Gaga Ball is a fast-paced sport that has become very popular in the US. The game is played in an octagonal pit and is considered by many to be a gentler version of dodgeball. 

GENERAL INFORMATION

Rules of the game

Rules vary, but here are some basic universal ones:

• Players must play others similar in age. A two-year age span is a good rule of thumb (e.g., 12-13)
• Players start with one hand touching any wall of the pit.
• A referee begins the game by throwing a ball into the pit. Players scream “Ga” on the first two bounces and “Go” on the third bounce.  
• Once the ball is in play, players break free from the wall and then strike it with their hands, trying to hit other players with it. Players cannot hold the ball or pick it up and throw it.
• Players are eliminated if they are hit anywhere below the knees.  
• The last player in the pit wins.

Gaga Pit Construction

Gaga pits are typically octagonal-shaped and range from 20-25 feet in diameter. Pit walls are made from various materials such as wood, metal, or plastic. Gaga pit terrain varies and can be made of grass, mulch, or other playground-safe materials.

Safety Considerations

There are some safety considerations for construction, maintenance, and playing Gaga Ball.

Construction

• Pick an area with good drainage. Standing water can quickly turn Gaga pits into mud pits, creating an uneven playing surface.
• Hard or unforgiving surfaces like concrete should be avoided as players often fall. Consider safer surfaces like wood chips or sand (not rocks or pebbles).
• Ensure pit walls are sturdy and do not have protruding nails, screws, or other objects that could cut or scrape.

Maintenance

• Terrain surfaces can take a punishment. Repair surfaces promptly. Grass-only surfaces can become dust pits and cause respiratory issues if not addressed.
• Inspect the pit daily before each use. Correct any unsafe conditions before play.
• Make sure youth are not picking at or damaging walls or flooring.

Playing

• Always have adult supervision, aligned with Scouting America policies, to monitor this activity.
• Don’t use hard balls (e.g., soccer balls). Use foam or other soft materials.
• Encourage the youth to hit the ball with an open hand versus a closed fist.
• Explain and play by the rules. A scout is obedient.

If executed correctly, Gaga Ball is a fun and safe activity providing youth hours of entertainment and exercise. 

Scouts have until April 1, 2027, to complete the Patriots Passport.

Scouts may complete Patriots Passport requirements as a Scout, with their family, with their den or patrol, or with their unit. Ideally, Scouts wear their best Scouting uniform when completing requirements.

Key Events for Your Calendar

November 21, 2026: The ONSC Citizen Bee
Test your knowledge of American history and the Constitution in this high-energy council-wide competition.

The 250-Hour Service Challenge
In the spirit of “helping other people at all times,” Scouting America has issued a national charge: Every unit is challenged to conduct at least 250 hours of community service during the anniversary year. Let’s show our communities the power of the Scout Oath in action! Be sure to log your community service hours in ScoutBook.

Commemorate Your Rank
Any Scout who earns the rank of Eagle Scout in 2026 will receive a special commemorative certificate featuring the America 250 logo, marking your achievement during this historic milestone for our country.

Get Started Today!
Visit the Official ONSC America 250 Page to pre-order your gear, download your Patriots Passport, and find ideas for your unit’s 250-hour service project.

About the Patch
The design of the patch that individuals can earn is a celebration of the state of North Carolina as a whole and if filled with symbolism to reflect that.

The top half of the design represents the geography of North Carolina and features some of the most notable features in the state. With Mt. Pisgah of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the left (west), followed by Pilot Mountain and the Yadkin Valley, the skyline of Charlotte; the state’s biggest city and the iconic Cape Hatteras lighthouse representing the coast on the far right (east). In the sky flies the Kitty Hawk Flyer, the aircraft whose successful flight ushered in a new era of transportation.

