October 16, 2025

News You Can Use

Safety Moment

October is Cybersecurity Month

October is National Cybersecurity Month, a perfect time to reflect on how we can protect ourselves and our units in the digital world. Just as we use the buddy system and two-deep leadership on the trail, we must apply similar principles to our online interactions. Unit leaders hold a special responsibility for safeguarding the personal information of our Scouts and their families.

Protect personal information

Be cautious with Scout personal information, including names, addresses, and phone numbers.
Secure all sensitive documents and only share information with parents, guardians, and other registered leaders on a need-to-know basis.
When using online systems like Scoutbook, understand and follow all privacy protocols.

Secure online meetings and communications

Always use two-deep leadership for virtual meetings, just as you would for in-person activities.
Use unique meeting IDs, password protection, and waiting rooms to prevent unauthorized access.
Refrain from recording meetings that include youth participants.

Be "cyber-aware" with social media

Create and maintain a public unit social media presence, as this allows for monitoring and ensures no private communication occurs between adult leaders and youth.
Educate parents and Scouts on the importance of keeping their personal social media profiles private.
Remember that any communication between leaders and youth must be public or include a parent.

Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center Foundation’s Personal Safety Awareness Series

Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center Foundation’s Personal Safety Awareness Series for Scouts BSA Rank Requirements

Scouting America are committed to creating safe environments for Scouts and leaders. Child abuse is an uncomfortable topic but an important one for us to cover to ensure the safety and well-being of our Scouts and leaders. Scouting America has partnered with subject-matter experts from the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center Foundation to present the Personal Safety Awareness Series. The primary goal of the Personal Safety Awareness videos is to educate youth about what to do if they experience abusive behavior, educate them about safe and unsafe situations, and encourage them to go to a parent or another trusted adult for help when needed.

Before reviewing these videos, Scouts should complete the exercises in the “How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide” pamphlet with their parent or guardian. This pamphlet can be found in the front of the Scout Handbook.

These Personal Safety Awareness videos replace the Cyber Chip requirement for the Scout and Star ranks. Scouts are encouraged to inform their Parent or Guardian and unit leader before viewing the videos. For the Scout rank, Scouts must view Digital Safety, Bullying, Abuse, and Safeguarding Youth Policies. For the Star rank, Scouts must view those four videos again, plus Persistence for Pictures, Grooming and Sexual Abuse, Sexual Abuse in the Family, and Friends Should Never Look the Other Way.

Good News

Tsoiotsi Tsogalii Lodge Celebrates 30 Years of Service, Presents Prestigious Awards

Tsoiotsi Tsogalii Lodge #70 of the Old North State Council gathered at Cherokee Scout Reservation to celebrate its 30th anniversary Fall Fellowship, a weekend of brotherhood, service, and reflection. The highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the Founder’s Award and the James E. West Fellowship Award, honoring members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the lodge and the broader Scouting movement.

The lodge was formed in 1994, bringing together members from the former Tali Tak Taki #70, Uwharrie #208, and Tsalagi #163 lodges. The name “Tsoiotsi Tsogalii” is a Cherokee phrase meaning “we three are friends,” and the lodge’s totem is the red-tailed hawk. For three decades, the lodge has been a beacon of cheerful service, developing young leaders and promoting camping traditions across the council.

See the full recipient lists for the Founders’ Award, James E. West Fellowship Award Recipients, and the 2026 Lodge Officers HERE.

