Every Memorial Day weekend, Scouts in Hawaii take part in a tradition as moving as it is massive — and not just because it takes place atop a 272-foot extinct volcano.

Known locally as “Punchbowl cemetery” because it sits in an extinct volcanic crater of the same name, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific brings thousands of Scouts, leaders and community volunteers to place flags and flower leis on the graves of America’s service members. The event has become one of the most meaningful traditions for Scouting America’s Aloha Council because it blends service and Hawaiian culture in an unforgettable setting.

Overlooking Honolulu, Punchbowl is Hawaii’s equivalent of Arlington National Cemetery. It’s the final resting place for veterans of the Pearl Harbor attack, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and more recent conflicts. It also contains the grave of Eagle Scout Ellison Onizuka, the first astronaut from Hawaii, who died aboard the space shuttle Challenger in 1986.

For many Scouts and leaders involved, it’s more than just an annual flag planting.

“A lot of people from Hawaii who served in conflicts are buried there, so this event has extra meaning,” says St. John “SJ” Molale, Oahu program executive in the Aloha Council. “I have family buried up there. For many of us, it’s deeply personal.”

The tradition stretches back generations.

Leaders estimate Scouts have participated in the Punchbowl Memorial Day observance since the late 1940s. For Molale, the longevity of the event is part of what makes it special.

“My dad was a Scout, and he was here as a Wolf back in the ’60s and ’70s,” Molale said.

Planning for the event begins months in advance. Leaders coordinate with the city and county of Honolulu, military officials and community partners. Scouts sign up by unit, transportation is organized, speakers are invited and logistics are finalized for an operation that spans several days.

“It’s a big undertaking, but we’ve been doing this a long time and have an excellent group of staff and volunteers throughout the community,” says Blake Parsons, Scout executive/CEO of the Aloha Council. “Everybody pitches in, and everybody understands how important this is.”

On Sunday afternoon of Memorial Day weekend, Scouts begin placing flags and leis across the cemetery grounds, covering about 40,000 graves.

The work is physically demanding. Scouts spend a few hours in the Hawaiian heat carefully moving from grave to grave. Food is not allowed inside the cemetery, making the day especially challenging for younger Cub Scouts. Still, leaders emphasize that the event is about reverence, not speed.

“It’s not a race to get through the cemetery,” says Billy Rayl, Oahu field director in the Aloha Council. “We try to teach the Scouts how to honor our veterans, how to salute properly, how to place the flag and how to show respect while doing it.”

Some units begin preparing well before Memorial Day weekend arrives. Troop 181, for example, holds a lei-making event during the Friday troop meeting before the ceremony. Former members, families and community supporters return to help create the floral tributes that Scouts will place at graves days later.

“They actually do a little talk there before to get the kids in the mindset,” Molale said. “Then Sunday they go up, hit those particular graves first thing and then help out with everything else.”

Other troops visit specific graves of veterans connected to their units or communities. Many Scouts also stop at the grave of Onizuka to pay their respects.

The Memorial Day observance continues Monday morning with the mayor’s official ceremony at Punchbowl. Military leaders, elected officials, Scouts and community members gather beneath a ceremonial tent overlooking the cemetery. The event regularly features military speakers with ties to Scouting. Last year’s speaker was the commander of Schofield Barracks, a U.S. Army installation in Honolulu.

On Tuesday morning, after Scouts have returned to school, adult volunteers and community organizations return to remove the flags, roll them properly and store them for the following year.

Despite the long hours and complicated logistics, leaders say the setting itself provides constant reminders of why the effort matters.

As visitors drive into Punchbowl, the crater walls rise around them. Flags line the road leading into the cemetery. From the upper levels, visitors can see rows of graves below along with sweeping views of Honolulu and Oahu’s southern coastline.

“From a Scouting perspective — and just being an American — it’s one of the most awe-inspiring things you can be a part of,” Parsons says. “It’s such a great way to honor our veterans.”

On Scouting: In Dallas, you informed the Scouting community about the new Trail Map, a plan Scouting America will use during your term to grow membership and increase retention. One of the priorities of the new Trail Map is a relentless focus on volunteers. What is driving that, and how do we do a better job equipping our volunteers for success?

