As of September 1, there were several policy changes regarding how Scouts can participate in Range and Target Activities (formerly called Shooting Sports) within the Scouting program. It is important to review the changes to be sure your unit is following the new policies. 

While there are limited changes at the Cub Scout level, unit leaders in Troops, Crews, Ships, and Posts should review the changes before your next range activity is planned. 

Scouting for Food is one of nation’s largest food drives that Cub Scouts, Scouts, and Venturers participate in to support their local food pantries and hunger-relief agencies. The Scouts of the Cradle of Liberty Council have continuously exceeded expectations and helped fulfil the need.

ONE IMPORTANT NOTE – everyone is being asked to report lbs of food collected this year (so you do NOT need to count # items for reporting to COL). This should help in cases where the beneficiaries are asking for weights – we won’t need to count the number of items.  If you end up not weighing items but relying on item counts instead, please use 1 item = 1.5 lbs as the conversion factor.

AND – we need EVERY UNIT to report out their donation total weights after pickup on the 16th. This will be used to determine how many door hangers each district gets, so 100% reporting is the only way to ensure that we get enough door hangers next year.

Thanks for championing this volunteering effort! The local community depends upon Scouting for Food, and it’s such a great opportunity for us to help out our communities. THANK YOU!!!



FOOD PICK-UP: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2024

Register and join us for the 113th Pilgrimage and Encampment - help at Fort Washington State Park March 7-9!

Troops, Crews, and Ships interested in camping can attend all weekend, and Scouts of any age are welcome to attend for the day event, named the Pilgrimage, on March 8!

Registration in now LIVE - so click below to learn more and register your unit for this exciting historical event!

Effective August 1, 2024, the Cub Scout camping policies will be updated in the Guide to Safe Scouting. These changes were made to reflect the program updates that occurred on June 1, 2024. These changes include:

• Separation of policies for Webelos dens versus Arrow of Light den/patrols.
• Updated policies for Webelos den level camping.
• For example, Webelos cannot attend camporees as day visitors or camp overnight with a Scouts BSA troop. But can absolutely still camp as a den following youth protection, GTSS policies, BALOO etc.
• Updated policies for Arrow of Light den/patrol camping.
• For example, Arrow of Light den/patrols may now camp overnight at a camporee, and not just attend as day visitors.

These camping policy changes do not reflect any changes to the Barriers to Abuse or other youth protection policies indicated in the Guide to Safe Scouting. Please review these policy updates and share with Cub Scout leadership in your council. These policy updates will be included in the forthcoming updated BALOO training syllabus.

Your unit will be recognized as best in class in one or more of the five categories by taking the actions listed during this calendar year. The criteria are based on best practices and help ensure that we’re working together to foster safe, positive experiences for our members. The more bells you ring, the more recognition your unit receives!

Units will be recognized for 2024 success at the Council Annual Dinner in April 2025.

Want to Enhance Your Leadership Skills?

Join us Feb 21-23 & March 8-9, 2025 for a fun, exciting, and action packed program! Wood badge is designed to provide members with leadership skills and experiences they can use in Scouting, business, and life. The course teaches the best in modern leadership theories in the context of traditional Scouting activities.

We are partnering with Washington Crossing Council, and this course will be hosted at Camp Ockanickon.

Are you planning now for next summer? Looking for a summer camp that offers exciting program in addition to nearly 70 merit badges?

Registration for 2025 Scouts BSA Resident Camp at Resica Falls is LIVE - Sign-up now to take advantage of our early bird rates and join us for all of the adventure ahead next summer!

Looking for FUN and learning for your kids this summer? Your kids are guaranteed to have fun with our hands-on STEM experiments, nature exploration, recreation, and more! We have something for everyone with six fun-filled themed weeks. Choose to come for just one or stay for all six! 

Registration for 2025 STEM Day Camp at Camp Garrison is LIVE - Sign-up now to take advantage of our best rates and join us for all of the adventure ahead next summer!

The next National Jamboree will take place from July 22-31, 2026 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. The theme for the 2026 National Jamboree is "Elevate." This theme is focused on preparing Scouts for a life of purpose and impact as they participate in the once-in-a-lifetime experience of the Jamboree.

We plan to send six troops as part of the COL contingent, with the price being $2,300 per person. We are now accepting interest forms from both Scouts and leaders interested in attending as part of the council contingent.

Beginning September 1, there are several policy changes regarding how Scouts can participate in Range and Target Activities (formerly called Shooting Sports) within the Scouting program. It is important to review the changes to be sure your unit is following the new policies.

While there are limited changes at the Cub Scout level, unit leaders in Troops, Crews, Ships, and Posts should review the changes before your next shooting sports activity is planned.

The Cradle of Liberty Council is excited to announce the start of a new program at Musser Scout Reservation - the Outdoor Adventure Lab!

The Outdoor Adventure Lab is a subsidiary of the council with the goal of harnessing the benefits of the outdoor education to provide programs such as field trips, weekend programs, and STEM Adventure Day Camp that allow youth and adults to develop character, leadership, and confidence.

We have two beautiful camp properties for your unit to use throughout the year! Stay at camp for a weekend and enjoy the beauty of Resica or Musser in every season! Rent a cabin or campsite, go for a hike, enjoy some fishing, or teach Scout Skills - our camps are a great place for all of it!

The COL STEM/Nova Committee is happy to offer monthly Nova Award programming for both Cub and Scouts. These awards are great opportunities for scouts to explore STEM within the scouting program.

The cost for each Nova Award session is $10 per scout and all of the requirements will be completed during these sessions, except for the Merit Badge requirement for Scouts BSA.

We are fortunate to have two beautiful Scout Reservations, and we need your help to keep them maintained and ready to welcome Scouts! Both Resica Falls and Musser have work days scheduled this Winter and Spring, and we'd love to have you join us! If you are helping for the day Saturday, ask about how to get a campsite for free that weekend!

To help at Musser, contact Ranger Lynn

To help at Resica Falls, contact Ranger Nick McKee

Looking for a way to help us make improvements at Musser Scout Reservation? Want to find a project that your unit can work on together that you and others can enjoy?

Consider joining the Adopt-a-Cabin/Campsite program at Musser! Units who adopt a cabin or campsite help us to revitalize camp, and get free camping weekends as a thanks for their service.

To learn more and get involved, contact Ranger Lynn

The Jewish Committee on Scouting is proud to share about their upcoming programs and financial aid opportunities for 2024. There are several opportunities for Jewish Scouts to participate in excellent religious programs such as Kinnus, religious awards, and many financial aid opportunities.

Learn more about the Jewish Committee and these programs here.

Conservation and the Boy Scouts of America have been partners for a long time. The fundamental purpose of the BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Awards program is to encourage learning by the participants and to increase public awareness about natural resource conservation. Understanding and practicing sound stewardship of natural resources and environmental protection strengthens Scouting’s emphasis on respecting the outdoors.

Learn more about the Distinguished Conservation Award

Training opportunities abound this Summer and Fall! Whether you are looking for position-specific training, outdoor skills training, shooting sports training, or others, we have the courses to help you provide a great experience for your Scouts!

Interested in getting trained in range and target activities (formerly called shooting sports) disciplines so you can provide a safe and fun program for Scouts? Learn more about the many range and target activities trainings we are offering!