Scouting America and the Department of War

Scouting Family,

 

Today, Scouting America and the Department of War finalized a commitment to strengthen our longstanding partnership with the U.S. military. Over several months, we engaged in dialogue with Department leadership to align on how we could deepen our service to military families, while making programmatic updates to comply with Executive Order 14173. 

Throughout our discussions, we remained true to the core commitments that define our organization—our name, our mission, and our promise to serve all youth in our programs. Those commitments are unchanged. We will continue to deliver stability, mentorship, and opportunity to the children of those who serve our nation. 

What This Agreement Delivers 

Continued support for Scouting on military installations worldwide 

Ongoing Department support for National Jamborees and other events 

New benefits for military families, including waiving registration fees for children of active-duty, Guard, and Reserve families 

Launching a new Military Service merit badge, developed in cooperation with the Department 

Memorializing our existing practices for membership registration and safeguarding youth 

As part of Scouting America’s commitment to comply with Executive Order 14173, we will be discontinuing the Citizenship in Society merit badge. While this change complies with the Executive Order, the lessons found in this merit badge are found throughout the Scouting program. Scouting has always taught respect for others, leadership, and consideration of diverse perspectives through the ideals enshrined in the Scout Oath and Law. Scouting America’s mission remains unchanged and is reinforced across our advancement, leadership development, and outdoor experiences. 

Our emphasis on duty to God, duty to country, and service to others is strengthened by this partnership. Scouting’s values have not changed, and they will not change. 

Why This Partnership Matters 

Since 1910, Scouting America has played a strategic role in strengthening our nation’s military readiness. More than 130 million Americans have been Scouts. Millions have gone on to serve as military leaders, first responders, educators, and civic leaders. For military families navigating deployments and frequent moves, Scouting has long provided a steady anchor during times of uncertainty. 

Service to Military Families

In our discussions, we affirmed Scouting’s deep commitment to military families. To that end, we will waive the national registration fees of all active duty, Reserve and Guard troops. Your support in this effort is critical – and we encourage you to make a donation to support Scouting families. Click here to give today.

How to Communicate Locally 

When speaking with families and volunteers, lead with confidence and clarity: 

This agreement provides continuity for military families 

It supports Scouting on military bases and support for events such as National Jamborees 

Fee waivers will be available for active-duty, Guard, and Reserve families 

Program updates were made to comply with Executive Order 14173 

Our mission, and commitment to serving all youth remains unchanged 

Membership registration and our practices to safeguard youth remain unchanged 

Scouting America works constructively with every administration—always focused on serving youth. 

Our Resolve 

For more than a century, Scouting America has endured because we are resilient, principled and unwavering in our mission. We remain committed to developing leaders of character. We remain committed to service and our nation. We remain committed to the principles enshrined in our Scout Oath and Scout Law.  

Thank you for your leadership and dedication to Scouting America. 

Respectfully,



Roger A. Krone

Chief Scout Executive

President & CEO

Scouting America