Istrouma Area Council

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Portia Witt, Ph.D., LCSW, to the team!

Dr. Witt is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly 20 years of experience spanning mental health, healthcare, education, private practice, utilization management, community leadership, and ministry. She earned all three of her degrees from Louisiana State University, most recently completing her Ph.D. in Social Work. She is widely recognized for her compassionate leadership, strong ability to connect with others, and passion for building impactful programs and strengthening communities.

As a mother of three and an active Scouting parent with Pack and Troop 1993, Portia quickly became deeply engaged in Scouting after joining in August. She promptly completed BALOO and IOLS training and has dedicated countless hours to leadership, recruitment, planning, and program development. With the support of fellow leaders, the unit experienced remarkable growth and a highly successful year.

In addition to her professional work, Portia has more than 16 years of ministry leadership experience, where she has helped launch and lead multiple ministries while mentoring and developing other leaders. She is deeply passionate about youth development, family engagement, and creating meaningful experiences that build confidence and life skills.

Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Portia enjoys live music, theater and symphony performances, hiking, biking, traveling, trying new experiences, and spending time with family and friends.

Although Portia may be new to Scouting, her work with youth and ministry has truly been a blessing to Scouting since she jumped in this fall. We are grateful for her drive, ambition, and desire to “Be the Spark” serving the youth, families, and leaders of East Baton Rouge & Livingston Parishes!

🎉 Congratulations to Melanie T. of Troop 2020 in Hammond, LA, on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout!

For her Eagle Scout project, Melanie designed and built outdoor exercise equipment for Hammond Eastside Upper Elementary School, creating a fun and healthy space students can enjoy for years to come. Her leadership, planning, and hands-on service reflect the very best of Scouting values.

We’re proud of your dedication and hard work, Melanie—well done on this well‑deserved honor! 🦅🦅

🎉Congratulations to Paul C of Troop 50 in Baton Rouge, LA, on achieving the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout! For his Eagle Scout project, Paul demonstrated exceptional vision and community spirit by constructing three play structures for Wildwood Elementary School in Baton Rouge. These structures not only enhance the school's recreational facilities but also provide a safe and enjoyable environment for children to play and learn. Paul's contribution will have a lasting impact on the community, inspiring both current and future students. Well done, Paul, on this well-deserved honor! 🦅🦅

This weekend at ILST, Scouts explored Troop Organization, Leadership Skills, and various leadership styles. The training was attended by 33 youth participants and 6 adult leaders.

Throughout the weekend, Scouts took part in team-building games and activities designed to strengthen communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Discussions also focused on encouraging Scouts to step into leadership roles and grow as leaders within their troops.

Overall, it was a fun and valuable experience that gave Scouts the opportunity to learn, grow, and practice leadership skills while working together as a team.

Cub Scouts from Pack 125 proudly participated in Flags at Port Hudson this Memorial Day 🇺🇸

Even our youngest Scouts took part, helping place flags in honor and remembrance of the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

💙 A meaningful day of service, reflection, and gratitude. .

Planning is underway for Winter Camp 2026 being held at Camp Avondale this year! We are looking for both youth and adult staff volunteers for various program areas including Merit Badge Counselors, Activity Volunteers, Kitchen Staff, and more. Scan the QR code to complete our volunteer form or visit: https://247scouting.com/forms/211-2026WinterCampStaff

🦅 Does becoming an Eagle Scout truly set you apart? A new study by The Harris Poll surveyed thousands of adults to see how Eagle Scouts compare to those who were never in Scouting.

The study: “𝘌𝘢𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘚𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘴: 𝘈 𝘓𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘤𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘦𝘴-𝘉𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦,” shows that Eagle Scouts possess lifelong strengths and a value-based foundation that genuinely sets them apart from their peers.

Dive into the data yourself and see the incredible impact of this research through a new interactive website at scouting.org/about/research/eagle-scout-2026/

Scouting America Military Family Fee Waiver

Effective June 1, 2026, Scouting America is expanding access to Scouting for military-connected youth by waiving the $85 national youth registration fee for eligible families. This program applies to youth members only and is available for both new and renewing online registrations. The initiative is funded nationally through philanthropic efforts.

Eligible families include those with current service in the Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard. The waiver covers only the national youth registration fee, reducing the $85 cost to $0 after the required verification and discount code process is completed. Local council fees, unit dues, optional add-ons such as Scout Life magazine, and processing fees may still apply.

To receive the waiver, families should select “Get Military Discount Code” during the online registration process, complete the verification steps, receive the verification code, and enter it at checkout. Once the code is applied, the national registration fee is reduced to $0.

Scouting America notes that the $85 fee may initially appear during checkout but will be removed after the verification code is entered. The waiver is available only for online registrations.

Honoring the resilience, devotion, and compassion of all mothers and mother figures. Your loving contributions are greatly appreciated. Wishing you a joyous Mother's Day.