Scouts BSA

🏅 Inspiring Service: 2026 Adams Eagle Scout Project of the Year

Scouting America has announced the recipient of the 2026 Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award — and the project is truly inspiring.

David Clark, a 16-year-old Scout from Troop 57 in Palo Alto, California, created and donated 110 custom “IV lily pads” for children receiving infusion treatments at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford.

Inspired by his own experiences undergoing IV therapy as a child, David wanted to make hospital visits a little less stressful and a little more joyful for young patients.

Over nine months:
🌟 223 volunteers participated
🛠 Nearly 1,200 service hours were completed
🎨 110 lily pads were designed, built, painted, and donated

The colorful wooden platforms were created to help children receiving treatments feel more comfortable and engaged during difficult medical experiences.

💬 “These IV lily pads are more than just pieces of wood,” David shared. “They’re a moment of escape — a way to make something scary a little more fun.”

Even after completing his Eagle project, David continues expanding the effort to additional hospitals around the country.

This is a powerful example of leadership, compassion, creativity, and service in action.

📖 Read the full story:
https://onscouting.org/2026/05/15/how-creativity-brought-joy-to-kids-in-hospitals/

🎥 Watch the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy4I7SFnDXY

💻 A First Look at ScoutConnect

One of the key initiatives highlighted on Scouting America's new Trail Map is "Implement Unified Technology Platforms." The goal is simple: make Scouting easier for youth, parents, volunteers, and unit leaders.

Coming in August 2026, Scouting America plans to launch a redesigned BeAScout website and registration process that will simplify joining Scouting and serve as a gateway to the new ScoutConnect platform.

Attendees at the National Annual Meeting were given a preview of ScoutConnect, which is designed to bring together membership, registration, and other Scouting functions into a more unified experience.

For Scouts BSA leaders, improvements in technology can mean:
✅ Simpler registration processes for new families
✅ Easier onboarding for youth and parents
✅ Reduced administrative burden on volunteers
✅ More connected tools and information

Want to see the preview for yourself?

🎥 Watch the ScoutConnect demo:
https://vimeo.com/1194524500/a373cf9d7b?fl=tl&fe=ec

As additional details are released, we'll continue sharing updates that impact Scouts BSA troops, leaders, and families.

🇺🇸 Supporting Military Families Through Scouting

For military families, life often includes frequent moves, new schools, and constant transitions. Scouting can provide something incredibly valuable during those changes: friendship, leadership opportunities, outdoor adventure, and a welcoming community.

Scouting America has announced that effective June 1, 2026, the national youth registration fee will be waived for eligible military families.

✅ Eligible Families:
Children of currently serving:
• Active-duty military
• National Guard members
• Reserve members

✅ What’s Covered:
The $85 national youth registration fee for youth members

📅 Effective:
June 1, 2026

🔎 How It Works:
1️⃣ Visit BeAScout.org to find a unit
2️⃣ Select “Get Military Discount Code”
3️⃣ Complete the verification process
4️⃣ Apply the code during online checkout

⚠️ Important Notes:
• Applies to online youth registrations only
• Local council fees and unit dues may still apply
• Adult registrations are not included

This initiative helps make Scouting more accessible for military-connected youth and families across the country.

📚 Learn more about the Military Family Fee Waiver through official Scouting America resources.

🧢 Respecting Individual Needs in Scouting

Scouting welcomes everyone—and that includes respecting:

✔ Religious practices
✔ Cultural traditions
✔ Medical needs

Alternative clothing or headgear is appropriate when it is safe and does not interfere with activities.

Every Scout deserves to feel comfortable and included. https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Scouts-BSA-Cothing-Guidelines-2025-update.pdf

Positions of Responsibility - Chaplain Aide

Chaplain aides assist the troop chaplain (usually an adult from the troop committee or the chartered organization) in serving the religious needs of the troop. They lead the troop in opening or closing prayer and mealtime blessings. Chaplain aides ensure that religious holidays are considered during the troop’s program planning process and promotes the Scouting America’s religious emblems program.

Learn more here:
https://troopleader.scouting.org/general-troop-information/troop-structure/troop-positions/chaplain-aid/

Chaplain Aide Chaplain aides assist the troop chaplain (usually an adult from the troop committee or the chartered organization) in serving the religious needs of the

🏕️ Experience the 2026 National Jamboree — Even If You Can't Attend the Whole Event!

Have you ever wanted to see the National Jamboree in action? Here's your chance!

Scouting America is offering a **Day Visitor Experience** at the 2026 National Jamboree, giving families, Scouters, alumni, and friends the opportunity to experience the excitement of one of Scouting's premier events.

🌟 Meet and interact with approximately 15,000 Scouts and Scouters from across the country as they participate in a once-in-a-lifetime adventure at the Summit Bechtel Reserve.

