05/26/2026
TRAINING TUESDAY - Making Volunteering Easier
The Scouting America Trail Map: A Path to Enterprise Strength and Membership Growth served as a major focus during the 2026 National Annual Meeting, outlining a clear vision for our organization’s future growth and long-term impact. The Trail Map is centered around three key priorities: maintaining a relentless focus on volunteers, simplifying and digitizing operations to scale for growth, and reinvesting in strategies that attract more youth to Scouting programs.
Underlying every part of the Trail Map is a shared foundation and commitment to being a leader in S.A.F.E.guarding Youth, with a prevention-first mindset guiding every trail and every decision. Together, these priorities reflect Scouting America’s continued focus on strengthening the organization, supporting volunteers, expanding opportunities for youth, and ensuring a safe and positive experience for all members.
National Executive Board Chairman Ricky Mason has said, "For Scouting America to have strong units and grow membership, we must make volunteering easier and more rewarding. That means giving volunteers the support, tools and resources they need to succeed. If we create a great experience for volunteers, more parents will stay engaged, and more youth will join. Technology is a major area where we need to invest. We need to improve both our internal infrastructure and the technology families interact with directly. National can provide updated training modules and resources, but local councils are the ones building relationships, providing in-person support and thanking volunteers. We have to clearly demonstrate the value of volunteering with Scouting. One important step is making volunteer roles feel less overwhelming. "
