A good reminder that being prepared in Scouting means caring for the whole person.
A Scout’s Mental, Emotional, and Social Health (MESH) can change quickly. Stress, anxiety, depression, homesickness, conflict, or other challenges can affect youth and adults during a campout, unit meeting, or everyday life. Just as we prepare for physical injuries and medical emergencies, we should also be prepared to recognize when someone may need support.
The U-S-A Model
Scouting America uses the U-S-A Model as a simple way for leaders and Scouts to recognize and respond to MESH concerns:
U – Understand: Notice changes in a person’s usual behavior. A change in mood, participation, relationships, or attitude may be a sign that someone is struggling.
S – Speak & Support: Approach the person calmly and with care. Listen without judgment, let them know they are not alone, and encourage them to seek help. When appropriate, involve parents, adult leaders, health officers, or other trusted resources.
A – Advocate & Act: Follow up and help connect the person with the appropriate support. If someone expresses thoughts of self-harm or harming others, take the concern seriously and follow your council’s established procedures for responding to a significant MESH concern.
You don’t have to be a mental-health professional to make a difference. The U-S-A Model is not about diagnosing a problem. It is about noticing when someone may be struggling, starting a caring conversation, and making sure they get the help they need.
In Scouting, being prepared means being prepared to care. A simple conversation, a listening ear, and knowing when to involve others can make a meaningful difference in the life of a Scout or fellow leader.
Resources
Spend the day learning new skills, exploring new interests, and working toward advancement at the Merit Badge Extravaganza!
Join us September 19, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church, 2001 W. Kennewick Ave, Kennewick, WA for a day focused on merit badge opportunities and learning.
Scouts must register by September 15, 2026 to participate. Please plan ahead and bring your own lunch, as lunch will not be provided at the event.
Don’t miss this opportunity to work on merit badges, learn something new, and take another step along your Scouting journey!
Get ready for a wild morning of fun, friendship, and adventure! Jungle Cubs is an exciting Scouting experience designed especially for Kindergarten and 1st grade youth.
Join us September 19 from 9:00–11:30 a.m. at Columbia Basin College for a morning filled with games, stories, crafts, snacks, and more! It’s a great opportunity for young Scouts to explore, have fun, and experience the excitement of Scouting.
Want to share the adventure? Bring a friend! Jungle Cubs is a fun way to introduce another family to Scouting and enjoy the morning together.
Registration is $10 per participant.
Dive into an exciting weekend of outdoor adventure designed just for Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts!
Join us September 25–26, 2026, at Westminster Woods in Meacham, OR, for Webelos-Ree: Under the Waves. This overnight camping experience introduces Scouts to the patrol method while building outdoor skills through camping, outdoor cooking, target and range activities, hands-on projects, and an unforgettable campfire program.
Registration is $30 per Scout and $7 per registered leader. Breakfast is included for all Scouts and registered adults.
Please note that this event is open only to Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts—siblings and younger Scouts are not permitted.
Get ready to reach new heights at our exciting rock climbing adventure at Rimrock Lake!
Join us on September 26 from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM for a day of climbing, confidence-building, and fun with fellow Scouts. Whether you’re a first-time climber or have experience on the wall, this event offers a great opportunity to challenge yourself and develop new skills. The registration fee is $45 per Scout. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early before registration fills up.
Building strong Scouts means supporting the whole person. Join us for MESH Training—Mental, Emotional, and Social Health—to learn how we can better support the well-being of youth and those who serve alongside them.
This free training will take place on October 3, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Scout Office.
The training is open to both youth and adults and provides an opportunity to learn more about mental, emotional, and social health in a supportive Scouting environment.
Join us for this important training and help create a stronger, more supportive Scouting community!
Take aim and enjoy a day of outdoor fun! Cub Scouts in Kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to practice their skills with BB guns, archery, and slingshots in a fun and supervised environment.
Join us October 10 at Two Rivers Park in Finley for Cub Scout Range & Target Day. Scouts can choose from start times at 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, or 11:30 a.m., or noon. This is a great opportunity to build confidence, learn new skills, and enjoy the outdoors with fellow Scouts.
Bring a friend and share the adventure! Registration is $10 per Scout, with 60 spots available. A waitlist will be available once all spots are filled.
Registration closes October 2. All participants must bring Health Form A & B.
Spots are limited, so register early!
Put your creativity, teamwork, and engineering skills to the test at Construction City!
Join us on October 17, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM at Benton Franklin Fairgrounds for a one-of-a-kind building challenge. Scouts will work together in teams to design and construct amazing creations using cardboard, tape, and their imagination. Whether it’s a bridge, house, restaurant, church, or another creative structure, the possibilities are endless!
This event is open to Wolves (2nd Grade) through Scouts BSA (up to 18 years old). Registration is $45 per Scout, and lunch is included. Scouts must register in teams of 4–5, with one adult guide per team. Teams may have no more than two Wolves.
All building materials—including cardboard, tape, cutting tools, spline tools, and hard hats—will be provided. Teams should bring plans for their build, decorations (no glitter or confetti), snacks, and any additional hand tools (no power tools, and please label all personal tools). Scouts should wear their uniform or activity shirt.
Construction City also provides opportunities for advancement across several Cub Scout and Scouts BSA programs, making it a fun and rewarding day of learning and teamwork.
Explore the wonders of the night sky and discover what makes our universe so fascinating! Scouts are invited to work on the Astronomy Merit Badge while enjoying an evening of hands-on learning and exploration.
Join us October 24 from 6:00–8:30 p.m. at the CBC Planetarium for an exciting evening under the stars. Scouts will enjoy a planetarium show and the opportunity to use telescopes as they learn more about astronomy and the world beyond our own.
Registration is $5 per Scout and includes the planetarium show and telescope use.
Come discover the stars, planets, and mysteries of the universe!
Ready to learn what’s under the hood? Scouts can get hands-on experience and work toward the Automotive Maintenance Merit Badge at this exciting event.
Join us November 7 from 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at McCurley Chevrolet Dealership for a morning of learning about vehicle maintenance, safety, and the skills every driver should know.
Registration is open, with only 15 spots available, so be sure to register early!
Registration is $5 per Scout.
The Blue Mountain Council Office and Trading Post will be closed for the following dates: