A Resounding Success: Thank You for Continuing to Fuel the Growth of Scouting!


As we reflect on the incredible success of our Fall Membership Campaign, we want to take a moment to extend our deepest gratitude and congratulations to each and every one of our adult leaders. Your dedication, passion, and tireless efforts have made an extraordinary impact on our community this year.


Because of you, Scouting is experiencing phenomenal growth across the seven counties serviced by the Central North Carolina Council. So far in 2026, we have welcomed over 980 new Scouts into our Scouting family, and that number continues to rise every single day! To put this tremendous achievement into perspective, in the span of the 12 months in 2025 we had welcomed 815 new Scouts.


The momentum doesn't stop there. Thanks to your commitment to expanding our reach, over 12 new units—including Cub Scout Packs, Scouts BSA Troops, Venturing Crews, Exploring Posts, and Sea Scout Ships—have been started in 2026. This is a massive leap compared to the 4 new units formed in 2025.


These aren't just numbers; they represent hundreds of young lives that are now being shaped by the values, adventures, and life lessons of Scouting. This remarkable growth simply would not be possible without the amazing Scouting programs that you, our devoted adult leaders, put on each and every week. Families are seeing the incredible, high-quality experiences you are providing in your communities, and they want to be a part of it.


Thank you for being the heart and soul of the Central North Carolina Council. Congratulations on a historic Fall Membership Campaign, and thank you for everything you do to keep Scouting thriving!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2026 Fall Cub Scout Family Fest, October 16-18, 2026 


Pack your gear, grab your costumes, and get ready for the ultimate weekend of Scouting fun! The Central North Carolina Cub Scout Fall Family Fest is back at Camp Barnhardt!


Whether you're hitting the bullseye at the range or decorating the perfect jack-o'-lantern, we are bringing families together for an incredible weekend packed with outdoor thrills and autumn chills. There is an adventure waiting for every Cub Scout and sibling!


EPIC WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS:

•       Target Sports: Archery, BB Gun, and Sling Shot ranges

•       Halloween Fun: Trick-or-Treating, Pumpkin Decorating, and the Haunted Trail!

•       Classic Camp Fun: Trail Hayrides, Arts & Crafts and much more!

•       Campsite Decorating Contest: Show off your pack’s autumn flair—prizes await the most creative setups!

•       The Cabarrus Amateur Radio Society and Stanly County Amateur Radio Society will be in attendance to participate in the annual Jamboree On The Air (JOTA) event.


REGISTRATION & PRICING

Pro tip: Lock in the Early Bird discount by registering before October 7th!

•       Cub Scouts: $35 Early ($40 after Oct 7)

•       Siblings: $10 Early ($15 after Oct 7)

•       Parents/Guardians: $10 Early ($15 after Oct 7)


Deadline: Registration closes Thursday, October 15th at 11:59 PM. Spots fill up fast, so claim your family's weekend getaway today!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

🎉 Historic Momentum: Celebrating the First 6 Weeks of the 2026 Popcorn Campaign! 🎉


The first six weeks are officially in the books, and the results are absolutely spectacular! We are completely blown away by the extraordinary dedication, salesmanship, and teamwork our Scouts have brought to the table right out of the gate.


Let’s take a moment to celebrate these phenomenal early milestones:

  • 🌟 Individual Powerhouses: A massive congratulations to the over 60 Scouts who have already smashed the $1,000 mark in personal sales!


  • 🚀 Incredible Teamwork: Huge high-fives to the more than 20 Cub Scout Packs and Scouts BSA Troops that have soared past $3,000 in collective unit sales!


A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the unit leaders, parents, and community members who are continually cheering on our Scouts and funding their upcoming adventures. You are making a massive impact.

Let’s keep this fantastic energy and historic momentum rolling! 🍿🏕️

🚨 REMINDER: 2026 Fall Popcorn Sale Incentives End Oct 31st! 🍿


Don't forget to keep popping into action! As a reminder sales between September 18 through October 31st earn two fantastic special incentives for the Central NC Council 2026 Fall Popcorn Sale.