The bottom half of the patch is more specific to the region that makes up the Old North State Council’s footprint, and features several objects blended into a collage representing places, events and people of the area:

• The Alamance Battleground Monument – Commemorates the battle fought between the Regulators and Governor Tryon’s militia on May 16, 1771 – Burlington
• Bugle – Representing James Gillies, bugler for General “Light Horse” – Harry Lee during the Revolutionary War and killed by British Dragoons – Summerfield
• The Old Mill of Guilford – Historic grist mill founded in 1767 which is still in operation today – Oak Ridge
• A Head of Cotton – Symbolizing the role of textile manufacturing in the region – Cooleemee
• A Supersonic Aircraft – Represnting the cutting edge aerospace manufacturing set to begin at the PTI Airport – Greensboro
• An Elephant – Representing some of the biggest (literally) attractions at the NC Zoo – Asheboro
• A Powder Horn – Used by Daniel Boone, the famous frontiersman who was a resident of Davie County – Mocksville
• Stock Car – Representing the rich history of NASCAR in the region, including being home to the greatest driver of all time, “The King” Richard Petty – Randleman
• Saxaphone – Representing John Coltrane one of the most influential jazz musicians and composers of all time – High Point
• The Big Chair – A local monument to the furniture industry – Thomasville
• Face Jug – Representing the large concentration of potters who reside along the Pottery Highway – Seagrove
• Soldiers and Canon of the Continental Army – Representing the Battle of Guilford Courthouse of the American Revolution – Greensboro
• Tobacco Leaf – Representing the Bright Leaf Hoedown festival held in Caswell County – Yanceyville
• BBQ Sign – Harkening to Central NC’s moniker as the “BBQ Capital of the World” – Lexington

Growing the Movement: “I Joined” in 2026

There has never been a better time to be a Scout. To welcome our newest members, any youth who joins Scouting during the 2026 calendar year will receive a commemorative Old North State Council “I Joined” patch. These special patches will make their debut and be available for pickup starting at our Membership Kick-off Party in August 2026. Help us grow the mission and ensure every new Scout starts their journey with a piece of history!

• Open to both male and female Scouts
• Limited to just 20 Scouts
• Led by a dedicated Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster who are members of the Cherokee Scout Reservation staff

Cherokee Scout Reservation is excited to announce Acceleration: A Masterclass for Eagle-Bound Scouts which will be a week-long summer camp experience which will be held July 26th to 31st.

During this week, participating Scouts will have the opportunity to start and complete many of the 13 merit badges required for Eagle.

Eagle Project Incubation Lab – brainstorm and develop your Eagle Scout service project. Leave with some possible projects and benefactors or develop a full-blown proposal. Use the time with veteran Scout leaders to move your project along. You will register for the Eagle Project Incubation Lab like a merit badge.

Eagle Scout Board of Review Simulation – Reduce anxiety and stress. Participate in mock Eagle Board of Review with veteran Scout leaders so you can clearly discuss your Scouting journey and how you demonstrated Scout Spirit through your Scouting career. A twilight activity that does not require pre-registration.

Professional Mentoring from Community Business and University Leaders – Evening sessions with business and university leaders focused on how to leverage your Scouting experience and Eagle Scout leadership skills in the college application process and when applying for jobs. When appropriate, content area experts will guest lecture during merit badge instruction. A twilight activity that does not require pre-registration.

Parent “Fast-Track” Session – Friday afternoon/early evening session for parents explaining the paperwork, timeline, and how they can best support their Scout without “doing it for them”.
Leave Your Mark on Cherokee – For Scouts who need service hours or conservation hours to advance to the next rank, opportunities will be available to participate in service projects and conservation projects that benefit Cherokee Scout Reservation. A twilight activity that does not require pre-registration.
Scouts can select merit badges and enrichment sessions during registration.

Costs:
Early Bird Rate – $600 if paid in full by 11:59 pm on Thursday, June 11
Standard Fee – $650
Camperships are available.
Campership request due Thursday, June 11
The multi-week camp discount does not apply to this event.

Who Can Participate:
Primary Model is Provisional Camper
Unit (Scouts come as a group with appropriate unit adult supervision. No adult fee)
Day Camper (8:30 am – 5:00 pm daily, same fee, can complete merit badges, but will miss leadership development opportunities)

Eligibility Requirements:
Be at least 13 years old at the start of ACCELERATION
Be a First Class, Star, or Life Scout
Please go to https://scoutingevent.com/070-acceleration for more information on the course and to register!