📅 Day Visitor Dates
• Friday, July 24, 2026
• Saturday, July 25, 2026
• Monday, July 27, 2026
• Tuesday, July 28, 2026
• Wednesday, July 29, 2026

🕙 Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

🎟️ Ticket Prices
• Ages 14 and older: $103
• Ages 6–13: $77.50
• Ages 5 and under: Free

Visitors can explore the Summit Center and experience:
🔨 Welding and skilled trades
🪢 Pioneering
🛹 Skateboarding
🌳 Sustainability Treehouse
🔬 STEM exhibits and activities
🚴 BMX bikes
🧭 Land navigation
🎖️ Congressional Medal of Honor Society exhibits
🌎 World Scouting displays
🌿 Conservation Trail
📚 60+ merit badge programs
…and much more!

🎆 You can also purchase tickets for the:
• Opening Show – July 23
• Closing Show – July 30

Whether you're considering attending a future Jamboree, reconnecting with Scouting, or simply want to experience the energy of the movement, the Day Visitor Experience offers a unique opportunity to see Scouting at its best.

https://jamboree.scouting.org/visitors/

🎙️ Conversation with the New National Chair

At the National Annual Meeting in Dallas, Ricky Mason assumed his role as Chair of the Scouting America National Executive Board. In a recent interview with *On Scouting*, he shared his thoughts on the future of Scouting America, membership growth, volunteer support, technology improvements, and the importance of delivering a great experience for every Scout and family.

Among the key themes discussed:

🔹 Making volunteering easier and more rewarding
🔹 Investing in technology and modern tools for families and leaders
🔹 Improving the first-year experience for new Scouts and parents
🔹 Strengthening membership growth through retention
🔹 Building stronger local support systems for units and volunteers

Mason also reflected on his own Scouting journey—from earning Eagle Scout and hiking at Philmont to the life lessons of resilience, leadership, and perseverance that continue to guide him today.

💬 “Scouting teaches youth how to succeed — but also how to fail and recover from failure. That's one of the most important lessons young people can learn.”

If you'd like to learn more about the priorities and vision for Scouting America over the next two years, take a few minutes to read the full interview.
https://onscouting.org/2026/05/20/qa-with-scouting-america-national-chair-ricky-mason/

🧭 New “Trail Map” Shared for Membership Growth & Organizational Strength

Scouting America has released a new “Trail Map” outlining key priorities and challenges facing the movement as leaders work toward long-term growth and sustainability.

Among the major themes identified:

🔹 Volunteering is too hard
🔹 Technology is the #1 organizational weakness
🔹 Fees are pricing families out
🔹 Training needs a complete redesign
🔹 Trust and alignment are fractured across levels
🔹 School and community partnerships are the #1 growth lever
🔹 The first-year experience is make-or-break
🔹 Eliminate what does not serve the mission

The update also included several major technology milestones planned over the next two years:

💻 Technology Updates
📅 August 2026 — New BeAScout and registration system
📅 August 2026 — Unified member ID / eliminate duplicate member IDs
📅 September 2026 — New renewal system
📅 December 2026 — Simplify: eliminate lapse
📅 December 2026 — Simplify: align unit renewal
📅 March 2027 — New Scoutbook
📅 April 2027 — Align member renewal to February

Much more information is expected in the future, but these updates provide an early look at areas of focus for strengthening the Scouting program and improving the volunteer and family experience.

🛻 Trailer & Gear Safety Matters

Heading to camp? Don’t forget that safe transportation includes more than just the driver.

Before every trip:
✔ Secure all gear inside and outside the vehicle
✔ Inspect trailers, hitches, tires, and lights
✔ Ensure towing drivers are trained and capable
✔ Complete a Pre-Trip Transportation Inspection
✔ Correct any deficiencies before departure

A few extra minutes of preparation can help prevent accidents and keep your unit focused on the adventure ahead.

📚 Review transportation guidance in the:
Guide to Safe Scouting
SAFE Checklist
Scouter Code of Conduct

👉 Safety resources:
https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/safety-moments/

🧭 What Is a World Scout Jamboree?

Every four years, Scouts from around the world gather for one unforgettable international Scouting experience: the World Scout Jamboree.

From outdoor adventure and cultural exchange to leadership and lifelong friendships, the Jamboree brings together 45,000+ Scouts and leaders from more than 140 countries.

🌎 Recent host countries have included:
🇰🇷 South Korea
🇺🇸 United States
🇯🇵 Japan
🇸🇪 Sweden
🇬🇧 England

Next stop: 🇵🇱 Poland in 2027!

If you’ll be at least 14 and not yet 18 when the event begins, this may be your one chance to attend as a participant.

📅 July 30 – August 8, 2027

Learn more and apply:
🔗 https://t.email.scouting.org/r/?id=h40ea0bd5,16f2894f,16793af0