Ricky Mason: Parents today are under a tremendous amount of stress. Even though there’s still a strong desire to volunteer and help kids, families and communities, people are balancing demanding jobs, busy schedules and a lot of responsibilities. Coming out of the pandemic, people also want to reconnect with their communities again.

For Scouting America to have strong units and grow membership, we must make volunteering easier and more rewarding. That means giving volunteers the support, tools and resources they need to succeed.

I see this firsthand in my hometown of Hoboken, New Jersey, where there’s a thriving Cub Scout pack with about 80 youth members. Some parents have deep Scouting roots, while others are completely new to the movement. Many of those new parents told me they were looking for an organization that would truly help their children, and they found that in Scouting.

Our job now is to make sure the volunteer experience matches that excitement. If we create a great experience for volunteers, more parents will stay engaged, and more youth will join.

I recently attended a world Scouting event in Sweden and spoke with volunteers there. One parent told me he spends about 25 hours a week volunteering with Scouting because it has become one of the most meaningful parts of his life. We can’t expect every volunteer to commit that amount of time, but it reinforced for me that if we provide support and a rewarding experience, people will invest themselves in Scouting.

OS: Another priority of the new Trail Map is reinvesting to attract more youth. Which areas do you think are most critical for Scouting America investment?

RM: Technology is a major area where we need to invest.

People expect organizations to operate efficiently and responsively. Whether it’s ordering a product online or using modern apps and services, families are used to seamless experiences. Our technology systems have not kept pace with those expectations.

That’s not a criticism of anyone working in Scouting technology. It’s simply the reality that we haven’t invested enough in it over the years.

We need to improve both our internal infrastructure and the technology families interact with directly. Parents and volunteers should be able to use their phones and online tools easily to manage registrations, communication and unit activities. Another critical area is branding and marketing. During the pandemic and bankruptcy, we did very little marketing. Now we’re reinvesting in campaigns that better communicate the value of Scouting to parents and families.

When families see that we are responsive, modern and paying attention to their needs, it reinforces that Scouting America is the world-class organization we strive to be.

OS: How do we come together as a movement to drive the changes needed to grow?

RM: Scouting America is a large and diverse organization with more than 230 local councils, each with its own leadership and decision-makers. While we are united as a movement, many important decisions happen at the local level.

For example, recruiting and supporting new volunteers often depends on local councils and unit leaders. National can provide updated training modules and resources, but local councils are the ones building relationships, providing in-person support and thanking volunteers.

One challenge we face is that we have significantly fewer district executives and unit-serving professionals than we did several years ago. Those positions are critical because they support units, recruit members and help volunteers succeed.

That means some councils may need to rethink how resources are allocated. In some cases, councils may have more property than they currently need, while needing more investment in frontline staff and membership growth.

I saw during the bankruptcy process that Scouting America can come together when it matters most. Working with local councils across the country required thousands of people to unite behind difficult but necessary decisions.

Growing Scouting today requires that same spirit of collaboration and shared purpose.

OS: What do you think the biggest challenges in the movement are today, and which of those challenges can we tackle immediately?

RM: Our biggest challenge is membership growth, and within that, retention is especially important.

We do a good job recruiting youth. Last fall, Scouting America recruited approximately 260,000 new youth members. The problem is that we are still losing more members than we recruit.

Some attrition is natural. Youth age out or move on to other activities. But we are seeing concerning retention numbers in Cub Scouting, particularly in the first few months after families join.

A family may respond positively to our marketing, attend a sign-up night and decide to give Scouting a try. But if those first meetings are disorganized or don’t create a strong experience, families may quickly leave.

That early experience is critical.

If a child leaves after a poor experience, they are unlikely to encourage their friends to join. That’s where we lose not only the person, but the growth opportunity.

The good news is that the country is increasingly open to Scouting America. Families are looking for opportunities that help kids build confidence, friendships and life skills. We should capitalize on that interest by making sure the experience is excellent from the very beginning.

OS: Volunteerism still hasn’t rebounded from pre-pandemic numbers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. How do we engage a new generation of volunteers?

RM: We have to clearly demonstrate the value of volunteering with Scouting. People today view their time as one of their most valuable resources. Parents are deciding where to invest the limited time they have, so we need to show them why Scouting is worth that investment.

One important step is making volunteer roles feel less overwhelming. If someone is asked to become a Scoutmaster immediately, that can sound like an enormous commitment.