Make sure all your traditional sales are reported in the Trails End App to qualify for these extra rewards:


🌟 UNIT INCENTIVE: Direct Home Delivery

  • The Goal: Sell $6,000 as a Pack or Troop between 9/18/26 thru 10/31/26.
  • The Reward: Skip the distribution center! Your unit’s first 2027 popcorn order will be delivered straight to a designated home.


🌟 INDIVIDUAL SCOUT INCENTIVE: $40 Event Credit

  • The Goal: Sell $600 as an individual Scout between 9/18/26 thru 10/31/26
  • The Reward: Earn a $40 credit toward an eligible CNCC Event or Activity! (Includes: 2026 Winter Camp, and 2027 Spring Family Fest, Twilight Camp, Day Camp, or Summer Camp).



Thank you for your continued dedication to funding amazing experiences for our youth. Please share this reminder with your units so every Scout has the chance to hit their goals before the deadline.

Good luck, and happy selling!


Secure Your "Show and Sell" Storefronts Trail’s End has pre-booked thousands of hours of storefront locations exclusively for our Cub Scout Packs, Scouts BSA Troops, and Venturing Crews. These "Show and Sell" spots are a highly effective way to showcase Scouting to the public and rally community support for your unit.


These premium locations are being claimed quickly, so please log into the popcorn system and book your hours today:


Click here for a step-by-step "How To" guide on booking your storefront locations


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Golf Tournament, November 2, 2026


Join us on November 2, 2026, at the Cabarrus Country Club for the Central North Carolina Council's 2026 Golf Tournament, a premier 18-hole scramble limited to 72 golfers. Following a great day on the greens, participants will connect at a special donor awards luncheon to celebrate our shared community impact. Every sponsorship and registration directly raises the vital support needed to continue bringing unparalleled Scouting experiences to youth and families across our seven-county area. Secure your spot today to enjoy fantastic fellowship, network with local leaders, and invest in the future of our local Scouts!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

NESA Merit Badge Mania, November 7, 2026


This year’s NESA Merit Badge Mania will provide various Eagle Required Merit Badge options for Scouts to take with the hopes either completing or getting significant work done toward their completion! Some of the merit badge offerings will have Requirement/s that cannot be completed in one day, and this guide will provide those Requirement/s so that Scouts can bring proof of their completion prior to if they so choose. All of the instructors are registered Scouters that have taken Merit Badge Counselor training online and have experience offering the badges that your Scouts will be taking. This will be time well spent!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Scouts BSA Winter Camp, December 27-30, 2026


Join us at Camp John J. Barnhardt for the Central North Carolina Council's 2026 Winter Camp, an incredible opportunity to experience Scouting adventures in the crisp Carolina cold. Scouts will test their cold-weather skills and tackle unique challenges, with two full days dedicated to earning diverse merit badges ranging from Wilderness Survival and Climbing to Animation and First Aid. Between classes, troops will enjoy spirited evening games, camp wide cook-offs, and unparalleled camaraderie in our warm program areas. Make the most of the days between Christmas and New Year's by registering your troop today for an unforgettable winter adventure!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Central North Carolina Council Launches Upgraded Website & Registration Platform


We are excited to announce our completely redesigned website and a brand-new event registration system powered by CouncilWare. This upgrade is designed to reduce administrative friction so our adult leaders and parents can focus on delivering high-quality Scouting programs.


Key Features:

  • Streamlined Registration: Quick, intuitive, and secure sign-ups for all council and district events.
  • Mobile-Friendly Design: Access critical resources, forms, and event info easily on your phone.
  • Enhanced Unit Management: Easier tracking for rosters and group payments for unit leaders.
  • Centralized Resources: Simplified navigation makes finding camp reservations and program updates fast.


The new site is live! We encourage all leaders and parents to explore the new layout and set up their CouncilWare user account.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Get ready for an amazing year of Scouting! The Central North Carolina Council's 2026-2027 Unit Planning Guide is here! 


Inside, you will find a complete roadmap for the upcoming year, highlighting essential programs and resources. From fundraising and leadership training to premier camping experiences, this guide is designed to streamline your coordination and maximize your impact! 


Because Scouting is a dynamic movement, things can change quickly. We encourage you to bookmark our local digital headquarters for real-time updates, event registrations, and council news:



By utilizing the planning pages within this guide and our digital tools, you can shift your focus from the stress of logistics to the joy of the Scouting mission!

