was established in 2003, and Eagle’s Nest, initiated in 2005.  The leaders of the Pine Bend Association recognized that to continue these efforts in the future, we would need more financial support.  The PBSC Foundation offered a way for members and other supporters to make tax-deductible donations.  The goal was to build an endowment fund that would provide additional income in future years to cover the increasing expenses of the campground as our outdoor campus provide funding for the education programs of the Pine Bend Association.

The College of Wilderness Knowledge offers a program of weekend classes in subjects such as:  Emergency Preparedness, Forestry, Orienteering, Astronomy, Emergency Preparedness, Bird Study, Indian Lore, Wilderness Survival, Cooking, Archeology, etc.

The CWK courses are open to youth groups (ages 11-18) such as boy scouts, girl scouts, 4 H, campfire or school groups.  The college campus is the Birch Bend Camp.  There is no tuition or charge for camping while attending a course.  School of Woodland Knowledge (SWK) courses have been developed for younger (ages 8-10) youth.  Besides specific skills, we strive to help young people develop qualities of leadership, self-confidence, self-esteem, appreciation of nature and the environment, respect for others, and a commitment to serve.  Groups are introduced to primitive camping and are instructed in wilderness knowledge and skills.

Without the PBSC Foundation, the College of Wilderness Knowledge would not have been possible.  The PBSCF board is made up of 14 members.  These dedicated Pine Bend members have provided over $52,000 for the funding of PBA programs over the last 10+ years.  Over 2,500 youth have participated in our educational programs.  We thank you for your support of the PBSCF annual funding request that has provided these outdoor experiences for Minnesota youth.