Instead, we should create more bite-sized volunteer opportunities and clearly divide responsibilities so families can contribute in manageable ways. That allows people to get involved gradually and build confidence over time.

Family structures and schedules have changed significantly, and many parents may feel they have even less free time today than previous generations did. We need systems and structures that recognize that reality while still making it possible for families to contribute meaningfully.

OS: You’re an Eagle Scout. What in your own Scouting experience most influenced your life and shaped who you are today?

RM: My introduction to Scouting started when I was 7 years old. My mother sat me down in our home in Richmond, Virginia, and told me that when I turned 11, I was going to join the troop sponsored by our synagogue, Troop 417, and that I was going to become an Eagle Scout like my older brother.

So when I turned 11, I joined.

At first, there was no evidence that I would be successful in Scouting. But over time, it started to click. By the time I earned First Class, I was gaining confidence and realizing I could accomplish difficult things.

Scouting pushed me outside my comfort zone. It gave me friendships, outdoor experiences and opportunities to grow.

At 14, I attended Philmont on a 110-mile trek carrying a heavy pack through the mountains. That experience taught me resilience, leadership and perseverance. A few years later, my mother died of cancer when I was 17. I dropped out of college twice and struggled significantly during that period of my life.

What helped me recover was the muscle memory of Scouting — the discipline, confidence and leadership skills I had developed as a Scout. Scouting taught me how to endure challenges, how to plan and how to keep moving forward. Eventually, I succeeded in college and law school, became a law firm partner, and later became deeply involved in Scouting leadership.

Even today, when I face difficult situations, I often remind myself that if I could become an Eagle Scout and complete Philmont, I can handle the challenge in front of me.

OS: Why do you think today’s youth need Scouting?

RM: Today’s youth need the same kinds of experiences that Scouting gave me.

They need opportunities to spend time with other young people, to be part of a patrol and a community, and to experience the outdoors.

Scouting teaches youth how to succeed — but also how to fail and recover from failure. That’s one of the most important lessons young people can learn.

Without Scouting, my own setbacks after high school could have defined the rest of my life. Instead, Scouting gave me the confidence and resilience to keep going.

Scouting also helps young people discover who they are. It teaches teamwork, leadership, service and citizenship. It helps youth learn how to contribute to their communities, work with others and grow into capable adults.

Most importantly, Scouting gives young people experiences they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

About Ricky Mason: A longtime supporter of Scouting, Mason is a Silver Buffalo honoree and a Distinguished Eagle Scout who earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1975 at Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia. Alongside his wife, Beth, and their two children, he founded the Mason Civic League, a charity that was dedicated to educational, artistic and civic initiatives in Hoboken, New Jersey.

But camp food isn’t always the healthiest. Of course, Scouts need plenty of calories to keep up their energy for hiking, swimming, and outdoor activities. So can camp chefs create energy-boosting meals that are just a little healthier — without ruining all the fun?

We asked registered dietitian Stacie Ellis. She had some thoughts.

Foil-Packet Meals

Ellis, a nutrition professor at the University of Texas at Arlington — says amping up the healthful content of this camp classic is all about the ingredients. Kids might try to stuff it full of fatty meats and cheeses, but a few simple adjustments can make this healthier.

• Add white potatoes or sweet potatoes for carb energy.
• Use chicken or lean ground meat.
• Include a variety of vegetables such as carrots, peppers, onions, asparagus and potatoes.

Walking Tacos

Ellis, who’s also the owner of Excellis Nutrition, admits this crunchy, snack-like “meal” is more about convenience than nutrition. But she says there are still ways to improve it.

• Swap regular chips for multigrain or baked options.
• Add colorful vegetables like cabbage, shredded carrots or radishes.
• Include beans for extra fiber and protein.
• Use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Ellis says pancakes provide lots of energy for active kids on campouts — and they’re even healthier when paired with protein and fruit.

• Add fruit on top instead of syrup. (Or at least, without as much syrup!)
• Try multigrain or oat pancakes.
• Keep portions balanced rather than oversized.
• Pair pancakes with eggs for added protein.

Campfire Quesadillas and Fajitas

Kids will usually eat a quesadilla’s healthy pepper-and-onion medley. But you can kick the healthiness up a notch.