Thank you for your tireless dedication to the youth of our community. We look forward to a successful and adventurous year ahead! 


Please click the following link to download the Central North Carolina Council's 2026-2027 Unit Planning Guide: 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

💥 Epic Heritage Meets Comic Legends...Sets are Selling Fast 💥


The Central North Carolina Council dropped an exclusive patch collection and it is spectacular! 🦅🦸‍♂️ We’ve blended deep NC roots (hello, Cheerwine nostalgia! 🍒) with legendary comic book heroes and villains for a truly one-of-a-kind puzzle design.


Sets are going fast, please choose your edition before they vanish:


✨ The Standard Set: Vibrant, full-color embroidery that brings this dynamic design to life. Perfect for everyday collectors ready to show off their love for local history and comic style!


🚨 The "Red-Out" Edition: Ultra-limited! Only 200 of these gorgeous red-on-red "ghost" stitch sets were made and not many are left. This premier piece of council history continues to sell fast and is almost gone.


👇 Secure your unique tribute piece today! Shop the e-store now to grab yours before they're gone forever.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fall Recruitment is in Full Swing!


As we continue to invite new families to join the adventure please ensure all prospective Scouts and their families apply online through BeAScout.org, making it easier than ever to connect with local packs, troops, crews, and ships.

 

Current Scouts are our best ambassadors! We encourage every Scout to invite a friend, classmate, neighbor, or teammate to attend a meeting or recruitment event this fall. A personal invitation is often the reason a young person decides to give Scouting a try.

 

To help spread the word, we've included a social media image that you can share on your personal accounts. Please post it, share it with friends, and help us introduce more youth to the fun, adventure, leadership, and character-building experiences that Scouting provides.

 

Together, we can make this fall recruitment season our strongest yet!


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Make history with Liberty in Action! 


Scouts across the country are stepping up to celebrate 250 years of America through service, creativity, and leadership. From meaningful community projects to exploring what freedom truly means, this challenge is your chance to be part of something bigger.


Complete activities, make an impact, and earn a special commemorative patch along the way.


Available through February 2027!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

You can complete the certification by simply going to my.scouting.org and login. Once there, click on the SYT logo and then "Enroll" in the course.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Updated Cub Scout Leader Resources


Did you see it? The Scouting America Cub Scout Leader Hub has re-launched. Find all of the resources for Cub Scouting in one place. From Den Leader resources to Pack Meeting plans to ideas for great Family Camping...Find it here.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Updated Scouts BSA Leader Resources


Did you see it? The Scouting America Troop Leader website has re-launched. It will be your destination for Scouts BSA troop info and planning resources. Please note that Scouting America will be releasing further content in the coming weeks. We look forward to you and your troop utilizing the updated website!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS):


First Aid / CPR / Wilderness First Aid (WFA):


 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Did you know that Hazardous Weather training must be renewed every two years to maintain your trained leader status? If your child has swim practice, band competitions, karate lessons, or other activities where you have some down time, instead of scrolling the ‘Gram, why not knock out some online Scouting training? Weather training can help remind you of the precautions leaders need to take during this crazy season. 


You can complete the certification by simply going to my.scouting.org and login. Once there, find the Hazardous Weather training and retake the course. Come on, you know you’ve missed the weather trivia included in the course….

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Reminder to Renew your Scouting America Registration


We wanted to remind you to to check and make sure your membership in Scouting America has been renewed.


We hope that you and your family has had a great experience in your Cub Scout Pack, Scouts BSA Troop, Venturing Crew, or Exploring Post in the Central North Carolina Council, Scouting America. 


Please use the button listed below for a guide (step by step) to ensure your registration has been renewed in Scouting America for 2026.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Please Share your Pack, Troop, or Crew's Scouting Adventures for us to Share in upcoming editions of the Carolina Compass


If your Cub Scout Pack, Scouts BSA Troop or Venturing Crew have had a great Scouting activity / adventure please share with us a summary with pictures for us to share with the Central North Carolina Council.


In addition, if your Cub Scout Pack, Scouts BSA Troop, or Venturing Crew has recently completed a service project please send us a summary with pictures for us to share.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Central NC Council | 700 Church Street North Suite 50 | Concord, NC 28025 US