January 30, 2026

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

Spirit of Adventure Council

6^th Basic Hybrid CERT Winter 2026 Class Announcement

The Spirit of Adventure Council and The Preparedness Committee are pleased to announce the 6^th Basic Hybrid CERT training class beginning (on-line) on Sunday February 1, 2026 with the mandatory in person “Hands On” day on Saturday March 14, 2026 at New England Base Camp in Milton, MA. The Basic CERT training teaches basic disaster response skills so you can safely help yourself and those around you when disaster strikes and when professional responders are not available. Learn how to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community.

What You Learn

¨ Unit 1: Disaster Preparedness ¨ Unit 6: Fire Safety and Utility Controls

¨ Unit 2: CERT Organization ¨ Unit 7: Light Search and Rescue Operations

¨ Unit 3-4: Disaster Medical Operations ¨ Unit 8: Terrorism and Hazardous Materials Safety

¨ Unit 5: Disaster Psychology ¨ Unit 9: Course Review and Disaster Simulation

Who can take this course

Any scout between the ages of 14-18

Any Explorer, Venture Crew member or Sea Scout

Any scout leader, advisor or adult affiliated with scouting

Class limited to 30 participants

Online course made available by the National CERT Association and there is no cost to attend this training. What’s covered in the practical portion of the training: https://goo.gl/1p9ggr

For questions, or to register for the upcoming class, please email FEMA-Scouting@Scoutspirit.org or contact Dan Perenick at 978-423-3786. To register: email your name, unit/town or city, phone number and title/position within your unit by Sunday February 1, 2026. All youth members please cc a parent or an adult leader when e-mailing. Also, visit www.scoutspirit.org/fema for more information about our Preparedness Program.

More Information Here

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

As we prepare for another potential storm this weekend, Scouts are encouraged to Do a Good Turn Daily. Lend a hand to neighbors and local firefighters by shoveling walkways and clearing fire hydrants.

Scouting has something to offer everyone, and everyone has something to offer Scouting. Every child has a right to have an adventure AND a trained leader/mentor.

I came across some informational opportunities and would love to hear how they go if you attend one or sign up for information. Email me at Jennifer.Erickson@scouting.org and let me know!

Upcoming Scouts SA Membership Webinars

Join upcoming Scouts SA membership webinars designed for volunteers and leaders who want to build strong, sustainable Scouting programs in their communities.

“Recruiting Non-Scouts and Older Youth (Beyond Crossovers)” -

February 1 at 7:30 pm Eastern. Register here.

“Empowering the Patrol Leaders Council and Youth Leadership in Membership Growth” - March 8 at 7:30 pm Eastern. Register here.

Program Livecasts

Cub Chat Live (every Friday at 3 pm Eastern) - Facebook and YouTube

Troop Talk Live (second Wednesday of each month at 3 pm Eastern) - Facebook and YouTube

Leading our Adventures (every other Friday at 6 pm Eastern) - Facebook and YouTube

Trek on Tuesday (Tuesdays at 3 pm Eastern) - Facebook and YouTube

Newsletters/Blogs/Podcasts

Scouting Safety - here

Aaron on Scouting - here

Abilities Digest - here