Scouting America

The Silver Buffalo Award is a testament to individuals who have made significant national – or international – contributions to the development and support of youth (whether connected to #Scouting or not). This year, we honor a new class of recipients – men and women whose dedication has profoundly impacted the Scouting realm and beyond. Their contributions – program development, community engagement, mentorship and so much more – have paved the way for future generations to learn confidently, lead courageously and grow consistently. Their stories inspire us to empower youth and foster environments where young people can thrive. Join us in congratulating the 2025 Silver Buffalo Award recipients. If you know one or more of the individuals below - and they have impacted you or the youth in your life, personally - make sure to let them know in the comments section: ▪️ David Berry, LFACHE, RPh ▪️ Hon. GERARD BOYLE ▪️ Andy Chapman ▪️ Gary Christiansen ▪️ Donna Jean Copeland ▪️ Julie A. Dalton ▪️ David Ehrlich, MPA, CAE, CMP ▪️ Bill Goebel ▪️ Linda Goff ▪️ James Hendren ▪️ Tim Malaney ▪️ Brad Tilden ▪️ William “Bill” Topkis ▪️ Dan Walters It is our absolute privilege to celebrate these incredible, youth-supporting trailblazers. To learn more about this award and each recipient's legacy in serving youth, check out this blog post, now. https://ow.ly/Z3Xn50VWGyr

Recently, we unveiled the revamped Aviation Merit Badge, offering #Scouts a contemporary and look into the world of aviation. This badge provides insights into: 🔹Aerodynamics and the principles of flight 🔹Navigation techniques and flight planning 🔹Meteorological factors affecting aviation 🔹Air traffic control operations 🔹Aviation safety protocols 🔹Significant milestones in aviation history 🔹And more As Roger Krone, President and CEO of Scouting America, states, "This badge offers a unique opportunity for Scouts to learn about a vital and constantly evolving industry. We hope it will spark curiosity, encourage an interest in STEM fields and perhaps even inspire future pilots, engineers, and aviation professionals." Through hands-on activities and potential visits to aviation facilities, Scouts will gain real-world exposure and immersive learning experiences that bring these concepts to life. As we celebrate the revamped Aviation Merit Badge, we encourage YOU to get involved in Scouting in your community. You don't have to be an aerospace engineer to inspire the next generation of Scouts - but, we need those to mentor young men and women, too! For more information on the Aviation Merit Badge, access the full press release. https://ow.ly/loW450VVlVP To learn how to get involved in Scouting in your community, visit our website. If you have an extraordinary Scouting story or feature to share, send it our way to [email protected]. #ScoutingAmerica #MeritBadge

Big congratulations to Eagle Scout and football star David Montgomery on earning his degree from Iowa State University! From achieving #EagleScout to gridiron greatness and now to college graduation — your journey is an inspiration to #Scouts everywhere. #ScoutingAmerica

Council members, National employees, volunteers and Scouting America leaders are gathered in Orlando, Florida, this week for our 2025 National Annual Meeting. Yesterday, we announced the election of Devang Desai as our organization's new National Commissioner. Accomplished in both the professional realm and #Scouting arena, Desai brings a wealth of experience to this new role. A member of the Order of the Arrow, Scouting America Steering Committee, Desai is a Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope and Silver Buffalo awards recipient, and is also a National Eagle Scout Association Outstanding #EagleScout Award honoree. *NOTE: We understand that you may not know what these awards are or what they mean. A quick Google search reveals the weight they carry in the world of Scouting. Witnessing recipients of these awards in real life, however, demonstrates the magnitude of the individuals' servant leadership and contributions to Scouting. Having already helped thousands of youth across America grow into more trustworthy, kind, courageous individuals, Desai continues to make a positive impact while he transitions into his new role. Now, he becomes one of three members of Scouting America's National Key 3, along with National Chair Brad Tilden and President and CEO Roger Krone. For more on the National Key 3, visit this page on our website: https://ow.ly/INtt50VTBHn. For the last 365 days, Desai has served as commissioner-elect, learning from and serving alongside outgoing commissioner, W. Scott Sorrels. As Desai officially steps into his new position, he has strong convictions for all youth involved across #ScoutingAmerica programs. "I hope they have an experience that provides them with endless opportunities to find better versions of themselves. It should be an experience rooted in our Scout Oath and Scout Law," Desai explains. "We are a character-based organization that can help develop young people into better people. How do we do that? It’s through the learning that takes place, whether that’s on your phone, in person or in the outdoors.” Join us in congratulating our organization's 13th National Commissioner (the second under the name Scouting America). To read more about Desai, his work in Scouting and his intentions in his new role, read the full press release: https://ow.ly/4x3F50VTBHW.

From a spark of an idea in 1953 to more than 150 million cars created in Cub Scouts - the #PinewoodDerby will soon turn 75! 🏎️ 🏁 This incredible milestone marks decades of #CubScout innovation, hands-on creativity and family bonding. To celebrate, #ScoutingAmerica is launching a commemorative campaign - and inviting new partners (YOU!) to be part of the next chapter. With a devoted fan base and strong brand recognition, the Pinewood Derby is expanding beyond race day. Opportunities include: 🔸 Co-branded merchandise and collectibles 🔸 Branded STEM kits and digital extensions 🔸 National sponsorship and event activations 🔸 Retail and licensing packages for 2027-2028 rollouts Whether you're in education, play, media and/or merchandise — this is the moment to join us for the Pinewood Derby. As Greg Winters, Director of Business Development at Scouting America, says, “There has never been a better time to build with us - literally and figuratively." Want more info? Contact us via email at [email protected]. Want to visit in person? See us at Booth E142 at the 2025 Licensing Expo. For all the details, check out the full press release, now. https://ow.ly/vY0a50VSbLg P.S. - For awesome updates on all things Cub Scouts and Pinewood Derby, make sure to follow the Cub Scouts on Facebook (https://ow.ly/PWjy50VSbMu) and the Cub Scouts on Instagram (@thecubscouts - https://ow.ly/TGoT50VSbMv)

