Not in Orlando for Scouting America’s National Annual Meeting (NAM)? We’ve got you covered.
This yearly gathering of Scouting professionals and volunteers from around the country has generated a lot amazing moments, like reunions between longtime friends, Cub Scouts addressing audiences of hundreds of Scouters and, true story, an American bald eagle flying over attendees’ heads to kick off the whole thing.
There are also a ton of insights and exciting announcements coming out of NAM. Read on as we keep you updated on everything you need to know about what’s coming up in Scouting.
Note: We’ll keep this list updated as the meeting rolls on.
David Montgomery (and his Scout leaders) made an appearance
Through the 2026 Super Bowl, David Montgomery will remain Scouting America’s spokesperson. That means he’ll be an outstanding Eagle Scout for youth to look up to during this fall’s recruitment season and beyond.
New youth safety training is on the horizon
Chief Safeguarding Officer Glen Pounder shared that new safeguarding youth training will be launching very soon. We’ll loop you in on all the details as it rolls out, so keep your eyes on this blog over the next few days.
Our sources tell us this training isn’t mandatory until your current Youth Protection training expires, but you’re encouraged to take it as soon as you have time.
Richard Reeves shared the challenges facing boys and men today
Last year, you may recall we caught up with Eagle Scout Selby Chipman about the wins and challenges of earning the rank as a young woman. This year, NAM attendees heard from Richard Reeves, acclaimed author and founding president of the American Institute for Boys and Men.
Addressing any detractors, Reeves said this focus on boys does not aim to ignore the challenges girls face.
“It is an ‘and’, not an ‘or,'” explained Reeves. “We can do two things at once.”
Further, he described maligning women and girls as the culprits for the plight of young men is inaccurate and ineffective in solving these challenges.
After sharing some startling stats on the state of mental health, Reeves highlighted that suicide rates are four times higher for young men than for young women. This number is a significant rise since 2010.
We lose about 40,000 men a year to suicide. That’s nearly the same number of people we lose to breast cancer each year.
Scouting’s role in the future of young people is paramount in light of these numbers, along with the shortage of male role models in schools and the pressure for boys to mentally and socially develop at the same rate as their female peers.
Stay tuned to Aaron on Scouting as we share more takeaways from Reeves’ address in the coming days.
Devang Desai takes the role of national commissioner
Meet Devang Desai, Scouting America’s newest national commissioner
Aviation merit badge digital resource guide rolls out
The Aviation merit badge just got a first-class upgrade: introducing a new digital experience
A new class of Silver Buffaloes has arrived
What’s next at NAM?
We’ll keep adding updates to this page as the meeting continues. And if you’re attending, let us know in the comments: What is your biggest takeaway from the week (so far)?
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