|
📢 Scout Leaders — Be on the lookout for “Jess”!
Starting with the new BeAScout updates, you may receive a text, email, or phone call from “Jess.” Jess is a virtual AI membership engagement assistant being piloted by Scouting America to help units update their BeAScout pins.
Since August 3, 2026, BeAScout pins have included new fields that units need to update. Jess may ask a few quick questions about your meeting location, meeting days and times, unit fees, and what makes your unit special. The process takes about a minute, and your answers will automatically update your BeAScout pin.
Keeping this information current makes it easier for families searching for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and other Scouting opportunities to find and connect with your unit.
✅ Already updated the new fields on or after August 3? You should be all set!
⚙️ Prefer to update it yourself? Visit my.scouting.org and update your BeAScout pin.
Please share with your fellow unit leaders so everyone knows to be on the lookout for Jess — the AI one, that is! ⚜️
| |
Help Families Find Scouting This Fall
Refresh Your Unit’s BeAScout Pin Today!
As fall Scouting activities are ramping up on the calendar, now is a great time to refresh your unit’s BeAScout pin. Here are four things to check:
- Contact info — current phone and email for key contacts
- Meeting location and details — when and where the unit meets
- Website and/or socials — showcase the unit and upcoming events
- Online applications turned “On” — make it easy for youth to join and parents to volunteer
It takes just a few minutes, and instructions are at scouting.org/pin.
With the vast majority of unit BeAScout pins not having been updated over the last two years, it is worth spending just a few minutes now to ensure accurate, updated information.
Check now before heading out on fall Scouting adventures!
Update your BeAScout pin today! One small update, one big impact! Instructions at scouting.org/pin.
| | |
🚨 Camping Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide 🚨
Scouts working on the Camping merit badge now have a new digital resource to support their learning and advancement.
The Camping Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide complements the Camping merit badge pamphlet, providing additional resources and support materials to enhance the Scout’s learning experience.
Whether preparing for a camping trip, working through the requirements, or exploring new outdoor skills, this digital resource gives Scouts another tool to help them succeed.
Check it out and share it with Scouts working on the Camping merit badge!
https://www.scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/digital-resource-guides/camping
| |
Silver Beaver and District Award of Merit
Nominations Being Accepted
thru December 18, 2026
It's time to submit nominations for the Silver Beaver and District Award of Merit
Do you know an adult leader who has provided exceptional service to youth over a period of time at the Council or District level? If so then consider nominating them for an adult leader service award. The Suwannee River Area Council is accepting nominations for the Silver Beaver and District Award of Merit. Nominations are due at the Scout Service Center by closing on December 18, 2026.
Nomination forms are available at the Scout office or online at the following links:
The Silver Beaver Award was introduced in 1931 and is the highest service award that may be presented by a council to a registered adult leader. This award is presented to registered leaders who have distinguished themselves by providing noteworthy service of exceptional character to youth within the area served by the council. Nominations are reviewed by a committee and recipients are selected from those nominated. The Council is limited in the number of awards it may present each year based on the number of units in the council.
The District Award of Merit is presented to registered adult leaders who have provided exceptional service at the district level. It is also awarded based on nominations from volunteers and the number that may be awarded is limited by the number of units within the district. For purposes of the award, the former District geographic service areas will be used to determine the number available and recipients will be recognized by District
The Awards will be presented at the Annual Council Banquet
| |
October Roundtable
Faith Presbyterian Church
October 8, 2026
Our October Roundtable program has been set and we can't wait to see you there! If you haven't been to roundtable in a while, then you haven't been to roundtable! Your participation makes these meetings better; Part of the roundtable program for any topic is a conversation among leaders about what works and doesn't with their own unit. This is just as important as the actual training, and can lead to some great ideas that you can bring back to your own Troop or Pack.
For the Troops: ILST (Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops) - how to conduct your unit's ILST training and prepare your youth leadership for the upcoming NYLT course at Wallwood.
