What happens when young people learn that service isn’t just an activity, but a way of showing up for their community? That’s the heart of Scouting America (formerly known as Boy Scouts of America), where youth build character through hands‑on projects that strengthen local nonprofits, support neighborhood initiatives and grow into leaders who understand the value of giving back. It’s a mission that aligns naturally with Strack & Van Til’s long‑standing commitment to community support, philanthropy and partnership.

You can support the effort from Monday, Sept. 14, through Sunday, Sept. 27, when local Scouting America councils will be the beneficiary of Strack & Van Til’s Checkout Challenge Round Up. Customers across the Region can round up their purchase to the nearest dollar when shopping at their local Strack & Van Til store, with those extra funds donated to the organization. Proceeds from the Lake County stores will benefit the Pathway to Adventure Council; proceeds from the Porter County locations support the LaSalle Council; and proceeds from the Jasper County stores advance the Sagamore Council’s mission.

Funds will help support programs to keep scouting affordable for anyone who wants to participate.

Scouting America is a national youth development organization that offers age‑specific programs ranging from Cub Scouts for grades K-5 to Scouts BSA for ages 11–17, as well as co‑ed programs including Venturing, Sea Scouts and Exploring for ages 14-20. Each program blends fun activities with skill‑building experiences that help youth grow physically, mentally and emotionally.

“The Sagamore Council is extremely grateful that Strack & Van Til selected Scouting as one of the charities to benefit from the Checkout Challenge,” says Scout Executive and CEO Alan Parks. “Because of their support, we can continue to offer scouting to all families, regardless of financial circumstances.”

Kellauna Mack, assistant director of Field Service at Pathway to Adventure Council, fondly recalls Jeff Strack helping with her own daughter’s Eagle Project. “As an Eagle Scout, Jeff Strack knows first-hand the value that scouting offers to our youth. From his work with our annual Distinguished Citizens dinner to helping with Eagle projects, he, along with Strack & Van Til, have provided years of physical and financial support to Pathway to Adventure Council.” 

“Scouting builds life skills and lifelong memories while teaching young people civic responsibility. Scouts provide community service to local nonprofits, a commitment that reflects Strack & Van Til’s mission,” says James Hulgan, Scout executive and CEO of the LaSalle Council. “We are very grateful for this opportunity to help keep the scouting program affordable for local families.”

Strack & Van Til continues its more than 96-year tradition of philanthropy by raising funds through the Checkout Challenge Round Up program to help organizations in the Northwest Indiana communities it serves.

Strack & Van Til President Jeff Strack credits customer generosity and employee commitment for the success of the Checkout Challenge Round Ups.

“Our stores, with the help of our employees, provide an outlet for our customers to donate to some of their favorite local organizations,” he explains. “Our customers are the ones who give back to the community, and we are so grateful for them.” Learn more about Northern Indiana Scouting America councils by visiting pathwaytoadventure.org, lasallecouncil.org and sagamorebsa.org. See how Strack & Van Til gives back to the communities it serves at strackandvantil.com/community.

By Karyn G. Zafran