America250: Scouts in Action
Introduction
As we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, our Council is proud to stand with Scouting America and the America250 initiative in celebrating this historic milestone. Together, we are launching an exciting lineup of programs, events, and challenges designed to honor America’s past, strengthen our communities today, and inspire the next generation of leaders. Throughout 2026, Scouts, families, and community partners will have meaningful opportunities to learn, serve, explore, and celebrate—all while taking part in a council‑wide America 250 Challenge that invites everyone to join the adventure and make history.
Objectives
1.) Celebrate with public‑facing events and storytelling;
2.) Create durable partnerships that outlast 2026;
3.) Build a solid financial foundation for Scouting’s future;
4.) Integrate 250‑themed program across camping, advancement, and training; and
5.) Mobilize every Scout/unit for Scouting America’s Impact365 service hours.
🇺🇸 What Is America250?
America250 is a nationwide, multiyear commemoration leading up to the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Its mission is to bring Americans together to reflect on our shared history, values, and future through education, service, and civic engagement.
This historic partnership between Scouting America and America250 brings together:
- 116 years of Scouting tradition
- A national call to service and unity
- Hands-on opportunities for young people to learn, lead, and serve
Together, we’re empowering Scouts to honor our nation’s past and shape its next chapter through meaningful community service.
Timeline (2026) Key Cornerstone Programs for America250: Scouts in Action
Q1 Jan–Mar Theme: Strengthening Our Community
- Establish meaningful in‑person relationships with 250 new organizations, expanding Scouting America’s reach and community impact.
- Volunteer for flag ceremonies, public events, speaking engagements, community partnerships, and participate in Scout Sunday and chartered partner events.
- Reach out and confirm partnerships for the year with local or National Park units, historical societies, libraries, and museums; and align with any city/county/state 250 planning groups to share calendars.
- Provide the Council with photos and videos from community engagements to support broad, strategic public outreach.
- Launch “Scout the Next 250” communications, release the 250‑item menu for 25‑of‑250 Challenge.
Q2 Apr–Jun Theme: Growing our Legacy
- Achieve 250 new $1,000 endowment commitments as part of the Patio Endowment campaign, with each contribution honored through a dedicated 250 commemorative brick through December 31, 2026.
Q3 July – Sept Theme: Celebrating Outdoor Adventure
- Collect 250 photos of Scouts celebrating this patriotic year at NCAC summer camps during flag ceremonies and all other activities.
- Run weekly Camp Days with red, white, & blue integrations (history + service + STEM), host Our American Story “booths” for oral histories taken by volunteers with photos, and log all service during camp for the Scouting America Impact365.
- Council-wide flag‑raising “America Waves” at morning colors across camps/units, encourage Days of Reflections during hikes/services throughout summer and in particular the 4th of July weekend.
Events:
America250 Goshen Scout Reservation Visits on June 25th and July 9th featuring a celebration of America’s birthday and a tour of Goshen.
The Great American Scouting Picnic on August 8th, at Camp William B. Snyder featuring a celebratory picnic marking the conclusion of the 2026 camp season, the kickoff of the 2027 season, and a powerful patriotic tribute featuring 250 U.S. flags presented by units from across our Council.
Q4 Oct – Dec Theme: Dedication to Service
Strengthen Scouting for Food participation by adding 250 new units to the campaign and raising food donations by an additional 250,000 pounds compared to 2025, positioning our Council to reach a historic 1,000,000 pounds collected in the 2026 Scouting America Day of Service on November 14, 2026.
- Awards recognition of the units completing the 25‑of‑250 Challenge with flag ribbons delivered in person by District professional staff.
- Publish the Annual Report as a “Council 250 Impact Report.”
The “25 of 250” Challenge
How it works
- Scouts, Scouters, or units choose any 25 items from the official Council 250 Menu (below) between Jan 1–December 31, 2026.
- At least 5 must be service, and 5 must be learning/civic engagement.
- Participants log service in Scoutbook for Impact365 and fill out the “25 of 250” completion form on NCAC’s America 250 webpage.
Recognition
- Patch for purchase upon completion of the challenge.
- Unit streamer for units that complete the “25 of 250” challenge.
The 2026 “Pick Any 25 of 250” Checklist (Scout or Unit) COMING SOON!
2026 Service Challenge: Help Our Council Make History!
Join the America Gives Movement through Scouting’s Impact365 & Celebrate America250 Through Service
In 2026, our Council is calling on every Scout, every unit, and every family to participate, together, in unity of service.
In celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary, Scouting America has launched Impact365 and is encouraging every unit to complete 250 hours of community service during 2026. Whether through Council projects, rank-requirement activities, family service, or simple acts of good turns, every hour counts—and every effort strengthens our communities.
This effort aligns with America Gives, the national Scouting America initiative encouraging Scouts to give back in record-breaking numbers. And this year is especially meaningful because Scouting America is partnering with America250, the official U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, to celebrate our nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
Why 2026 Service Matters
As we honor 250 years of American history, our Council is challenging every Scout and every unit to step forward and:
- Serve more than ever before
- Strengthen our communities
- Demonstrate the values that have shaped our country.
The spirit of Scouting—trustworthiness, helpfulness, loyalty, leadership, and reverence—aligns perfectly with the ideals America250 seeks to highlight throughout this national anniversary.
Your service in 2026 becomes part of our nation’s story.
How Your Unit Can Participate
1. Plan Service Early and Often
Food drives, conservation projects, community cleanups, collections, letters to service members—every hour counts.
2. Encourage Individual Scout Initiative
Personal service projects, Good Turn daily goals, and school- or community-based volunteering make a huge difference.
3. Track Everything in Scoutbook as Impact365.
To make history, we must collect every hour from every Scout.
Report All Service Hours Here
To reach the America Gives 2026 goal and contribute to the national America250 data effort, please report:
- Unit service hours
- Individual Scout service hours
- Multi-unit or districtwide project hours
👉 Submit all service data using Scoutbook for the Scouting America Impact365 campaign.
Then add your hours to the America Gives site: https://america250.org/
Accurate reporting ensures your Scouts are recognized and ensures our Council’s impact is counted toward the national celebration.
Let’s Make 2026 a Year to Remember
This is more than a challenge. It’s a chance for our Council to take a leading role in a historic national moment.
Together, we can:
- Serve at record-setting levels
- Celebrate the founding principles of our nation
- Show what Scouting values look like in action
- Inspire the next generation of leaders
Let’s make 2026 the greatest year of service in our Council’s history.
Let’s give back. Let’s celebrate America250.
Let’s make history—together.
