SAFETY MOMENT : BEHAVIOR AROUND CAMPFIRES
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Campfires are a powerful part of the outdoor experience. They can be lively with laughter, storytelling, and fellowship. The campfire can also be a time of reflection, learning, and great peace. Safe behavior around a campfire ensures a good time can be had by all while mitigating the inherent danger of the fire. Here are some helpful reminders on behavior that can make your next campfire a positive and safe experience.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Handbooks for each program have useful tips for campfires.
Smart behaviors around a campfire
- Fires are useful, but they can be dangerous. Always respect a fire by showing smart behaviors.
- Stay outside of the campfire ring. Do not touch any part of the fire ring once the fire has been lit.
- Don’t run, jump, or play around campfires. Understand that fires can cause injuries.
- “Once it’s in, it stays in.” Don’t pull anything out of the campfire.
Maintain a safe campfire and campsite
- Always consider the campfire’s surroundings. Ensure the campfire is the appropriate distance between the seating areas and tents.
- Verify federal and local regulations regarding fire bans and policies.
Cooking or roasting over a campfire
- Never swing, flick, or throw hot or burning food. If your food burns or catches fire, remain calm.
- Maintain a safe distance while cooking. Use a skewer long enough to keep your body outside the fire ring or containment area.
- Be careful with sharp skewers and keep the tip pointed in a safe direction. In the dark, others may not see the skewer. Prevent injury to others by being responsible. Maintain spacing with others around the fire.
RESOURCES
COUNCIL NEWS
A Scout Leader's Role in Suicide Prevention
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and in the most recent edition of On Scouting, ONSC’s very own Nita Grubbs was a guest contributor who wrote an article on the Scout Leader’s Role in Suicide Prevention. You can read the article and it’s explanation of Scouting America’s U-S-A model for suicide prevention below:
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and the second-leading cause of death among people ages 10 through 24. But using Scouting America’s U-S-A model can help leaders Be Prepared if they believe someone is in crisis.
Scouting America developed U-S-A to help Scout leaders understand their role if someone is experiencing mental, emotional or social health issues. That could mean advocating or supporting someone in crisis or knowing how to get them help.
U = Understand
A big part of U-S-A is understanding the signs that someone might be thinking about suicide or possibly even planning to carry it out. For instance, you might notice risk factors, such as a previous attempt or something in their lives creating high stress levels.
Other red flags might be:
- Talking about not having anything to live for
- Giving away possessions
- Suddenly participating in reckless behaviors
- Having significant mood swings
S = Speak to and support them
If you recognize any of these behaviors, don’t just hope things will get better. Talk with the youth as soon as possible and ask if they’re OK. (Scouting America’s Safeguarding Youth requirements apply here, so do this in sight of others while maintaining confidentiality.)
Ask open-ended questions to learn about how they’re feeling and what they’re thinking. Think about questions that can’t be answered with “yes,” “no” or “fine,” such as “How are you feeling today?” or “Which merit badge are you interested in earning next?” If the youth talks about negative feelings or feeling as if they don’t have anything to live for, ask if they’ve had these feelings before and, if so, who they talked to then.
Let them know you’ll support them and be there for them.
A = Advocate (and act, if needed)
Take every threat seriously, and never leave a person in crisis alone.
Let the youth know you care about them and their safety and that you will stay with them. You might need to contact their parent or legal guardian, unless there’s a known reason not to, or their therapist if they have one. In more serious situations, you may need to contact a community mental health emergency team.
If you’re unsure what to do, call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. (TDD is also available.)
After seeking help, notify your Scout executive or camp leadership about the situation.
No one ever expects to be in a situation in which they must act to help a person in a mental health crisis. But using the U-S-A model will help leaders better understand, support and advocate for youth who might be headed that way. Take every concern seriously — and get even more help with the resources below.
