03/03/2026
March 2, 2026
Dear Cascade Pacific Council members, staff, alumni, friends, and neighbors,
On Friday morning, many of you became aware of a video message from the Secretary of Defense outlining a formalized partnership between Scouting America and the United States Armed Forces. Scouting and the Armed Services have been partners for many years, and the relationship has created historic value for both organizations. That message prompted a wide range of reactions across our community — including confusion, concern, relief, appreciation, frustration, and questions.
We want to provide clarity about what we understand regarding the Memorandum of Understanding and what it means locally for the Cascade Pacific Council.
First, we believe that a formal partnership between Scouting America and the United States Armed Forces can provide meaningful opportunities for youth and families. We are grateful for the service of military members and their families, and we support initiatives that reduce barriers to participation — including waiving registration fees for children of active-duty, Guard, and Reserve families.
We also affirm that Scouting America’s name, mission, and commitment to the Scout Oath and Scout Law remain unchanged. Our focus continues to be developing young people of character who understand their duty to God and are prepared to be servant leaders in our country and in their community.
Most importantly, our membership standards are not changing. Scouting America continues to welcome and serve all youth. That includes transgender youth. Our membership application process remains the same, and we continue to trust parents and families to determine the best program for their children.
We also continue to support our volunteers, staff, and adult leaders. Our youth protection protocols and requirements to be an adult leader also remain unchanged. Safeguarding youth is central to everything we do. Our council’s Safeguarding Officer and volunteer leaders remain deeply committed to ensuring policies are followed and continually strengthened.
Below is a summary of what is and is not changing.
What Is Not Changing
Scouting America’s name, mission, and commitment to the Scout Oath and Law.
Our eligibility standards — we continue to welcome all youth.
Our membership registration process.
Our youth protection and safeguarding practices.
Our commitment to developing leaders of character prepared to serve something greater than themselves.
What Is New
Registration fees will be waived for children of active-duty, Guard, and Reserve military families beginning June 1, 2026.
A new Military Service merit badge will be introduced. We look forward to learning more about its content and how it may benefit Scouts exploring public service.
The Citizenship in Society merit badge will be discontinued in alignment with Executive Order 14173. While this badge has generated meaningful conversations for many Scouts, we will continue to ensure that character development, respect, and civic understanding remain integral parts of our program.
The former DEI committee structure has evolved into a People and Culture committee focused on expanding access to Scouting and ensuring youth from all backgrounds have the support needed to thrive.
Our hope is that this clarification allows our community to move forward with focus and confidence. Scouting is delivered locally — in packs, troops, crews, posts, and ships — by dedicated volunteers and families. That remains where our attention belongs.
Thank you for your continued commitment to serving youth across our nineteen counties.
Andrew Danner
Board Chair/President
Kathleen Jordan
Council Commissioner
Gary Carroll
Scout Executive & CEO
