Old North State Council Announces Aaron Walters as New Council Program Director

A Proven Leader in our Council

During his tenure as the Uwharrie District Executive, Aaron became a familiar and trusted face to many of our volunteers and families. His leadership was marked by a deep commitment to unit service and the successful coordination of major council-wide events, including the fall popcorn fundraiser and camp card sales.

Education and Scouting Background

Aaron graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (2020). His professional journey within Scouting has been defined by a passion for program excellence and a “hands-on” approach to ensuring every Scout has a high-quality experience. Aaron is an Eagle Scout from Troop 36 in Mebane,  and a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow. 

Looking Forward

As Council Program Director, Aaron will now oversee the development and execution of the diverse programs that define the Old North State Council experience—from council-wide activities and advancement to adult training and recognitions..

“Aaron’s energy and proven track record in the Uwharrie District make him the ideal choice to lead our council’s programs,” said the Scout Executive Clif Morris. “We look forward to the innovation and dedication he will bring to this vital role.”

Please join us in congratulating Aaron on his well-deserved promotion! You can continue to reach him at aaron.walters@scouting.org

The Old North State Council is committed to providing our Scouts with the best possible outdoor facilities. To support ongoing improvements and ensure year-round accessibility at our premier locations, we are pleased to announce a significant expansion of available amenities and an update to our property usage fees.

Updated Fee Structure

Effective March 1, 2026, the cost for unit camping at council properties will be $5 per camper (youth and adult), per night. This update allows the council to maintain high-quality facilities and provide modern conveniences that enhance the camping experience for both Scouts and adult leaders. 

Impacted Properties

This fee update applies to:

• Cherokee Scout Reservation – Our 2000-acre premier summer camp and year-round weekend destination in Yanceyville, NC.
• Hagan Sea Base – Located on the beautiful shores of High Rock Lake in Lexington, NC. 

New and Enhanced Amenities

We are excited to share that Cherokee Scout Reservation now feature significant upgrades designed for comfort, safety, and convenience throughout every season: 

• Hard-roofed Shelter: Access to Adirondacks for a rugged yet protected sleeping experience.
• Upgraded Sleeping: Adirondacks feature bunk beds equipped with mattresses.
• Year-Round Utilities: Guaranteed access to running water in campsites with flush toilets and hot showers available 12 months a year.
• Campsite Power: Electricity is now accessible directly within the campsites, supporting needs such as CPAP machines and charging for safety equipment. 
• Climate Control & Lighting: Overhead lights and ceiling fans are now available in each campsite shelter for improved comfort.

These investments ensure that our camps remain top-tier environments where your unit can focus on adventure and character building. To reserve your next outing, please visit our Facility Reservation Portal.

NOTE: The usage fee for Hemric Scout Reservation remains $150 for the weekend. The rental fee for the traveling canoe trailer remains $150 for the weekend. 

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.

Silver Beaver Nomination Form

• Torch of Gold Award: A prestigious recognition for adult volunteers who have provided outstanding service to Scouts with disabilities or special needs.

Torch of Gold Nomination Form

• 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.

Veteran Award Nomination Form

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

econnect with the spirit of Gilwell at the  Wood Badge Reunion + Breakfast on Saturday, February 21, 2026. This special gathering is a must-attend event for all Wood Badge graduates to celebrate our shared bond of leadership and service.

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.

What to Expect

Whether you are a Beaver, Bobwhite, or Antelope, this morning is designed for fellowship and fun:

• Hearty Breakfast: Start your morning right with a delicious meal served at 9:30 AM.
• Fellowship & Tale-sharing: Doors open at 9:00 AM for fellowship. Reconnect with your patrol, share stories from your course, and meet new faces from across the council.
• Friendly Competition: Participate in lighthearted activities and “Fun & Games” to see which patrol still has the most spirit.

Supporting Future Leaders

More than just a reunion, this event serves a critical purpose. The breakfast acts as a fundraiser for camperships, ensuring that local Scouts can attend National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) and adult leaders can register for future Wood Badge courses. Your attendance and additional donations help remove financial barriers for the next generation of leaders.

Don’t let your Wood Badge spirit fade! Join us for a morning of memories and investment in our council’s future. Register now through the Old North State Council portal.

