Making an IMPACT!

February 11, 2026 | Greater LA Scouting, Scouting America

2025 Was One for the Books at Greater Los Angeles Scouting!

What an incredible year of growth, service, and achievement! In 2025, Greater Los Angeles Scouting proudly served 11,334 youth and 4,229 dedicated adults, launched 18 new units, and supported 808 Explorers across our council.

Our Scouts earned an impressive 15,369 merit badges, celebrated 390 new Eagle Scouts, and gave back in a big way—logging an outstanding 73,353 hours of community service.

We can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together in 2026. The adventure continues!

Meet the New Council President & Chairman of the Board

Congratulations to our new Council President and Chairman of the Board, Mr. Mike Birkholm, who was recently installed to serve the Greater Los Angeles Area Council.

Mr. Birkholm is President & CEO of Birkholm Direct and brings 48 years of experience in Direct Response Marketing, serving a variety of business-to-business and business-to-consumer commercial organizations as well as nonprofit organizations in raising critical funding in support of mission-driven programs and elevating their community impact. His Scouting journey began as a youth in Cub Scouts (Pack 548), where he earned the Arrow of Light, and continued in Boy Scouts (Troop 17). During his time in Scouting, he served as a Den Leader and Senior Patrol Leader and achieved the rank of Star Scout.

Mr. Birkholm’s adult service to Scouting spans 39 years. His involvement with the Greater Los Angeles Area Council began in 1987, and he was first elected to the Council Board of Directors in 1992. Over the years, he has held numerous leadership roles, including Council Commissioner (2003), Vice President of Development, Scout-O-Rama Chair, Field Support Campaign Chair, Chairman of the Nominating & Board Affairs Committee, and Chair of our Corporate Relations Committee, now known as the Business Leaders’ Breakfast Committee. He has also served on key committees, including Finance, Marketing & Communications, Long Range Planning, and Special Events. During his tenure as Council Commissioner, the Council received Quality Council Recognition from the National Council.

In recognition of his outstanding service, Mr. Birkholm has received the Silver Beaver Award, the St. George Emblem, and was named Greater Los Angeles Scouting Alumnus of the Year. Additional significant honors include the Cliff Dochterman Award and the Silver Wheel Award from the International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians.

We are grateful for Mr. Birkholm’s lifelong dedication to Scouting and his continued leadership in service to the Greater Los Angeles Area Council.

Meet our New Council Commissioner for

Greater Los Angeles Scouting

Please join us in welcoming Mr. Steve Salyards as the Council Commissioner for Greater Los Angeles Scouting.

Steve is a semi-retired geologist who spent 27 years at UCLA as a researcher, instructor, and educational computing specialist, and he continues to teach online courses part-time for Hope International University. A lifelong supporter of Scouting, Steve earned the rank of Eagle Scout in western New York, served as Order of the Arrow Lodge Chief, received the Vigil Honor, and worked multiple summers on camp staff in ecology and conservation.

Since moving to California, Steve has served Greater Los Angeles Scouting in numerous volunteer leadership roles, including Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Associate Crew Advisor, Unit Commissioner, Eagle Advancement Chair, Advancement Chair, and Camping Chair. He has also held several key advisory roles within the Order of the Arrow at the lodge and section levels.

With a strong passion for outdoor adventure, Steve has participated in multiple Philmont treks, Sierra backpacking trips, and served as lead advisor for crews to Northern Tier and Sea Base Bahamas. He is deeply committed to helping youth grow through challenge, adventure, and meaningful outdoor experiences.

Congratulations to Steve on his appointment. We are excited for him to join us in this role and to continue strengthening Scouting across Greater Los Angeles.

Where Are They Now?

Explorer Post 867 Edition

Let’s take it back to 2016 with this #Flashback of Hawthorne PD Explorer Post 867! 👮‍♂️✨

What started as leadership training, service, and hands-on law enforcement experience has grown into incredible accomplishments. Today, two of these former Explorers are serving as police officers with Hawthorne PD, one is proudly serving in the U.S. Air Force, one is serving in the U.S. Army, and one is pursuing his doctorate!

Explorer Post 867 continues to shape future leaders, and we couldn’t be prouder of the dedication, service, and success of these outstanding young adults. The future is bright—and it started right here.

Office Closure Notice

Please note that the Cushman Watt Scout Center and the Los Angeles Scout Shop will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents' Day.

Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

We appreciate your understanding and wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Relive the 2026 Council Annual Dinner!

Celebrate the memories and milestones from an unforgettable evening. Explore videos honoring our Class of 2025 Silver Beaver recipients, browse the digital Program Book featuring our honorees’ bios, and view the inspiring slide deck recognizing the Class of 2025 Eagle Scouts.

Don’t forget to check out the full photo album capturing the highlights, smiles, and special moments from the night.