• Add black beans for fiber and protein.
• Include vegetables like spinach, squash, zucchini, peppers and onions.
• Use whole-wheat or high-fiber tortillas.
• Offer chicken and lean meat.
• Let kids build their own meals so they’re more likely to eat the vegetables they choose.

Grilled Cheese and Soup

Ooey-gooey meals don’t always scream healthy, but Ellis says the energy that the high-calorie cheese provides can still be layered with a few healthy choices.

• Use milk-based soups instead of heavy cream. (Lookin’ at you, tomato soup!)
• Even better: Try vegetable soups or stews.
• Add lean deli meat, like chicken or turkey, to the sandwich for extra protein.
• Use whole-grain bread when possible.

The Overall Message

Ellis’s advice across almost every camp meal: Add more fruits and vegetables whenever possible. Camp food doesn’t have to be “perfect” to be healthy, she says, especially for active kids who are hiking, exploring and burning energy outdoors.

Ellis adds: “Keep camp food fun, kid-friendly and satisfying while using simple upgrades to improve nutrition along the way.”

After one such treatment, David got the idea of how to make the experience a little less stressful for other children.

“This project was deeply personal, inspired by my own experiences as a patient,” says the 16-year-old from Troop 57 of Palo Alto, Calif. “For many, these treatments aren’t a one-time event. They’re a regular part of life.”

Over nine months, he recruited 223 volunteers who put in nearly 1,200 service hours building, painting and decorating wooden platforms called “lily pads” for kids to sit or stand on while they receive treatments. 

“These IV lily pads are more than just pieces of wood,” David says. “They’re a moment of escape — a way to make something scary a little more fun.”

He donated the 110 lily pads to the same hospital that had helped him: Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, part of Stanford Medicine Children’s Health network, which treats 8,000 kids a year from all over the United States. For his exceptional efforts, David received the 2026 Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award.

A project in multiple phases

Since 2010, the Adams awards have recognized outstanding Eagle projects. This year’s awards, which include 14 territorial winners and one national winner, honor young people who earned the Eagle Scout rank in 2025. The national winner receives a $3,500 scholarship, which they can use for their future education or to attend a national or international Scouting event.

David started his award-winning project by using a GoFundMe page to raise more than $5,500, which covered most of the funds needed for supplies. He also sold boba tea during a swim meet.

A big challenge for David was figuring out he and his helpers could make the lily pads work with hospital equipment and last for years. He made several physical prototypes before hospital staff approved the final design, which are built to move with patients as they’re wheeled through the halls by a parent or nurse.

David purchased plywood boards cut so that they’d fit around an IV stand. Then he scheduled a day for volunteers to sand and prime the boards. 

After that, he recruited more volunteers from local troops, high schools and an art center foundation to creatively paint the boards to look like slices of fruit, flowers, cute insects and cartoon characters.

Another workday involved applying sealant to each of the boards. 

Finally, the hospital hosted a ceremony where David donated the lily pads.

“That little time they spend out of their room or out of their bed makes a big difference,” says Jesus Cepero, chief nursing officer at the hospital. “That’s why this was a wonderful project.

After the ceremony, David took three of the 110 lily pads to young patients to use.

“Seeing the young patients’ smiles made every hour of effort worthwhile,” David says. 

Not done yet

After the Eagle Scout project was completed, the hospital provided a $7,000 grant to David, which he’s using to build 25 more lily pads.

But the patients at Lucile Packard won’t be the only beneficiaries for this second phase. David has already begun partnering with hospital groups in Florida, Tennessee and Washington D.C., and plans to keep the project going for the next few years.

He’s also compiled a 25-page guide available upon request to people who want to construct lily pads for their local medical facilities. The guide includes instructions on how to design a lily pad, a materials list, descriptions on how to complete each step, and lessons David learned to help save time.

How to nominate an Eagle Scout for the Adams award

If you know an Eagle Scout whose project is worthy of consideration for the Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year award, please nominate them.

You can find a nomination form, judging criteria and more information here.

Eagle Scout service projects may be submitted for award consideration by the Eagle Scout, their parents or guardians, or any registered volunteer — with the Scout’s permission. To be eligible, nominations must be submitted to the Council NESA committee where the service project was completed no later than Jan. 31, 2027.

For example, an Eagle Scout who completed their board of review in 2026 must ensure their project is nominated by Jan. 31. Councils are then responsible for submitting the nomination materials to the National Eagle Scout Association by Feb. 28. For all details and requirements for submission, visit the Adams award page at nesa.org.

That meant reaching out mostly to celebrities and voice actors connected to his sons’ favorite movies and television shows. Added to that mix was a request to the Los Angeles Lakers cheer squad, who sent a signed picture.

“This way, they would have something personal and truly meaningful from people or experiences that meant something to them,” Stanley says. “A single heartfelt message can outweigh a stack of generic form letters.”

Securing congratulatory letters for an Eagle Scout court of honor is a long-standing tradition. Letters are displayed or compiled in a book for attendees to enjoy before the ceremony begins. Parents and troop leaders often work together to obtain these letters — but some are easier to get than others.

Here’s advice from the experts on snagging an impressive collection of congratulatory letters for your Eagle Scout.

Start early. High-profile personalities, like national politicians or movie stars, get hundreds of similar asks every day, so you might wait months — or even a year — to get a response.

“Letters from national leaders, including the president or vice president, often require significant lead time and may not always arrive in time for the ceremony,” says Robby Cohen, a life member of the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA).

Do your research. Check to see if your unit has a database with helpful hints and examples of success or failure. For instance, if former Scout Jack Black has been particularly responsive to local requests, reach out. If LeBron James hasn’t responded to any request in years, skip him. Unit committee members and other leaders also often have systems in place to obtain letters from national, state and local officials, so check on that as well.

Also, poke around online to see which well-known organizations, government agencies and elected officials have online templates for these kinds of requests. You’ll be surprised how many of them do.

Think outside the box. Celebrities and high-profile leaders are great. But you might have better luck — and receive more personal responses — by seeking out different kinds of letter writers. For instance, if a Scout has attended a high-adventure base, consider reaching out to leadership from that location. If they’re active in a religious community, a letter from a national or regional faith organization can carry deep meaning. Local and state officials can also be very responsive.

Write the best request ever. Stanley secured handwritten responses from celebrities Jay Leno, Betty White and Tom Skerritt, among others. One reason his requests resonated was because they were personal: Each request clearly explained the significance of earning Eagle Scout and why his sons were chosen. Another tip: Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and any items to be signed.

Need a solicitation template to help you get started? Download this one.

Expect the unexpected. Some organizations require advance notice, login credentials or even fees. And some celebrities even charge for signatures, so be prepared to pay if that letter is important.

If all else fails … here are two you can get right now!
• Scouting America offers a letter from Scout the Maileagle. Get it here.
• Scouting America’s Order of the Arrow has a congratulatory letter available. Click here to download it.

And registration for the next national course — the first since 2022 — is now open.

Wood Badge is Scouting America’s advanced, national leadership course open to Scouting volunteers and professionals who have competed their position-specific training. The course is slated for Nov. 7-12, 2027, at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. You can expect the experience to be life-changing.

“Come for the training; leave with a renewed vision, stronger connections and a shared experience that lasts a lifetime,” says Kaleen Deatherage, the national course director and a member of Scouting America’s National Executive Board. “You’ll learn alongside Scouting leaders, gaining perspectives and building relationships few Scouters experience firsthand.” 

Why take Wood Badge?

Wood Badge is a unique opportunity to connect with Scouters from around the country while sharing and discovering how to fulfill the mission of Scouting in your unit.

Participants are divided into patrols, and they work together to strengthen their teamwork, communication, project-planning and leadership skills. They leave the course with “a ticket”—five goals designed to help them realize their personal vision of their role in Scouting.

“This is more than time away,” says Deatherage, who’s served on staff for four Wood Badge courses. “It’s time well spent, focused on becoming the kind of leader who builds healthy, thriving units and creates lasting impact.”

Wood Badge basics

One of the biggest takeaways many Scouters report after Wood Badge is that there’s not just one way to do Scouting. Learning from others opens the door for new ideas and better solutions, thus building better programs locally.

At Wood Badge courses, you’ll learn:

• Effective communication and active listening
• Conflict management and team development
• Project planning and how to lead change
• How to understand generational differences and build inclusive teams
• How to lead with vision and purpose
• How to shape stronger teams, stronger units and stronger futures for the Scouts you serve

“Seeing different approaches broadens your perspective and helps you bring new ideas back to your own unit,” Deatherage says. “You’ll leave with the confidence to adapt what works best for your Scouts.”

