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A 17-year-old Eagle Scout in Matthews, North Carolina, safely escaped a kidnapping attempt after a man allegedly jumped into his car and pretended to be a police officer. The suspect, later identified as 40-year-old John McGough, reportedly told the teen he was involved in a police investigation and needed a ride.

While earning the Astronomy Merit Badge, Scouts learn how activities in space affect celestial bodies, including our own planet. They also learn about the sun, moon, and planets, and how they interact with each other in interesting ways. This month’s story is about Tom Austin, who earned the Astronomy Merit Badge in 1940.

Stefano ran to the scene, assessed the situation, and asked for 911 to be called. He quickly identified that the driver of one vehicle, stopped in the middle of traffic, was trapped inside. Her door was crumpled from the impact, and she was visibly distressed.

At the start of 2026, LaSalle Council Scouting America launched the 100 Hearts in 100 Days campaign in South Bend, Indiana. This new initiative aims to train 100 individuals in CPR and AED use within the first 100 days of the year. The campaign includes 12 training sessions running from January through April, each designed for approximately ten participants.

Livingston, New Jersey’s Scouts BSA Troop 12, founded in 1926, has a long tradition of youth-led service, leadership, and community involvement. As part of its centennial celebration, the troop launched Troop 12 Cares in 2025, its most ambitious service initiative to date.

Diamondhead, Mississippi Scout Cooper Burke is leading an inspiring service project with his fellow Scouts from Troop 210 to support foster children across the local community. As part of his Eagle Scout service project, Cooper spent months collecting donations for Elijah’s Closet, a nonprofit that provides clothing and essential items to children in foster care.

Larry Nikolaus was honored recently with the distinguished Service to Mankind Award, recognizing more than 20 years of exceptional volunteer service, mentorship, and leadership in the Colorado Springs community. Presented annually by the Gleneagle Sertoma Club, the award honors a non-member whose service has made a lasting impact toward the betterment of all.

History lives on in cemeteries where stories from more than a century ago are often forgotten. Sixteen-year-old Parker Maybe, a Scout from Rose, New York, is working to change that by cleaning and restoring headstones across dozens of cemeteries.

Alpha Phi Omega (APO) marked its national convention and 100th birthday in Philadelphia by putting service front and center. In Center City, members and alumni of the national service fraternity partnered with Comfort Cases to pack backpacks for youth in foster care across the region

From guiding Generations Bank through years of growth, to serving on boards and supporting organizations that uplift neighbors across the Finger Lakes, Bob Kernan’s impact reflects the true spirit of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” He leads quietly, consistently, and with genuine care for people.

A 12-year-old Scout, Mason Pulliam, has been honored by Scouting America with the Medal of Heroism for saving his grandmother’s life after she nearly drowned.

For more than a century, children have awakened on Christmas morning to find a teddy bear waiting under the tree. One child took that simple joy and turned it into something much bigger, bringing comfort to children who need it most.