In my role as Chief Safeguarding Officer, I asked a group of Scouts to consider this issue carefully — not to arrive at a single answer, but to offer their perspective on a complex and evolving part of youth experience.

I’m proud of their work. It reflects balance, maturity, and sound judgment — recognizing both the benefits of technology and the importance of protecting the experiences that define Scouting.

This is not policy; it is perspective — and an important contribution.

At the same time, we should be clear: safeguarding in today’s environment includes the digital one. Empowering young people to make good decisions about technology is an essential part of prevention. Equally important is ensuring they know they can seek help — early and without hesitation — if something goes wrong online or through their devices.

As technology continues to evolve, so too will our approach — identifying where additional safeguarding expectations are required, and where flexibility, informed by youth voice and grounded in Scouting’s values, remains appropriate.

I hope this helps units have thoughtful, productive conversations with their Scouts.

Introduction written by Glen Pounder

With social media and rapidly advancing technology becoming more accessible, it’s not uncommon to see cellphones at Scout events. As members of the 2025-26 National Youth Council cohort, we were tasked with considering this issue. We recognize that Scouts and Scouters across Scouting America have different views on electronic use. This article shares our perspective and aims to help troops succeed in making thoughtful decisions.

Most volunteers, parents, and Scouts agree that cell phones provide plenty of benefits:

• Safety and communication, especially in backcountry settings
• Navigation tools such as GPS
• Access to information for ranks and merit badges
• The ability to take photos and document experiences
• Communication with parents when appropriate

But of course, challenges exist as well:

• Distractions that reduce engagement
• Fewer opportunities to develop hands-on skills independently
• Overreliance on technology
• Social media risks such as cyberbullying or inappropriate behavior
• Reduced focus on the outdoor experience
• Can contribute to increased homesickness or dependence if used excessively to stay in contact with home.

When deciding how to moderate phone usage, consider things like whether polices vary by event or need to be consistent. Think about the Scouts’ age, too: Should older ones have more access due to the responsibilities they might have at the event? Should younger Scouts have more access for learning needs?

The decision does not have to be based on age alone; individual circumstances matter, too. Homesickness and communication with parents, school requirements, and personal or medical needs should be thoughtfully considered by each troop when creating a policy.

Clear rules are important — but so is applying them fairly and with good judgment. Many troops take a middle-ground approach, by allowing limited phone time (for example, before bed); establishing clear expectations, with flexibility for specific needs; and taking age and maturity into account.

Think about the different devices — smartwatches, tablets, laptops, etc. — as well. These tools serve different purposes and might require slightly different approaches.

Policies may also benefit from being revisited regularly (for example, every 6 to 12 months) as technology and needs evolve.

One principle stands out: Include youth in decision-making. When Scouts are involved, policies feel like shared agreements rather than imposed rules, understanding and accountability improve, and outcomes are generally stronger.

In fact, we can hear from Scouts themselves:

Abigail, Life Scout (New Hampshire). My troop has a loose cellphone policy — we verbally discourage overuse, but there’s no clear expectation of what that limit actually is. I’ve seen the impact of this vagueness firsthand: less engagement and a diminished sense of Scout spirit. At the same time, I recognize the value in flexibility. Older Scouts, myself included, benefit from using phones for schoolwork and for learning connected to merit badges. Clear expectations around when and how devices are used would help strike a better balance.

Javier, Eagle Scout (Hawaii). Coming from a very loose policy, I see both the problems and the benefits. Phones can be essential for learning and accessing information outdoors. At the same time, they can take away from time spent outside with friends, which is one of the main reasons I go on campouts. I think there should be clear times when phones are allowed—and times when they are not.

Emily, Eagle Scout (Tennessee). My troop follows a strict no-cellphone policy on campouts. That helps us stay present with each other and with nature. Still, I think some limited time — especially on longer campouts — could be helpful.

Blake, Life Scout (Indiana). Rather than a blanket ban, I think policies should define appropriate use. There are situations where phones are necessary, but having constant access can reduce participation and connection. Scouts should be encouraged both to use phones as a resource when needed and to prioritize being present.

There are no absolutes in this issue. Cellphones are not entirely good or entirely bad. Each troop’s approach will reflect its needs, its Scouts and its context.

The goal should always be the same: Ensure that phones do not take away from the magic of Scouting — while still meeting the needs of today’s Scouts.

