Council Properties Closed and Events Cancelled for
Saturday, Jan 24 and Sunday, Jan 25:
Historic Snow and Ice Event Forecast for
Central North Carolina this Weekend
For more information regarding closures and event cancellation information, click on this link.
Safety Moment
Safety Moment: Winter Travel and Road Safety
With a significant winter storm approaching the Old North State Council area this weekend, leaders and families should prioritize safety before getting behind the wheel for any Scouting activity.
- Vehicle Readiness: Ensure your vehicle is “winter-ready” with clear windows for full visibility, functional lights, and tires with proper tread. Always keep your gas tank as close to full as possible to prevent fuel lines from freezing and to provide heat if you become stranded.
- The “Go/No-Go” Decision: As part of the SAFE checklist, leaders must monitor trusted weather sources and be prepared to adjust, relocate, or postpone activities if road conditions become hazardous.
- Emergency Car Kit: Every vehicle traveling this weekend should carry a winter emergency kit. Essential items include jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, blankets or a sleeping bag, a first-aid kit, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks.
- Safe Driving Practices: If you must drive, slow down and increase following distances. Even if roads appear only wet, they may be “black ice”. If you begin to skid, remain calm, ease off the gas, and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go.
- Stranded Safety: If you become stranded in your vehicle, stay inside to avoid exposure. Run the engine for only 10 minutes every hour for heat, ensuring the exhaust pipe is clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, and keep a downwind window slightly cracked for ventilation.
Action Items for Leaders
- Hazardous Weather Training: Ensure all direct-contact leaders have completed the Hazardous Weather Training (required every two years) to better recognize and respond to this weekend’s shifting conditions.
- Communication: Establish a clear communication plan for all families in your unit regarding potential cancellations or changes to your weekend schedule as the storm track becomes clearer.
Good News
Knaperek Joins Old North State Council Team as Marketing & Communications Consultant
We are pleased to announce that Todd Knaperek has joined the team at The Old North State Council the council’s Marketing & Communications Consultant.
Todd began work at the council at the beginning of the year and will be overseeing the daily communications and promotions that the council provides to its units and individual Scouts.
No stranger to Scouting, Todd is a third generation Eagle Scout, Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow and former Cubmaster of Cub Scout Pack 130 in Oak Ridge while currently being a member of Troop 139 in Oak Ridge along with his son.
He is also a graphic designer by trade, earning his bachelors degree of Graphic Arts and Imaging Technology from Appalachian State University in 2003. A talent he has been using with the council already over the last several years. If you’ve attended a council-sponsored event over the last five years and received a patch, shirt, or neckerchief at it, chances are he had a hand in designing it.
Welcome Todd to the ONSC family, and we wish him the best of luck as he begins his new role!
Features
🚨 Action Required: Award Nominations Due February 1
Do you know a Scouter or Scout who has gone above and beyond? Now is the time to ensure their service is recognized!
The deadline for all submissions is Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
These prestigious awards will be presented during a night of celebration at the Character in Action Dinner: The Old North State Council’s Annual Recognition Banquet. This year’s gala will be held at the beautiful Grandover Resort on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
We are currently seeking nominations for the following awards:
- Silver Beaver Award: The highest honor a local Council can bestow upon a volunteer. It recognizes Scouters of exceptional character who have provided distinguished service within our Council territory.
- Torch of Gold Award: A prestigious recognition for adult volunteers who have provided outstanding service to Scouts with disabilities or special needs.
- Special Needs Scouting Service Award: Recognizes the dedicated individuals who have worked to make Scouting inclusive and accessible for all youth, regardless of their physical or mental challenges.
Special Needs Scouting Service Nomination Form
- Venturing Leadership Award: Presented to Venturers or adult advisors who have made exceptional contributions to the Venturing program and have exemplified the spirit of the Venturing brand at the council-level
Venturing Leadership Nomination Form
- Sea Scout Leadership Award: Honors Sea Scouts or adult leaders who have performed noteworthy service and provided consistent leadership to the Sea Scouting program at the council-level.
Sea Scout Leadership Nomination Form
- Veteran Award: This award recognizes the long-term commitment of our members. If you or a fellow Scouter have reached a milestone of 5, 10, 15, or more years of registered service (in five-year increments), please submit your application to verify your tenure and receive your veteran pin and certificate. Self-nominations are encouraged for the Veteran Award.
How to Submit
To ensure your nominee is considered for 2026 recognition, please email all completed nomination forms and supporting documentation to Bud Harrelson.
- Email: bud.harrelson@scouting.org
- Deadline: February 1, 2026, by 11:59 PM
Nomination forms can be found on the Old North State Council website under the “Resources” or “Awards” tab.
Don’t let the service of an outstanding volunteer go unnoticed. A few minutes of your time spent on a nomination can provide a lifetime of appreciation for a dedicated Scouter. Submit your nominations today!
