News

You might have seen an email announcing that the Boy Scouts of America will be performing periodic rechecks of criminal backgrounds of all volunteers. Without dedicated volunteers, Scouting wouldn’t be the great, life-changing program it is today. You help make Scouting happen. You can also help make Scouting a safe place for our Scouts. The...

Scouts are invited to participate in Jamboree on the Air (JOTA). Jamboree on the Air is a special annual event that attempts to connect Scouts from all over the world.  Below is the invitation to a local event.*   Again, this year a group of Amateur Radio operators (Hams) will set up on for the JOTA ...

The Hershey Bears are hosting three special Scout Nights during the 2019-20 American Hockey League season, including the 15th annual Scout Sleepover at Giant Center on Friday, March 13. Special ticket discounts for Scout groups (minimum 15 or more attendees) are available for home games on December 28 (vs. Wilkes Barre Scranton), February 8 (vs. Springfield)...

As we head into the fall, Scouts BSA leaders need to make sure new Scouts BSA Scouts that are between ages 16 and 18 take the appropriate steps to apply for an Eagle extension. As a reminder, Scoutmasters, Committee Chairman, Charter Organization Representatives, and Unit Advancement Chairman play an important part in the extension request....

The New Birth of Freedom Council is encouraging all Cub Scout Packs, Scouts BSA Troops, Venturing Crews, and Sea Scout Ships to participate in this year’s Good Turn for America Food and Shelter Drive.  This event will take place over the first two Saturdays in November.  On November 2, 2019 units should go around their...

Earlier this week, the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America notified all local councils that a membership fee increase for youth members and adult leaders is likely.  These new fees would take effect as of January 1, 2020.  This anticipated change is due to the significant cost increase of the liability insurance the...

To the New Birth of Freedom Council Scouting Family, Earlier this week, I was incredibly saddened to hear the news that Jack Carr, former Scout Executive of the Keystone Area Council and the first Director of Development for the New Birth of Freedom Council, has recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.   Jack,...

For generations, members of the Boy Scouts of America have been visiting historic Gettysburg, PA to learn about the fierce three-day Civil War battle between Union and Confederate armies that took place there in 1863.  But there is so much more to experiencing Gettysburg than just learning about what took place on the battlefield that...

School’s back in session (or will be very soon), but here are two pieces of news to soften the blow. One: Fall, with its perfect camping weather, might be the greatest Scouting season of all. And two: The BSA is having a uniform sale. Yes, beginning August 19, the Scout Shop is offering a not-to-be-missed...

Save the date for November 16, 2019 for University of Scouting.  With over 90 different Scouting courses being offered there is something for everyone.  Check out all of this year’s great information.  Registration opens on September 1....