SILVER BEAVER RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED

SEA SCOUT / VENTURING LEADERSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED

Winner of the Glenn & Melinda Adams Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Announced

Congratulations to Keaton Fredericksen of Troop 396 for being the Glenn & Melinda Adams Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year!

A big congratulations goes out to all of these great Scouts and Scouters who have gone above and beyond in their Scouting careers.

Purchase Race Tickets with Special Scout Pricing

This Sunday, ONSC will be holding their Kickoff event for the upcoming Cub Scout Overnight camp which will be held at Cherokee Scout Reservation in two sessions, August 2-5 and August 5-8.  This meeting will help you get your pack and its families ready for this fun and exciting outing which helps Cub Scouts get introduced to summertime camping.

New for this year, ONSC will not require parents of Scouts who wish to attend Overnight Camp to be registered with Scouting America as in years past.

The Kickoff event will be live streamed via Zoom from 4:00pm-5:30pm.  To register for the event, please click on this link.

The Old North State Council will be hosting a Camporee on March 27-29, 2026. Any Scouts BSA Troop may register to attend the Camporee. Scouts and Scouters will have the opportunity to learn wilderness survival skills, participate in competition, and share in the fellowship of Scouting. 

The ONSC Camporee North will be taking place at Camp Springs Blue Grass Park and Campground, located in Caswell County, less than 10 miles from our Cherokee Scout Reservation. This location will provide tent camping and modern amenities.

To learn more about the event and to sign up your unit, visit this link.

*Skills for wilderness survival will be learned at this event, however the Wilderness Survival merit badge will not be.

Grab your calendars and clear your schedules: Summer Camp Registration is officially OPEN!

If you thought last summer at Cherokee Scout Reservation (CSR) was legendary, wait until you see what we’ve cooked up for 2026. We aren’t just camping anymore; we’re launching into the future. Whether you’re a Scout looking to earn your next rank or a Leader looking for the best coffee and sunsets in the Old North State Council, CSR is the place to be.

What’s New for 2026? (The “Tease”)

We’ve expanded our program to include high-tech adventures and “paws-on” experiences you won’t find anywhere else:

What’s New for 2026?

We’ve expanded our program to include high-tech adventures and “paws-on” experiences you won’t find anywhere else:

• Drone Pilot School: Older Scouts will learn the knowledge and skills to pass the FAA drone pilot license exam.It’s like a flight simulator, but with actual wind and much cooler hardware.
• The Physics Test Lab: We’re turning “learning” into “breaking things (scientifically).” Participate in Scouts BSA’s  Physics Merit Badge beta test by testing the limits of velocity and gravity in our STEM lab.
• The Digital Frontier: Dive into the world of Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence. Learn how to outsmart hackers and how to use AI responsibly (no, it won’t write your merit badge requirements for you!).
• Animal Science Unleashed: We are taking “Field Trips” to a new level – sheep, alpacas, cows, chickens. We’ve combined Dog Care and Veterinary Medicine for a powerhouse program. Scouts will get off-site access to local facilities to see animal science in action—from paws to hooves.

Why Choose Cherokee?

Aside from our world-class range and target activities and the iconic lakefront, CSR is where the “Old North State” spirit truly lives. It’s a place where Scouts gain independence, master the S.A.F.E. method of outdoor adventure, and build friendships that last far longer than a summer. 

Mark Your Calendars: Kick-Off Meetings

Don’t miss our upcoming Summer Camp Kick-Off Meetings to get the full scoop on sessions, pricing, and “Early Bird” deadlines:

• Face-to-Face: Saturday, February 21 at 2:00 PM (Reynolds Scout Service Center)
• Zoom: Sunday, February 22 at 4:00 PM (Virtual – Link to follow)
• Register for your kick-off session by 8:00 pm on Saturday, Feb 21 so we can email you the Zoom link. 

Ready to claim your spot? Head over to the CSR Registration Portal right now. Space fills faster than Scouts lining up for a taste of Dutch oven cooking.

Important Links

Summer Camp Registration Portal in Black Pug

Summer Camp Website

Payment Schedule

Early Bird Fee: $450

If the camp fee is paid in full by Thursday, March 26 at 11:59 pm

Standard Camp Fee: $500.00

Payment 1 – $165 due on Thursday, March 26  at 11:59 pm

Payment 2 – $165 due on Thursday, April 23  at 11:59 pm

Payment 3 – $170 due on Thursday, May 28 at 11:59 pm

Late Fee of $20 for Scouts who are not paid in full by Thursday, May 28 at 11:59 pm

Giddy Up, Old North State! Cub Scout Rodeo is Coming to Cherokee! 🤠

Dust off your boots and find your favorite ten-gallon hat—the 2026 Cub Scout Overnight Camp at Cherokee Scout Reservation (CSR) is officially heading to the Rodeo!

It’s time for your Pack to “circle the wagons” and get those campsite deposits in. This summer, we aren’t just camping; we’re wrangling up the best outdoor adventures in North Carolina.

Who’s Invited to the Roundup?