Glenn A. & Melinda W. Adams Service Project of the Year Award
- To be eligible, Eagle Scouts must have completed their Eagle Board of Review in 2025
- Council Deadline: 11:59 pm January 31, 2026
- Email submission to bud.harrelson@scouting.org before close of business at 5:00 pm.
- Use this link to review the evaluation criteria.
- We highly encourage the submission of the project summary video recommended on the award application.
- Award Nomination Form
Eagle Scout Scholarship National Deadline – January 31, 2026
- To be eligible: Eagle Board of Review must be on or before January 24, 2026
- The application portal closes at 11:59 pm on January 31, 2026
- Use this link to review the criteria and access the application portal
IGNITE YOUR IMPACT:
JOIN US FOR SCOUTING U ON FEBRUARY 28!
Ignite Your Impact:
Join Us for Scouting U on February 28!
Whether you are leading a Cub Scout Pack, a Scouts BSA Troop, or a Venturing Crew, the success of your unit depends on your vision and your tools. The Old North State Council is proud to host Scouting U, a comprehensive day of learning designed for every leader across the Scouting movement.
Event Details:
- When: Saturday, February 28, 2026
- Where: St. Pius X Catholic Church, 2210 N. Elm St., Greensboro, NC
- Registration Link
A University for All Leaders
Scouting U is more than a training session; it is a collaborative environment where leaders of all backgrounds come together to elevate the Scouting experience. From Committee Chairs to Assistant Scoutmasters, there is a curriculum tailored to your specific role and interests.
Why Every Unit Leader Should Attend:
- Diverse Course Offerings: Choose from a wide array of classes ranging from high-adventure planning and youth-led leadership strategies to recruitment tactics and advanced outdoor skills.
- Cross-Unit Collaboration: This event provides a unique opportunity to network across different programs. Cub Scout leaders can learn what to expect as their Scouts bridge to Troops, while Troop leaders can share insights on retaining older youth.
- Expert Instruction: Learn from seasoned Scouters who bring years of “in the trenches” experience to the classroom, offering practical solutions to the challenges you face in your unit.
- Program Enrichment: Walk away with a toolkit full of new games, ceremonies, and project ideas to keep your program fresh and your Scouts coming back every week.
Commit to Your Scouts
Our youth deserve the best program we can provide. By investing one Saturday into your own growth, you are ensuring that your unit remains safe, fun, and impactful.
Join your fellow volunteers at St. Pius X on February 28. Let’s work together to build a stronger future for the youth of the Old North State Council. Register today.
REKINDLE THE SPIRIT:
WOOD BADGE REUNION & BREAKFAST 2026
“I used to be a Beaver…” Whether you finished your ticket decades ago or just recently returned from Gilwell Field, the Old North State Council invites you to a morning of fellowship, tradition, and service. Join fellow Wood Badgers for the 2026 Wood Badge Reunion and Breakfast to reconnect with your patrol and celebrate the impact of the premier leadership training in Scouting.
Event Details:
- When: Saturday, February 21, 2026
- Time: Fellowship begins at 9:00 AM; Breakfast is served at 9:30 AM
- Where: St. Pius X Catholic Church, 2210 N. Elm St., Greensboro, NC
- Cost: $20 per person
- Registration: Must register by Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM via the Council Event Page.
Why Attend?
- Patrol Fellowship: Reconnect with your patrol members and share stories of your Wood Badge journey.
- Tale-Sharing: Exchange successes and challenges from your “working the ticket” experience with Scouters from across the council.
- Support the Future: Proceeds from the event support camperships for youth attending National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) and adults attending future Wood Badge courses, ensuring the next generation of leaders has the resources they need.
- Fun & Games: Enjoy lighthearted competition and the unique spirit that only Wood Badgers can bring to a gathering.
Don’t miss this chance to celebrate your involvement in Scouting and fuel your passion for the movement.
Register today and help us continue to lead the way!
Hunt for History:
The 2026 OA Memorabilia Trade-o-ree
Dive into the rich history of Scouting and find that missing piece for your collection at the 2026 Old North State Council Trade-o-ree, taking place Friday, February 6, through Saturday, February 7, at Jamestown Presbyterian Church.
Sponsored by Tsoiotsi Tsogalii Lodge 70, this premier memorabilia event invites collectors and curious Scouters alike to buy, sell, or trade patches, uniforms, and unique Scouting artifacts with vendors from across the Carolinas and Virginia.
Doors are open Friday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; whether you are looking to complete a set or simply browse the displays, it is a perfect opportunity for fellowship and scouting nostalgia. Visit the Trade-o-ree Event Page to register for table space or learn more about the weekend’s activities.
Level Up Your Scouting:
Register Now for the 2026 Spring Merit Badge Colleges
Prepare for a productive season of advancement! The Old North State Council has officially scheduled two premier Spring 2026 Merit Badge Colleges to help Scouts earn their next ranks and explore new skills.
Event 1: Merit Badge College + South
- Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
- Location: Davidson-Davie Community College
- Key Details:
- Cost: $13.00 for ONSC Scouts
- Lunch: Lunch is not provided; Scouts should bring a bag lunch.
