Build the Foxhole Scout

The Scout Build is a restricted fund project of The Foxhole Project to prepare a mission-use trail and outreach vehicle for veteran retreats, community events, field support, recovery-capable outdoor programming, and veteran engagement.

The 1964 International Scout 80 is personally owned by Founder and Executive Director Craig Rauwolf and is made available to The Foxhole Project under a Board-approved Vehicle Use Agreement. Donations to this restricted fund are held by The Foxhole Project and may only be used for approved mission-related safety, reliability, recovery, outfitting, documentation, and program-readiness expenses. The vehicle is not supported by nonprofit funds for personal, family, farm, or unrelated business use.

Our public campaign goal is $40,000. The lean working build budget is $36,350, with the remaining amount providing room for shipping, taxes, price changes, donor fees, and responsible contingency.

Phase 1: Safety First - $5,000

This phase funds documentation, inspection, fire safety, shop safety, initial structural review, and accountability systems. Before major parts are purchased, we need to know exactly what we are working with and document every dollar responsibly.

Phase 2: Roadworthy and Reliable - $10,000

This phase focuses on the core systems that make the Scout safe to operate: steering, brakes, electrical reliability, lighting, battery safety, and diesel fuel system preparation. These are not cosmetic upgrades. They are the foundation for safe mission use.

Phase 3: Trail Support and Recovery - $10,000

This phase prepares the Scout for remote trail support, including axles, gearing, suspension correction, wheels and tires, recovery points, winch support, recovery gear, and protective equipment. The goal is not recreation. The goal is safe field support for outdoor veteran programming.

Phase 4: Powertrain and Field Capability - $10,000

This phase supports the planned ALH mTDI diesel, NV4500 transmission, Dana 300 transfer case, cooling, exhaust, mounts, adapters, and drivetrain placement. This gives the vehicle the range, durability, gearing, and altitude performance needed for Colorado mountain and trail-based programming.

Phase 5: Mission Ready - $5,000

This final phase turns the Scout from a completed build into a program-ready vehicle. It includes heat and defrost, wipers, mirrors, communications, navigation, first aid and fire extinguisher mounts, trail spares, alignment, shakedown inspection, and validation before use in official programming.

Every contribution to the Scout Build helps prepare a practical, accountable, mission-use vehicle that supports connection, camaraderie, and safe outdoor experiences for veterans and their families.

If the Vehicle Use Agreement ends or the vehicle is no longer available for mission use, remaining restricted funds will be redirected only to Board-approved vehicle, transportation, safety, or outdoor program support consistent with donor intent.