October 25, 2025

News You Can Use

Safety Moment

A ‘Mentally Awake’ Generation: How Scouting America Supports Mental Health

Many organizations promote mental health awareness in October. This offers us a chance to reflect on how our Scouting America program builds resilience and supports the overall well-being of our Scouts and leaders. The Scout Oath and Law provide a strong framework for living a life of kindness, responsibility, and emotional strength, and Scouting America has recently taken concrete steps to expand on these core principles with a new focus on Mental, Emotional, and Social Health (MESH).

In a world that presents a growing number of challenges to young people, Scouting is more than just camping and earning badges. It is a powerful tool for fostering mental wellness by providing a safe, structured, and supportive environment.

MESH training

A new training program has been developed specifically for camp and council staff and presents the U-S-A model to help staff handle MESH-related challenges.

Understand the behaviors to watch for.
Speak to Scouts and provide Support.
Act and Advocate for Scouts.

Safeguarding Youth Pocket Guide

A Safeguarding Youth Pocket Guide has been developed that may be used by both adult leaders and youth. The Pocket Guide describes the U-S-A Model and provides other valuable insights into Understanding, Supporting, and Acting and Advocating for others, such as facilitating open dialogue about mental health.

Mental, Emotional, and Social Health Planning Template for Councils

Though developed with council camps and events in mind, this Template may also be used by units to help develop a plan to handle MESH issues or a crisis at the unit level.

The power of the outdoors: Research shows that spending time in nature can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. By prioritizing outdoor adventures, we help Scouts:

Connect with the natural world and unplug from digital distractions.
Build resilience by overcoming physical and mental challenges.

Building strong social connections

The foundation of a good Scout unit is a strong community. By fostering teamwork and meaningful relationships, we combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. Scouts build a strong support network of trusted peers and caring adult mentors.

Other training and resources

The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available for those needing mental health support for themselves or someone else. The national hotline number is 988.

Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour training program available from numerous organizations. Check out the Mental Health First Aid website at https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
QPR (Question. Persuade. Refer.) is a suicide prevention program that is approximately 90 minutes and is available from numerous organizations. Check out the QPR Institute website at https://qprinstitute.com/

Your role as a leader

As a unit leader, you are in a unique position to put these resources into practice. By taking advantage of the training materials and prioritizing an open, supportive culture, you can empower Scouts to manage stress, develop emotional regulation, and learn self-care. By modeling good behavior, listening without judgment, and promoting positive coping strategies, you help prepare young people, for life.

Mental wellness starts with all of us. Let’s make this October a month where our council reinforces its commitment to the mental, emotional, and social health of every Scout.

For more information and access to training materials, visit the Health and Safety section of the Scouting America website.

Good News

Golden Beavers: The Silent Force That Keeps Cherokee Scout Reservation Thriving

As scouts and leaders, we cherish our time at Cherokee Scout Reservation, from summer camp memories to weekend troop adventures. We all benefit from the well-maintained facilities, the safe program areas, and the new offerings that make our camping experiences so rewarding. But have you ever stopped to wonder who is behind all this incredible work? The answer lies with a dedicated and tireless group of volunteers known as the Golden Beavers.

The Golden Beavers are the unsung heroes of Cherokee Scout Reservation. This special group of volunteers, often comprised of retired Scouters, camp alumni, and committed parents, donates thousands of hours of skilled labor each year. Their work addresses the critical, and often unseen, tasks that keep the camp running safely and smoothly.

👉Read the FULL Story and See Pics Here!👈

Announcements

Camporee North

November 7-9
Register Here →

Camporee South

November 7-9
Register Here →

UNCG Basketball Scout Night

November 8 at 4:00 PM
UNCG On-Campus Basketball Arena, 1408 Walker Avenue
Ticket Link

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 →

Merit Badge College + Central

November 22
Register 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

Winter Camp 2025: Merit Badge & Activity Enrollment Opens Saturday, October 25

It’s almost that time of year again! Winter Camp 2025 at Cherokee Scout Reservation is set for December 27–30, 2025, and you won’t want to miss out on this fantastic opportunity for cold-weather camping, skill-building, and fun.

Merit badge and activity enrollment opens this Saturday, October 25, at 8:00 pm. To secure your Scout’s spot in their preferred classes, be sure to enroll as soon as the portal opens. Remember, Scouts must be paid in full to access merit badge enrollment.

Don’t forget to take advantage of the early bird pricing! The early bird payment deadline is Thursday, November 27, at 11:59 pm. Lock in the lower rate by registering and paying before this deadline.

This year’s Winter Camp offers a wide range of activities and merit badges, with most taking a full day to complete. Scouts can look forward to programs in everything from shooting sports to outdoor leadership.

For more details on Winter Camp, including the program matrix and registration links, visit the Cherokee Scout Reservation website. Mark your calendars and get ready for a winter adventure!

👉Register Here!

Deadline Approaching! Register for Arrow of Light: Trailhead

The registration deadline for the Arrow of Light: Trailhead event on November 14–15 is fast approaching! The window to sign up for this special weekend closes on Tuesday, November 11, at 11:59 pm. Don’t let your Arrow of Light Scouts miss this fantastic opportunity to get a taste of 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 →

What is Arrow of Light: Trailhead?

Designed for fifth-grade Arrow of Light Scouts, this weekend event provides a seamless transition from the Cub Scout program to the Scouts BSA troop experience. Scouts will participate in a variety of challenging, age-appropriate activities that they can’t do as Cub Scouts, including:

A BB Challenge Trail
The Climbing Tower
A hands-on blacksmithing project
Fireman Chit instruction
An introduction to the Scouts BSA 10 Essentials

The event is more than just a collection of activities; it is a chance for your Arrow of Light Scouts to get excited about their next adventure in Scouting.

Information for parents and leaders

Parent Orientation: Parents and guardians are highly encouraged to attend, and a special orientation session is provided to help you understand the transition to Scouts BSA.
Camping: Packs and families can camp on-site in adirondacks or tents. Campsites offer running water, shelters, and access to restrooms with flush toilets and showers.
Registration: Cubmasters and Arrow of Light Den Leaders are responsible for submitting registration for their packs.

How to register

For more details and to register your Scouts, visit the event page on the council website. Make sure to complete your registration before the Tuesday, November 11, at 11:59 pm deadline. We’ll see you on the Trailhead!

UNCG VS Elon – Basketball – Scout-Day – Saturday, November 8

The Old North State Council is excited to announce our UNCG Scout Night on Saturday, November 8th! 🏀

This special night features discounted tickets and an opportunity for our Scouts and families to enjoy an exciting college basketball game together.

📅 Nov 8 | Tip-off at 4:00pm
📍 UNCG On-Campus Basketball Arena, 1408 Walker Ave
🎟️ Tickets $11.83 each (discounted rate)
🏀 Ticket Link

Let’s fill the stands, cheer on the Spartans, and show our Scouting spirit!

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.

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.