For the Packs: The First 90 Days - Statistics show that there is a large drop off in the first 90-days of new youth and adults in the Scouting program. We'll talk about how to welcome new Scout families into your Pack, retain them, and help them to "buy in" to your program.
I hope you'll join us on Thursday, October 8th at 7pm at Faith Presbyterian Church.
Can't make it in person? Join us on Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85786148219?pwd=byAZE9ClOsDnieMjQ8zZd35aJvjUcT.1
Meeting ID: 857 8614 8219
Passcode: Scouting
Have an idea for a great roundtable program? We'd love to hear it! Please reach out to myself or Council Commissioner Richard Stephens (stephens021@comcast.net) with your ideas. To make roundtables more effective and exciting, we want our topics to be meaningful to YOU.
| |
Personal Management Merit Badge Class
Presented by VyStar Credit Union
We have recently partnered with VyStar Credit Union and they are excited to offer the Personal Management Merit Badge to our Scouts BSA members.
The class will be presented from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM across 2 sessions:
- Saturday, October 17th 2026
- Saturday, January 23rd, 2027
Location: VyStar Mahan, 3208 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee Fl. 32308 (Upstairs Conference area)
The class is limited to 20 Scouts age 14 or older — early registration is encouraged
Register here: https://scoutingevent.com/664-PMMB26
| |
Order of the Arrow Fall Fellowship
by Wallwood SR
October 16-18, 2026
At Semialachee Lodge we take pride in making Fall Fellowship weekend a memory that lasts a lifetime. We will be having games, great meals, a Lodge History Presentation, cracker barrels, service projects, ceremonies, and fun together in brotherhood all weekend!
We hope to see you there. Sign up at https://scoutingevent.com/664-FallFellowship26.
If you have any questions please reach out to our lodge advisor at Cfallis631@gmail.com
| | |
Cub Family Weekend
Wallwood SR
October 23-25, 2026
🎃You're Invited to Cub Family Weekend 2026🎃
It's time to break out your favorite flannel, gather the whole family, and join us for an unforgettable weekend of Scouting, adventure, and fall fun!
Whether you're roasting marshmallows around the campfire, exploring the outdoors, trying new activities, or simply spending quality time together, Cub Family Weekend is the perfect opportunity to make lasting memories with your Scouting family.
Fall is better together, and we can't wait to share this special weekend with you! Bring your sense of adventure, your biggest smiles, and get ready for a weekend filled with laughter, friendship, and plenty of autumn fun.
Sign up today at https://scoutingevent.com/664-CFW26.
We can't wait to see you at Cub Family Weekend 2026!
| | |
The Great American Camporee
Wallwood SR
November 6-8, 2026
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Scouting!
Join Troops from around the council at Wallwood as we journey through time! Patrols will face off in various skill-based competitions, testing their Scouting mettle and having FUN!
The Great American Camporee program is organized around three defining eras of American history: 1776–1865, 1866–1945, and 1946–Present. Each era highlights themes of leadership, innovation, communication, engineering, service, and outdoor skill development. Program stations are designed to connect Scouting skills with the historical spirit of each period. Troops are encouraged to invite local Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts to attend with them as an introduction to the Scouts BSA style of camping and programming.
Events are still being finalized, but here's some of what we're planning:
🏫 Pioneering to defend the fort
🔥 Building fires to survive the cold nights
📅 Breaking codes
🦅 Taking flight
🤠 Branding
And MORE!
Don't wait to sign up! Save money by signing up early at https://scoutingevent.com/664-FallCamporee26
Interested in helping run a station? Please contact Justin Feld at Justin.Feld@Scouting.org
| |
| |
Training Corner
Every scout deserves a trained leader!
The most important training for all Leaders is Safeguarding Youth Training. We hope that every Leader has taken it and is keeping it up to date. Find out more at https://www.scouting.org/training/safeguarding-youth/.
