Scouts BSA Troop 717

03/09/2026

Thank you to all who supported the Scouts at their Spaghetti dinner tonight. We appreciate your support. Special thanks to the WSSFD!

03/03/2026

Don’t walk, RUN to sign up your youth leaders for the Spring NYLT at Durland Scout Reservation.

NYLT transforms good Scouts into great leaders. Participants learn how to lead teams, communicate effectively, plan with purpose, and bring vision back to their unit.

This is how you strengthen your PLC.
This is how you grow stronger youth-led troops.
This is how you build the next generation of leaders.

Weekend 1: March 27–29
Weekend 2: April 10–12

Every strong unit has NYLT-trained youth. Make sure yours does too.

Register Here: https://mycouncil.ghvscouting.org/Event/9174

Registration Deadline is March 6th.

Questions, reach out to Spring NYLT Scoutmaster, Jon Denfeld: [email protected]

03/03/2026

Our delicious Spaghetti Dinner is this Sunday, March 8th! Homemade meatballs & homemade desserts!
Stop by the WSS Fire Dept Hall for a wonderful sit in meal or grab dinner to go. 4-7pm
Thank you for supporting Scouting & assisting the youth of our troop to raise funds for summer camp! ⚜️

03/03/2026

Launch of the Liberty in Action: 250th Anniversary Challenge on March 2

Scouting America is proud to announce the official launch of the new Liberty in Action: 250th Anniversary Challenge, a special program celebrating the values, service, and civic spirit that define our nation and our Scouts.

This is an opportunity for all Scouts and their families in all programs.

Beginning Monday, March 2, Scouts across the country can earn the Liberty in Action 250th Challenge patch by participating in activities that highlight patriotism, community service, responsible citizenship, and an understanding of the principles that shape our democracy. The program empowers Scouts to connect with their communities, learn about the responsibilities of citizenship, and take meaningful action that reflects the ideals of liberty, leadership, and service.

The Liberty in Action 250th Anniversary Challenge gives Scouts a powerful way to deepen their understanding of what it means to contribute to their communities and country. This initiative encourages young people to translate our shared values into actions that make a real difference.

About the Liberty in Action Patch

The Liberty in Action patch can be earned by completing a set of age‑appropriate activities such as:

-- Participating in a community service project
-- Learning about local, state, or national government
-- Exploring historical landmarks or events connected to American liberty
-- Demonstrating good citizenship within their unit, school, or neighborhood

Councils and units may also organize special events throughout the year to support Scouts pursuing this recognition.

The launch of the Liberty in Action 250th Anniversary Challenge reinforces Scouting America’s commitment to preparing young people for lives of leadership, civic responsibility, and purpose. By engaging Scouts in hands‑on learning and service, the program helps cultivate the next generation of informed, active citizens.

More information, including the requirements, can be found here:

https://tinyurl.com/5b7w2a3j

Here is the information for Cub Scouts leaders to utilize the award in their program:

https://tinyurl.com/436jswbr

We will post the link to order the patch when available.

03/03/2026

03/03/2026

We are excited to announce that Competitive Gaming is now live in the Test Lab! Check out this new opportunity for Scouts!

https://www.scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/test-lab/competitive-gaming/

12/23/2025

12/23/2025

We’re excited to share the planned improvements to Scouts BSA merit badge requirements that will take effect on January 1, 2026. These updates will help Scouts explore modern career paths and hobbies, develop practical skills, and engage with current topics while maintaining the quality and tradit...

12/23/2025

January 19, 2026 will be an important moment for Scouts across the country as they participate in the Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service. This day invites every American to step forward and strengthen their communities through meaningful volunteer work, and Scouts will be ready to lead by example.

Across Scouting America, units are planning service projects that reflect the values Dr. King championed. Scouts will take part in community cleanups, support local shelters and food programs, assist service organizations, and look for thoughtful ways to lift up neighbors who need a hand. It will be a "Day On, Not a Day Off," and a chance for young people to show what service in action looks like.

Dr. King’s connection to Scouting began in his youth when he was a member of Troop 151 in Atlanta. His time in Scouting helped nurture a spirit of leadership and community responsibility that would later define his work for justice and equality.

As we look ahead to MLK Day 2026, we encourage every unit to plan a project that reflects the heart of Dr. King’s legacy. By serving with purpose, Scouts will honor his message and continue the work of building stronger and more caring communities.

The MLK Day of Service emblem is available here or in local Scouting America retail outlets:

https://www.scoutshop.org/martin-luther-king-day-of-service-emblem-663884.html

12/23/2025

The OA Alliance’s mission is to reintroduce previously active Arrowmen to the OA and re-engage them with their local Scouting council and lodge. By sharing stories, periodic communications, hosting reunion events, and other forms of engagement, the OA Alliance aims to be the spark that re-ignites Scouting memories in Arrowmen 21 or older whose dues have lapsed for two or more years.

Please visit their website for more information: https://oa-scouting.org/alliance

09/27/2025

New merit badge opportunities.

Scouting America’s merit badge program continues to expand, this time with the launch of two badges aimed at giving Scouts some of the skills needed to be successful in our constantly evolving digital world.

The Cybersecurity merit badge is designed to provide a comprehensive look at the world of digital security, equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of the online world.

The Artificial Intelligence merit badge introduces Scouts to the world of AI, including the ethical considerations that come with this advanced technology.