So you want to launch a water bottle rocket. These pressurized rockets use pressurized air and water and can fly at 100 mph. Unfortunately, used improperly or carelessly, they have been known to burst, strike spectators, or launch into the face of a participant. And yes, this has really happened. The rockets have also sometimes damaged property by landing hundreds of feet away. Adequate and knowledgeable adult supervision is critical to a safe, successful launch.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Leaders and participants should be aware of local and state laws related to the launching of rockets, including water bottle rockets. Here are a few essential tips to have a safe and fun event:

• Rockets should be remotely launched from a stable launch device and not hand held. The launch device should be pointed within 30 degrees of vertical to ensure that the rocket flies nearly straight up.
• If more than 30 degrees of tilt is needed, either remove the rocket from service or the wind is likely too strong.
• Operators should stay at least 15 feet from the launcher and spectators at least 50 feet. High-pressure air can cause a water bottle rocket to rupture and explode, causing severe injury.
• The plastic bottles commonly used for soft drinks or water are generally used to construct the body of the rocket. Flying components—such as fins, a nose cone, or decorations—need to be lightweight and non-metallic (such as Styrofoam, tape, etc.).
• “Payload” items such as GoPro cameras and flight computers are not recommended due to their added weight.
• Air pressures should be appropriate: Most websites recommend a maximum range between 50 and 90 pounds per square inch (psi). Do not use any other gases, such as propane, Co2, or nitrogen—only atmospheric air.
• The use of friction-type launchers where the rocket is not held by a latch reduces the chance of overpressure.
• Use a working and accurate pressure gauge, visible at a distance from the launch site, to verify the pressure being used.
• Compressed air tanks may speed up a launch, but we recommend a manual tire pump set up away from the launch site. High pressure tanks or pumps are not recommended.
• If a rocket does not launch successfully, DO NOT allow anyone to approach the rocket until it has been depressurized through a remote “bleed down” of pressure.

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!

As Cherokee Scout Reservation wraps up another successful season of summer camp, it also comes with a bittersweet milestone to honor.

Lindsey Murphy is wrapping up her fourth year as CSR’s Program Director, capping off an incredible 13-year journey on the camp’s staff. From her impactful time leading the Cub Scouts at Woodfield to her stellar work at Cherokee Scout Reservation, Lindsey has poured her entire heart into Scouting.

When changes were hard and transitions were tough, Lindsey stepped up with absolute grace. She built bridges, inspired our staff, and served as the guardian of our camp program.

We thank you Lindsey for over a decade of late nights, endless energy, and fierce loyalty to Scouts and the CSR staff.
You are loved, will be missed deeply and the entire CSR staff wish her nothing but the absolute best as she move on to her next adventure in life!

Cherokee Scout Reservation has received Scouting America National Camping Accreditation for Cub Scout Overnight Camp. This comes on the heels of CSR once again earning national accreditation back in June.

A special thank you goes out to all of the people that have made this possible and make Cherokee Scout Reservation a special place.

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.