Photo illustration by Spencer Platt/Getty Images

New research reinforces what members of the Scouting movement already know — becoming an Eagle Scout leads to a happier, healthier life long after achieving the rank.

Commissioned by Scouting America and conducted by The Harris Poll, the study included a survey of 3,178 adults and compared Eagle Scouts, non-Eagle Scouts and people who never participated in Scouting. Eagle Scouts experience positive emotions at significantly higher rates than non-Scouts, according to the results.

About 86% of surveyed Eagle Scouts say they feel enjoyment daily or frequently, compared to 68% of non-Scouts. About 84% of those Eagle Scouts feel gratitude (compared to 73% of non-Scouts), and 78% feel purposeful regularly (compared to only 60% of those who never joined Scouting).

“These findings affirm what Eagle Scouts have long experienced firsthand — the values learned through Scouting endure for a lifetime,” says Rich Pfaltzgraff, president of the National Eagle Scout Association. “Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is more than an achievement in youth. It helps shape confident, purposeful and resilient adults who continue to lead and serve throughout their lives.”

The numbers on the negative end of the emotional spectrum also favor Scouting.

Eagle Scouts are significantly less likely to experience loneliness, sadness and fear. Only 11% of Eagle Scouts report frequent loneliness, compared to 23% of non-Scouts — even after controlling for for income, education, age and other demographic factors.

Outlook on the future looks different too. About 62% of Eagle Scouts describe themselves as optimistic about what lies ahead, outpacing non-Scouts’ responses. And 95% of Eagle Scouts agree that they’re happy with the person they are today, versus 82% of non-Scouts.

The physical health picture also reinforces the benefits of Scouting. Eagle Scouts are more likely to set health goals, spend at least 30 minutes outdoors daily, eat a balanced diet and stick to routines. They’re less likely to drink alcohol frequently and smoke cigarettes.

Sean Magennis, Scouting America’s executive vice president of membership engagement, says the survey is a valuable tool for leaders and volunteers when it comes to recruitment and membership retention.

“Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is more than an achievement — it is a proving ground for life,” Magennis says. “This study affirms what we see every day: Young people who commit to the Eagle journey develop a deeper sense of purpose, resilience and optimism that carries with them for decades. The path is not easy, and that is precisely the point. It calls young people to lead, to serve and to grow beyond what they thought possible.”

About the study

The Harris Poll surveyed 3,178 adults ages 18 andover, including 1,549 who were never members ofScouting America (“non-Scouts”). It surveyed 1,067 Eagle Scouts and 562 Scouts who did not achieve the rank (“non-Eagle Scouts”).

Read the full study and methodology.

“My wife was planting Easter lilies, and she suddenly goes, ‘Oh, hi, baby scorpion,’” says Scouting America’s director of environmental health and safety.

If you camp often enough, there’s always a chance you’ll see a scorpion. Although they’re most common in the South and Southwest, they also crawl around the Midwest and Southeast. And their stings have painful reputations. Read on to see how to avoid them.

Scorpions are arachnids, cousins of spiders. In the U.S., they’re found mostly in warm, dry climates and are usually active at night. Called ambush hunters, they hide under rocks, logs, and woodpiles and detect prey through their sensitive leg hairs.

If the scorpions are hiding inside shoes, sleeping bags or tents, they might think you’re the prey — and attack with a sting. That’s why you should close your tent when you step out and shake out shoes, clothing and sleeping bags before using. And of course, don’t stick your hands under rocks or logs without checking what’s there first.

And even if you do get a surprise sting, scorpions — like quicksand and piranhas — sound scarier than they usually are. The stings of North American scorpions are painful but not life-threatening.

“It’s more like a wasp or hornet sting,” Tree says.

What to do if you’re stung

The American Red Cross says to keep an eye on scorpion stings since — though rare — some people might experience breathing trouble, seizures or severe swelling. Most of us will probably just feel some pain or burning, tingling or numbness, and mild swelling or redness. Here’s what to do:

• Wash the area with soap and water.
• Apply a cold pack wrapped in a thin towel.
• Keep the affected area still and elevated if possible.
• Call 911 if serious symptoms arise.

Fun facts about scorpions

• The bark scorpion of Arizona has the strongest venom of all the U.S. species.
• Scorpions glow under ultraviolet light. Shine a blacklight on one at night, and it lights up with a blue-green color because of chemicals in its exoskeleton.
• Scorpions are older than dinosaurs. Their ancestors were crawling around more than 400 million years ago.
• Some species can slow their metabolism and live for months with very little food.
• They’re excellent pest controllers. Scorpions eat flies, roaches and termites.