This isn’t just for the “old hands” on the trail. Cub Scout Overnight Camp is for ALL Dens—from our Tigers and Wolves to our grizzled Arrow of Light veterans. Whether it’s your first time sleeping under the stars or your fifth, there’s a spot at our campfire for every Scout.

New Trail Rules: Parents Welcome!

We’ve got some big news from the frontier: Parents no longer need to be registered members of Scouting America to attend camp with their Scout!

While we’ve opened the gates to more family fun, the “Sheriff” reminds you that every Pack must still follow the official Scouting America Youth Protection guidelines. This means your Pack must still meet the required adult supervision ratios and two-deep leadership requirements to ensure everyone stays safe on the range.

Why CSR Cub Overnight Camp is the Best Ranch in the West!

Saddle up, partners! Here’s why our Cherokee Scout Reservation (CSR) Rodeo is the top-tier trail for every Cub Scout:

1. Custom-Built for Young Wranglers: This ain’t no “one size fits all” outfit. Every trail and activity is designed specifically for Cub-age youth, with age-appropriate programming at every twist in the canyon.
2. Action-Packed & High Energy: We keep the herd moving! Our hands-on activities rotate every 10-15 minutes, ensuring your Scouts stay excited and engaged without getting “stuck in the mud.”
3. Small Posses, Big Fun: Cubs travel in small walking groups guided by our expert ranch hands (staff), ensuring personalized attention and the safest supervision on the frontier.
4. Adventure-Focused Trail Days: We keep the “cattle drive” short so the fun stays high. Each group visits two immersive program areas per day, keeping movement minimal and the adventure focus sky-high.
5. Run by the Best Trail Bosses: Safety is our middle name. Every adventure area is led by a trained adult to ensure quality instruction and top-notch safety for every Scout.
6. Fuel for the Trail: A hungry Scout is a grumpy Scout! We provide kid-approved meals and mid-morning/afternoon snacks to keep everyone’s engines humming.
7. The Mid-Day Siesta: Even the toughest outlaws need a break. Our built-in rest time after lunch helps Cubs (and adults!) recharge for the next big afternoon adventure.
8. Instant “Bounty” Recognition: No waiting by the mailbox! Scouts earn their awards and recognition immediately upon completing adventures.
9. Family Roundup: We want the whole family at the campfire! There are plenty of opportunities for parents and guardians to join the fun and engage with their Cubs.
10. The CSR Signature Experience: From our legendary Adirondacks to on-site Wi-Fi for the grown-ups, our signature touches set us apart from any other camp in the territory!

Join the Posse: Kick-Off Meeting

Want to know how to snag the best campsite and what to pack in your saddlebags? Join us for our Virtual Summer Camp Kick-Off!

• When: Sunday, March 22nd
• Time: 4:00 PM
• Where: Zoom (Click here for the link on ONSC.org)

Wrangle Your Spot Today!

Campsite deposits are due now to guarantee your Pack’s preferred session. Don’t get left in the dust! Head over to the Old North State Council Registration Portal and stake your claim.

Let’s make 2026 a legendary year at the Cherokee Rodeo! See you on the trail! 🐎✨

The Old North State Council is proud to announce a special American Heritage Merit Badge College, taking place on April 11, 2026, at the Elon University School of Law in downtown Greensboro.

This event serves as a cornerstone of the local Scouting community’s participation in America250, the multi-year national celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. By hosting the college at a premier legal institution, Scouts will have the unique opportunity to study the foundations of American democracy, the evolution of the U.S. Constitution, and the civic responsibilities that have shaped the nation over the last two and a half centuries.

Event Highlights:

• Expert Instruction: Scouts will work alongside legal professionals and historians to fulfill the American Heritage Merit Badge requirements, exploring how past events influence our modern lives.
• America250 Connection: As part of the national Scouting America and America250 partnership, this event encourages youth to reflect on the “American Spirit” and their role in the next chapter of the country’s history.
• Civic Leadership: The curriculum focuses on developing the next generation of leaders through an understanding of shared history and the values of the Scouting program.

Registration Is Now Open!

Don’t wait to secure your spot—this event is expected to reach capacity quickly.

• Registration Deadline: Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
• How to Register: Units can sign up through the Old North State Council Black Pug portal.

Merit Badge Offerings

Scouts can choose from a specialized selection of badges focused on business, law, and citizenship: 

• American Business
• American Heritage
• American Labor
• Citizenship in the Community (Course is filling up fast!)
• Citizenship in the Nation
• Citizenship in the World
• Law

Preparation is Key: To ensure you are ready for the day, please review the Merit Badge and Activity Matrix to see which specific requirements will be covered in class and which must be completed as prerequisites. 

Adult Leader Training Opportunities

While Scouts are in session, adult leaders can take advantage of on-site training to stay “Trained” and up-to-date. Courses offered will include: 

• Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training
• Troop Committee Chair & Troop Committee Training
• Merit Badge Counselor Training
• Hazardous Weather Training 

This is a historic opportunity to celebrate the semiquincentennial while advancing toward the rank of Eagle Scout. For more information, visit the Old North State Registration Portal.

Register for the American Heritage Merit Badge College

Register for Merit Badge College North +

REGISTRATION CLOSES ON MARCH 17 at 11:59pm!