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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.

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, 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.

Thomas “Tommy” Maher, a proud Irish Catholic and longtime Scout leader, receives the Shofar Award from the National Jewish Committee on Scouting during the Northeast Region conference at Ten Mile River Scout Reservation in Narrowsburg, New York.

Thomas “Tommy” Maher, a proud Irish Catholic and longtime Scout leader, receives the Shofar Award from the National Jewish Committee on Scouting during the Northeast Region conference at Ten Mile River Scout Reservation in Narrowsburg, New York. For more than four decades in Scouting, Tommy has been known for his no-nonsense, old-school leadership and deep commitment to service. This recognition highlights a project that reflects those values and his belief in respect for all faith traditions.

A historic scouting troop in West Palm Beach, Florida demonstrates how mentorship, inclusion, and service shape future leaders. Based in Tabernacle Baptist Church, the Tabernacle Troop, which includes Cub Scout Pack 116, Troop 4116B, and Troop 4116G, has spent decades building community while honoring the legacy of African American scouting.

Since 1925, the Silver Buffalo Award has represented the highest honor for adults in Scouting. Presented by Scouting America, the Silver Buffalo recognizes individuals who have provided truly distinguished service to youth on a national level. Over the years, recipients have included founders of the Scouting movement, U.S. presidents, astronauts, corporate executives, and civic leaders who have made a lasting impact through service and leadership.

In 1942, the Silver Antelope Award was created to recognize outstanding service within one of Scouting America’s geographic territories. This honor celebrates Scouters whose leadership and dedication have strengthened the movement at a regional level.

Two years ago, during a Scout trip to Hawaii, Aidan Shrader noticed something others had not. A fellow Scout, Logan, was being pulled farther out into the ocean by a strong current. Aidan acted immediately. Staying calm, he helped keep Logan afloat, encouraged him to stay above the water, and guided him back toward shore. What started as a dangerous moment ended safely thanks to quick thinking, composure, and training. This week, Aidan received a National Heroism Award from Scouting America at a recognition banquet.

Scouting America is doubling down on volunteer support to drive membership growth. Sean Magennis, EVP of Membership Engagement at Scouting America, is leading a strategy aimed at reaching 2 million members in the next decade by focusing on both retention and recruitment. The approach centers on the EDGE method, which stands for explain, demonstrate, guide, enable. The goal is to help volunteers learn, lead, and mentor with confidence.

What happens when teenagers trade their smartphones for sails, sea breeze, and responsibility for an entire week? A recent Sea Scout sailing trek in the Florida Keys offered a powerful reminder of what happens when young people disconnect from screens and reconnect with the world around them.

A unique hobby is turning into a hands-on history lesson for one Ohio freshman. Ben Beers, a 14-year-old freshman at Canfield High School, recently joined Venturing Crew 1944, a Scouting America program focused on World War II history. The group meets monthly at the MAPS Air Museum at the Akron-Canton Airport, immersing members in authentic living history.

A young Scout in Las Vegas is being honored with the Scouting Medal of Merit after his quick thinking helped save his father during a medical emergency. Just over a year ago, nine-year-old Greyson and his younger brother were waiting for their father, Jared, to take them to school when Jared suddenly suffered an epileptic seizure. The boys had never witnessed a seizure before..

Scouting alumnus Tim Willis offers a clear example of growth, perseverance, achievement, and service. Blind by age 10 due to Coats disease, Willis competed in cross country and track using a simple tether system with a guide runner. He wrestled in high school, ran in college, and became the first blind athlete to compete in NCAA Division I cross country at Georgia Southern University. An Eagle Scout, he approached athletics with the same emphasis on preparation, teamwork, and self-reliance familiar to many in Scouting.