Important Scouting America Updates

June 11, 2025 | Greater LA Scouting, Scouting America

Celebrating Troop 851 on reaching 75 years of serving Scouts!

Founded in 1950 by the Garrett Corporation (now Honeywell), Troop 851 got its number from the company’s address at 9851 Sepulveda Blvd.

Originally based in Westchester, the troop moved to Torrance with the company and was proudly sponsored by Garrett and its successors for an incredible 60 years.

Now supported by the dedicated Parents of Troop 851, the troop continues to thrive, and over the years, more than 150 Scouts have earned the prestigious Eagle Scout rank through this remarkable program!

Here’s to 75 years of adventure, leadership, and community, and many more to come!

YPT is now SYT: Safeguarding Youth Training

Scouting America’s most important training has been updated with an entirely new look and feel, including a greater emphasis on the organization’s SAFE initiative, updated information on technology and the threat to youth online, and the use of real volunteers in real Scouting environments.

The training previously known as Youth Protection is now called Safeguarding Youth and is available immediately on my.Scouting.

Learn More

Merit Badge Program Goes Digital!

Scouts BSA has officially launched a groundbreaking digital transformation of its merit badge program, making it easier than ever for Scouts, leaders, and parents to access essential resources.

All merit badge pamphlets are now available for free as downloadable PDFs on the Scouting.org merit badge site. This change ensures equal access to materials, particularly for Scouts in rural and remote areas, while printed pamphlets will continue to be offered through Scout Shops.

What’s New?

Exciting new merit badges are on the way! An AI Merit Badge is set to launch next month, introducing Scouts to topics like artificial intelligence, automation, ethics, deepfakes, and related career paths. It will be supported by “Scoutly,” a custom AI chatbot designed to assist Scouts with badge requirements, set for full release by August 1st.

Also on the horizon is a Cybersecurity Merit Badge, expected later this summer, along with new interactive digital resource guides that include videos and hands-on content.

Stay updated and explore the new digital merit badge experience at Scouting.org.

Summer Camp Season Starts in Just 3 Days and 20 Hours!

The countdown is on, and the adventure of a lifetime is almost here! Get ready for a summer packed with campfires, archery, swimming, hiking, friendship, and unforgettable Scouting moments. Whether you're conquering the climbing wall, learning new skills, or just enjoying the great outdoors, this is the summer you've been waiting for.

Scouting adventures are calling, don’t miss out! Let’s make this the best summer yet!

Campership Application

2025 Business Leaders’ Breakfast

Wednesday, June 25 | 7:00–9:00 AM

The Jonathan Club | Downtown Los Angeles

Join us for an inspiring morning alongside more than 200 of Los Angeles’ leading business, civic, and philanthropic figures at the 2025 Business Leaders’ Breakfast.

The program will feature a special fireside chat moderated by Craig S. Meyer, President of JLL Industrial Americas, offering valuable insight into the logistics and real estate sectors shaping LA’s economic future.

Serving as emcee for the morning is Maria S. Salinas, President & CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and proud mother of Eagle Scouts. With her extensive background in leadership and workforce development, Maria will guide the program with perspective and purpose.

This year, we are proud to recognize Charlie P. Smith, Senior Managing Director at JLL, for over 25 years of outstanding leadership in real estate and his lasting impact on the Los Angeles community.

The Business Leaders’ Breakfast is more than a gathering, it’s a celebration of leadership, vision, and the values that drive Scouting’s mission to prepare the next generation.

For questions, contact: Development@GreaterLAscouting.org or 213.718.7167

Learn More

Tickets & Sponsorships

Proud Then, Proud Now,

Proud Always

From your days exploring with the Hawthorne Police Department, Explorer Silva, you showed dedication, discipline, and a drive to serve. Those qualities have taken you even further, as you now serve in the U.S. Air Force.

Your journey from Explorer to Airman is a true inspiration. You answered a higher call, and your courage and commitment continue to make us proud.

Your Hawthorne PD Exploring family and your Greater LA Scouting family will always be here for you. Thank you for your service. You make us proud today and every day.

Level Up Your Fundraising Game at the Popcorn Kickoff!

Super Mario Style Power-Ups, Prizes, and Popcorn Plans!

Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Cushman Watt Scout Center

It’s time to hit the start button on this year’s Popcorn Fundraising Campaign—and we’re kicking things off in true Super Mario style!

Join us on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Cushman Watt Scout Center for a Popcorn Kickoff event designed just for our awesome adult leaders. This fun and informative morning will equip you with everything you need to know for a successful popcorn season.

We’ll unveil this year’s campaign strategy, share valuable fundraising tools, and give you a chance to ask your questions directly to Jared, our Trails End Representative, who’ll be presenting live.

While you’re powering up your popcorn knowledge, the kids will party on their own Game Bus Adventure—so bring the whole crew!

BONUS LEVEL UNLOCKED: All attendees will be entered into a special opportunity drawing to win 2 tickets to Universal Studios!

Don’t miss this chance to connect with fellow leaders, gather great ideas, and get pumped for the fundraising season ahead.

Learn More

Give Today

Support Scouting – 2025 Friends of Scouting Campaign

Have you made your Friends of Scouting contribution? Has your unit scheduled a presentation? Contact your Unit Coordinator today!

Your support helps fund camps, training, and programs that directly impact youth across our council.

Need more information?

Access the Friends of Scouting Toolkit on your district website pages for resources, presentation materials, and campaign updates.

Let’s work together to strengthen Scouting for the next generation.

Make your 2025 contribution today, and thank you for shaping the future of Scouting!

Become a Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor!

Outdoor Ethics—and the Leave No Trace program in particular—are foundational to the Scouting experience. Now, you have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and make a lasting impact!

Join us for a two-day Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course at Camp Trask, where you'll learn essential skills, ethics, and techniques for teaching others about low-impact outdoor practices. Upon completion, participants will be qualified to lead Leave No Trace Skills Courses and Workshops for their units and beyond.

Date & Time:

Starts Saturday, June 21 at 9:00 AM
Ends Sunday, June 22 at 4:00 PM

(Full attendance is required)

Open to adult leaders only

Dinner is provided on Saturday evening

Take your Outdoor Ethics knowledge to the next level and help preserve the wild places we all love!

Cabrillo’s Innovation Outpost – A Summer Adventure for Kids!

Looking for the perfect summer day camp? Cabrillo’s Innovation Outpost is packed with fun and discovery science experiments, archery, creative art, and swimming, all in one place!

Open to kids ages 5–10—no Scouting experience needed, just a sense of adventure!

Camp Dates: