Southern Star District

07/24/2026

Don't give up on Scouting just because life becomes busy.

There will be seasons when work, school, family, or personal struggles demand more of your time. That's normal. But don't let a busy season become a permanent goodbye.

Scouting is more than a uniform you wear or meetings you attend. It's a community that shaped your character, taught you to serve, and showed you that leadership is putting others before yourself.

Even if you need to step back for a while, don't walk away completely. Stay connected. Come back when you can. Encourage younger Scouts. Serve whenever life allows.

Scouting doesn't ask for perfection—it asks for commitment. One day, someone will need the experience, wisdom, and example that only you can give.

So don't abandon Scouting. The movement that helped shape your life still has a place for you, and your journey of service doesn't have to end just because life gets busy.

07/24/2026

07/22/2026

⚜️ We’re excited to announce the launch of two new merit badges: Competitive Gaming and Wildland Fire Management!

These engaging new additions give Scouts the opportunity to explore two very different—but increasingly relevant—fields, from esports and digital citizenship to wildfire science and environmental conservation.

🎮 The Competitive Gaming merit badge introduces Scouts to one of the fastest-growing industries in the world—esports and modern gaming—while reinforcing the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law in digital spaces. This badge blends fun, education, personal growth, and real-world career exploration, empowering Scouts to become responsible digital citizens and informed participants in today’s gaming culture.

🔥 The Wildland Fire Management merit badge provides Scouts with an immersive introduction to wildfire science, prevention, modern firefighting strategies, and the important role fire plays in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

This badge is especially relevant for Scouts interested in conservation, environmental science, and outdoor leadership. It also introduces potential career paths in wildland fire management and firefighting—fields that require knowledge, courage, teamwork, and leadership.

🔗 Learn more about the Competitive Gaming merit badge:
https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/competitive-gaming/

🔗 Learn more about the Wildland Fire Management merit badge:
https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/wildland-fire-management/

07/16/2026

07/16/2026

Many of you have probably seen the news that Scouting America's Northern Tier High Adventure Base in Ely has been evacuated because of the wildfires in northeastern Minnesota. Thankfully, everyone is safe, and crews are being brought out of the Boundary Waters as a precaution.

The Northern Lights Council has opened Camp Wilderness to nearly 400 displaced Scouts and Scouters through at least the end of this week. We'll be providing meals and lodging, in addition to facilitating a canoe outing on the Mississippi River while they wait for what's next. Northern Tier is already dealing with the challenges and unexpected costs that come with an evacuation. We wanted to help by providing a place for everyone to stay without adding to that burden.

Of course, feeding, housing, and supporting nearly 400 people for several days comes with a significant cost for Camp Wilderness. We expect those expenses to be between $10,000 and $15,000 each day. If you'd like to help offset those costs, you can donate here: https://donations.scouting.org/council/429/appeal/9259

This is our regular giving page, but gifts made at this time will help offset the costs of hosting these Scouts and Scouters during this unexpected situation. If you'd like your donation to support this effort specifically, please enter "Camp Wilderness" in the notes section. Thank you for your generosity, your support of Scouting, and for keeping everyone affected by the wildfires in your thoughts.

Info from Northern Tier: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1F56TTvY9k/?mibextid=wwXIfr

07/10/2026

Stay up to date on the future of Scouting America's technology tools.

Scouting America's Technology Group is hosting two live Technology Update webinars to introduce Scoutconnect and discuss what's changing this fall.

Scoutconnect is the new technology initiative that will bring updates to BeAScout, Online Registration, and eventually My.Scouting and Scoutbook+.

Join one of these free sessions to learn what's new, what to expect, and how these updates will support volunteers and Scouting units.

Monday, July 20 | 7:00 PM Central :

26c086d9-aa47-4848-be84-3ccb95d78a9a@fd9008a0-7846-4989-a4c5-77cfad3f7e4e" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/26c086d9-aa47-4848-be84-3ccb95d78a9a@fd9008a0-7846-4989-a4c5-77cfad3f7e4e

Thursday, August 13 | 7:00 PM Central :

eb61f82c-f9eb-4d33-b991-30e1a261728e@fd9008a0-7846-4989-a4c5-77cfad3f7e4e" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/eb61f82c-f9eb-4d33-b991-30e1a261728e@fd9008a0-7846-4989-a4c5-77cfad3f7e4e

We encourage all Scouting volunteers to attend and learn about the next generation of Scouting America's technology tools.

07/09/2026

🍂 Get Ready for Fall Recruitment Success! 🚀

Join us for the 2026 National Scouts BSA Fall Membership Kickoff Webinar!

Fall is a great opportunity to welcome new Scouts into the program. While crossover from Arrow of Light Scouts is an important part of building strong troops, let’s not forget about reaching middle schoolers and older youth who have never experienced Scouting.

This live webinar will share proven strategies, creative ideas, and practical resources to help your unit connect with new families and make your fall recruitment efforts a success.

📅 Wednesday, July 22, 2026
⏰ 8 PM ET | 7 PM CT | 6 PM MT | 5 PM PT
💻 Zoom Webinar

Whether you’re a volunteer or staff member, this is a great chance to gather ideas and prepare your troop for a strong fall season.

Let’s help more families discover the adventure, leadership, and friendships that Scouting provides!

Register here:

https://scouting-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ser5MsuBQxiRx62pTai9Bg #/registration

A recording will be made available on this page several days after the event.