Paralympian and Scoutmaster Honored For His Achievements
Three-time Paralympian David Blair just added one of the rarest honors in scouting to an already extraordinary life story. A two-time Paralympic medalist, Blair received Scouting America’s Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (DESA), a distinction earned by only a small percentage of Eagle Scouts nationwide. It recognizes not just success, but a lifetime commitment to leadership, service, and impact. His journey is anything but typical.
Scouting America Tests Competitive Gaming Badge
The new Competitive Gaming badge opens the door for Scouts to explore one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, esports and modern gaming. This badge goes beyond just playing games. It teaches Scouts how to apply the values of the Scout Oath and Law in digital spaces while building skills like teamwork, communication, and responsible online behavior. It’s also part of Scouting America’s Test Lab program, meaning it’s being piloted to gather feedback, refine the experience, and ensure it delivers real value if it is launched as a merit badge.
Glen Silverman Awarded for Promoting Stamp Collecting Merit Badge
Charlotte-based stamp dealer Glenn Silverman is being recognized for something bigger than collecting, growing a community. The American Philatelic Society has named Silverman the 2026 recipient of the Ernest A. Kehr Award, which honors individuals who make the hobby more accessible, engaging, and welcoming for new collectors. Through his business, Sildude’s Stamps, and his leadership with the Charlotte Philatelic Society, where he serves as treasurer and youth coordinator, Silverman has focused on bringing the next generation into the world of philately.
Eli Richards Balances Scouting, Sports, and School
Eli Richards is finishing his senior year at Georgia’s Mill Creek High School with an exceptional track record of leadership, discipline, and achievement. A multi-sport athlete and standout football player, Eli has committed to play at Georgia State University’s football program while maintaining a 4.36 GPA. He’s also a state qualifier in track and set a school weight room record. On March 21, Eli reached another major milestone, earning the rank of Eagle Scout alongside a classmate.
Adam Carver Receives Distinguished Citizen Award
The Murray Area Friends of Scouting held its Distinguished Citizen Award Luncheon to honor Scouting alum Adam Carver. Carver, noticing a card on a table at the event that read “Prepared for Life,” said, “Those words hit me hard and made me pause and look back on the path I had taken.” Speaking directly to the Scouts in attendance, he told them, “You may not fully understand it now but the opportunity in front of you is special.
High School Student Uses Scouting Preparation to Respond to a Fire
A Mashpee, Massachusetts Scout is being recognized for quick thinking and calm leadership during a potentially dangerous situation on a recent school field trip. While attending a volunteer appreciation event at the Mashpee Senior Center, Jack Borowski responded immediately after a lightbulb exploded and ignited a fire. Without hesitation, he located a fire extinguisher and successfully put out the flames before they could spread. Thanks to his fast action, no one was injured and the situation was quickly contained.
Dr. Jeffrey Marion Receives Benton H. Box Award
Scouting America alum Dr. Jeffrey Marion has built a career at the intersection of research, leadership, and outdoor stewardship. In recognition of that impact, the Clemson University Institute for Parks (CUIP) has honored him with the Benton H. Box Award for his leadership in protecting the natural environment and advancing environmental knowledge and ethics.
The Merit Badge That Changed My Life: First Aid
I earned the First Aid Merit Badge in 1980 when I was a sixth-grader with Troop 13 in Brooklyn, New York. My instructor was a New York City paramedic, Ivan Quevedo, who taught far beyond the badge requirements—while still emphasizing what we would now call “scope of practice” (what we were and were not trained to do in an emergency). That balance of inspiration and responsibility sparked something in me and pushed me to go further.
NASA and Scouting America Collaborating to Support the Artemis Program
Scouting America has announced a new collaboration with NASA to support the Artemis program, creating hands-on STEM learning opportunities for Scouts nationwide. This initiative connects youth with real-world space exploration through curriculum resources, experiential activities, and mission-based challenges focused on teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership.
Scout Supports Orphaned Children in Ukraine
What started as one Scout’s idea quickly turned into support for children thousands of miles away. Aarav Dixit of Troop 379 in California recently led an Eagle Scout service project that raised more than $2,000 and assembled about 100 care packages for orphaned children in Ukraine affected by the war.