March 2026 Newsletter

Introducing the Scouting Strong Achievement Program

The Blue Mountain Council, Scouting America is excited to introduce the Scouting Strong Achievement Program; a new initiative designed to reward strong, well-planned, and active units.

Units that complete the required achievements during 2026 will qualify to receive free cloth rank advancements in 2027 (excluding the Eagle Kit).

To Qualify, Units Must:

  • Submit a unit calendar
  • Turn in a recruitment plan
  • Recharter on time
  • Submit unit service hours
  • Ensure Key 2 leaders are trained
  • Attend a camp

 

This program reinforces the key practices that help units grow, retain Scouts, and deliver a high-quality Scouting experience.

Celebrate National Volunteer Month – Nominate a Scouting Volunteer!

April is National Volunteer Month, and the Blue Mountain Council, Scouting America is proud to celebrate the dedicated volunteers who make Scouting possible every day.

From Unit Leaders and Committee Members to Merit Badge Counselors and Event Volunteers, our Scouting program thrives because of individuals who generously give their time, talent, and heart to serve youth across our Council.

This year, we want to spotlight these outstanding Volunteers on our social media channels and we need your help!

Submit a Nomination:

Do you know a volunteer who goes above and beyond? Nominate them to be featured during National Volunteer Month.

Please include the following information in your nomination:

  • Volunteer’s full name
  • Unit and position
  • Contact information (email and/or phone number)
  • A brief description of why they are being nominated
  • A photo (if available)

Selected volunteers will be highlighted throughout the month as we recognize the incredible impact they have on our Scouts and communities.

Help us say thank you by sharing their stories and celebrating the spirit of service that defines Scouting.

Safety Moment

Digital Safety in Online Scouting

As Scouting activities increasingly use virtual platforms, it’s important to follow digital safety practices that protect youth and leaders.

Key reminders for online Scouting activities:

  • Follow all Youth Protection policies. Two-deep leadership and the ban on one-on-one contact apply to all online interactions.
  • Encourage parent visibility. Online meetings and activities should remain open for parents to observe or participate.
  • Use secure meeting platforms. Choose platforms with strong privacy and safety features designed for meetings or education.
  • Protect your meetings. Use unique meeting IDs, enable passwords, and use waiting rooms to control access. Avoid sharing meeting links publicly.
  • Limit unnecessary features. Disable private chats, screen sharing, or other tools if they are not needed.
  • Protect personal information. Do not collect or share youth personal information unnecessarily, and avoid collecting data directly from youth under 13.

 

Creating a safe online environment helps ensure Scouting remains a positive and secure experience for everyone.

Resources:

Upcoming Events

2026 Friends of Scouting Leadership Breakfast - See You There!

The Blue Mountain Council of Scouting America looks forward to seeing you on March 19, 2026, for a morning dedicated to celebrating leadership, service, and the impact of Scouting in our community.

We are proud to honor Tom Mattis as this year’s North Star Honoree and welcome William E. Souza as our keynote speaker.

This special event brings together community leaders and supporters who believe in championing the future of Scouting and the youth we serve.

We’re just a few days away, and we can’t wait to gather in support of this important mission.

Lights, Camera, Action: A Movie Making Competition

Scouts are invited to showcase their creativity through film with this year’s theme, A Scouting Celebration of America’s 250th. Participants can create a five-minute video celebrating Scouting’s role in our nation’s story, with the opportunity to earn the Moviemaking Merit Badge. Completed videos will be due by March 28, 2026. Don’t miss the chance to tell your Scouting story on screen.

Lights, Camera, Action: Movie Night

Join us for a special Movie Night celebrating Lights, Camera, Action: A Scouting Celebration of America’s 250th on April 11 at 4:30 PM at the Princess Theatre in Prosser. For just $5 per person, enjoy an evening featuring Scout-created videos along with the classic Scouting film Follow Me Boys. Concessions will be available for purchase in the lobby. This event is open to everyone, Scouts, families, units, and community members, so bring a friend and enjoy a night at the movies in celebration of Scouting.

When Pigs Fly Camporee

Troops are invited to the When Pigs Fly Camporee at Martin Scout Ranch from April 17 at 5:00 PM through April 19 at 10:00 AM. This themed weekend of adventure includes rifle shooting, archery, rock climbing, hatchet throwing, Scout skill challenges, rocket building, camping, and a Saturday night campfire, with dinner provided on Saturday. Cost is $20 per Scout and $10 per adult.

Winging It Tri-Cities Day Camp

Get ready for a fun-filled adventure at the Tri-Cities Day Camp!

Join us on June 19–20 from 9:00 AM to 3:15 PM at Two Rivers Park in Kennewick. Cubs Scouts will enjoy BB guns, archery, cooking, games, and more. The $65 registration fee includes a t-shirt, patch, and all program supplies. Register by May 1 to guarantee your t-shirt size.

Winging It Oregon and Walla Walla Day Camp

Get ready for a fun-filled day at the Oregon Day Camp! Join us on June 27 from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM at Westminster Woods in Meacham, OR. Cubs from Tigers through Arrow of Light will enjoy BB guns, archery, woodworking, leatherworking, Scout skills, games, campfire, and skits. The $65 registration fee includes a t-shirt, patch, light dinner, and all program supplies. Register by May 1 to guarantee your t-shirt size.

Office and Trading Post Closures

The Blue Mountain Council Office and Trading Post will be closed for the following dates:

  • Good Friday, April 3, 2026
  • Memorial Day, May 25, 2026
  • Juneteenth, June 19, 2026