Expanding Our Horizons: Central North Carolina Council Unveils Brand-New District Amidst Unprecedented Growth


The heart of the Central North Carolina Council has always been the unwavering dedication of our Scout leaders, parents, and community partners. Because of your countless hours of service, mentorship, and tireless commitment to youth development, our council is currently experiencing an era of unprecedented growth. From the wide-eyed enthusiasm of our Cub Scout Packs to the hands-on leadership development in our Scouts BSA Troops, and the specialized pursuits of our Venturing Crews, Sea Scout Ships, and Exploring Posts, more young people are discovering the life-changing impact of Scouting than ever before.


As our Scouting family continues to welcome a record number of new youth and their parents every single day, it is our responsibility to ensure that this momentum is met with the highest quality of program support. Sustaining this incredible trajectory requires visionary planning and a structural foundation built for the future. We want to ensure that every individual unit, leader, and family feels directly supported, seamlessly connected, and fully empowered to succeed in their Scouting journey.


To meet this exciting demand and better serve our rapidly expanding community, our council leadership team is thrilled to share a historic milestone. We are officially unveiling the creation of a brand-new District within the Central North Carolina Council. This strategic expansion is designed to provide targeted resources, localized leadership, and enhanced communication for our growing units. Please watch the following video announcement to hear all the exciting details about this new District, what it means for your local programs, and how we are charting the course for the next great chapter of Scouting in our region.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Historic Growth: Central NC Council Welcomes 1,070+ New Scouts in Record Fall Campaign


Congratulations on a historic Fall Membership Campaign! We want to extend our deepest gratitude to our adult leaders—your tireless dedication is driving phenomenal growth across the Central North Carolina Council.


Thanks to the high-quality experiences you deliver in your communities every week, families want to be a part of Scouting. Because of you, we’ve already welcomed over 1070 new Scouts in 2026 (up from 815 total in 2025) and launched 13 new units (compared to just 4 last year).


These aren't just numbers; they represent hundreds of young lives now being shaped by the values, adventures, and life lessons of Scouting. Thank you for being the heart of our council and making this extraordinary impact possible!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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


The crisp autumn air means it is time to pack your gear for the Central North Carolina Council's Cub Scout Fall Family Fest at beautiful Camp Barnhardt! Join us this weekend, October 16–18, for an action-packed adventure designed for the whole family.


🚨 URGENT REMINDER: Registration closes THIS Thursday, October 15! 🚨

If you have already signed up, we look forward to seeing you in just a few days! If you have not signed up yet, you only have until this Thursday to secure your spot.


We can’t wait for your Cub Scout and your whole family to join us for a weekend packed with outdoor thrills and autumn chills. Whether you're hitting the bullseye or decorating the perfect jack-o'-lantern, there is something for everyone!


📍 The Details

  • When: October 16–18, 2026 (Friday 6:00 PM – Sunday 10:00 AM)
  • Where: Camp Barnhardt
  • Who: your Cub Scout, siblings, and parents/guardians!


🎯 Weekend Highlights

  • Target Sports: Aim true at the Archery, BB Gun, and Slingshot ranges!
  • Halloween Fun: Bring your costumes for trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, and a trip down the Haunted Trail.
  • Camp Activities: Relax on a trail hayride through the fall foliage, enjoy arts and crafts, and try out a Ham Radio.
  • Campsite Decorating Contest: Help our pack show off its autumn flair—prizes await the most creative setups!


🎟️ Registration

  • Cub Scouts: $40.00
  • Siblings: $15.00
  • Parents/Guardians: $15.00


Don't let the final deadline slip by! Remember, registration officially closes THIS Thursday, October 15. Claim your family's place around the campfire today before it's too late.


We can’t wait to share this spooktacular weekend with you all.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

🚨 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!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The NESA Merit Badge Mania on November 7, 2026, is fast approaching, and most of our merit badge classes only have a few spots left! Register as soon as possible to secure your Scout's place before these highly sought-after sessions completely sell out.


This year’s event provides a fantastic opportunity for Scouts to tackle various Eagle-required merit badges, helping them either finish the badge entirely or make significant progress toward completion. Because some merit badges include requirements that cannot be completed in a single day, please consult the event guide to see which prerequisites apply. Scouts are encouraged to bring proof of prior completion for these specific requirements to maximize their time on-site.


All sessions are led by experienced, registered Scouters who are fully trained Merit Badge Counselors in their respective fields. This will be time well spent for any Scout looking to advance on their trail to Eagle—act fast and claim one of the final spots today!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Embrace the Chill: Scouts BSA Winter Camp 2026!


Don't just stay inside between Christmas and New Year's—gear up for an epic winter adventure in the crisp Carolina cold! Join us at Camp John J. Barnhardt from December 27–30 for the Central North Carolina Council's 2026 Winter Camp. This is your troop's chance to test their cold-weather skills and tackle unique, thrilling challenges head-on.


Get ready for two action-packed days dedicated to earning a massive variety of merit badges! Whether your Scouts want to master Wilderness Survival, scale the Climbing wall, get creative with Animation, or lock down their First Aid skills, there is an incredible lineup of classes waiting for them.



The excitement doesn't stop when the sun goes down. Heat things up with spirited evening games, epic camp-wide cook-offs, and unbeatable camaraderie in our cozy, warm program areas. Make the most of your holiday break and register your troop today to close out 2026 with an unforgettable Scouting experience!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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: 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Ultimate Holiday Gift for Super Scouts: Grab Our Exclusive Patch Set Before It’s Gone!


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.


Looking for the perfect holiday gift? 🎁⚡ These patch sets make an incredible present for any Scout or Scouter who is a huge superhero fan!

Sets are going fast, so 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