January 9, 2026

Adams Award & Scholarships

The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award to recognize exceptional Eagle Scout service projects benefiting schools, religious institutions, and communities. Each council selects a winner, with regional finalists advancing to a national selection.

The Spirit of Adventure NESA Committee encourages Eagle Scouts from this year’s class, their parents, or registered SA volunteers (with the Scout’s permission) to submit a project for consideration. Nominations are due by the last Sunday in January.

Scholarships are awarded to Eagle Scouts who have shown active participation in school, Scouting activities, and community service, and who demonstrate they understand the fundamentals of service to community, service to Scouting and their character. They should also demonstrate that, if they have a financial need, what distinguishes their financial need from others.

Council Service Territory (CST): A CST is a group of councils geographically located together.

One recipient will be selected for a four-year $50,000 Lawrence S. and Mabel Cooke Scholarship (up to $12,500 per year for four years).
Four recipients will be selected for a four-year $30,000 Lawrence S. and Mabel Cooke Scholarship (up to $7,500 per year for four years).
One recipient will be selected from each CST for a one-year $10,000 Lawrence S. and Mabel Cooke Scholarship (14 scholarships total).
One recipient will be selected from each CST for a one-year $7,000 Hansen & Mary Hall Scholarship (14 scholarships total).
One recipient will be selected from each CST for a one-year $6,000 National Eagle Scout Association Scholarship Endowment (14 scholarships total).
One recipient will be selected from each CST for a one-year $6,000 Lester S. McElwain Eagle Scholarship, Robert and Rebecca Palmer Eagle Scout Scholarship, or National Eagle Scout Association Legacy Society Scholarship (14 scholarships total).
One recipient will be selected for a $5,000 Tappan Scholarship

More Information Here

Ice Climbing at New England Base Camp

Participants ages 13 and up are invited to experience ice climbing at New England Base Camp—an unforgettable winter adventure that promotes growth, courage, and camaraderie.

Book Here

Cold weather sets the stage for unforgettable winter adventure at T.L. Storer. Book a cabin today and give your unit a warm, comfortable home base for an exciting winter camping weekend.

Book Here

Exploring Corner

Happy New Year and welcome to the SOA Exploring Corner. Exploring is a career exploration program for all young people (age 14-20 called Posts and ages 10-14 called Clubs). Exploring helps participants discover their interests and develop skills for the workforce. Exploring is all about learning by doing, and this program is the perfect example of how we can connect young people with career opportunities through mentorship and immersive experiences.

Today in the Spirit of Adventure Council we have Exploring Posts that represent Fire/EMS, Law Enforcement, Veterinary Medicine and Emergency Management/Preparedness. With a new Drone Post, Law, STEM and Finance Post going online soon. Any interest in these Exploring programs or in creating and chartering one of the 12 Exploring areas located at Exploring.org, please contact Membership/Exploring Executive Jennifer Erickson at jennifer.erickson@scouting.org.

The next Exploring Round Table will be held virtually on Monday evening January 26^th from 7-8pm. Please contact Jenn Erickson for the invite link to this important networking meeting.

All Exploring programs in the Council are invited and welcome to attend a visit and tour of the Emergency Management and student run Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program at the University of Massachusetts Lowell on Wednesday evening January 21, 2026 from 7-8:30pm. Please contact Exploring Commissioner Dan Perenick at fema-scouting@scoutspirit.org for more information about the night.

We would like to recognize Advisors Sgt. Jeff Torissi of the Methuen Police Department Exploring program and Dr. Stephen Cromack of the Westwood Police Department Exploring program for being recent recipients of the William H. Spurgeon, III Award which is the highest recognition for individuals contributing significant leadership to the Exploring Program. Congratulations and job well done…

Earth Merit Badge Day

Scouts are invited to explore the forces that shape our planet and beyond at Earth Merit Badge Day on April 25. This one-day program gives Scouts the opportunity to earn two merit badges of their choice while learning from knowledgeable instructors through hands-on activities and engaging discussions.

Participants may choose from the following merit badges:

Oceanography – Discover how oceans influence weather, climate, and life on Earth
Weather – Learn how weather forms and how meteorologists track and predict storms
Geology – Explore Earth’s structure, rocks, and natural processes
Space Exploration – Take a closer look at our solar system and humanity’s journey into space

This event is a great opportunity for Scouts to deepen their understanding of Earth and space sciences while making progress toward advancement.

📅 Date: April 25

🎯 Open to Scouts working on merit badge requirements

More Information Here