Scouting Themed Book Being Released for Young Readers
Scouting America and Random House Children’s Books have officially released the book trailer for George Goodwin, Dragon Slayer: A Scouting Legend. The story follows a young Scout on a journey that blends fantasy, adventure, and the values that have shaped the Scouting movement for more than a century. The trailer features early endorsements from Bear Grylls, Max Lucado, and Mike Rowe, along with early media attention from People and the New York Sun.
Rabbi Sol Goodman and Curt Abbott Honored for Service to the Jewish Community
Scouting America recently recognized two outstanding leaders whose dedication has made a lasting impact on both Scouting and the Jewish community. Rabbi Sol Goodman and Curt Abbott were honored for their decades of service to the Narragansett Council and their commitment to helping young people grow through faith, leadership, and service. For more than 25 years, Rabbi Goodman has served as senior chaplain at Yawgoog Scout Reservation, guiding thousands of youth and adults through meaningful experiences. Curt Abbott has devoted nearly 40 years to Scouting, serving as an advancement chair, a leader within the council’s Jewish Committee on Scouting, and a mentor to countless young people.
Siblings Complete Eagle Scout Projects in Tanzania
What happens when Eagle Scout projects go beyond the community and reach across the world? Two Birmingham, Michigan students from Troop 1699 just showed what that impact can look like. Eddie Minor and Annie Minor, both Life Scouts, spent their school break traveling to Tanzania to personally deliver the donations they organized for their Eagle Scout service projects. Eddie collected 120 soccer balls and sports equipment to support youth programs, while Annie gathered hundreds of art and craft kits to help children express creativity.
Tony Sarao Celebrates 80 Years of Scouting
Congratulations to Tony Sarao on an extraordinary milestone, 80 years of dedication to scouting! What began as a 12-year-old’s curiosity after reading a Scout magazine has grown into a lifetime of service, leadership, and community impact. Over eight decades, Tony has served in numerous roles, from Scoutmaster to District Commissioner, mentoring generations of young people and exemplifying what it means to lead with purpose. His many honors, including the Silver Beaver Award and Vigil Honor, reflect a lifetime of commitment to service above self.
Cub Scout Saved by Applying a Lesson Learned as a Lion
An incident in South Lebanon, Ohio shows why youth safety education matters. A 6-year-old girl was assaulted by a repeat offender inside a store restroom. When the man entered, the child used a technique she learned through Scouts called the Lion’s Roar.
Devon Champenoy Awarded Honor Medal with Crossed Palms
A summer rafting trip in the north Georgia mountains became a powerful reminder of the real impact youth leadership can have in critical moments. During a troop outing, assistant Scoutmaster David Lemley of Troop 277 from Houston, Texas, was thrown from a raft in Class III rapids and became trapped when his foot was caught under a seat while the current pulled him underwater.
Service Is an Important Component of Youth Development
Servant leadership is central to fulfilling the mission of Scouting America, and new research reinforces just how powerful service can be in shaping young people. A recent study from Gallup and the Allstate Foundation found that youth who participate in service and volunteer activities report significantly stronger outcomes in career readiness, community connection, and resilience.
Troop Celebrates 50 Years and Looks to the Future
Last month, Troop 68 in Jamestown, North Carolina, celebrated something far more meaningful than a milestone date. They celebrated 50 years of leadership, character, and lifelong impact. Since 1975, the troop has met at Jamestown Presbyterian Church. Over the years, more than 150 young men have earned the rank of Eagle Scout. On February 28, former Scout leaders, past Scouts, families, and current members came together for a 50-year reunion that turned into something much bigger than a gathering. It became a reminder of what long-term mentorship and strong community really look like.
Steve Hartman Receives Academy Award for Best Documentary Short
CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman, an Eagle Scout, has earned national recognition as the project he helped bring to life, “All the Empty Rooms,” won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short. The film offers a powerful and intimate portrayal of children lost to school shootings by focusing on the bedrooms they never returned to. Through these deeply personal spaces, the documentary gives grieving families a voice and underscores the human impact behind the headlines.
Jay S. Bottorff: 2026 National Alumnus of the Year
Jay S. Bottorff, hailing from Dearborn Heights, Michigan, is the 2026 National Alumnus of the Year. Since earning his Eagle Scout rank in 1988, Jay’s nearly-40-year journey of Scouting service has been transformative. Just within the past decade, Jay has revolutionized the way alumni throughout the nation and beyond are engaged.