Resources
- Scouting America Safety Moment: Youth Suicide Prevention
- Scouting America Safety Moment: Mental, Emotional and Social Health
- Scouting America Safety Moment: Mindful Breathing
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) SAFE-T Flier
- National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline | Call 988
Nita Grubbs, RN, is a member of Scouting America’s SAFEguarding Medical Support Subcommittee.
Scouting U: Now Enrolling
Are you ready to take your unit’s program from good to great? Join us for Scouting U, the premier supplemental training event designed specifically for dedicated adult leaders in Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA on Saturday, October 24th at Alamance Community College in Graham.
Whether you’ve completed your Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO), Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS), Wood Badge, or are brand new to your role, Scouting U offers enrichment opportunities that provide the knowledge and confidence you need to deliver an engaging, quality Scouting experience.
Why You Should Attend:
Targeted Learning: Dive into position-specific and general interest courses that go beyond basic training.
Expert Instructors: Learn from experienced Scouters eager to share their knowledge and passion for the program.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow leaders from across the council, share ideas, and build a stronger Scouting community.
Diverse Course Catalog: Explore a wide range of topics from high adventure planning and first aid to unit management, leadership development, and specific merit badges.
Featured Topics:
Outdoor Skills: Knot tying, Dutch oven cooking, Leave No Trace awareness, backpacking tips, and knife safety with Cubs.
Program Planning: Pack plans, den meeting ideas using the new Cub card decks, and planning expedition adventures.
Advancement & Leadership: Tracking advancement in Scoutbook, building youth leadership, setting a course to Eagle Scout, and supporting female troops.
Specialized Sessions: Mental, Emotional, and Social Health (MESH), and even a session on how “every Scout can succeed in Scouting” for youth with ADD.
A trained leader is a confident leader, and confident leaders impact the quality and safety of the program, making the Scouting experience all it can be for our youth!
AN ADDITIONAL BENEFIT OF YOUR PARTICIPATION
Scouting U is being run concurrently with the fall Merit Badge College at Alamance Community College. Having adults particpating in Scouting U will satisfy having adults present for the Merit Badge College (each unit must have two adults present for their Scout’s to participate. Details on the Merit Badge college will be announced shortly).
Please click on this link for more details and to register for Scouting U.
GET HOOKED! Cub Scout Fishing Derby Returns
The annual Cub Scout Fishing Derby returns next month on Saturday September 26th with SIX locations for Cubs to participate at. The fishing derby is a fun and exciting way for get kids “hooked” on the new Scouting year begins.
The event is open to all NEW, existing, and future Cub Scouts and their families.
If you are a “New” Scout (a Scout who has joined Scouting after August 1st) or a child who is a prospective new Scout, admission to the event is free. All other Scouts is a $5 entry fee which covers the cost of facilities, bait and an activity patch.
FREE FISHING RODS: Current Scouts who bring a new recruit to the event that signs up that day and joins Scouting will receive a free rod along with their recruit!
LIST OF FISHING DERBY LOCATIONS:
- City Lake Park, 602 W Main St., Jamestown, NC 27282
- Finch Park, 15 Paul Beck Rd., Lexington, NC 27292
- Graham-Mebane Lake, 3218 Bason Rd., Mebane, NC 27302
- Guilford County Farm, 7315 Howerton Road, Elon, NC 27244
- Lake Reidsville Park, 630 Water Works Rd, Reidsville, NC 27320
- Sportsmans Club, 7999 Winfree Rd., Summerfield, NC
For more information and to sign up for this year’s fishing derby, please click on this link.
Cub Scout Leaders: Sign Up for BALOO Training
Old North State Council will be holding their Fall Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) for Cub Scout leaders at Hagan Sea Base on September 16-18. This one-and-a-half day course is designed as an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program for leaders interested in adding a camping component to their Pack activities. BALOO training consists of an online pre-requisite component in addition to an overnight outdoor camping experience. Completion of this course is mandatory for a MINIMUM OF ONE adult on a Pack overnighter.
