Four epic reasons Scouts should be pumped for the new movie ‘Alpha’

Mankind meets man's best friend in "Alpha." (Movie Artwork © 2018 Columbia TriStar Marketing Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

“An epic tale of adventure in the outdoors.”

That describes the countless hiking, kayaking and climbing trips Scouts are taking all summer long.

It’s also a fitting tagline for Alpha, the new movie from Sony Pictures that’s howling into theaters Aug. 17.

Alpha, rated PG-13, tells the story of a young man in the last Ice Age who gets separated from his tribe and must learn to survive alone. He makes an unlikely ally, a wolf who was abandoned by his pack, and the two embark on a stunning story of survival.

I’m in, based on that description alone. Here are four more great reasons Scouts and Scout leaders should get pumped for Alpha.

1. Alpha tells a story you probably don’t know.

How did dogs go from wild animals to loyal companions? That’s one of the themes Alpha will explore in the visually striking adventure.

As the movie’s trailer puts it, you’ll get the incredible story of “how mankind discovered man’s best friend.”

My advice: See it on the biggest screen possible.

2. Scouts can earn an Alpha patch.

Scouts 13 or older can watch the Alpha movie trailer and then write a short essay about how they’d use their Scout skills in an epic adventure with Alpha.

Keep it simple — just describe the situation, the merit badge and the skill or skills that would apply.

Or Scouts can get creative by picking one or two scenes from the Alpha trailer and writing their own short Scouting adventure. One to two paragraphs max. Remember, Scouts must include the specific merit badge and Scouting skills they would use to survive.

Word of warning: These exclusive Alpha movie patches are first-come, first-served.

Click here to enter now. The contest ends at 11:59 p.m. CDT on Aug. 17. Entrants must be 13 years or older and get parent/guardian permission to enter the giveaway and win the prize.

3. Troops and crews can win a hometown screening of Alpha.

What about a screening for your entire troop or crew?

Here’s how Scouts can enter to win a private screening of Alpha for up to 100 Scouts:

  1. Watch the Alpha movie trailer.
  2. Pick the skill or skills and merit badge or badges that you would use in a wilderness survival situation.
  3. Show your Alpha! Take photos or videos demonstrating these skills and share them on social media using #ALPHAScoutContest and #ALPHAMovieContest.

Remember: Entrants must use the hashtags #ALPHAScoutContest and #ALPHAMovieContest for a chance to win.

This portion of the contest ends at 11:59 p.m. CDT on Aug. 3. So hurry!

Entrants must be 13 years or older and get parent/guardian permission to enter the giveaway and win the prize.

4. Scout groups can use an exclusive discount to save at AMC theaters.

Alpha is hooking Scouts and Venturers up with a discounted movie ticket offer at local AMC theaters.

Groups of 15 or more are eligible to receive $7 tickets; just click here to get started and learn more.


About Bryan Wendell 3282 Articles
Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer.