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In 2027, the National Jewish Committee on Scouting is sponsoring a kosher, Shabbat-observant expedition in the Adirondacks in New York.  The Adirondacks are where untamed adventure, majestic wilderness, and a true challenge share the same horizon. The Adirondack Region boasts scenic mountains, lakes, valleys, and cliffs across six million protected acres, making it the largest natural area in the U.S. outside Alaska. 

The NJCOS High Adventure Committee is planning both a Canoe Trek and a High Peak Backpacking Trek. You can sign up for either or both! The 2027 treks have a very reasonable price of only $645 per person per trek (plus transportation costs to get to the Adirondacks). Click the title of this article for full details.

For full details, and to apply, please go to:

https://www.sar.org/arthur-m-berdena-king-eagle-scout-contest

You are invited to participate in the Sons of the American Revolution,  George Rogers Clark Chapter,  Eagle Scout Recognition and Scholarship Program. Applications are due to the local chapter by December 1. Any Eagle Scout, currently registered, who has not turned 19 by December 31, is eligible. The application consists of a two page application form, a four generation ancestor chart, and a 500 word essay with a patriotic theme. Specific requirements can be obtained from the link above. Please note that specific merit badges, American Heritage,  Genealogy, and Law earn scoring points in judging. They are not required to enter, but do impact final score in competition. All participants will receive a patch, chapter winners receive cash award and medal. Chapter winners advance to State completion, and State winner advances to National competition. State winners receive a trophy and cash award. National First Place winner – $10,000.00; Runner-up – $6,000.00; 2nd runner-up – $4,000.00.  You may apply more than one year if you meet the age requirements but no more than $10,000.00 total may be granted to any one Eagle Scout.

Silver Beaver and Outstanding Youth of the Year Award Nominations are due to the Council Office by November 30, 2026. Award recipients will be celebrated at our Council Annual Dinner on Saturday, January 30, 2027.Click the title of this article for full details and nomination forms.

Limits on the number of merit badges an individual may be a counselor for:  Scouting America’s Guide to Advancement states on page 42 in section 7.0.0.3 that “Ideally, Scouts should work with a variety of adults so that they can gain insights and learn from examples offered from a variety of perspectives and approaches to life.  Earning a large number of merit badges from a small number of counselors, or only from counselors known to the Scout, robs the Scout from the opportunity to learn and grow.”

In keeping with the spirit and intent of this paragraph it is the policy of the Tecumseh Council, Scouting America Advancement Committee that individuals will be approved to be counselors for no more than 25 merit badges.  The committee reserves the right to make extremely limited exceptions under extreme and limited circumstances.  All current merit badge counselor approved to council more than 25 merit badges will be asked to inform the advancement committee of their 25 merit badges they prefer to counsel by July 1, 2026.

The Military Family Fee Waiver will be effective June 1, 2026. Scouting America is committed to expanding access to Scouting for military-connected youth.

OVERVIEW

Scouting America is waiving the $85 national youth registration fee for eligible military families through a verification and code process during online registration.

Youth members only

New and renewing online registrations

funded nationally through philanthropic efforts

ELIGIBILITY

Youth in families with current service in:

Active Duty

Reserve

National Guard

FEE COVERAGE

$85 National Registration Fee – Waived

Reduced to $0 after verification and code application. Applies only to the national fee.

HOW IT WORKS

National fee reduced to $0

Select “Get Military Discount Code”

Complete verification process

Receive code

Enter code at checkout

National fee reduced to $0

ADDITIONAL COSTS

Local council, unit, optional add-on (e.g., Scout Life magazine), and processing fees may still apply.

What is a Digital Resource Guide?

A Digital Resource Guide supplements merit badge pamphlets by consolidating current and relevant learning resources in one place.

Designed to be accessible and self-paced, the guide uses videos and interactive elements to support independent and engage learning.

The guide offers practical tools and ideas to help leaders organize meetings and tailor instruction to varying knowledge levels.

This is a supplemental learning guide, NOT a replacement-tool. The guide supports traditional merit badge learning alongside a counselor by bridging printed materials with interactive, real-world applications.

Check it out here: https://www.scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/digital-resource-guides/