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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.

Congratulations to retired Navy Captain Royce Williams, an Eagle Scout and naval aviator, who received the Medal of Honor last night during the State of the Union address in recognition of his extraordinary heroism during the Korean War. In a 1952 air battle, Williams shot down four Russian MiG-15s in a 35-minute dogfight, an achievement unmatched at the time and still rare in the jet age.

As Southern New England dug out from this week’s blizzard, Scouts stepped up. In Cranston and across the region, the Narragansett Council of Scouting America launched “Operation Blizzard 2026,” challenging Scouts to grab their shovels and serve neighbors in need. The response exceeded all expectations. To earn the Operation Blizzard 2026 patch, Scouts assisted elderly and disabled residents by clearing walkways and removing snow from fire hydrants to support first responders.

On January 21, 2026, 21 Scouting alumni gathered in Flagstaff to reconnect, share stories, and welcome one another back to the campfire. The group reflected the full spectrum of Scouting’s impact. Three Eagle Scouts from Illinois met for the first time and bonded over Midwest memories.