Scouting America, Mississippi Valley Council

06/18/2026

Have you taken the train to Philmont?

Fort Madison Amtrak is not your ordinary Amtrak station and Amtrak Amy is not your ordinary agent. Thousands of scouts utilize the train to travel to Philmont Scout Ranch near Raton, NM every year and FMD hosts their share. Traveling in from as far away as Duluth and beyond, they always are excited to get their trek underway.

Amtrak Amy communicates with the leaders in advance and has all baggage and ID tags ready to go upon their arrival. Leaders are provided with best practices for getting hiking packs ready for the voyage because, just imagine....
~ 100+ scouts step off in Raton
~ 100+ hiking packs are taken off and placed in one big pile
~ 96 pairs of hiking poles are attached to the hiking packs
~ 4 pair of poles are nowhere to be found because they were stowed the best way and are now well on their way to the next stop of Las Vegas, NM.

No, it's not in the agents' job description, but customer service is. Most Amtrak agents take pride in providing the best service. There should be no question that you will return!

Stay safe scouts!

06/15/2026

Both Scout Service Centers will be closed on Junteenth (Friday, June 19th). This Federal Holiday is a key day for education, community, and reflection on freedom.

06/15/2026

We’re thrilled to have BCSD Burlington Community School District at Camp Eastman this summer and love to see kids having fun in the outdoors!

06/15/2026

The Quincy Service Center will be closed Thursday, June 18th through Monday, June 22nd. We will reopen Tuesday, June 23rd. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

06/13/2026

What a fun day at Camp Eastman! More tomorrow for the last day of Cub Scout Adventure Camp.

06/12/2026

The sun is out and the packs are arriving - it’s time for a great weekend of Cub Scout Adventure Camp at Camp Eastman!

06/11/2026

📣 Important Membership Renewal Update

Scouting America has announced that the current membership lapse period will be phased out and will end on **December 31, 2026**.

🔹 What Is Changing?

The lapse period has allowed members a short grace period after their renewal date before their membership becomes inactive. As Scouting America moves toward a simpler and more consistent renewal system, this lapse period will gradually be reduced and then eliminated.

📅 Key Dates

✅ Members with an **October 2026** renewal date will be the last to receive the full **two-month lapse period**.

✅ Members with a **November 2026** renewal date will receive a **one-month lapse period**.

✅ Members with a **December 2026** renewal date will receive **no lapse period**.

Beginning in September 2026, new and renewing units will use the standard charter fee plus pro rata fees through February 2028.

📅 Beginning January 1, 2027, members must be current in their registration to maintain active status.

Unit leaders, committee members, and families should begin planning ahead to ensure memberships are renewed on time and there is no interruption in participation, advancement, or registration status.

More information will be shared as Scouting America continues implementing its simplified membership and renewal processes.

06/10/2026

The Burlington Scout Shop will be closed for the rest of today. (June 10, 2026)

06/08/2026

Popcorn and Membership Kickoff in Quincy July 25th!