Why Attend?

Scouting U is the ultimate “one-stop shop” for adult leader training. Whether you are a brand-new Cub Scout parent or a seasoned Scouts BSA leader, this event offers something for everyone:

• Diverse Course Catalog: Choose from a wide range of supplemental training sessions designed to help you deliver a more exciting and impactful program to your youth.
• Networking: Connect with fellow leaders from across our eight counties to share ideas, success stories, and solutions.
• Expert Instruction: Learn from experienced Scouters who are experts in their fields, from outdoor skills to unit administration. 

Registration Details

Don’t miss out on this premier training opportunity. Every Scout deserves a trained leader! 

• Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
• Registration Deadline: Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
• How to Register: Visit the Old North State Council Scouting U Registration Page to secure your spot and select your classes today. 
• Location: St. Pius X Catholic Church, Greensboro

Invest one day in your training and provide a lifetime of better Scouting for your unit. We look forward to seeing you there!

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

  Registration Link

• 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
  Registration Link

• 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.

The lodge’s 2026 Conclave Theme is Dr. Seuss.

We are making two versions of the Dr. Seuss flap.

Version 1: Cat-in-the-Hat with a red-and-white border (only available at conclave)

Version 2: Red border (available for pre-order)

Version 1: Cat-in-the-Hat Version with a red and white border (Only available at conclave)

Each Arrowman who attends the 2026 Conclave with the lodge contingent will receive one of the Cat-in-the-Hat versions of the flap included in their spirit pack.

Additional Cat-in-the-Hat versions of the flap may be available for purchase during the conclave only. 

A limited supply of the Cat-in-the-Hat version will be ordered. 

Version 2: Solid Red Border (Available for pre-order)

The Conclave 2026 Dr. Seuss flap, featuring a solid red border, is now available for pre-order.

The pre-order deadline for conclave flaps is 11:59 pm on Thursday, March 5.

Anyone, even people who are not attending the conclave, can order this flap.

Delivery Method and Cost:

Option 1 – Pick up at the conclave.

• Cost $5.00
• NOTE: If you select the pick-up-at-conclave option, you must be present at the conclave to pick up your order. If your order is not picked up from the lodge’s conclave campsite by 12:00 noon on Saturday of the conclave, your order will be forfeited. The flaps will return to the lodge inventory. A refund will not be processed. 

Option 2 – Mailed to your home after the conclave.

• Cost $7.00
• Arrowmen who are not attending the conclave may pre-order patches.
• We anticipate that patches will be mailed on Monday, May 4 from the Yanceyville, NC Post Office.

There is the possibility that some 2026 conclave patches will be available for sale during the conclave, but there are no guarantees.

The pre-order deadline for conclave flaps is Thursday, March 5 at 11:59 pm. 

Dr. Seuss Conclave 2026 T-shirt (only available for pre-order)

The Conclave 2026 Dr. Seuss t-shirt is available for pre-order.

The pre-order deadline for conclave t-shirts is 11:59 pm on Tuesday, March 24.

Extra t-shirts will not be available for sale at the conclave. 

Anyone, even people who are not attending the conclave, can order this t-shirt.

Delivery Method and Cost:

Option 1 – Pick up at the conclave.

• Cost:
• Adult Small through Adult XL – $17.00
• Adult 2XL – $19.00
• Adult 3XL – $20.00
• Adult 4XL – $21.00
• NOTE: If you select the pick-up-at-conclave option, you must be present at the conclave to pick up your order. If your order is not picked up from the lodge’s conclave campsite by 12:00 noon on Saturday of the conclave, your order will be forfeited. The t-shirt will return to the lodge inventory. A refund will not be processed. 

Option 2 – Mailed to your home after the conclave.

• Cost:
• Adult Small through XL – $20.00
• Adult 2XL – $22.00
• Adult 3XL – $23.00
• Adult 4XL – $24.00
• Arrowmen who are not attending the conclave may pre-order t-shirts.
• We anticipate that t-shirts will be mailed on Monday, May 4 from the Yanceyville, NC Post Office.

The pre-order deadline for conclave t-shirts is Tuesday, March 24 at 11:59 pm. 

Direct questions to OA Staff Adviser Bud Harrelson at bud.harrelson@scouting.org.