Announcements

AOL: Trailhead

November 14-15, 2025
Registration Deadline: 11:59 pm on Tues, Nov 11
Registration Link
Leader & Parent Information Slide Deck

AOL: Trailhead Leader

Zoom Meeting Recording
Passcode: #F3*l$Qr

OA Stew Sale

Stew available for pickup on Sunday, November 16
Pre-order Here →

Winter Camp

December 27-30
Merit Badge Enrollement Opens: 8:00 pm on Saturday, October 25
Early Bird Deadline: 11:59 PM on Thursday, November 27
Registration Deadline: December 16, 2025 at 11:59 pm
Registration Link
Winter Camp 2025 + Leader & Parent Information Zoom Meeting Recording
Passcode: xANZ.%b8

National Youth Leadership Training

Weekend 1: Dec 28-30, 2025
Weekend 2: Jan 17-19, 2026
Registration Deadline 11:59 pm on December 19, 2025
Registration Link

Scouts on Skis

January 11, January 25 or February 1
Registration Link

Polar Cub Day Camp

Saturday, January 17, 2026
Registration Link

Scout Day with the Gargoyles

Sunday, March 1, 2026
Registration deadline: February 13, 2026
Purchase Tickets

Features

An Unforgettable Honor: Serve as Color Guard for a Gargoyles Hockey Game

The Old North State Council is excited to announce an incredible opportunity for its units to serve as Color Guard and Honor Guard for the brand-new Greensboro Gargoyles hockey team. This unique partnership will allow Scouts to represent Scouting America in a high-profile community event, demonstrating patriotism and honor in front of thousands of fans at the First Horizon Coliseum.

The Greensboro Gargoyles, an affiliate of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, will begin their inaugural season this October. This collaboration offers a memorable service opportunity for Cub Scout packs, Scouts BSA troops, Venture crews, Sea Scout ships, and Explorer posts to serve the community in a meaningful way.

What to Expect

Presenting the Colors: Your unit will have the esteemed privilege of presenting the U.S. and North Carolina flags on the ice during the opening ceremony of a Gargoyles home game.
Big Screen Recognition: Your unit will be recognized on the scoreboard for its service, providing a special moment in the spotlight for the Scouts. The unit number and sponsoring organization will be announced on the loudspeaker.
First-of-its-Kind Partnership: This is an exciting new partnership between the Old North State Council and the Gargoyles, and your unit could be among the first to participate.

Uniform Expectations

Scouting America’s honor guard uniform expectations focus on wearing the standard uniform with pride and respect. The general expectation is a neat, complete, and clean uniform that upholds the values and traditions of Scouting.

Key Uniform Components: Scouts should wear the official uniform shirt, pants or shorts, belt, and any required insignia or patches. A unit neckerchief is appropriate if everyone is wearing one.
Neatness and Respect: The uniform must be neat and clean at all times, reflecting commitment to the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

Other Uniform Considerations: Scouts are required to wear an appropriate belt, appropriate socks, and appropriate closed-toed closed-heeled shoes. They should ensure the uniform meets the Uniform Insignia Guide. Items not appropriate for wear during this event include non-Scouting field uniform pants or shorts (such as khakis, jeans or athletic shorts), Crocs, flip-flops, or hats of any kind.

Logistics

For Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Night Games
- Games start at 7:00 p.m.
- Groups must arrive at the Coliseum at 6:00 p.m.
- A Gargoyles staff member will walk the group to a practice area.
- Scouts will walk onto the ice between 6:45 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
For Sunday Afternoon Games
- Games start at 3:00 p.m.
- Groups must arrive at the Coliseum at 2:00 p.m.
- A Gargoyles staff member will walk the group to a practice area.
- Scouts will walk onto the ice between 2:45 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Cost and Group Requirements

This opportunity has an associated cost. For performing as the color guard/honor guard, all members of the participating group receive a discounted ticket rate to attend the game for $25 per person. The group, which includes the color guard/honor guard, unit leaders, other Scouts from the unit, and family members, must include at least 10 people. The adult point of contact for the unit will work with a representative from the Gargoyles to purchase these special discounted tickets.

Available Dates

Upcoming home games in October and November 2025 have Color Guard slots available. Opportunities for 2026 will be announced soon.