Whether you’re a parent or a Scout leader (or both!), here’s a sneak peek at some of what your kids will get in the June-July issue of Scout Life:

They’ll discover courage. Or at least, they’ll be inspired by these Scouts’ bravery as they read about their whitewater adventure down a roaring river.

They’ll be ready for patriotic parties. These parades will get them excited for America’s 250^th birthday festivities. Plus, they’ll get tips on how to safely participate in a parade.

They’ll be faster on the trail. Gear Guy’s all about trail running this issue, with helpful advice on shoes, apps, safety and energy snacks.

They’ll travel the world. Sort of! From mascots to fun fan traditions across the globe, readers will get a rundown on all things FIFA World Cup.

They’ll be listened to. Subscribers can sign up for the Scout Life Reader Panel at go.scoutlife.org/team and share their ideas with the magazine staff. It’s their chance to help shape future issues!

There’s so much more to explore in the June-July issue, including reader faves like Scouts in Action, Think & Grin and Pee Wee Harris. So grab a copy and dive in with your reader! Purchase one by calling 866.584.6589, or go to scoutlife.org/subscribe-now and use discount code DIRPAS for a special subscription rate just for Scouts.

Eagle Scout Vincent La Padula says Scouting America shaped the values and leadership skills that still guide his personal and professional life. The CEO of J.P. Morgan Workplace Solutions now hopes to make those same opportunities more accessible to military families across the country.

La Padula, who also has two Eagle Scout sons, recently donated $100,000 to help launch Scouting America’s new initiative supporting children of military service members. The military family fee waiver program is designed to reduce or eliminate financial barriers that prevent military-connected youth from participating in Scouting.

Donations will cover registrations fees. But if enough Scouters join La Padula in financial support, those gifts also will cover uniforms and activities.

“Our military families already sacrifice,” La Padula says. “Participating in the movement shouldn’t be an extra financial sacrifice for them. I feel strongly that no child or young adult should be left out of Scouting because of the cost of a registration fee or uniform or program activity.”

“Our military families already sacrifice,” La Padula says. “Participating in the movement shouldn’t be an extra financial sacrifice for them. I feel strongly that no child or young adult should be left out of Scouting because of the cost of a registration fee or uniform or program activity.”

Scouting America has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with the armed forces and communities surrounding military installations. The new program will strengthen that bond.

The initiative begins June 1 and arrives at a time when Scouting America leaders say military families need strong community connections more than ever. Scouting America announced this effort in February as part of a renewed emphasis on youth readiness, leadership and civic engagement among military families.

Help with challenges of military life

La Padula points out that military families face challenges unfamiliar to many civilians. Frequent moves, deployments, changing schools and disruptions to social networks can make it difficult for children to establish lasting friendships and a stable sense of community. Scouting uniquely fills that gap, he says.

“First Class and Star requirements are the same anywhere in the world,” La Padula says. “The young adult who’s moving around from base to base can find consistency and camaraderie in Scouting. That constant gives them a sense of stability and community, which is powerful and extremely valuable for any young person.”

La Padula said he intentionally structured his contribution to inspire others to step forward as well. The investment could have a long-term impact far beyond membership numbers. Research has consistently shown that Scouting participation helps young people develop leadership skills, confidence, resilience and civic responsibility — qualities especially important for children navigating the uncertainty of military life.

La Padula believes those lessons helped shape his own sons as they worked toward Eagle Scout rank.

“One of them actually wanted to drop out when he was a Star Scout,” he recalled. “We had great conversations about why it’s important — the resilience and grit and fortitude and determination and all the things Scouting teaches. Whether you’re cold on a camping trip or don’t want to hike that last five miles at Philmont, Scouting teaches you to be resilient.”

Kids need Scouting more than ever

Beyond outdoor skills, La Padula sees Scouting as increasingly important in a world dominated by screens and social isolation. He believes the organization provides something many young people desperately need.

“Scouting is at an inflection point where it’s more critical than ever that we get kids outside, off phones, off devices and into the outdoors,” he says.

His vision for the military family initiative is ambitious. Ten years from now, he hopes the program will have grown into a multimillion-dollar effort supporting thousands of military-connected kids and their families.

“I hope it creates thousands and thousands of future leaders, future executive board members and future Scout executives,” he says. “That’s my hope and intention.”

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.