Added benefits

This won’t just be networking over a weekend — participants will be working together for a week, sharing ideas and building friendships, all in a beautiful part of the country.  

The Summit, one of Scouting America’s four high-adventure bases, sits on more than 14,000 acres nestled in West Virginia’s pristine wilderness. It’s also home to the 2026 National Jamboree, which takes place July 22-31.

“Taking Wood Badge at the Summit Bechtel Reserve adds an unforgettable dimension: an inspiring setting built for adventure, connection and growth,” Deatherage says.

To register to get more info, click or scan the QR code.

Aimed at children ages 4 and 5, Chipmunks will expand Scouting’s reach and introduce families to the movement earlier while focusing on age-appropriate development, play and connection. Ryan Moon, Scouting America’s director of new programs, says the concept builds on successful models from international Scouting organizations.

UK Scouts, for example, has experienced significant growth with its Squirrels program for 4-to 6-year-olds, now numbering more than 700 groups and 11,000 participants. Squirrels has become UK Scouts’ fastest-growing program and boasts the highest retention. Last fall, Scouts Canada launched its own Chipmunks pilot.

“Now a lot of people are wondering what the difference is between Chipmunks and Cub Scouting,” Moon says. “Is this just going to be another den that we’re going to add to the pack? No. There are some big differences.”

Chipmunk groups, known as “Scurries,” meet weekly in what Moon describes as a playdate-style format.

These gatherings are intentionally simple, creating a welcoming environment for both children and parents who may be new to Scouting. Meetings are led by parents serving as Scurry Coordinators, with support from a district- or council-level volunteer called a Chipmunk Ranger. This structure reinforces family involvement while keeping the program accessible and easy to implement.

The curriculum centers on storytelling, creativity and foundational skills that help children prepare for kindergarten. Unlike Cub Scouting, there are no ranks, badges or formal advancement requirements. Instead, participants engage with a sticker-based recognition system, collecting stickers in a book as they complete activities and participate in weekly themes.

A simple uniform element — a neckerchief and slide — adds a sense of identity.

A feature of the Chipmunks program is its cast of “forest friends,” a group of eight animal characters that guide the experience. These characters, including Sebastian the Skunk, Dawn the Deer and Cyrus the Squirrel, each represent a different program theme, such as friendship, creativity, music and movement. Through storytelling, puppets and interactive activities, these characters help bring lessons to life in a way that resonates with young children.

Moon says this approach reflects what early childhood educators have long recognized: that imaginative play and narrative-based learning are powerful tools for engagement and development at this age.

Another key difference is the program’s intentionally limited scope. Chipmunk participants do not attend district or council events, allowing families to focus on local, manageable gatherings. This simplicity reduces the time commitment and helps ease families into Scouting at their own pace. The program is designed to be a gentle introduction rather than a full immersion, making it especially appealing to families who might be exploring Scouting for the first time.

The rollout of Chipmunks has begun with a testing phase in seven councils: Bay-Lakes, Circle Ten, Gateway, Great Smoky Mountain, Patriots’ Path, Twin Rivers and Western Massachusetts. The first Chipmunks were registered in April.

Feedback from these test programs will play a critical role in refining the curriculum, structure and delivery model before broader expansion, Moon says.

“We think this could reach a new generation of families who want meaningful social and educational programs for their young children,” Moon says. “It’s simple onboarding and a great way to introduce families to Scouting and prepare them for school.”

Check out the latest batch of projects.

TIP: Click/tap and drag the slider to see the change.

Long overdue

Who: Alexander, Troop 44, Blacksburg, Virginia

What: Alexander placed 18 posts in the ground at an elementary school and attached a flat board to the top, allowing picture books to be placed on the board for kids to read. The project promotes literacy and creates a fun learning environment.

Reflecting pool

Who: Ethan, Troop 9071, Woodbury, Minnesota

What: Ethan and his team restored an abandoned platform overlooking a pond. They added a bench and mulched the surrounding area to make the site, which is near a popular hiking trail, a more inviting resting spot for hikers.

