Recruitment Season is HERE!

August 13, 2025 | Greater LA Scouting, Scouting America

Camp Cherry Valley Returns in Summer 2026

After more than 100 years of shaping young lives through outdoor adventure, Camp Cherry Valley is making a big comeback in summer 2026! Thanks to an incredible restoration led by the Pacific Treasure Foundation, our beloved Catalina Island camp will be ready to welcome a whole new group of Scouts next summer.

We’ll be hosting eight weeks of Scout and Cub Scout resident camp from late May to mid-August 2026.

We can’t wait to welcome you back to the island next summer!

Join us in 2026

Back-to-Back Champions!

Explorers from Post 580 CHP West Valley Area traveled to San Diego last month to compete against 31 other explorer posts from across the state at the 2025 SoCal Explorer Competition. They were also there to defend their 2024 title, and what do you know—they once again placed 1st place team overall, securing their title for 2025!

Not only were they the first-place team overall, but they placed 1st in five scenarios, 2nd in three scenarios, and 3rd in one scenario. We are very proud of Post 580 and what they were able to accomplish. Shout out to the CHP Border Division for hosting another fun and very challenging competition for our explorers.

Interested in learning more about the Exploring program and how you can get involved? Click here to start your own journey!

Skip the Wait, Pre-Order Your Next Scout Shop Order

Are you the lucky one who gets to visit our Scout Shops with your unit’s advancement orders? Make it easy on yourself—send us your order in advance, and we’ll have it ready for quick pickup when you arrive!

Arcadia Scout Shop – Arcadia.shop@greaterlascouting.org

Los Angeles Scout Shop – lilly.armas@scouting.org

We look forward to making your next visit fast, easy, and stress-free!

The New School Year Means It’s Recruitment Time!

Is your unit ready for a successful recruitment season? If not, we’ve got you covered! Explore all the resources available to help you shine and place your order for your pack or troop today:

greaterlascouting.org/recruitment-materials-order-page

Your District Executive can get you the materials you need, and don’t forget to submit your geofence requests to promote your upcoming recruitment events through targeted social media ads.

We’re here to support you—happy recruiting!

Learn More

Online Registration & Renewal Training Happening This Week!

Online Registration & Renewal Training for Unit Key-3, New Member Coordinators, and membership teams. Learn how to manage leads, approve applications, update your BeAScout pin, and handle renewals in My.Scouting.

Sessions:

Thursday, August 14 – 8:00 PM
Sunday, August 17 – 5:00 PM
Both sessions last about an hour—register now and get ready for renewal season

STEM Takes Flight at Trask

Sunday, August 24 from 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Join us for a full day of hands-on discovery where Scouts will explore composite materials, aviation, and space technology, then design, build, and launch rockets to earn their STEM Shoot! Award.

What to Know:

Interactive STEM workshops
Rocket launching
Limited to 90 Scouts — no waitlist!
Carpooling is encouraged (limited parking near the rocket range)
Arrive 15 minutes early to complete badge work

This is where innovation meets imagination. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it. Register now and get ready to blast off!

Build Character Program: Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders

Monday, August 25, 2025, at 7 PM

Ready to shape your future? Don’t miss the next Build Character Program session featuring Mike Birkholm on the topic: “Being a Team Leader,” an essential skill for success in any career or life pursuit.

The Build Character Program is a monthly, one-hour virtual session, held on the last Monday of each month via Microsoft Teams, designed to equip youth with real-world leadership tools and life skills.

Topics rotate monthly and include:

Time Management
Money Management
Landing Your First Job
Workplace Success
Self-Expression

Open to Explorers, Venturers, and Scouts ages 14 and up, this program helps participants grow in confidence, gain practical skills, and prepare for meaningful careers, not just jobs.

Jungle Expedition: Secrets of Lost Camp Pepperdine

October 10-12, 2025, at Hubert Eaton Scout Reservation

Long ago, Camp Pepperdine thrived with spirit, its towering totems and proud Jungle Expedition Banner standing as symbols of adventure. Then, on one stormy night beneath a blood-red moon, it vanished into legend. Now, the call has gone out for Scouts like you to step into the story, retrace the lost trails, uncover hidden clues, and solve one of Scouting’s most thrilling mysteries.

This weekend-long adventure at Big Horn focuses on earning merit badges, building skills, and enjoying delicious meals prepared for Scouts and leaders. As the sun sets on Saturday, you’ll venture into the shadowed outskirts of Pepperdine on a haunted night hike, where the whispers in the trees grow louder… and the mystery awaits.

Save 10% on Matching Uniform Bottoms!

Purchase a uniform top and get 10% off matching bottoms—available at both the Arcadia and Los Angeles Scout Shops. Hurry, offer ends December 31, 2025!

Scout Shop Information

Celebrate Leadership and Character at the Good Character Gala

Join Greater LA Scouting for an inspiring evening at the Good Character Gala, where we honor individuals who embody the values of the Scout Oath and Law—courage, service, and community commitment.

This year, we are proud to recognize Chief Jim McDonnell with the Good Character Award for his 40+ years of distinguished service in law enforcement and his leadership in strengthening community trust and safety across Los Angeles.

Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to our mission, your participation helps ensure all youth have access to the life-changing experiences Scouting provides.

Interested in sponsoring the event?

Email development@greaterlascouting.org or call 213-718-7167 to learn more.

Let’s come together to build a stronger future, one Scout at a time.

Tickets & Sponsorships

Nominate a Scouting Alumnus Who Inspires!

The Greater Los Angeles Scouting is now accepting nominations for the Council Alumnus of the Year Award, the highest honor given by the Scouting Alumni Association at the local level.

This award recognizes former Scouts or Scouters who have used the values and skills gained through Scouting to make a lasting impact in their career, community, and continued promotion of Scouting. It’s not just about volunteer service; it honors those who inspire others and help keep the spirit of Scouting alive across generations.

Nominees should demonstrate excellence in at least one of the following:

Distinguished achievement in their profession or field
Meaningful community service, including support of Scouting or other organizations
Ongoing support and promotion of Scouting alumni efforts

Submission Deadline: Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

Alumni of the Year Requirements

Learn More

Give Today

Campfire Memories Start with Friends of Scouting

Make your Friends of Scouting gift today to fund camperships, leadership training, and life-changing programs all year long that build character and confidence.

Give today to keep the adventure going.

Make a difference with a gift of $25, $50, $100, or any amount today.

Every donation helps light the way for a summer of growth, friendship, and adventure.