by Mike Matzinger
As Southern New England dug out from this week’s blizzard, Scouts stepped up.
In Cranston and across the region, the Narragansett Council of Scouting America launched “Operation Blizzard 2026,” challenging Scouts to grab their shovels and serve neighbors in need. The response exceeded all expectations.
To earn the Operation Blizzard 2026 patch, Scouts assisted elderly and disabled residents by clearing walkways and removing snow from fire hydrants to support first responders. More than 500 young people, from kindergarten through high school, have already submitted requests for the patch.
As Mark Arnold, Director of Field Service for the council, shared, the goal was simple: put values into action. Citizenship, service, and helping other people are not just words recited at meetings. They are habits practiced in moments like this.
The patch may recognize the effort, but the real impact is measured in safer sidewalks, cleared hydrants, and grateful neighbors. Leadership is built one act of service at a time.
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