Friday, October 24, 7:00 p.m. vs. Reading
Saturday, October 25, 7:00 p.m. vs. Reading
Thursday, November 6, 7:00 p.m. vs. Wheeling
Friday, November 7, 7:00 p.m. vs. Wheeling
Saturday, November 8, 7:00 p.m. vs. Wheeling
Thursday, November 13, 7:00 p.m. vs. Tahoe Knight
Saturday, November 15, 7:00 p.m. vs. Tahoe Knight
Wednesday, November 26, 7:00 p.m. vs. Greenville
Wednesday, December 17, 7:00 pm vs. Atlanta
Friday, December 19, 7:00 pm vs. Wheeling
Saturday, December 20, 7:00 pm vs Wheeling
Friday, December 26, 7:00 pm vs. Norfolk
Saturday, December 27, 7:00 pm vs. Norfolk
Sunday, December 28, 7:00 pm vs Norfolk

How to Get Involved

A limited number of dates are available throughout the Gargoyles’ season and will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. To express your unit’s interest, please email Bud Harrelson at bud.harrelson@scouting.org with your unit’s information and the game date(s) you are interested in.

Your Next Adventure: AOL Trailhead

Arrow of Light Scouts, get ready for your next big adventure! All Arrow of Light Scouts, parents, and den leaders are invited to attend the AOL: Trailhead event at Cherokee Scout Reservation from November 14-15. Sponsored by the Tsoiotsi Tsogalii Lodge of the Order of the Arrow, this event is specifically designed to help your Scout make a seamless and exciting transition from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA.

Cost: $30 for Arrow of Light Scouts, $25 for adults. Fee includes a patch, all meals, program supplies, and camp usage fees.

📅 Nov 14-15, 2025
📍 Cherokee Scout Reservation
Deadline: Nov 11 at 11:59 PM
Register Here →

Why should you attend Trailhead?

Trailhead offers a unique glimpse into the exciting world of Scouts BSA. For a Cub Scout, bridging to a Scouts BSA Troop can feel like a big leap, but events like Trailhead make it a smooth and natural next step.

Experience Troop Life: Scouts will participate in a variety of activities and experience firsthand the fun of Scouts BSA, including experiences they could not do as Cub Scouts. The special program items include: a BB gun challenge trail, table-top catapults, making S-hooks in the blacksmith shop, earning Firem’n Chit, climbing the tower, and an introduction to Scouts BSA 10 essentials.

A “Day-in-the-Life” for Parents: Parents of Arrow of Light Scouts will have a special training session to learn about the differences between Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA, including the shift toward youth-led activities and the different roles parents play.

Advance Your Path to Eagle at Merit Badge College + Central

Scouts BSA members, mark your calendars! The Old North State Council is pleased to announce that registration is officially open for the Merit Badge College + Central. This invaluable event provides Scouts with the opportunity to earn several merit badges in a single day, helping them advance on their path to Eagle Scout.

Activity/Program/Training Matrix

📅 Nov 22, 2025
📍 Alamance Community College
Deadline: Nov 18 at 11:59 PM
Register Here →

What to expect

Scouts will select one merit badge/activity to work towards.
Merit badge instruction starts at 9:00 am and ends at 4:00 pm.
Scouts must provide their own lunch and snacks.

Important information

Registration must be completed online, and there will be no late registrations or walk-ups.
Special training sessions are also available for leaders.
Venturing First Aid and CPR is available for Venturing Youth.

Don’t miss out!

Spots for popular classes fill up fast, so be sure to register early to secure your preferred merit badges. This is an excellent chance to accelerate your advancement, learn new skills, and connect with fellow Scouts from across the council.

Get Ready for Adventure at the ONSC Camporees!

Scouts BSA, it’s time to test your skills and put your teamwork to the ultimate test! The Old North State Council is excited to announce that registration is now open for our two fall Camporees, both taking place on November 7–9. This is an incredible opportunity for troops to come together for a weekend of fun, adventure, and friendly competition.

Two Locations, Twice the Fun!

This year, the council is hosting two separate Camporees to provide a great experience for all Scouts, no matter where your troop is located:

Camporee North

Held at Isley Farm in Alamance County, this Camporee will focus on a “Search and Rescue” theme. Scouts will have the chance to practice valuable outdoor and first aid skills in a primitive camping environment.

