Scouting Twin Valley

10/14/2026

What an incredible day at Weird Science Camp!

This year's camp brought together 247 youth, 199 adults, and 75 amazing volunteers for a day packed with hands-on science, adventure, discovery, and fun. The excitement, curiosity, and laughter were on full display as participants explored, experimented, and learned together.

A special thank you goes to the Schmeeckle Foundation and 3M for their generous support and funding. Their investment in youth learning made this event possible and helped create an unforgettable experience for hundreds of families.

We also want to recognize our dedicated volunteers, whose time, talent, and enthusiasm transformed great ideas into memorable experiences. Events like this simply wouldn't happen without you!

Throughout the day, participants enjoyed:

Making Waves
BB Guns
Archery
Rad Zoo
Puking Pumpkins
DIY Airhorns
Static Electricity Lab
Marshmallow Catapults
Magnetic Mayhem
Dancing Sound
Bubbles
Oobleck
Water Rockets
Rope Making
Walking Water Rainbow
Giant Connect Four
Dazzling Dave Yo-Yo Master Entertainment

Seeing young people ask questions, test ideas, build, create, and discover reminds us why events like Weird Science Camp are so important. Thank you to every participant, parent, volunteer, sponsor, and activity leader who helped make this day a success.

Together, we inspired the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators, and explorers in Northern Star Scouting

We can't wait to do it again next year!

10/06/2026

The registration deadline for Weird Science is just 48 hours away. Register through October 7. Register here:
https://scoutingevent.com/250-weird

Tons of events! Tons of fun! Bring the whole family.

09/30/2026

Weird Science Camp just got even bigger!

We've added The Rad Zoo's live reptile & amphibian show and Dazzling Dave, the World Champion Yo-Yo performer to an already incredible lineup! That means 19 hands-on activities (20 if you bring a fishing pole!) including:
Elephant Toothpaste
Water Rockets
BB Guns & Archery
Lava Lamps
Walking Water Rainbow
Marshmallow Catapults
Static Electricity Lab
…and much more!

Best of all, it's FREE for all Scouting families! See a flyer with all the activities and all the details that you don't want to miss. Also you can bring your own lunch or concessions will be available including walking tacos, hot dogs and brats!

Saturday, October 10
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Cedar Point Scout Camp, 125 200th Ave, Fairmont

Come for an hour or stay all day. Activities are come-and-go, and fun is guaranteed! Registration closes after October 7 and pre-registration is required.

Register now: https://scoutingevent.com/250-Weird

Don't miss the weirdest, wildest Cub Scout event of the year!

09/16/2026

Do you enjoy working with people, building relationships, and making a positive impact in your community?

We're looking for a motivated individual to join our team and help support Scouting's mission in South Central and Southeastern Minnesota of preparing young people for life.

Interested? Check out the position and apply here: https://northernstarbsa.workbrightats.com/jobs/1329103

Tag someone who should see this!

Scouting District Coordinator - South Central and Southeastern Minnesota   Northern Star Scouting offers an exciting position that provides you with growth opportunities in leadership, volunteer management and community relations. You will lead, support and guide adult volunteers in Scouting as the...

09/14/2026

SCOUT LEADERS: ARE YOU PAYING FULL PRICE FOR OUTDOOR GEAR?
You might not have to!
Scouting America recently highlighted something many volunteers and camp staff don't know about: outdoor-industry discounts and “pro deals.”
Depending on the program and your eligibility, discounts can range from 30–70% off outdoor gear and apparel. And some programs are available to registered Scouting volunteers, not just paid outdoor professionals or camp staff.
Some opportunities highlighted include:
ALPS Mountaineering / Hiker Direct — special access for registered Scouting volunteers.
Coleman — discounted camping gear opportunities.
Bass Pro Shops & Dick’s Sporting Goods — Scouting-related in-store discounts are listed; check current store requirements.
L.L.Bean — unit purchasing opportunities for gear that remains unit property.
Scouting Alumni Association — membership includes access to several discounts and benefits.
Scout Shop Clearance — worth checking before paying full price for gear.
Camp staff and qualifying outdoor professionals may have even more options, including programs through ExpertVoice, Outdoor Prolink and individual outdoor brands.
Those programs can include discounts on gear from brands such as Osprey, NEMO, Smartwool, Salomon, Black Diamond, Big Agnes, Hydro Flask and others.
A couple of important reminders:
Eligibility and discounts vary by company and can change, so always check the current terms before purchasing. Camp staff may also need documentation such as a staff ID, employment letter or pay stub.
Before your next camping or backpacking purchase, it may be worth spending a few minutes checking whether a Scouting discount is available.
Because there's no merit badge for paying retail!
Check out Scouting America's Guide to Pro Deals for Volunteers and Camp Staff for the full list and details.
https://www.scouting.org/.../the-guide-to-pro-deals-for.../

09/14/2026

Learn more about Exploring with the Mankato Police Explorers. Any youth ages 14-20 and a parent are invited to attend to learn more about this amazing program! You don't have to be from the Mankato area to participate. This can help youth gain insight and a hands-on look into careers in law enforcement. For questions contact the Mankato Police and Fire at 507.387.8600.

09/11/2026

Arrgh Matey! Popcorn 2026 is almost here! The 2026 Council Kick off open house will take place on Friday, Sept. 18, 5-8pm. and YOU are invited! All Scouts who preregister and complete all of the stations will receive:

--A 3D Printed Glow in the Dark Pirate Skeleton
--Bag of Marshmallow Mateys from Malt-O-Meal
--Starter Compass
--Eligible for door prizes including a Nintendo Switch 2 Console with game

Preregister at http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/nscpop26

Hope to see you there! I look forward to sharing sales tips, information and contests this fall!

08/12/2026

Come check us out at the 4th Annual Sibley County Community Backpack Fair! Learn about Cub Scouts in Ga***rd!!

08/10/2026

We are pleased to announce that Sea Scout Ship 518 Mankato is chartered to the North Mankato American Legion Post 518. Check out their page and follow their adventures. If you have a boy or girl ages 14-20 who might be interested in their program you should check them out. Contact the Skipper of the ship, Kevin Thompson for more information: https://beascout.scouting.org/units/d28d76df-48bc-4d78-94f4-77b8cfa227d2