Inland Northwest Council, Scouting America

10/17/2026

Did you know that packs can add new members throughout the year, not just when school starts? It's true!

Consider using Halloween to reach your target audience.

ABC = Always Be 'Cruiting

Let your community know about Cub Scout opportunities by throwing in a bookmark with the candy on Halloween. You can find bookmarks at the Scout Shop near you. You can also print your own at the Scouting America Brand Center.

10/16/2026

Meet the NEW Add-A-Patch Binder Bag, the ultimate way to organize your patch collection while keeping your everyday essentials within easy reach!

Get yours ➡️ nwscouts.org/store, call 509-325-4562, or visit
411 W. Boy Scout Way in Spokane!

10/09/2026

Relax in comfort with the Scouting America Lounge Pants, made for cozy nights, slow mornings, cabin weekends, and anyone who likes to keep a little Scouting spirit close even off the trail.

Made from 100% cotton twill flannel, these navy lounge pants are soft, breathable, and easy to wear when it is time to wind down. The allover micro Scouting America logo print gives them a subtle Scouting touch without feeling too loud, making them a great gift for leaders, parents, alumni, and longtime Scouting supporters.

A drawstring waist helps create a comfortable, adjustable fit, while the classic pajama-style design makes these pants an easy favorite for relaxing at home, packing for a weekend away, or staying warm after a long day outdoors. Available in adult sizes S–2XL, they are built for simple comfort with just the right amount of Scouting pride.

Features and Benefits:
• Made from 100% cotton twill flannel for soft, cozy comfort
• Navy blue design features an allover micro Scouting America logo print
• Drawstring waist offers an easy, adjustable fit
• Great for relaxing at home, cabin weekends, and camp downtime
• Available in adult sizes S–2XL with waist ranges from 28"–46"

Come visit our Scout Shop at 411 W. Boy Scout Way in Spokane, call 509-325-4562, or email [email protected]!

10/09/2026

Scouting America is pro-America, not pro-any-party, and election season is when that line gets tested.

Today's OnScouting answers common questions about uniformed Scouts and Scouters at political events, such as whether a color guard can present the colors at a rally (yes, but they must leave right after the Pledge of Allegiance), what to do about parades, and whether it’s okay to pose for photos with candidates. It also explains why the policy exists, which is to keep the Scouting brand from being used to suggest support for any candidate or ideology, and it reminds adult leaders and Venturers who are old enough that they should vote, just not in uniform.

Whether you lead a pack, troop, post, ship, or crew, it’s worth a read before your unit takes part in any event this election season.

Find the link in the comments section.

Scouting America is pro-America, not pro-any-party, and election season is when that line gets tested.

Today's OnScouting answers common questions about uniformed Scouts and Scouters at political events, such as whether a color guard can present the colors at a rally (yes, but they must leave right after the Pledge of Allegiance), what to do about parades, and whether it’s okay to pose for photos with candidates. It also explains why the policy exists, which is to keep the Scouting brand from being used to suggest support for any candidate or ideology, and it reminds adult leaders and Venturers who are old enough that they should vote, just not in uniform.

Whether you lead a pack, troop, post, ship, or crew, it’s worth a read before your unit takes part in any event this election season.

Find the link in the comments section.

10/06/2026

🏫 Did you know? Scouting has federal equal-access protections in public schools.

Many Scout units don't realize that federal law specifically addresses Scouting's access to public schools.

Under the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act (20 U.S.C. § 7905) and its implementing regulation, 34 CFR § 108.6, qualifying Scouting organizations must receive equal access to opportunities provided to other outside youth and community organizations.

And the regulation specifically includes recruitment.

That can include things like:

📬 Distributing flyers or literature
📌 School bulletin boards
📰 School newsletters or other school communications
🎪 Participation in activities or community organization fairs
📣 Recruitment opportunities and presentations
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Communications sent home to families

The key principle is simple:

A school doesn't have to promote Scouting. But if it provides these recruiting opportunities to another outside youth organization, it generally cannot deny the same opportunity to Scouting simply because we're Scouting.

At the same time, a school can have a neutral policy that doesn't allow any outside organizations to distribute recruiting materials. The issue is equal treatment, not special treatment.

What should your unit do?

Before approaching a school, find out:

✅ What opportunities does the school provide to other youth organizations?
✅ Does the school distribute outside organizations' flyers?
✅ Are outside groups included in newsletters, fairs or other communications?
✅ What is the school's policy for community organizations?