- Registration: Must be completed by a unit leader. Individual registration is only allowed if only one Scout from the unit is attending. Registration closes Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
- Leadership Requirements: Each troop must provide two registered adults (at least one female if the troop serves female Scouts) for onsite supervision.
Event 2: Merit Badge College + North
- Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
- Location: Rockingham Community College
- Key Details:
- Cost: $13.00.
- Registration: Must be completed by a unit leader. Individual registration is only allowed if only one Scout from the unit is attending. Registration closes on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
- Leadership Requirements: Each troop must provide two registered adults (at least one female if the troop serves female Scouts) for onsite supervision.
Important Notes for Both Colleges
- Advancement: ONSC uses the “Black Pug” system for these events. Unit leaders can download digital files to import completed requirements directly into Scoutbook or Troopmaster; paper blue cards will not be issued.
- Preparation: Scouts must check the course catalog for mandatory prerequisites that must be completed before the event to earn the full merit badge.
- Special Offerings: Merit badge offerings include Eagle-required badges such as Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communication, Personal Management, and Sustainability.
Secure your spot early by visiting the Old North State Council Event Calendar for direct registration links.
A CELEBRATION 65 MILLION YEARS IN THE MAKING: 2026 SPRING FELLOWSHIP
Prepare to leave the modern world behind as the Tsoiotsi Tsogalii Lodge journeys back to the very dawn of time! This year, the annual Spring Fellowship is going prehistoric, transforming Cherokee Scout Reservation into a Mesozoic wildland for a weekend of primitive fun and brotherhood.
Journey to the Stone Age
From March 13–15, 2026, Arrowmen will trade their digital devices for a landscape of towering ferns and volcanic peaks. The theme invites everyone to don animal skins, caveperson attire, or even transform into their favorite dinosaur as we celebrate a spirit of Brotherhood that goes back much further than the lodge’s decades-long history.
Prehistoric Highlights
While we serve our camp and council, the weekend is packed with high-energy, “Jurassic” activities:
- Inflatable Dinosaur Races: Speed through the prehistoric landscape in your best dino-suit.
- Camp-wide Scavenger Hunt: Search the Mesozoic wilds for hidden treasures.
- Primitive Skills & Games: Master the ancient arts of survival and compete in Chapter Challenges.
- Conclave Prep: Get ready for the upcoming E8 Section Conclave with specialized games and training.
Event Details
- Dates: Friday, March 13 – Sunday, March 15, 2026.
- Location: Cherokee Scout Reservation, Yanceyville, NC.
- Cost: $40 for the full weekend (includes all prehistoric feasts and an exclusive event patch); $15 for Saturday supper only.
- Registration: Must be completed by Tuesday, March 10, 2026, via the Old North State Council Registration Portal.
Important Reminders
- Brotherhood Conversion: Eligible Ordeal members can seal their membership in the Order during the weekend.
- Paperwork: All participants must bring signed paper copies of BSA Health and Medical Records (Parts A & B) and the Pre-event Medical Screening Form.
- Adult Training: Adults 21+ can participate in a BSA Chainsaw Safety Course on Saturday from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Don’t let this event become extinct! Register today and prepare to join the herd for a weekend where giants once roamed.
UPCOMING CALENDAR
Pro tip: Click each one for more info and registration links.
February 2026
Feb 1 – Scouts on Skis, Winter Place – Session 3
Feb 5 – Camp Card Pick up Begins at Roundtable
Feb 6-7 – OA Trade-o-ree, Jamestown Presbyterian, Jamestown
Feb 8 – Scout Sunday
Feb 8 – Scouts on Skis, Winter Place – Session 4
Feb 15 – Cub BB & Archery Range Safety Officer Recertification, Virtual
Feb 21 – Wood Badge Reunion + Breakfast, St. Pius X Catholic Church, Greensboro
Feb 28 – Scouting U (for Cub and Scouts BSA Leaders), St. Pius X Catholic Church, Greensboro
March 2026
Mar 1 – Scout Day at Greensboro Gargoyles (Hockey)
Mar 6 – Scout Night At Greenboro Swarm (Basketball)
Mar 7 – Merit Badge College + South, Davie/Davidson Community College
Mar 13-15 – OA Spring Fellowship, CSR
Mar 21 – Merit Badge College + North, Rockingham Community College
Mar 22 – The Art of Training, Scout Service Center
Mar 27-29 – NRA Rifle & Shotgun Basic Course, CSR
Mar 27-29 – Scouts BSA Spring Camporee, Camp Springs Bluegrass Festival, Elon
Royce Reynolds Family Scout Center
1405 Westover Terrace, Greensboro, North Carolina 27408
*Note* We've discontinued our PO Box. Please send all correspondence to the address above.
Scout Office
Office 336 378-9166
Fax 336-617-9196
Mon – Fri 8:30am – 5pm
Scout Shop
(336) 235-0977
Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm
(closed for lunch 2-2:30)
Sat 10am – 2pm