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What an incredible day at the first-ever Alpha Merit Badge University (AMBU) at Virginia State University (VSU)! A sincere thank you to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Virginia State University for partnering to host this outstanding event and investing in the future of Scouting. Because of your commitment and support, 116 Scouts had the opportunity to learn new skills, work toward merit badges, and engage with mentors and community leaders. See the photo album, and save the date for October 2nd, 2027!

Hello, Scouter!

October 16th, 2026

News You Can Use

🤔 We asked parents and leaders to tell us what questions they suggest Arrows of Light ask when visiting a potential Troop. What are your thoughts? [See the post]

Unit Renewal Is OPEN!

Here's What You Need to Know


Unit Renewal is officially OPEN, and important changes are underway! Scouting America is simplifying the renewal process by moving all units and members toward a common February renewal cycle, with this year's Unit Renewals extending through February 2028. All Unit Renewals must be submitted to Council by December 15, 2026, allowing time to identify and resolve any issues before the end of the year. Unit leaders and families are encouraged to visit our Unit & Membership Renewal page for updated instructions, timelines, FAQs, and helpful resources to make the process as smooth as possible.


[Visit the Unit & Membership Renewal page]

Basic Level Shooting Sports Training


To qualify to teach Rifle or Shotgun merit badge and to supervise Scouts on a pistol marksmanship range, you must be an NRA certified instructor for the firearm. A certificate showing completion of the basic course is required for registration for the instructor’s course. Additionally, a range safety officer is required to be present on the range as well. Required Basic Firearm Courses will be offered on the following dates:



  • Basic Pistol: October 31: Registration Closes 10/17
  • Women on Target: November 21: Nearly Full
  • Basic Rifle: December 5
  • Basic Shotgun: December 19


[Learn More & Register]

Nominations Are Open for the Silver Beaver Award


Do you know a volunteer who has made a huge impact in the lives of youth through their hard work, self-sacrifice, and years of dedicated service at the Council level? If so, you should nominate them for the Silver Beaver Award! Introduced in 1931, the Silver Beaver award is a BSA Council-level distinguished service award. We are proud to present this special award to deserving volunteers each year. Nominations are open for Class of 2026 recipients, and are due by December 1st!


[Make a Nomination]

[Volunteer Recognition Hub]

Cub Scouts

Registration is Open for the Lion & Tiger Rally

Saturday, November 7th

 

Get ready for a day of adventure at the Lion & Tiger Rally on Saturday, November 7th at Cub Adventure Camp! Families will enjoy activities designed especially for kindergarten and 1st grade Scouts, including archery, wrist rockets, fishing, BMX biking, crafts, and more. Registration is just $8 per participant and includes all activities and a commemorative patch, with cafeteria lunches available for $5. Older Scouts and siblings are welcome to join in the fun, so bring the whole family for an afternoon packed with excitement!

 

[Get Ready for Lion & Tiger Fun!]

Scouts BSA, Exploring, Venturing, & Sea Scouts

Jamboree on the Air / Internet

October 16th-18th



JOTA-JOTI, the world's largest digital and radio Scouting event, returns October 16-18, 2026. This incredible weekend gives Scouts and Scouters the opportunity to make new friends, explore different cultures, share ideas, and participate in exciting activities with participants from across the globe, all without leaving home. Registration is open!


[Register]


Did You Read the Courier?

Get these five stories and so much more by reading the Courier, our monthly newsletter! Scheduled for the last Friday of the month at noon, the Courier features all the news, special events, and useful information you need to get the most of your Scouting experience. [Read This Month's Courier]

"Some journeys take us far from home. Some adventures lead us to our destiny."


- C.S. Lewis, British writer, scholar and theologian, whose first edition of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" was released in London on this day in 1950.

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