Relive the Evening

Get ready for an action-packed weekend of adventure and fun at Cub Rocket Academy! This exciting event is perfect for the whole family, including siblings. On Saturday, kids will rotate through a variety of hands-on activities and end the day with a movie under the stars. Don’t forget your camp chair to relax and enjoy the rocket launches! Be sure to register early, as this popular event sells out every year.

Build your own model rocket at home and launch it at Firestone Scout Reservation, while enjoying quality time camping with family in the great outdoors.

Event Details:

Friday, March 27, 2026, 4:00 PM – Sunday, March 29, 2026, 10:00 AM
Firestone Scout Reservation – 19001 Tonner Canyon Rd, Brea, CA 92821

Rocket Academy is one of the highlights of Cub Scouting. Come create memories that will last a lifetime!

Winter Camp Adventures at Hubert Eaton Scout Reservation

January - March 2026

Scouts BSA Winter Camp

Scouts BSA can gear up for an immersive winter adventure focused on skill-building, leadership, and personal growth. Participants will enjoy a wide range of winter activities and have the opportunity to earn a merit badge, guided by experienced staff who emphasize safety and teamwork. Campfire evenings with songs, stories, and hot cocoa round out an unforgettable experience.

Note: No siblings are permitted during Scouts BSA weekends. All youth must be registered troop members.

Scout BSA Winter Camp - February 13-16, 2026 (Registration closes TODAY)

Scout BSA Winter Camp - February 20-22, 2026

Cub Scout Winter Camp

Cub Scouts are invited to experience the magic of winter at Hubert Eaton Scout Reservation. This fun-filled camp blends outdoor adventure, learning, and friendship with winter-themed activities, games, and challenges that encourage teamwork and exploration. Scouts will learn about wildlife in winter, conservation, and the joys of the outdoors. Evenings bring cozy campfires, hot cocoa, storytelling, and stargazing—perfect for making lasting memories.

Note: Siblings attending Cub Scout weekends must be age 5 and up.

Cub Scout Winter Camp - February 27- March 1, 2026

Bundle up and join us for a winter full of adventure, learning, and Scouting spirit at Hubert Eaton Scout Reservation.

The Time Has Come to Join the Scout Card Fundraiser!

Scout Cards are discount cards packed with local deals and savings at popular businesses, making them an easy sell and a great value for supporters.

Scouts sell each card for $10 and keep $5 from every card sold to help pay for camp fees, registration, and other Scouting activities. It’s a simple and effective fundraiser that teaches Scouts responsibility, goal setting, and confidence while supporting their Scouting adventures.

The Scout Cards are here and ready to go—and we can’t wait to get them into your hands so you can start selling today! Place your order now and get started right away!

⚠️ Please note: There are no returns on Scout Cards. Order only the quantity your unit can confidently sell.

Learn More and Place Your Order Today

Calling all Bears, Webelos, and Arrow of Light Scouts!

Set your course for adventure at Camp Cherry Valley and join us for Cub Resident Camp: Treasure Island Adventure. Pick your session, pack your sea chest, grab your map, and get ready for a journey you’ll remember forever! This year’s Cub Scout Adventure Camp transforms Scouts and their leaders into daring Buccaneers as they sail through four unforgettable days filled with fun, friendship, and the treasures of Scouting.

Registration is encouraged at the pack level to maintain two-deep leadership in accordance with national standards. Individual registrations are welcome; however, every Cub Scout must attend with an adult. If you are not attending with your Scout, please ensure your unit leader adds them to the pack’s reservation.

Requirements

Cub rank is effective as of September 1, 2026
No youth may attend without an adult
To ensure the best experience for Bears, Webelos, and AOLs, siblings are not permitted

Fees include the boat ride, camp patch, and everything needed for a four-day, three-night adventure—plus tons of FUN!

$365 per Adult
$430 per Cub Scout

Activities include: Outdoor cooking, nature exploration, building a treasure chest, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, BBs, archery, handicrafts, skill-building, and much more!

Don’t miss the chance to uncover adventure, make memories, and discover the true treasures of Scouting at Camp Cherry Valley!

It's Never Too Early to Plan Your Summer 2026 Adventure!

Join Us at Hubert Eaton Scout Reservation

Fuel the Adventure: Supporting Scouting in 2026

Your support today builds tomorrow’s leaders. As we kick off our 2026 fundraising campaign, we invite you to invest in the future of Scouting. Your support helps provide life-changing programs that build character, leadership, and confidence in youth across our community. From outdoor adventures and hands-on learning to mentorship and service, every gift ensures that Scouting remains accessible, safe, and impactful for the next generation.

Join us as we launch 2026 with purpose. Together, we can empower youth, strengthen families, and continue the traditions that shape tomorrow’s leaders.

Donate Now