The cost for this training is $40. Click on this link to register for BALOO training.
Registration for Howl-O-Ree Weekends Now Available
Fall is soon upon us and with it comes the chances for Cub Scout packs to participate in the annual Howl-O-Ree campouts.
The Howl-o-ree is a weekend full of age-appropriate outdoor activities designed for Cub Scouts to enjoy with their families and pack.
The weekend focuses on FUN and shared adventures for Cub Scouts and families.
The Howl-o-ree is a combination:
- Cub Fall Family Campout
- Fall Festival
- Harvest Celebration
- Hall-o-ween Celebration
This year the Howl-O-Ree campouts will take place on the weekends of October 9-11 (Option 1) and October 16-18 (option 2)
For more information on the Howl-O-Ree weekends and to register your unit to attend, please click on this link.
Registration for AOL: Trailhead Now Available
The purpose of Arrow of Light: Trailhead is to encourage current Arrow of Light Scouts to transition to a Scouts BSA troop during the January-February 2027 period (The goal is for all Arrow of Light Scouts to transition to Scouts BSA no later than February 28).
We will provide Arrow of Light Scouts with experiences they could not do as Cub Scouts and whet their appetites for what they can do as Scouts BSA.
We encourage parents/guardians of Arrow of Light Scouts to attend Arrow of Light: Trailhead to have a fun experience with their Scout and learn what it means to be a Scouts BSA parent versus a Cub Scout parent. There will be a training session for Arrow of Light parents/guardians.
For more information on the AOL: Trailhead weekend and to register your den to attend, please click on this link.
Registration for NYLT Now Available
Registration for this year’s National Youth Leadership Training is now open.
The course will take place over two sessions which will be held on December 28-30 and January 16-18 at Cherokee Scout Reservation. The cost is $300 if paid in full by 11:59pm on October 18, afterwards the price increases to $350.
For more details and to register for this event, please click on the following link: https://scoutingevent.com/070-nylt
The National Youth Leadership Training course was developed by Scouting America to provide local councils with a standardized training course for the youth leadership of its Scouts BSA Troops, Crews, and Ships. This intensive week-long course is designed to parallel and complement the training that adult leaders receive in Wood Badge. Experience has shown that National Youth Leadership Training makes a positive difference in the lives of its graduates and in the operation of the units they lead.
Winter Camp - Camp Leader and Family Meeting
There will be a leader and family information session via Zoom on Sunday, September 27 at 8:00 pm for those interested in attending Cherokee Scout Reservation’s Winter Camp this winter.
Please use the following link to register for this event: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/4TwO86ZMRDOsB9pRJ85xVg#/registration
Certified Angling Instructor Course
The Old North State Council is pleased to offer an adult (18 and older) unit leader mountain fly-fishing training opportunity to increase your unit’s scouting adventure opportunities. This course will take place on the weekend of October 16-18 at the Smokemont Campground in Cherokee and is designed for unit leaders to gain knowledge on what is required to plan and execute a successful fly-fishing expedition for units.
Course Includes:
- Certified Angler Instructor (CAI) & fly-fishing experienced led class instruction.
- Full-day fly-fishing excursion.
- Classroom instruction with tips, area resources, and networking lessons (Friday evening & Sunday).
Learning Outcomes:
- How to plan a successful fly-fishing camping trip for your unit.
- Identify locations best suited for various trout fishing.
- Best flies to use for various waters and year-round fly-fishing.
- Campgrounds that are Scout-friendly and provide easy access to streams for fishing.
- Understand required licensing and fish creel limits.
Cost:
- Early-Bird special $150.00/person by Friday, September 11th. After that it increases to $175.
Price includes training materials, supplies, camping fees, parking pass and a long-sleeved fishing shirt.
Click on this link for more information and to register for this course.
Celebrate America 250: Your Journey Through History Starts Now!
As our nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, the Old North State Council is proud to announce a year-long celebration of “Duty to Country.” We are inviting every Scout, Venturer, and Sea Scout to join us in honoring the American spirit through a series of unique events and challenges designed to inspire the next generation of leaders.
The centerpiece of our celebration is the Patriots Passport. This isn’t just a booklet—it’s an invitation to adventure! Scouts complete requirements by visiting historic sites across North Carolina, participating in civic events, and completing “Patriot Tasks.” Those who complete their passport may purchase an exclusive, limited-edition America 250 Commemorative Patch. Download your passport and see the full list of qualifying sites at onsc.org/america250.
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!
Deadlines for Upcoming Events
With Fall just around the corner, there are lots of exciting opportunities and adventures for both Scouts and Scouters alike to particpate in. Below is a list of deadlines for these events so you know how much time you have before you sign your unit, Scout or self up for one of these activities. All of these deadlines end on 11:59pm of the listed date:
BALOO Training – Tues. Sept. 15
CSR Open House – Tues. Sept. 15
Fishing Derbys – Tues. Sept. 22
Howl-O-Ree Option 1 – Tues. Oct. 6
Howl-O-Ree Option 2 – Tues. Oct. 13
Fly Fishing Leader Training – Fri. Oct. 9
Merit Badge College – Tues. Oct. 20
Scouting U – Tues. Oct. 20
ONSC Council Camporee South – Tues. Nov. 3
AOL: Trailhead – Tues. Nov. 10
Hagan Service Day – Tues. Nov. 17
Cherokee Service Day – Tues. Dec. 1
CSR Winter Camp – Tues. Dec. 15
OA NEWS
Registration for Upcoming Section and Lodge Events
The Order of the Arrow and Tsoiotsi Tsogalii Lodge 70 have multiple upcoming events for which registration is open for.
VIGIL REUNION
September 26-27 – Cherokee Scout Reservation
All Vigil Honor members are invited to attend the Vigil reunion and participate in cracker barrel, a Vigil rededication ceremony, the Vigil itself, the Vigil ceremony, and the breakfast and celebration Sunday morning.
Cost: $35 – price covers Saturday cracker barrel, Vigil breakfast and recognition items. If you plan only attending Sunday breakfast, the cost is $25.
Registration Link
Registration closes at 11:59pm on Tuesday, September 22.
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FALL FELLOWSHIP
October 2-4 – Cherokee Scout Reservation
The Fall Fellowship is a time to meet old friends, make new friends, and share in the enthusiasm of the Order.
The event theme is Wizard of Oz.
Cost: $45 if you attend the entire Fall Fellowship, $25 if you only attend the patch auction and banquet.
Registration Link
Registration closes at 11:59pm on Tuesday, September 30
CAMP NEWS
SAVE THE DATE: Open House at CSR
Cherokee Scout Reservation is excited to host an Open House for Scouts BSA troops to experience a portion of our exciting and unique camp program the weekend of September 18-20.
We invite troops to bring their Scouts and adult leaders WHO DO NOT CURRENTLY ATTEND CHEROKEE SCOUT RESERVATION AS THEIR SUMMER CAMP DESTINATION to camp with us for the weekend.
Scouts will participate in selected camp program activities on Saturday.
Adult leaders will take a guided tour of the camp and attend a brief overview of how Cherokee Scout Reservation can support your troop’s year-round program – summer camp, winter camp, provisional camp, and weekend camping.
WHAT PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE DURING THE OPEN HOUSE?
- Frontier Heritage program (black powder rifle shooting, tomahawk and knife throwing)
- Blacksmithing in the metalwork shop
- Aviation lab (fly planes using simulator program)
- Fishing
- Cooking lesson (learn to cook pasta three ways with simple, fresh ingredients)
- Horsemanship demonstration (tentative)
- E-sports competition
- Chess tournament
- Climbing tower
WHAT ARE THE HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS?
