Update: As many of you guessed, this was our annual April Fools’ Day post. But that shouldn’t stop you from jamming out or downloading the Scout-y, yet entirely fake, musical tracks below.
Tenderfoots, get out your tap shoes! A new musical is about to debut, and it’s all about Scouting.
Scouting America’s performing arts committee just announced Do a Good Turn and Take a Bow will make its world premiere at the 2026 National Jamboree before embarking on an unprecedented theatrical journey — becoming the first-ever Scouting-themed residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
The musical, described after early previews as “part Les Misérables, part campfire singalong,” will showcase the thrills and lifelong friendships found in Scouting. Featuring a cast of Scouts, Scouters and at least one talking raccoon (trust us, it all makes sense in Act 2), the show promises epic musical numbers, breathtaking visual effects and enough knot-tying choreography to impress even the most seasoned Scoutmaster.
Do a Good Turn and Take a Bow: A story rooted in Scouting tradition
The plot follows a group of Scouts on an unforgettable high-adventure trek, encountering everything from sudden thunderstorms to unexpected raccoon heists. Along the way, they learn the true meaning of leadership, perseverance and why you should never forget an extra pair of socks.
Workshops for the show, funded by a grant from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, are already bringing in resoundingly positive feedback!
“This show is a gamechanger for Scouting and the future of musical theater alike,” said critic Daryl O’Flipso. “I laughed, I cried, I may have earned a merit badge just by being in this work of art’s presence,” he joked.
Preview the track list and hear the show’s first few singles now!
Award-winning composers — with rumored collaborations with Lin-Manuel Miranda and “Weird Al” Yankovic — have crafted a show-stopping soundtrack for Do a Good Turn and Take a Bow.
Expect musical numbers like:
🎶 “Do a Good Turn, Do a Dance, and Take That Bow!” — A high-energy opening number that critics expect to land this musical a standing ovation five minutes in. (Download mp3)
🎶 “Here to Serve but You Just Got Served.” — This one introduces the Scout Law through an unexpected rap battle that would make the cast of Hamilton proud.
🎶 “How to Earn a Merit Badge Without Really Trying” — A comedic, rapid-fire, tap-dancing showcase featuring Scouts earning 12 badges in under five minutes … only to learn there’s no way to rush your way to Scouting success.
🎶 “Leave No Trace (but Make a Memory)” — An emotional Act 2 anthem reminding Scouts that the best adventures aren’t about where you go but making sure you dig a cat hole whenever you go. (Download mp3)
🎶 “Be Prepared, My Daughter, My Son” — An a cappella choral piece sung by Cub Scout parents packing for day camp, featuring an 11-minute checklist solo.
🎶 “Dancin’ Through Philmont” — A high-energy dance number and drop-dead finale about hiking 12 miles on blistered feet. (Download mp3)
And if that’s not enough to get you hyped for the soundtrack, the show is penned and directed by whiz-kid April Lofo, a 20-year-old Eagle Scout who shared:
We went through a lot of iterations of the book for this show. The first few drafts weren’t right. They weren’t hitting on something key to the Scouting movement. It turns out what we weren’t hitting was F sharp. But we are now!
From Jamboree to the Sphere
After its debut at the 2026 National Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, the show will move to The Sphere in Las Vegas.
This technologically advanced venue will show off Scouting like never before. Audiences can expect some major special effects.
Surround visuals will put audiences sailing at Sea Base, paddling the Boundary Waters at Northern Tier, hiking the Tooth of Time at Philmont or getting rained on at the Summit. Which high-adventure base will your showing take place in? You’ll never know as it’s completely randomized at each showtime.
What audiences can expect at every show: live knot-tying sequences that challenge Cirque du Soleil as Vegas’ most thrilling act.
Tickets and merit badge opportunities
This show was a longtime in the making. For its creators, it’s unbelievable this day has arrived.
“For years, Scouting has been about adventure and personal growth — but we realized something was missing: jazz hands.” said Sofia Pollard, chair of Scouting America’s performing arts committee.
Early ticket access will be available to registered Scouts and Scouters, and rumor has it that attending the show will count as a requirement for the Theater Merit Badge (Pending counselor approval, of course).
As we prepare for this groundbreaking musical, stay tuned for more announcements — like who will star as “Scoutmaster Steve,” the wise leader with a five-minute monologue about proper backpack weight distribution.
Until then, keep your headlamps handy — Broadway is about to move to the Summit!
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