New Birth of Freedom Council > News > Program Launch – Highlights and Resources

Program Launch – Highlights and Resources

Program Launch brought together volunteers and leaders from across the New Birth of Freedom Council to prepare for the upcoming Scouting year. Attendees received updates on several important topics, including membership renewal changes, the transition to the Black Pug registration system, Summer Camp 2027, and the Camp Hidden Valley Centennial Camporee.

Presentation slides, handouts, and additional resources from Program Launch are available below.

Membership Renewal Changes

One of the most significant updates shared during Program Launch involved upcoming changes to membership and unit renewals. Over the next two years, Scouting America will transition all members and units to a common February renewal cycle while returning member renewal responsibilities to units and eliminating the current membership grace period.

Unit leaders are encouraged to review our detailed article outlining these changes, key implementation dates, and action steps units should take now.

Black Pug Transition

Leaders received an overview of Black Pug, the new online registration and reservation platform that will replace Tentaroo later this year.

Black Pug will be used for event registrations, summer camp registrations, and facility reservations.

Summer Camp 2027

Summer Camp 2027 was one of the highlights of Program Launch. In response to feedback from unit leaders and growing demand for additional scheduling options, Camp Tuckahoe will add a June Scouts BSA session in 2027. Several other schedule adjustments were also made based on feedback received from volunteers.

Attendees received an early look at the 2027 camp schedule, registration incentives, and plans to continue enhancing the camp experience for Scouts and leaders.

Camp Hidden Valley Centennial Camporee

Planning continues for the Camp Hidden Valley Centennial Camporee, scheduled for May 21–23, 2027.

The event will celebrate 100 years of Scouting at Hidden Valley and will feature special programs, activities, competitions, historical displays, and opportunities for Scouts and Scouters to reconnect with one of our council’s most historic properties.

Registration will open on October 1, 2026.

Presentation Slides and Resources