If another organization receives an opportunity, ask for the same opportunity for Scouting.

Be professional, be respectful, and focus on equal access—not preferential treatment.

📚 Know your rights. Use them professionally. And help more local families discover Scouting.

🏫 Did you know? Scouting has federal equal-access protections in public schools.

Many Scout units don't realize that federal law specifically addresses Scouting's access to public schools.

Under the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act (20 U.S.C. § 7905) and its implementing regulation, 34 CFR § 108.6, qualifying Scouting organizations must receive equal access to opportunities provided to other outside youth and community organizations.

And the regulation specifically includes recruitment.

That can include things like:

📬 Distributing flyers or literature
📌 School bulletin boards
📰 School newsletters or other school communications
🎪 Participation in activities or community organization fairs
📣 Recruitment opportunities and presentations
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Communications sent home to families

The key principle is simple:

A school doesn't have to promote Scouting. But if it provides these recruiting opportunities to another outside youth organization, it generally cannot deny the same opportunity to Scouting simply because we're Scouting.

At the same time, a school can have a neutral policy that doesn't allow any outside organizations to distribute recruiting materials. The issue is equal treatment, not special treatment.

What should your unit do?

Before approaching a school, find out:

✅ What opportunities does the school provide to other youth organizations?
✅ Does the school distribute outside organizations' flyers?
✅ Are outside groups included in newsletters, fairs or other communications?
✅ What is the school's policy for community organizations?

If another organization receives an opportunity, ask for the same opportunity for Scouting.

Be professional, be respectful, and focus on equal access—not preferential treatment.

📚 Know your rights. Use them professionally. And help more local families discover Scouting.

10/05/2026

10/01/2026

📣 Heads up! Two upcoming changes to keep on your radar:

⏰ Lapse Period Is Going Away

October is the last month with a 2-month lapse period. November will have just a 1-month lapse, and starting in December, there will be no lapse period at all.

🚫 Renew On Time to Stay Connected

Members and units will be dropped the day after their expiration date if they haven't renewed, and they'll lose access to any online tools they've been using.

✅ Don't wait until the last minute! Check your unit's renewal dates now and renew before they expire so your Scouts and leaders stay connected.

Contact your unit commissioner or council registrar if you have questions or need assistance.

📢 Scouting America Membership Renewal Changes Coming (2026–2028)

Scouting America is transitioning all unit and member renewals to a February renewal cycle to simplify the membership process and better align with recruiting season.

Key highlights:

✅ Unit renewals begin transitioning in September 2026.
✅ Individual member renewals transition throughout 2027 using prorated fees.
✅ By February 2028, all units and members will renew on the same annual February schedule.

The new system will create one consistent renewal season, reduce barriers for new members with prorated fees, eliminate the 2-month lapse period, align Safeguarding Youth Training with renewal dates, and give unit leaders more control over the renewal process.

The goal is to improve retention, make renewals easier, and strengthen membership growth across Scouting.

Stay tuned for more details as the transition rolls out!

09/29/2026

ABC = Always Be 'Cruiting

Let your community know about Cub Scout opportunities by throwing in a bookmark with the candy on Halloween.

Come by our Scout Shop and get yours FREE!

ABC = Always Be 'Cruiting

Let your community know about Cub Scout opportunities by throwing in a bookmark with the candy on Halloween. You can find bookmarks at the Scout Shop near you. You can also print your own at the Scouting America Brand Center.

09/27/2026

Day One starts with being prepared!

From Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA and Venturing, make sure you’re ready for every adventure with the right uniform.

SAVE 10% on uniform bottoms when you purchase a matching uniform top

OR SAVE 20% on a Cub Scout full uniform*
SAVE 20% on Scouts BSA & Venturing full uniforms*

Plus, get expert uniform fitting, sewing services and everything you need to complete your Scout’s look.

Offers valid 7/27/26–12/31/26*
Shop Now: www.nwscouts.org/store

Day One starts with being prepared!

From Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA and Venturing, make sure you’re ready for every adventure with the right uniform.

SAVE 10% on uniform bottoms when you purchase a matching uniform top
OR SAVE 20% on a Cub Scout full uniform*
SAVE 20% on Scouts BSA & Venturing full uniforms*

Plus, get expert uniform fitting, sewing services and everything you need to complete your Scout’s look.

Offers valid 7/27/26–12/31/26*
Shop Now: https://www.scoutshop.org/shop-by-scout