- Each unit will be assigned a campsite
- Guests sleep in adirondacks
- Adirondacks have two bunk beds that include mattresses
- Adirondacks have a privacy curtain
- Each campsite has a shelter with electrical outlets and overhead LED lights
- A cluster of campsites are assigned to a shower house/restroom
- All of our shower rooms/restrooms are single-use
- Unit leaders must ensure that Scouting America’s youth protection guidelines and barriers to abuse are followed when making housing assignments.
- You are welcome to bring a personal tent or hammock
WHAT MEALS ARE INCLUDED:
- Saturday breakfast
- Saturday lunch
- Saturday supper
- Sunday breakfast
- Be sure to list special dietary/nutritional needs in the registration process
WHAT ARE THE ADULT LEADER/SUPERVISION EXPECTATIONS FOR THE WEEKEND?
- Each unit that attends the open house must be accompanied by a minimum of two adults who are over 21 years of age, registered with Scouting America and the unit, have a completed criminal background check, and an unexpired youth protection certificate.
- If the unit serves female youth, one of the adults described above must be female.
- All adults who camp overnight must be registered members of Scouting America.
WHAT IS THE EVENT COST:
- $25 – Overnight Campers and Adult Leader
- $10 – Day Campers and Adult Leader
IS THERE A DAY CAMPER OPTION
- YES
- If your unit does not want to camp during the Open House weekend, Scouts and adult leaders can attend as day campers. Day campers would arrive on Saturday morning in time to attend the opening flag ceremony.
- Day campers depart after the Saturday night campfire or earlier.
- Unit leaders who just want to attend the camp tour and informational session may also register as an adult day camper.
Click here for more information and to secure your unit’s spot at this exciting weekend!
CSR Now Accepting Campsite Deposits for 2027
The 2026 Summer Camp program has concluded and Cherokee Scout Reservation is already working hard to get ready for the 2027 edition! And your unit can too by putting down a $100 deposit and reserving your campsite for next summer!
You can put down your unit’s deposit today by going to the following link:
https://scoutingevent.com/070-csrsummer2027
Remember, the best campsites go first! So be sure to get your unit’s spot secured before someone else claims it!
SCOUTING AMERICA NEWS
Scouting America Announces First Ever Senior Patrol Leader Summit
Scouts BSA is excited to announce the first-ever Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) Summit, bringing Scouts together from across the nation for an evening of connection and collaboration.
Who Should Attend?
Each troop’s Senior Patrol Leader or a designated Scout participant
When and Where?
Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026
Location: Zoom
Time: 7:00-7:30 PM local (Daylight Savings Time)
(Participants are welcome to attend any of our four identical sessions at 7:00 Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific Time if that better fits their schedules.)
Why Participate?
Scouting happens locally, and the troop experience should shape the program nationally. SPLs will share what’s working, what isn’t, and what could make Scouts BSA even better.
What to Expect:
- Share your ideas with Scouts nationwide and national leadership
- Discover what’s working in troops across the country
- See how your troop’s experience compares
- Help shape the future of Scouts BSA
Each Scoutmaster will be emailed a registration link to distribute to the troop’s SPL or other youth delegate approximately one month before the Summit.
We look forward to seeing your Scouts at the first-ever SPL Summit on October 25th!
Merging Your Member ID
Merging Member IDs (MID) is now live. You will be able to merge all of the MIDs that have been created throughout your time in Scouting across different councils (or the same council in some cases). You can now merge these down to one single, surviving MID that will follow you across councils and units.
To start this process, you will need to navigate to Manage Member ID in My.Scouting. You can get there one of two ways:
1. You can navigate there by clicking the Manage Member ID button from the My.Scouting home page after logging in.
2. You can click Menu in the upper left corner of the page > Manage Member ID.
On the Manage Member ID screen, a modal will appear listing all MIDs found for you. These include MIDs already on your account and ones we found using a unique algorithm to locate other MIDs we strongly believe belong to you.
