Oct 23, 2026

The Scouting Spotlight: Submissions Open!

We want to highlight the incredible things happening across the San Diego-Imperial Council and share the stories & moments that make Scouting special.

Send us your best photos from events, district activities, Eagle Scout projects, camp, training, service projects, and more. Help us showcase the adventures, accomplishments, and experiences happening throughout our Council! Please send any content to sdiccommunications@scouting.org.

Scouting for Food: Help Donate to Your Community!

Scouts can put the Scout Law into action by helping fight hunger in our local communities! The San Diego-Imperial Council’s Scouting for Food drive runs from October 14 through November 16, 2026, supporting the San Diego Food Bank. Units are encouraged to collect unexpired, nonperishable food donations to help local families in need.

Donations can be delivered directly to the San Diego Food Bank’s Miramar or North County warehouse. When dropping off donations, please provide donor number D9100 and request a receipt. Units should also report their donations using the QR code on the event flyer so the Council can track our collective impact. Please do not bring food donations to the Council office. For questions, contact Johnathon Hall at 619-298-6121 ext. 314 or johnathon.hall@scouting.org.

More Information

Scoutmaster of the Year

Scoutmasters play an important role in providing Scouts with meaningful experiences, strong leadership, and a quality program. Do you know a Scoutmaster who has gone above and beyond for their Scouts?

Take a moment to nominate your Scoutmaster for the 2026 Scoutmaster of the Year award. Nominations are open October 1 through December 31, 2026.

Application & More Info Here

Ready to Give?

Are you 70½ or older? You can now make a big difference for local Scouts with a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), a gift sent straight from your IRA to San Diego-Imperial Council. Your gift is generally tax-free, and it can even count toward your required minimum distribution.

Every gift helps, whatever its size! To get started, contact Joe Garcia at 619-618-8234 or joseph.garcia@scouting.org, and check with your tax adviser before giving.

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Mataguay Work Party

Help us get Mataguay Scout Ranch ready for summer camp 2027! The November 7-8th work party will focus on the Trading Post Railing. The work party runs from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM each day.

Participants should bring their own food and wear work clothes appropriate for the work and weather.

Participants are welcome to camp in a tent or stay in Casita 4 on Friday and Saturday nights. If you plan to attend, please email Wyatt Havin at wyatt.havin@scouting.org.

Learn More Here

Join us for MOVO Training!

Movo is now live and helping families get answers as they explore Scouting! This new virtual assistant from Scouting America helps prospective families learn more about Scouting and connect with local units. When families visit BeAScout.org, Movo can answer questions and provide information based on what is listed on each unit’s BeAScout pin.

Your unit’s BeAScout pin is more important than ever. Movo uses this information to help answer questions about your unit, so it’s important to make sure your listing is accurate, complete, and up to date. Review your meeting day and time, meeting location, registration information, costs, and instructions for families interested in visiting or joining your unit.

Movo is available to families 24 hours a day. If a question comes up that Movo cannot answer, the unit will be notified so a leader can follow up directly. Keeping your information current helps families receive accurate answers and makes it easier for them to take the next step toward joining Scouting.

Join us for Movo Training! Learn how Movo works, understand the importance of your unit’s BeAScout pin, and discover how to keep your information updated to help more families find Scouting.

Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 6:30–8:00 p.m.

In person: Atherton Hall, 1207 Upas Street, San Diego

Online: A Zoom option will also be available.

Whether you’re a unit leader, committee member, or simply want to learn more, this training will give you the tools to help connect more families with Scouting.

Need help updating your pin before the training?

Follow the Scouting America’s BeAScout Pin Instructions for step-by-step guidance.

More Information

Learn How to Set Up for Your Scouting Unit

BeAScout.org

Swamp Base 2027: Registration Is Now Open!

Ready for a high-adventure challenge? The San Diego-Imperial Council is recruiting Scouts and adult leaders for its Swamp Base 2027 contingent, June 18–23, 2027. Participants will embark on a 61.6-mile canoe trek through Louisiana’s Atchafalaya Swamp, exploring the region’s unique environment, culture, and communities along the way.

Spots are limited, and interest is high!

Philmont 2028 Contingent Meeting

Do you want to go to Philmont but your troop is not going? Does your troop not have enough Scouts interested to fill out a crew? Don’t have enough adult advisors?

Then the SDIC Philmont Contingent is your Ticket to Adventure! SDIC is putting together Scouts and leaders from across the entire Council to build up crews for the Summer of 2028. Come find out everything you need to know to get to Philmont, Thursday night, October 22, both at 7:00 PM at the Scout Hut in Lindo Lake Park in Lakeside. Meet others who are interested, and hear all the details about costs, scholarships, training, transportation, and everything else you need to know to decide if this trip is for you.

If you have questions, or can’t make it but want to know more, call or email John Saxer at (858) 395-4581 or jsaxer@cox.net.

Philmont Prep Event

Planning a Philmont trek in 2027 or considering one in 2028? Join the San Diego-Imperial Council High Adventure Team for a Philmont Prep Talk on Sunday, November 8, from 1–4 p.m. at Atherton Hall, Camp Balboa (1207 Upas St., San Diego). Experienced Philmont trekkers will lead discussions and answer questions to help advisors and adult leaders prepare for a successful trek.

Attendees can choose the topics most relevant to their crew, including travel, gear, cooking, crew dynamics, training and conditioning, meal planning, health and safety, and more. The event is open to 2027 and 2028 Trek Advisors and any adult leaders interested in learning more about Philmont. To RSVP, contact Laura Cartier at laurajcartier@gmail.com.