Scouting America issued the following statement concerning today’s decision by the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. “Today, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit dismissed the widest ranging appeals of the Bankruptcy Court’s plan confirmation order, which were filed by a small group of dissenting claimants and holdout insurance companies. The Court’s decision is a resounding victory for survivors of historical abuse in Scouting, and it is the culmination of more than five years of tireless efforts by survivors, Scouting America, Local Councils, Chartered Organizations, settling insurance companies, and other stakeholders to equitably compensate survivors and preserve the mission of Scouting. “By dismissing these appeals, the Court has assured survivors that the Settlement Trust established under BSA’s plan can continue its essential work of providing financial compensation to survivors. The overall settlement fund for abuse claims is valued at $2.4 billion with the opportunity for additional contributions by numerous other parties, including the BSA’s insurers that have not yet settled. Since it was established in April 2023, the Trust has distributed more than $138 million to approximately 20,000 survivors. Today’s decision ensures that the Trust’s work can continue without interruption. “The decision also ensures that the organization can continue its mission of preparing young men and women to become responsible, participating citizens and leaders guided by the Scout Oath and Law. On February 8, 2025, on its 115th anniversary, the organization officially became Scouting America, reflecting its ongoing commitment to welcome every youth and family in America to experience the benefits of Scouting. More than a million young men and women currently participate in Scouting America’s programs, affirming the importance of Scouting and its values-based programs to American life.” Read more here: https://ow.ly/nMbf50VSaNw

Scouting America is pleased to announce a renewed partnership with the National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS), reaffirming the long-standing commitment to the holistic development and spiritual growth of young people. The signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) enables Catholic Scouting to remain a meaningful and structured path for young people and their families - one that nurtures faith, leadership and service. This partnership represents our continued support for youth and families seeking a values-based experience that aligns with their beliefs - while affirming that Scouting is open to all. To learn more, read the full press release, now: https://ow.ly/Haz550VMlF7 *NOTE: Scouting America’s programs include a spiritual element rooted in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Simultaneously, Scouting America is absolutely nonsectarian (not affiliated with or restricted to a particular faith or religious group). "Reverent" means that a Scout is faithful in their religious duties and respects the beliefs of others. No matter what the religious faith of a Scout may be, the fundamental of good citizenship should be kept before them. We are proudly nonsectarian - welcoming Scouts of all faith backgrounds.

At Scouting America, we believe leadership is built through service - and service is built through action. Across every region and program, our Scouts are making a measurable difference, like: • Cub Scouts assembling free pantries and hosting community food drives. • Sea Scouts preserving maritime traditions through hands-on restoration projects. • Venturers leading sustainability efforts and improving public lands. • Order of the Arrow, Scouting America lodges mobilizing to improve local camps and service organizations. • Eagle Scouts transforming their communities through visionary leadership projects. This is more than volunteering. It is character in action. It is the Scouting movement at its best. 🎥 See these remarkable young leaders in action through our Scouting America News & Events playlist: https://ow.ly/AH5K50VI5Ea We encourage you to follow the playlist for continued updates and be inspired by the meaningful difference Scouts make every day. If you have a video you think should be added to the playlist - or know of an individual, unit and/or community service project that deserves to be showcased - email us with details at [email protected].

Scouting America invites you to a pivotal webinar that the #MyFriendToo US Committee is hosting on Monday, April 28, 2025, from 12–1 p.m. ET: “Friends Supporting Friends in Responding to Sexual Abuse.” This session features a panel of leading voices in child protection - including our own Glen Pounder LLM, SVP & Chief Safeguarding Officer of Scouting America. Together, the panel will explore the research and results behind the #MyFriendToo campaign. This conversation will dive deep into the realities of child sexual abuse - both online and offline - and how trusted adults can empower youth to protect themselves and others. ➡️ The webinar is totally free and will be extremely insightful. Join us to learn what’s working, what more we can all do and how YOU can be part of this movement - in both April, Child Abuse Prevention Month, and far beyond. 🔗 https://ow.ly/1P5T50VHqTm

It's ✨ National Volunteer Week ✨, but our volunteers deserve our gratitude, accolades and sincere thanks year-round. We know this is LinkedIn...but y'all form the HEART of Scouting America. We cannot put into words the positive impact you have made - and will continue to make - on the youth of our country. Thank YOU for helping young people grow into the best versions of themselves and Be Prepared. For Life. Throughout the rest of April (at minimum!), we will be spotlighting Scouting America's volunteers - from our Commissioners, to those at National or our Councils, to those in/at Sea Scouts, Exploring, Cub Scouts, Venturing, Learning for Life, Scouts BSA, our High Adventure Bases (Philmont Scout Ranch, Sea Base High Adventure, Boy Scouts of America, The Summit Bechtel Reserve, Northern Tier National High Adventure Base), Order of the Arrow, Scouting America, National Eagle Scout Association (DC), for National Jamboree and even MORE. 🤯 We need YOUR help to do this, however. So, speak up, send us an email (to [email protected]) and say "thanks" to the volunteer(s) in your life, today. Or, you may want to share how your experience volunteering for/at Scouting America has had a positive impact on you. That is OK, too! Make sure to say #YesScouting if you are OK with us using what you send for our marketing, PR and social media endeavors. We appreciate your help - and patience! - throughout this process. #ScoutingAmerica #NationalVolunteerWeek