Please review this list carefully to determine if an MID does or does not belong to you. If all MIDs do belong to you, then you can click Merge. If one or more do not, click Unlink to remove it from the list. After clicking Merge, it will be unassociated with you.
If you know you have an MID that isn’t showing in this list, click the X in the top-right corner of the modal. This will then take you to the regular Manage Member ID tool where you can add that MID. You can then use the “Click Here” button to open it up again.
Clicking Merge starts the process of merging all your MIDs.
It will take about 24 hours for all data to merge fully.
Once merged, you will only see one MID on your account. That is the surviving MID. If you have more than one account that you log in with (using different usernames), the merge process should identify those and update the MID on those accounts as well. Once this is done, no matter which username you use to log in, you should get the exact same account each time.
Help Your Scouts Fulfill Their Duty to God Online!
Looking for an easy way to help your Scouts earn their Protestant religious emblem this year? Registration is now OPEN for the 2026 Virtual P.R.A.Y. Religious Emblems Classes!
Whether your Scout is in Kindergarten or High School, these interactive Sunday Zoom classes connect youth with peers across the country to explore their faith in a fun, supportive environment.
- Dates: Sundays, October 11 – November 22, 2026
- Format: Online via Zoom
- Grades: K–12 (Jesus & Me, God & Me, God & Family, God & Church, and God & Life)
- Cost: Free instruction! Families only purchase the student workbook and recognition items.
- Scholarships: Financial assistance is available through P.R.A.Y. Pub if needed.
🏆 The 50-State Challenge: Help us reach our goal of 500 participants representing all 50 states!
Spots are limited to ensure quality small-group interaction. Learn more and reserve your Scout’s spot today!
➡️ Register here: https://dutytogodbsa.org/portfolio/2026-virtual-religious-emblems-programs/
Update Your Pins
Fall is when most prospective families start searching BeAScout.org for a Scouting unit near them. Your pin is often their very first look at your unit — and if it’s out of date, they may never find you.
The good news: updating your pin takes just a few minutes. This page walks you through what to check and links to full instructions for making the update.
If you a member of your unit’s Key 3, log into your Scouting account and in the Organization Manager section and make sure your unit’s information is correct and up to date so that prospective families can find your unit as the school year starts back up.
Renewal Change Coming (2026-2028)
Unit renewals begin transitioning in September 2026. Individual member renewals transition throughout 2027 using prorated fees. By February 2028, all units and members will renew on the same annualThe goal is to improve retention, make renewals easier, and strengthen membership growth across Scouting.
A New, Simple Renewal Cycle for All Members
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.
Scouting America Waiver Program for Military Families
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.
September 2026
September 18 – BALOO Training – Hagan Sea Base
September 18-20 Cherokee Scout Reservation Open House – CSR
September 26 – Cub Scout Fishing Derby – Multiple Locations
September 26-27 – OA Vigil Reunion – CSR
October 2026
October 1-2 – 18th Annual Sporting Clays Classic – CSR
October 2-4 – OA Fall Fellowship – CSR
October 9-11 – Howl-O-Ree (Option 1) – CSR
October 12 – Columbus Day
October 16-18 – Howl-O-Ree (Option 2) – CSR
October 16-18 – Fly Fishing Leader Training – Smokemont Campground, Cherokee
October 24 – Scouting U – Alamance Community College, Graham
October 24 – Merit Badge College – Alamance Community College, Graham
October 25 – Scouting America SPL Summit – Via Zoom
October 31 – Cub Scout Rocket Day – Multiple Locations
November 2026
November 6-8 – ONSC Camporee South – Uwharrie Youth Sportsmen Association, Denton
November 11 – Veterans Day
November 13-14 – AOL: Trailhead – CSR
November 14 – National Day of Service with BackPack Beginnings
November 20 – Service Day – Hagan Sea Base
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