Pet spirit

Who: Henry, Troop 699, Rancho Cucamonga, California

What: Henry and his helpers built a pet memorial garden at a local animal center. Visitors are encouraged to place a memorial on an existing stone or add their own to pay respects to their deceased furry friends.

Prayer garden growth

Who: Lane, Troop 261, Bartlett, Tennessee

What: Lane and his crew added brick, paving stones, rocks and benches to a local prayer garden. They built and installed a cross to complete the renovation at a local church.

Eagle Before & After FAQs

How can I see more in this series?

By going here.

How can I submit my project (or my Scout’s project) for consideration?

Go here to learn how to send them to us.

Are scholarships available for outstanding Eagle projects?

Yes! The Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award honors outstanding Eagle projects. An Eagle Scout, their parent or guardian, or any registered Scouting volunteer (with the Eagle Scout’s permission) may submit the Eagle Scout service project for consideration.

How can I see even more great Eagle projects?

Check out the Scout Life Eagle Project Showcase.

Who owns the photos used in this series?

Unless otherwise listed, all photos are courtesy of each Scout and their family.

Upper Crust, a food service management company with roots in serving college fraternities and sororities, provides meals for Scouting America camps. Upper Crust’s vice president of strategic partnerships, Shana Smith, says even college students can’t keep up with active kids when it comes to refueling.

“Campers are burning a tremendous amount of calories every day,” Smith says. “They’re active all day long, they’re still growing and they eat differently than other groups. You have to make sure you’re providing the right nutrition, hydration and portions to support that.”

Returning to the Scouting America National Annual Meeting (NAM) this month as a presenting sponsor for 2026, Upper Crust demonstrates how a deep understanding of the Scouting experience can elevate something as essential as food service. Its growth into the Scout camping world has been intentional, driven by a genuine appreciation for what makes Scouting unique.

Rather than treating camp food service like a one-size-fits-all operation, Smith says Upper Crust tailors its approach to the realities of Scouting life — from the high energy demands of campers to the traditions that make each camp unique. That attention to detail is a reason Upper Crust has become a trusted partner for camps nationwide. Upper Crust works closely with dietitians to ensure menus meet nutritional standards, while also training staff specifically for the camp environment.

But beyond logistics and menus, Upper Crust has embraced the broader Scouting experience in ways that go beyond the kitchen.

In July, that commitment will be on display at the National Scout Jamboree, where Upper Crust will participate for the first time as a sponsor and exhibitor. The Jamboree provides an opportunity for the company to connect directly with Scouts and leaders from across the country. It’s also a milestone in a growing relationship with Scouting America.

“We’re really excited about Jamboree,” she says. “Not only will we be there as a sponsor, but we’re also going to be involved in delivering parts of the Cooking merit badge. That’s something we’re passionate about — sharing what we know and helping Scouts build skills.”

Upper Crust doesn’t just arrive, serve meals and leave. It partners with camp leadership to manage the full food service operation, from staffing and menu planning to daily execution and ongoing support throughout the season. After camp concludes, Upper Crust management holds post-season debriefings to review performance, identify opportunities for improvement and help make the dining experience stronger.

Smith also notes that Scouting has had a positive impact on Upper Crust’s internal culture. The company has seen increasing interest from staff who want to work at camps during the summer, often driven by word of mouth from colleagues who had a great experience. Smith and members of the Upper Crust team also serve as merit badge counselors, allowing them to work directly with Scouts on cooking requirements. That enthusiasm ensures that Scouts receive not just quality meals but also friendly, engaged service from people who understand the importance of their role.

As Scouting America continues to grow, partnerships like the one with Upper Crust are crucial to delivering a quality experience for Scouts.

Upper Crust’s return to sponsor the 2026 NAM (May 11-15) in Dallas — combined with its first-ever participation in the National Scout Jamboree — shows a commitment that highlights the value of partners who support Scouting. Upper Crust goes a step further by participating in the Scouting movement.

uppercrustfoodservice.com

Meet the 2026 NAM platinum sponsor

Black Pug Software

Black Pug has always been more than just a registration tool. Its Scouting Event system is a comprehensive management engine that handles everything from payment tracking and member validation to a seamless check-in process and event close-out. And that’s only the beginning. Whether you need a full-scale weekend camping module, an integrated online store with inventory tracking or a robust point-of-sale system, everything is designed to keep your council running smoothly.

blackpugsoftware.com

Meet the 2026 NAM silver sponsors

Scouting America is proud to partner with the following silver-level sponsors for this year’s annual meeting:

Colorado Tent Company

Colorado Tent Company has been crafting canvas tents and goods in Denver since 1890 — the same craft and the same commitment to gear that holds up in the field. For more than a century, Scouts across the country have relied on their wall tents and camp equipment built to withstand seasons of hard use. Colorado Tent Company is proud to support Scouting America as a manufacturing partner.

