Scouting America

Last week, Scouting America visited Washington, D.C., to present the 2024 Report to the Nation. With community leaders, #Scouting advocates, government officials, our Chief Executive Officer, Roger Krone, and others in attendance, it was an opportunity to formally speak on what we achieved last year – and what lies ahead. As an organization for the youth of America, we let the #Scouts speak for themselves. Along with local Scouts of all ages, Order of the Arrow, Scouting America (OA) National Chief, Samuel C., joined fellow Eagle Scout (and OA Gateway Region Chief), Haley F., on The Hill. Haley and Samuel relished the opportunity to meet with members of our Congressional Scouting Caucus in both the House and Senate. It was an honor to witness these two young people share key updates on our programs – and major initiatives that we will roll out to further strengthen youth development and Scouting nationwide. As we reflect on 2024, we stand energized and ready to work hard in 2025 and beyond. It is a privilege to present our Report to the Nation – and we do not take it for granted. Join us as we celebrate this honor. Throughout the next weeks, we will showcase more from Report to the Nation and our 2024 “Scouting Scorecard.” So, stay tuned!

Thanks to TODAY with Jenna & Friends for showcasing hashtag #Scouting and the inspiring story of one Scout leader…… “Growing up, I was not outgoing; I was always shy,” Eagle Scout Andrew Fortune told TODAY with Jenna & Friends. “Scouting was a huge thing that helped me get through that fear.” Fast forward a decade and a half. In one of the darkest periods of Andrew’s life, Andrew sought out the help he needed. “Somewhere it clicked in my head – I’m not doing what I should be doing, there’s a better purpose for me,” Andrew said. “.…I was determined to move forward and make something of who I am. One of my huge dreams now is just to leave my mark on the world.” When faced with depression, difficulties and despair as an adult, Andrew returned to something familiar – something that had an immensely positive impact on him (and his family) as a youth: Scouting. Now, as the leader of Richmond Virginia’s Scoutreach, Andrew guides, coaches and mentors young people – the Scouting way – all while continuing to work on himself. “He believes in young people, believes in optimizing their potential and helping them to fulfill their dreams,” explained Scoutreach Board Member of the Heart of Virginia Council, Keith Miller. …and, the kids in Scoutreach are better for it. At no financial cost, they’re able to explore new places, learn new things, travel outside the state, develop a Scouting family – all while building confidence, gaining important life skills and growing in character. Despite difficult circumstances, these kids are scouting, evolving and enjoying the outdoors…and people are noticing. “[Andrew] definitely built Ethan’s self-esteem,” said Monica, mother of Ethan, a Scout in Scoutreach. “Ethan was at a low point.” As Andrew noted in the media segment, “A big thing with Scouting is giving back to the community around you, and this is a job that allows me to do that, almost every day I’m there.” Andrew’s time as a Scout as a kid – and his achievement of Eagle Scout – established a foundation of Scout Oath and Law values. His return to the program – as a true servant leader of the Richmond’s Scoutreach initiative – has helped him rediscover a sense of purpose. He “pays it forward” as a Scoutreach leader, impacting young lives and having a blast doing so. Today, we sincerely thank Andrew – and Scoutreach leaders across the nation – for his hard work, grit and commitment. It’s remarkable to see how a hard place for Andrew spurred him to go back to the start…and not just that, but to help kids in an underserved community learn the Scout Law and lead. We encourage everyone to watch the full TODAY with Jenna & Friends segment – it is beyond worthwhile. https://lnkd.in/g-b3S6GE

Earlier this month, the North Star District (of the Occoneechee Council, Scouting America) held a special Eagle Scout board of review to recognize William H. as an Eagle Scout. William completed every requirement for Eagle before his passing in December 2024. Thanks to the dedication of his troop and Eagle coach, Don M., his paperwork was finalized and - under GTA Section 5.0.6.0 - a posthumous board of review was held. His parents shared stories of his leadership, perseverance and love for Scouting. This past weekend, his family received William’s Eagle Scout award in a special ceremony, surrounded by those who helped make this moment possible. It is a well-earned honor for an outstanding Scout. #ScoutingAmerica #EagleScout

While sifting through an old box with his son, American Enterprise Institute Senior Fellow, Sam Abrams (Samuel J. Abrams), stumbled upon a variety of mementos. A neckerchief, handbooks, his green Merit Badge sash - all stored away. As Samuel witnessed his son's eyes light up, he began to share stories and memories from his time in #Scouting. "As my memories came flooding back, I realized that many lessons from the merit badges that I 'earned' in my early and mid-teens helped shape me into a person who thinks about the larger communities in which I am embedded," the lifelong #EagleScout states. "Earning these badges kept me from being selfish and turning inward and genuinely helped me connect with many different communities — ethnic, religious and socioeconomic — where I learned about their differences along with our many shared values and dreams." We could talk at length about the merits of Scouting, but we choose to let Samuel's article speak for itself. As we reflect on this insightful piece, we challenge the #ScoutingAmerica community to consider how Scouting has influenced how you see the world and the person you are, today. https://ow.ly/z6fK50VkjE0 "Looking back, I am indebted to the Scouts and how these badges helped me think outside myself and appreciate our diversity, history and institutions," Samuel notes. "...I certainly hope that my son will have similar experiences to my own in a few years, for citizens are not born, they must be made; they must understand how to lead, how to have character, manage civic responsibility and live a moral life, how to work through difference, how to be part of civil society, associations, and the state, and know how to be part of a collective and polity." How has Scouting shaped who you are and how you live? Are you working to pass the values of Scouting onto the leaders of tomorrow? These are questions we all must consider, as we seek to prepare the youth of America for LIFE.

