News

Last year, I asked my friend Stephen Deatherage to launch a series called “The Merit Badge That Changed My Life.” Stephen is an exceptional storyteller, and the response to his first four pieces has been incredible. It’s a powerful reminder of how lasting the impact of a single merit badge experience can be, and there’s more great content on the way. Serving as a merit badge counselor is one of the most meaningful ways for Scouting alums to give back. When you share something you genuinely enjoy, whether it’s a hobby, a skill, or your profession, you create an experience that stays with a young person long after the badge is earned.

Camp Marin-Sierra celebrated its 75th anniversary with a staff alumni reunion, bringing together former and current leaders at the 320-acre camp in Emigrant Gap. Founded in 1950, the camp serves hundreds of Scouts each summer. Programs include archery, rifle shooting, nature hikes, and canoeing on Chubb Lake, with a focus on skill-building, leadership, and personal development. Alumni from multiple decades attended, including campers and staff dating back to the 1950s. Many shared how their time at camp contributed to lifelong skills and leadership experience. Current staff noted the value of connecting with alumni and seeing the camp’s history firsthand.

Congratulations to Secaucus, New Jersey teen Jayden Altamura on earning the Congressional Award Gold Medal, the highest honor for youth presented by the U.S. Congress. A Scouting America alum, Jayden has built an impressive record of leadership, service, and achievement. He is a former co-captain of the Secaucus High School swim team and an active member and former president of Secaucus Cares, the student-led Student in Action club that supports the Hygiene Project.

Six Scouts from Troop 272 in Nashua, NH, stepped up during a hike on Mount Chocorua when an adult leader suffered a fractured ankle. The Scouts quickly assessed the situation, splinted the injury, and stabilized her until rescue teams arrived. Working alongside New Hampshire Fish and Game and Lakes Region Search and Rescue, they helped ensure a safe evacuation from more than three miles up the trail. Skills learned in Scouting, from first aid to teamwork under pressure, make a real difference when it matters most.

An April 20, 2026, Stars and Stripes story by Kat Nickola, “A Shared Heritage: How Scouts and Veterans Built a Culture of Collaboration,” traces the deep, decades-long bond between scouting and the military community. The article highlights how this connection began as early as 1913, when Scouts assisted Civil War veterans at the anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, and continued through both world wars with efforts on the home front. Over time, Scouts became a visible presence at remembrance events by placing flags, supporting ceremonies, and partnering with groups such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

A 14-year-old Scout from Anacortes, Washington, Wyatt Ott of Troop 4911, completed his Eagle Scout service project while battling a rare and aggressive brain cancer. Despite undergoing daily radiation treatment after being diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma, Wyatt led a community effort to rebuild and restore raised flower beds at Mount Erie Elementary School. Originally planned before his diagnosis, the project became more urgent as Wyatt and his family pushed to complete it during his treatment. With support from fellow Scouts, friends, and the local community, Wyatt took on a leadership role, directing volunteers as they transformed the space into a beautiful and functional area for students.

Scouting America leaders and youth recently traveled to Washington, D.C. for the annual Report to the Nation, meeting with members of Congress and national leaders to share the impact of Scouting across the country. Through firsthand stories of service, leadership, and community engagement, Scouts highlighted how the program prepares young people to make ethical decisions and become active, informed citizens.

Success isn’t always measured by titles. Sometimes, it’s measured by the people you impact along the way. During Purple and Gold Weekend, April 16–18, Albion College will recognize alumni who have made meaningful contributions in their careers and continued to support the college’s mission through service and leadership. Among this year’s honorees is Michael Haines ’85. As a student, Mike was deeply engaged across campus, serving as fraternity president and Interfraternity Council representative for Tau Kappa Epsilon, editor-in-chief of The Pleiad, a communications and SOAR leader, and a Summer Adventure counselor. His leadership was recognized early on with the Presidential Project 250 Award in 1984.

A wrong turn turned into a lasting impact. Lana Lien, a 16-year-old Eagle Scout candidate from Scouts BSA Troop 404, led a multi-year effort to restore and reimagine the historic Huntsville Spacewalk Trail atop Monte Sano. After getting lost on the trail at age 14 because of unclear markings, Lana turned that experience into purpose. Over two years, she partnered with the Land Trust of North Alabama, Burritt on the Mountain, and Monte Sano State Park to rebuild and reconnect the trail system.

Scouting America is taking STEM learning to the fast lane through a new 2026 season-long partnership with AB Motorsports. Working alongside four-time Top Fuel world champion Antron Brown, this collaboration will give Scouts hands-on access to the science, technology, engineering, and teamwork behind NHRA drag racing at select national events across the season.

Hunter Diaz-Reyna is using his Eagle Scout service project to fund and build a greenhouse that will support therapeutic gardening for veterans recovering from traumatic brain injuries and polytrauma. Partnering with the San Antonio Polytrauma Transitional Rehabilitation Program and Soldiers’ Angels, his goal is to create a year-round growing space that overcomes Texas weather challenges and gives veterans a consistent, hands-on path to recovery.

Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Mount Everest, has passed away at 97. His journey began as a Scout in Washington’s Olympic Mountains, where he developed a lifelong connection to risk, resilience, and exploration. Over the years, he climbed Everest, K2, and Mount Rainier more than 100 times, while mentoring others and pushing the limits of what was possible.