Also, it is important to be trained for your position. For example, if you were a Den Leader last year and are a Pack Committee Chair this year, you should be trained as a Pack Committee Chair. If you were an Arrow of Light Leader last year and are an Assistant Scoutmaster this year, you should take the Scoutmaster and Assistants and the Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS).
Remember that online training is available 24/7 in the BSA Learn Center at my.scouting.org. If you have training questions, please contact Elaine Hebenthal at ehebenthal@comcast.net.
| |
BALOO & IOLS Training
Lafayette Presbyterian Church
November 13-14, 2026
BALOO for Cub Scout Leaders and IOLS for Troop and Venturing Leaders will be offered November 13-14, 2026 at Lafayette Presbyterian Church.
BALOO stands for Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation and is required to take a Pack camping.
- Target Audience: Cub Scout leaders, parents, and committee members (grades K-5).
- Purpose: Required to take a Cub Scout pack or den on an overnight camping trip. At least one BALOO-trained adult must attend any pack overnighter.
IOLS stand for Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills
- Target Audience: Scoutmasters, assistant Scoutmasters, and troop leaders for Scouts BSA (ages 11–17).
- Purpose: Mandatory for Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters to achieve "Trained" status. It gives leaders the confidence and competence to run a safe, youth-led outdoor program.
You may register at https://scoutingevent.com/664-BALOOIOLS26.
If you have training questions, please contact Elaine Hebenthal at ehebenthal@comcast.net.
| | |
Venturing Bonfire
Lafayette Presbyterian Church
November 13-14, 2026
The Venturing Officers Association of SRAC invites you to the Annual Venturing Bonfire. This year's Bonfire will be held on December 5th from 5:00-10:00pm at Lafayette Presbyterian Church, 4220 Mahan Drive in Tallahassee.
This is a Free Event for all Venturers and Crews, and those that want to learn about Venturing. Venturing is a youth coed BSA program for ages 14-20.
The VOA will supply the s’mores fixings (bring your stick for your marshmallows ) and all paper goods . Crews will be having a dutch oven desert contest (must be made at BonFire) and Crews & friends will bring a main dish.
VOA Officers will be providing the fun Games. Bring your camp chairs to sit around the magnificent fire!
You may register at https://scoutingevent.com/664-Bonfire26
More information contact : gailschaper@gmail.com
| |
Competitive Gaming Merit Badge
FSU Garnet Gaming Lounge
December 13, 2026
In the Summer of 2026, Scouting America rolled out the Competitive Gaming Merit Badge, and it sent our controllers buzzing with excitement! Suwannee River Area Council is excited to host its inaugural Competitive Gaming MB Day at the Garnet Gaming Lounge at Florida State University!
An all-day event, Scouts will have the opportunity to explore the history, technology, professional, and competitive aspects of competitive console and computer gaming. Scouts will learn from local volunteers, gaming experts, and each other about this fast-paced, rapidly growing industry. The day will be hosted in the FSU Garnet Gaming Lounge, a brand-new, state-of-the-art eSports and Gaming facility on the FSU Campus. The experience will culminate in a variety of gaming opportunities and competitions for the Scouts.
There is limited space - the first 30 Scouts to register will have a seat. The merit badge requirements will be covered in their entirety, except for requirements 3b - 3e, which can be completed ahead of time. Lunch will be provided. We do not have extra room for adults, unfortunately, as space is extremely limited within the Garnet Gaming Lounge.
Warm up your hands, get hydrated, and get your avatars ready for an exciting day of gaming.
Please reach out to Ben Wicker at benwicker2011@gmail.com if you have any questions.
For full details and to register, visit https://scoutingevent.com/664-121755
| |
Scouts BSA Winter Camp
Wallwood SR
December 27-30, 2026
You don’t need snow to unleash your wild side! This winter, Scouts are invited to answer the Call of the Polar Bear — a camp full of arctic-themed fun under the warm winter sun.