As elementary schools across the land begin dismissing for summer break, the corrals at Cherokee Scout Reservation are still open and looking for little cowpokes looking to spend a few days in the great outdoors at Cub Scout Overnight Camp! This isn’t just another weekend in the woods; it’s a full-throttle, spurs-clinking experience where your Scout will tackle:

• The Sharp-Shootin’ Range: Archery and BB guns for the finest marksmen in the West.
• The Watering Hole: Cooling off with swimming and boating.
• The Roundup: Master new skills, crafts, and outdoor cooking that would make any trail boss proud.
• The Campfire Jubilee: Skits, songs, and s’mores under a blanket of stars.

Why You Can’t Wait

Our Council camps have a limited capacity, and once the “Full” sign goes up, the gate is closed. Don’t be the family watching the highlights from the sidelines because you waited too long to pull the trigger.

Your Scout is already talking about it. Their friends are already signed up. Don’t let them be the only one missing out on the stories they’ll be telling for the next ten years.

Round ‘Em Up!

Secure your spot in the posse today. Head over to the registration link below before the trail goes cold:

Link to Registration: Saddle Up Here!

Dates: Session 1: August 2-5

Session 2: August 5-8

Location: Cherokee Scout Reservation, 3296 Boy Scout Camp Road, Yanceyville, NC

Don’t let the sun set on your chance for the best summer ever. See you at the Rodeo!

• 2026 Cub Scout Overnight Parent Guide

• 2026 Cub Scout Overnight Kick-Off Slide Deck

• 2026 Cub Scout Overnight Kick-Off Zoom Recording (Passcode: Tj$06#ag)

• 2026 Cub Scout Promotional Picture Slideshow

Scouting America announced an important change at last week’s National Annual Meeting that will simplify the membership and unit renewal process nationwide.

By February 2028, all members and all units will have a single, common renewal month of February.
This change is in response to feedback from unit leaders and other Scouters who asked for a simpler, more consistent renewal experience. We appreciate and value their input.

Key updates include:
• Beginning September 2026, all units due for renewal will renew to February 2028.
• All memberships and unit charters will have a common renewal month of February by February 2028
– To simplify the process and in response to unit leaders’ requests, Scouting America is returning to unit control of member renewals. If the unit does not renew a member, that member may renew themselves after the unit-only period closes.

• The current 60-day grace period will end December 31, 2026
– Members renewing in November 2026 will still receive a 30-day grace period through December
– Members renewing in December 2026 must renew by December 31 to avoid being dropped

To support the transition during 2026 and 2027:
• Beginning in September 2026, new and renewing units will use the standard charter fee plus pro rata fees through February 2028
• No changes for new and renewing members through 2026

Unit leaders should watch for updates from the council, as additional guidance and implementation details may vary by council during the transition period.

This is a significant operational change designed to reduce complexity and create a more streamlined experience for volunteers, families, and councils alike.

For military families, life can be a series of transitions. And finding a reliable community where kids can quickly plug in, build friendships, and develop leadership is incredibly important.

That’s why we are excited to share that effective June 1, 2026, Scouting America is waiving the national registration fee for children of active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve families. Here is everything you need to know about this new benefit and how military families can take advantage of it.

What the Military Family Fee Waiver Covers

Scouting America is waiving the $85 national youth registration fee for eligible military families through a verification and code process through online registration.

✅ Who Qualifies: All new and renewing youth members whose parents or guardians are currently serving as active-duty military, National Guard, or Reserve
✅ When It Starts: The benefit goes into effect on June 1, 2026
✅ What is Covered: The waiver applies specifically to the National registration fee

*Please note: Old North State Council’s Program Fee and add-ons like Scouting Magazine are not included

How to Register and Claim Your Waiver

Getting your child started with Scouting using this benefit is simple:

✅ Find a Unit: Visit BeAScout.org and enter your ZIP code to explore Scouting in your area
✅ Get Verified: Select “Get Military Discount Code” and complete the verification process
✅ Get Your Code: Enter the code you received at checkout to claim your $85 off
✅ Contact Us: Reach out to the Old North State Council for any assistance at 336-378-9166

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why Does the $85 fee still appear?
A: The national fee applies at checkout and is removed after the verification code is applied

Q: Is this Available for All Registrations?
A: No – This waiver is for online registrations only

Q: Does this apply to Adults?
A: No – This waiver is for youth only

UPCOMING CALENDAR

Pro tip: Click each one for more info and registration links.