Camporee South

Taking place at the Uwharrie Youth Sportsman Association field in Randolph County, this event’s theme is “Global Spy Mission”. Troops will face off in skill-testing competitions designed to challenge their teamwork and scouting knowledge.

Whether your troop chooses the northern or southern location, you’re in for a weekend of patrol-based adventure and memories that will last a lifetime.

Spaces fill up quickly, so be sure to secure your troop’s spot today for this unforgettable event!

Get Ready to Hit the Slopes with Scouts on Skis!

Registration is now open for the Old North State Council’s annual Scouts on Skis event at Winterplace Ski Resort in Ghent, West Virginia! Now in its 24th year, this popular program offers an incredible winter adventure for Scouts, their families, and friends.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just ready to tackle the bunny slope, Winterplace has something for everyone. The basic package is a great value and includes everything you need for a day of fun: an all-day lift ticket, ski or snowboard rental, helmet rental, and a lesson to get you started.

This year’s event features three separate dates, giving you plenty of options to find a time that works for your schedule:

Weekend 1: Sunday, January 11, 2026
Weekend 2: Sunday, January 25, 2026
Weekend 3: Sunday, February 1, 2026

Winterplace is located just a couple of hours north of Greensboro, making it a convenient and fun day trip for winter excitement. You can also earn your Snow Sports merit badge while you’re there. Last year, over 800 Scout families enjoyed this experience, and we hope to see even more on the slopes this season.

More Announcements!

Stronger Troops, Empowered Youth: Recruiting & Retention that Works

Join us for a NEW “Troop Builder Series” webinar focused on Scouts BSA membership featuring experienced adult leaders and National Scouts BSA Youth Council members and discover how youth ownership of membership drives stronger, more vibrant troops

October 19th – 7:30pm ET

https://scouting-org.zoom.us/…/WN_bxLVPxsIR92QkImepkhuPQ

Register today and submit your questions about troop membership. This session will be recorded and posted to Scouts BSA Program Updates website once complete.

Information About Online Registration for Unit Leaders

Membership renewal season is here we’re happy to announce that the job aids have been updated (August).

There’s a step-by-step guide ready for parents/guardians renewing a youth, unit leaders guiding members through the system.

Here are the job aids available on My.Scouting once you log in:

Unit processing a member
Unit processing a unit
Individual processing renewal
Parent or guardian renewing a youth

You’ll see links to these job aids right on the My.Scouting landing page. More information and tools related to online registration can also be found here.

Troop Self-Assessment Program

“This could be the most important tool for keeping your Scouts BSA unit going strong”

Reflection through the Troop Self-Assessment program ensures the Scouts BSA program is guided by adults who implement the program as it was designed.

This series of nine self-assessments cover multiple aspects of the Scouts BSA program including

Membership
Troop meetings
Activities / outings
Patrols and patrol method
Youth leaders
Scoutmaster team
Troop committee
Troop administration and finance

Consider completing these assessments a few times a year – they may come in handy as you’re recruiting new youth or building your annual plan!

Read more from Aaron on Scouting and check out the resources below:

Missed Our “Advancement Myths-Busted!” Webinar? Watch It Now!

Great news for Scout leaders—our new Scouts BSA advancement webinar episode “Advancement Myths-Busted!” is now available to watch anytime. This session was packed with helpful information about the most common errors surrounding Scouts BSA advancement. Our panel of advancement experts broke down complex policies, shared practical tips for helping Scouts progress, and dismissed myths that might be holding your troop back.

The recording includes everything from the live event: the full presentation plus all the Q&A where our experts answered questions from Scout leaders like you. Whether you couldn’t make it to the live session or want to review the information again, this is a must-watch resource. It’s perfect for troop leaders, committee members, parents, and anyone involved with Scouts BSA advancement.

We’ve also put together a written Q&A document that goes along with the webinar. This document includes answers to the questions that were submitted before and during the session. You can use it as a quick reference guide or share specific answers with your troop members. Check it out and feel free to share it with your troop leadership!