Scouting America Troop 23, Tompkinsville

06/15/2026

On June 15, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill incorporating the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), making it the first American youth organization to receive a federal charter. This landmark recognition gave the BSA special legal status and highlighted its national importance and commitment to youth development.

The BSA was granted a Title 36 congressional charter, a distinction reserved for select patriotic and national organizations. Title 36 of the U.S. Code recognizes groups that have made significant contributions to American society, particularly in service, education, or community development. A federal charter does not provide government funding or control but serves as a mark of prestige and national significance.

Other notable organizations that have received Title 36 charters include the American National Red Cross (1905), The American Legion (1919), the Girl Scouts of the United States of America (1950), Boys & Girls Clubs of America (1956), Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (1958), and Little League Baseball, Inc. (1964). These organizations, like the BSA, have had enduring impact on American society and continue to be recognized for their service and dedication to the community.

06/15/2026

Trained as a scout, Hart has always been ready for any challenge in the NBA.

06/12/2026

🎖️ Merit Badge Spotlight: Fingerprinting Merit Badge

Parents, Scout leaders, and merit badge counselors—have you taken a look at the Fingerprinting Merit Badge lately?

This fascinating merit badge introduces Scouts to one of the oldest and most reliable identification tools used by law enforcement and forensic professionals. Along the way, Scouts learn how fingerprints are collected, classified, and used to help identify missing persons, crime victims, and others.

Scouts working on this badge will:
🔍 Explore the history of fingerprinting
🖐 Learn how fingerprints are unique to every individual
💻 Compare law enforcement fingerprint systems with modern biometric technologies
📱 Discuss how passwords, tokens, and biometrics are used in everyday life
📇 Create and analyze their own fingerprint records
👮 Explore careers in forensics, law enforcement, and biometric identification

For merit badge counselors, this badge provides an excellent opportunity to connect Scouting with real-world applications of science, technology, and public service. For parents, it's a great example of how merit badges expose Scouts to subjects and careers they may never have considered.

Whether a Scout is interested in criminal justice, cybersecurity, forensic science, or simply enjoys solving puzzles, the Fingerprinting Merit Badge offers a hands-on introduction to an important field.

Learn more and download the resources:
https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/fingerprinting/

Have you counseled or earned the Fingerprinting Merit Badge? Share your experience in the comments!

06/11/2026

06/01/2026

Earning the Eagle Scout rank was never just about the badge — it was about the lessons, the leadership, the service, and the growth that shaped who I am today. 🦅
Now, the National Eagle Scout Association is helping us bring that legacy into the digital world. With NESA Digital Badging, Eagle Scouts can proudly display their accomplishments on LinkedIn, email signatures, resumes, and more.

It’s a powerful way to share the values we live by: leadership, service, citizenship, and continuous learning.
If you’re an Eagle, elevate your professional presence and show your Eagle pride.

Learn more: nesa.org/resources/digital-badges/

05/30/2026

To our newest Scouts BSA members, the trail to Eagle lies ahead of you. This crossover is not the end fo a jouney - it is the beginning of a new one. Keep your desire to succeed burning brightly, stay true to the Oath and Law, and never stop exploring the path before you.
Scouting offers something few organizations can: a lifelong compass. By incorporating the Scout Oath and Scout Law into everyday life, these young men and women gain values that will guide them through challenges, opportunities, and adventures yet to come.
Congratulations, Scouts! We can't wait to see where your journey leads!

05/26/2026

Jamboree shakedown weekend! Team-building activities and competitions! Scouts challenged themselves and showed great Scout spirit every step of the way.

These shakedowns are more than just practice — they help prepare our crew for the adventure, teamwork, and excitement of Jamboree. We are building friendships, leadership skills, and memories that will last a lifetime.

If this weekend was any sign of what’s to come, Jamboree is going to be unforgettable!

The countdown is on, and we can’t wait for the big event!

05/26/2026

Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. 🇺🇸 May we never forget their legacy.

05/21/2026

Scouts had an incredible opportunity to visit the local post office as part of the Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge! A huge thank you to Terri for taking the time to give us a behind-the-scenes tour and teach our Scouts about the important role the United States Postal Service plays in our communities every single day.

During our visit, Scouts learned how mail is processed and delivered, the importance of zip codes and sorting systems, and how the postal service connects people across the country. We also learned about the many career opportunities available through the post office and why postal workers are essential in serving the public, especially in rural communities.

The Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge helps Scouts better understand how our country functions, the services that support our communities, and the responsibilities of good citizenship. Learning firsthand about the postal service showed Scouts how our Nation helps keep America connected.

Thank you again, Terri, for an educational and engaging experience our Scouts will remember!