National Updates

Scout Sunday Unit Event Template. As Scouts prepare to take part in the annual Scout Sunday tradition, help them communicate some of the basics of what Scouting is all about with their congregations. This simple Scout Sunday template, available in the Scouting America Brand Center, can be used and modified to help Scout units provide their houses of worship with a simple, on-brand, ready-to-use presentation that can be provided to the audio-visual team and shared in connection with the Scout Sunday service.

Venturing Award Update. The Venturing Range and Target Activities Outstanding Achievement Award (formerly known as the Shooting Sports Outstanding Achievement Award) now has the updated requirements and application available here on the Venturing website under the specialty awards tab.

Unified Scouts BSA Handbook. An updated 14th edition of the Scouts BSA Handbook is now available which combines the boys’ and girls’ handbooks into a single resource. This does not replace current Handbooks. Find a copy at your local Scout Shop or here.

American Indian Culture Merit Badge. On Monday, January 12, the Scouting America Indian Lore merit badge officially became the American Indian Culture merit badge, a name and badge design change that reflects our commitment to honoring the rich heritage of Native American histories and cultures. The curriculum and requirements included in the merit badge pamphlet remain unchanged and continue to offer valuable information for Scouts.

Special Eagle Scout Certificate Available. To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and in recognition of our partnership with America250, Scouting America will present all Eagle Scouts who earn the rank in 2026 with a special commemorative Eagle Scout certificate. This limited-edition certificate will be available only to Scouts who achieve the Eagle rank during the 2026 calendar year. The special certificate will be issued automatically beginning February 1, 2026. No special request is required; it will replace the standard Eagle certificate for all 2026 recipients. Scouts who earned the Eagle rank in January 2026 may request a reprint through their local council by following the current process for complimentary reprints guidelines.

Scouting U National Volunteer Training Conference. Registration is live for the Scouting U National Volunteer Training Conference, March 26-28, in Nashville. Any Scouter in a training role, or interested in the importance of training, is invited to attend. Find more here and register here.