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The only local Council I give to is my own, and I know where the money's going because I know everybody at Council. Your local Council likely reflects a somewhat more conservative reflection of your area's political/social attitudes.

If you still wish to be cautious, you can give a directed donation. My favorite would be to benefit the summer camp. Our summer camp built a new 40 foot climbing and rappeling tower with a $5000 directed donation. And if you don't want fame, pick someone you admire and have their name put on the plaque on it. They almost always can use new tents. Since the chief attribute that makes or breaks a summer camp is the staff, the majority of which are 15- to 18-year old kids living out of tents or crude cabins for all summer working with your sons rather than doing the movie/mall/video game bit that most kids seem to, perhaps you could donate some money to improve their lot, either their salaries or their living conditions.

National can use money, too, but understand that none of it will go down to a local Council. I would definitely give them a directed donation; say for one of the High Adventure bases like Philmont or Northern Tier. This will ensure that your money will be something that directly helps a young man or woman.