ColoradoTent.com

Microsoft Elevate

Microsoft Elevate centers on people in AI, investing $4 billion over five years and aiming to credential 20 million learners in the next two years, supporting education, nonprofits and government partners with AI skills and resources.

microsoft.com/nonprofits

Symbol Arts

Symbol Arts specializes in creating personalized awards, badges and other promotional products that help honor and recognize the people who make a difference.

SymbolArts.com

Riding bikes early one morning, Tree Kiester was slightly ahead of his wife when he saw a flash of white just off the side of the road.

“It was one of those things that barely registered — a weird blur — and I remember wondering what the heck was that,” says Tree, Scouting America’s director of environmental health and safety. “About five seconds later, I heard it.”

That weird blur was a skunk. The sound was his wife getting sprayed.

“If you’ve ever startled a skunk, you know that sound,” Tree says.

Skunks aren’t aggressive and would rather flee than spray. In fact, spraying is always a last resort: Its scent glands take 10 days to refill, so it’s defenseless during that time. That’s why the best thing to do if you encounter one on the trail is to slowly back up, putting about 10 feet in between you and the skunk. If it feels cornered, it’s likely to stamp its paws, hiss and arch its tail over its back. Those are warning signs that you’re about to get hit by a massive stink bomb.

But keeping your distance isn’t always possible. Skunks are common on the trail, especially if you’re out at dawn or dusk, when many skunks are active. Here’s what Tree advises if you or a companion gets sprayed.

• If possible, don’t go inside right away. By waiting a few minutes, the worst of the vapor will dissipate into the air instead of in your house.
• If it’s not private enough to remove your clothing, remove at least the outer layer before going inside.
• As soon as possible, seal your clothes in a plastic bag. Skunk spray is a sulfur-based oil that keeps releasing odor into the air. Containing clothes keeps the odor from spreading until you can properly deal with it.
• Use a de-skunking solution to wash your clothes.
  • An effective home remedy is a mixture of 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, one-fourth cup of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap.
  • Soak or thoroughly saturate the smelly areas for 10 to 15 minutes. (Keep in mind that peroxide can bleach fabrics.)
  • Wash using your regular detergent on the highest temperature setting safe for your clothes.
  • Hang to air dry. Don’t use the dryer yet.
  • If your clothes still smell, repeat the process.
• If your skin was sprayed, don’t use water to wash it off. Plain water alone can spread the oily compounds in skunk spray before you’ve treated it. Instead, use the same mixture you used on your clothes. Apply it to affected skin, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse. Don’t use the mixture for your eyes or mouth.
• Instead, use water to rinse your spray from your eyes, which is painful and can cause temporary irritation. Flush with water immediately.
• If your pet is sprayed, stay outside and check its eyes first. Gently flush the eyes with lukewarm water or saline for several minutes. If you see severe redness, call a vet.
  • Apply the same peroxide de-skunking solution to its dry fur, working deep into the coat. After 5 to 10 minutes, rinse. Use a regular pet shampoo after rinsing.

5 fun facts about skunks

• Skunks help the environment just by eating. Munching on insects helps keep pest populations in check, which can reduce the need for chemical pesticides. Dining on fruits and nuts allows them to spread seeds through their scat, which promotes biodiversity.
• They don’t hibernate. They enter a state called torpor, a deep sleep that lowers their body temperature and metabolism. This can last less than 24 hours or a few days.
• Their spray is highly flammable. Skunk spray contains thiols, sulfur-containing compounds responsible for its intense odor.
• Kids will love this one: Skunk spray is stored in two anal scent glands on either side of the critter’s butt!
• Not all skunks have the same striped appearance — the spotted skunk’s stripes are broken up so they look more like, well, spots.

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