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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.

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.

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.

A century of leadership started with a simple idea: give young people a place to grow, lead, and belong. This past week, Scouts BSA Troop 123 in Winter Haven, Florida, celebrated 100 years of service, gathering Eagle Scouts, Scoutmasters, and families from three generations. Inside a simple log-and-stone scout house, stories were shared, and friendships were renewed.

Scouting teaches leadership, service, and the courage to act when it matters most. This week, one Scoutmaster in New York showed exactly what that looks like in real life. A woman in West Hills, New York, is recovering after a serious crash that left her trapped inside her car and unable to move her legs. What started as a routine drive quickly became a life-threatening situation after another vehicle struck her.

It is always inspiring to see young leaders set ambitious goals and follow through with hard work and dedication. John Humphreys from Riverview, Florida, has accomplished something very few young people achieve by earning the highest rank in three different Scouting programs. He has reached Eagle in Scouts BSA, the Quartermaster award in Sea Scouts, and the Summit award in Venturing, a rare trifecta that reflects years of commitment, leadership, and perseverance.

Noa Lessenberry is a 17-year-old Scout from Bella Vista who led a large-scale Eagle Scout service project focused on raising awareness about human trafficking and supporting victims through meaningful community action. After researching the issue and partnering with local nonprofits, law enforcement, and church leaders, he organized multiple educational events across Arkansas that helped both youth and parents better understand the risks of trafficking and online safety.

Marshall, Minnesota Scout Josh Michals is turning his Eagle Scout service project into a heartfelt welcome home for local National Guard members. Working with his fellow Scouts in Troop 238, family, and friends, Josh led the assembly of 70 reintegration packs filled with snacks, gift cards, coupons, and notes of encouragement for soldiers returning from deployment.

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.

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.

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.

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.