If you've never heard of the Order of the Arrow (OA), here's an education moment! The Order of the Arrow serves as Scouting America's National Honor Society. Youth-led, the OA recognizes #Scouts and #Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives through leadership, service and a commitment to outdoor adventure. Both day-to-day and as a whole, the principles of brotherhood, cheerfulness and service guide the OA. Today, we have the honor of announcing - and congratulating - the OA's Youth National Officers for 2025. These individuals' peers elected them at last year's National OA Planning Meeting. As part of the National Leadership for the Order of the Arrow, they will serve #Scouts from coast to coast, leading the OA's program, and simultaneously supporting lodges. Each will serve a one-year term. Join us as we congratulate 2025 National Chief Samuel C. (Lodge - Klahican; Cape Fear Council), 2025 National Vice Chief Ben J. (Lodge - Wenasa Quenhotan; W. D. Boyce Council), 2025 Gateway Region Chief Haley F. (Lodge - Tamegonit; Heart of America Council) and 2025 Eastern Region Chief Elijah A. (Lodge - Atta Kulla Kulla; Blue Ridge Council). As we CONGRATULATE and ENCOURAGE these four Youth National Officers, we want to emphasize the hard work and dedication that membership - alone - in the OA represents. For this reason, we subsequently commend ALL OA members. For more information about these four incredible youths - and the Order of the Arrow, itself - dig into this blog post. https://ow.ly/jbFx50ViqAf #ScoutingAmerica #OrderoftheArrow #ScoutingAmericaOA #YouthLeadership

Women have been a vital part of Scouting America since the beginning - serving at the unit, council and National levels to help impact our country’s youth in a positive way. They have shaped - and continue to shape - every one of our programs, year-round. Join us in thanking and celebrating all of Scouting America’s amazing female leaders, volunteers, parents, staff and more. We would not be where we are without YOU. For more information about some of Scouting America’s female pioneers, check out this blog post. https://ow.ly/FMF350VengR

Water covers approximately 71% of Earth’s surface, and oceans make up over 96% of all our water. ?? ?? Simultaneously, millions of tons (literally) of plastic/human-made materials enter these bodies of water each year. A huge chunk of this marine debris comes from dry land, miles away from the nearest water source. In the midst of this global crisis, there is good news. Regardless of who you are, where you live or the time of year – YOU can make a difference. With the 70th anniversary of the Conservation Good Turn for America, Scouting America has launched Scouting for Clean Waterways. Our #Scouts - those in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Sea Scouts, Venturing and even Exploring - are taking age-appropriate action. From the California coast to inland areas, they're working to reduce the “aquatic trash” that disturbs habits, endangers all kinds of marine wildlife and creates high economic cost. Remember, debris on land often becomes debris in water, so even cleaning up parks and recreation areas helps! “Just like a small stone creates expanding circles when it’s dropped into water, Scouts doing individual actions to clean waterways will have far-reaching positive impacts,” Scott Anderson, chair of the Scouting America Outdoor Ethics and Conservation Subcommittee, notes. So, what are YOU waiting for? How can you help our youth combat marine debris, one step at a time? There's plenty of opportunity - but its up to YOU to seize it! ?? P.S. – For more information, visit the Scouting for Clean Waterways website: https://ow.ly/fX7b50VcYly. For ideas on how you can get involved, check out this blog post: https://ow.ly/8RBc50VcYz7.

Yesterday was #ReadAcrossAmerica Day, a reminder that the best journeys often begin with an enticing book. In #Scouting, we know that curiosity and knowledge go hand in hand - whether it's learning new outdoor skills, discovering history or exploring different ideas. With this in mind, we want to know YOUR favorite book from when you were a kid. With the March edition officially live, Scout Life magazine helps kiddos of all ages discover new things, get a taste for important life skills, explore interesting topics that may spark career aspirations, relate to those their age and even laugh (shout out to the comics and jokes!). More than this, alone, it navigates topics like self-esteem, bullying, technology, comparison, physical wellness and more in an age-appropriate way, providing sound advice that youth can understand. Remember, great leaders often start as great readers. If you - or your kiddo - has read Scout Life magazine, share your feedback and opinion in the comments section. The March edition is officially live. Curious about what it holds? Want to get your child in on the reading fun? Subscribe online, today. https://ow.ly/axgv50V9EM2 #ScoutingAmerica #ScoutLife #ScoutLifemagazine

Join us as we congratulate Richard Mason (Ricky Mason) on his recent election to Chair-Elect of Scouting America’s National Executive Board! While Mason will not assume the role until May 2026, he actively demonstrates passion, integrity and dedication to preparing young people to be responsible leaders and citizens for life. No stranger to Scouting, the Distinguished Eagle Scout and Silver Buffalo honoree has already played – and continues to play – a significant role in both his local community and Scouting America at large. “I am passionate about the transformative power of Scouting,” Ricky states. “I am committed to working alongside my fellow board members and the entire Scouting community to ensure that we continue to provide exceptional programs and opportunities for young people across the country.” As Ricky prepares for May 2026, we recognize him for his positive contributions to our entire organization, and for each individual Scout and Council he has impacted in a positive way. For more information, check out the full press release on Scouting Newsroom, now. https://ow.ly/sg4F50V4HGi

Thank you for supporting Scouting! ?? We've successfully wrapped up our 2025 Scouting Days of Giving. Whether you donated, shared our posts and/or told a friend, every bit of support helped make this campaign a success. Your commitment to spreading the word makes all the difference for local Scouts – and we’re incredibly grateful for your involvement. Still want to contribute? Use our zip code tool to give directly to your local council: https://bit.ly/4hKkKHv #ScoutingDaysOfGiving #ThankYou #SupportScouting #ScoutingAmerica