From polar plunges to frosty games (yes, we’ll make it chilly somehow!), this unique event blends Florida’s wild beauty with the daring spirit of the North. Get ready to build, explore, and lead like the mighty Polar Bear even in shorts and sunglasses!
No snow? No problem. Polar Bears adapt and so do Scouts. Join the pack, embrace the winter spirit, and discover the power of courage, teamwork, and fun in Florida’s wildest winter camp!
Registration is now open at https://scoutingevent.com/664-WinterCamp26.
For more information, or to offer your Troop’s assistance in teaching a merit badge, please contact Amanda Fortunato at afortunato.bsa@gmail.com
| |
2027 University of Scouting
Needs Instructors & Volunteers!
The 2027 SRAC University of Scouting, to be held on Saturday, March 6, 2027, at Faith Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee, is looking for instructors, facilitators, and volunteers to make this annual event a success. Please see our flyer for additional information.
We are looking for adult volunteer instructors to cover a variety of topics for our adult volunteers. This ranges from position-specific training to hands-on skills like knot-tying and first aid. We also hope to host a number of roundtable discussions around a variety of topics that the Scouting community would like to hear from others experiencing similar things.
We are also looking to host up to 7 merit badge courses during the event for our Scouts BSA youth. We need instructors for the following merit badges: Electronics, Fingerprinting, Scouting Heritage, Disabilities Awareness, Weather, Soil & Water Conservation, and Chess. If you are willing to help with this, please reach out to Desiree Chapman at desiree@desireechapman.com.
We are hoping that some of our great Cub Scout Volunteers will help to facilitate the day's activities for any Cubs we have attending the event. If would like to help us plan this, please let us know.
Finally, if you notice there is something missing or if you are interested in providing lessons on something not listed, let us know.
University of Scouting is for the benefit of our Council. You have all heard the proverb of "Steel sharpens steel," and that is the embodiment of this event. We make each other better by sharing our talents and skills. Volunteering for this event does not mean giving up your entire day, but the wisdom you impart can have a lifetime of impact. This event simply does not happen if we do not have volunteers step up. If you are not able, please recommend another member of your unit as someone who might help to make the 2027 University of Scouting successful!
If you have any questions or ideas, please reach out to Ben Wicker at benwicker2011@gmail.com
| |
Camp Reservations
Wallwood Scout Reservation
Did you know that as a registered member of the Suwannee River Area Council, tent camping at Wallwood Scout Reservation is free of charge all year long? Yep! You read that right. In addition to unit camping, individuals can also make reservations to use Wallwood.
Individuals and Units must make prior arrangements and have a reservation to use Wallwood, including any of the additional amenities available for rental through the camp. Reserving facilities is a process that begins by contacting Justin Feld at justin.feld@scouting.org or 850-498-8086.
- Reservations are taken on a first come, first served basis, so be sure to make your reservation as early in advance as possible.
- There may be times when multiple units have requested to camp during the same time. We will do our very best to ensure accommodations can be made so that as many units possible are able to camp at the same time.
- Tent camping is the only free option available – all other assets within camp have a rental fee associated with them and must be reserved in advance.
- There may be additional requirements to use facilities or amenities available at or through camp.
-
Please note that use of the waterfront, pool or shooting sports ranges require certified personnel to run those areas. You must make reservations for those personnel as far in advance as possible to ensure coverage is available. We will do our very best to ensure those amenities can be used but cannot guarantee that reservations made with short notice will be able to proceed.
- Check-in protocols must be followed by all participants, upon arrival.
The complete list of measures can be found in the WSR Campsite Check-in / Check-out Report.
| | | |
Have a Story to Share?
Did you know that any unit can submit a story to share about what they have been up to or what is coming up for them?
We're always happy to share your stories in the newsletter that may be useful for others or just for you to show off what your scouts have been up to. Our favorite is a short story with 4-6 pictures of scouts doing what scouts do.
To submit your story or article, send it to suwanneebsa@gmail.com. We will do our best to include it in an upcoming newsletter.
| | | | |
