Thursday, May 15th
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Offerings:
New Program Testing: Make Our Programs Highly Relevant to Today’s Youth
Learn more about the new program testing currently underway and plans for the future with Scouting America to grow our Movement again.
Roadmap – Broaden Our Appeal & Revitalize Our Brand
In 2025, we’re building on our marketing successes from 2024 with a strategic focus on continuing to reintroduce Scouting to America and inviting youth and families to join. During this interactive session, we’ll look the roadmap for the year with an emphasis on continuing to tell the Scouting story through aggressive marketing, public relations and social and digital media. Plus, we’ll share the latest marketing research councils can use to better reach their key audiences and improve the experience of youth and families.
Cultivating a Culture of Inclusion for Scouts
Join us for a session on the importance of cultivating a culture of inclusion for all Scouters, including specifics on inclusion of multiple types of diverse Scouters.
What you need to know about Jamboree
A conversation with the Jamboree leadership about all things Jamboree. Our goal is to ELEVATE your knowledge of the Jamboree 2026 experience and help you share the excitement back in your council. We share the latest information and plans for the Jamboree and answer your questions about all things Jamboree.
An Overview of Generative AI with Microsoft
This session will give a broad overview of what Generative AI is, how it works, what you need to know about security and safety, and how Microsoft is leading the way with tools to empower Scouting America to achieve more. M365 Copilot Chat, M365 Copilot, Agents, and Copilot Studio will be covered with real examples and use cases.
Campaign Fundraising: Strategies for Big Impact
Campaigns can be transformative—but only with the right strategy. In this session, we’ll explore the essential elements of a successful fundraising campaign, from setting ambitious yet achievable goals to engaging top donors and volunteers. Learn how to craft a compelling case for support, build momentum through phased fundraising, and sustain donor enthusiasm from launch to celebration. Whether you’re preparing for a capital campaign, an endowment initiative, or a special fundraising effort, this session will provide practical guidance to maximize your impact and reach your campaign goals.
Introducing Bonterra – Every Action: Scouting America’s New Online Donation Platform
Scouting America is excited to introduce Bonterra – Every Action as our new online donation platform, replacing Scouting Gives. This transition brings local councils a cutting-edge, industry-standard solution for digital annual giving. Join this session to hear directly from National Staff and Bonterra representatives as they showcase the platform’s powerful capabilities, including enhanced donor management, streamlined giving experiences, and advanced reporting tools. Learn how this new system will support local councils in increasing engagement and maximizing fundraising efforts. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the future of digital giving in Scouting America!
Strengthening Safety in Scouting: Leveraging the S.A.F.E. Framework & Reporting
This session explores how Scouting America uses the S.A.F.E. framework to prioritize safety and prevent incidents. Leaders will gain practical strategies to apply SAFE Scouting to minimizing risks for Scouts, volunteers, and leaders. Additionally, we’ll emphasize the importance of reporting incidents and near misses to prevent larger issues. Real-life examples will showcase how proactive reporting strengthens safety culture. Join us to enhance your safety practices and make a lasting impact on your Scouting community!
Leadership Matters: Why Scouts and Families Leave Scouting – and What You Can Do to Keep Them
Every year, youth and families join Scouting – then leave. More than a decade of Scouting research shows us why and offers insight on how to keep them in Scouting. If you only attend one elective at the 2025 National Annual Meeting – it should be this one. Join us for this interactive elective to find out how to keep youth in Scouting longer.
How Technology Enhances Experiences: Make Our Programs Highly Relevant to Today’s Youth
Scouting America is redefining how technology enhances the experiences of members, volunteers, and professionals across the organization. From adopting service-oriented design to harnessing artificial intelligence for streamlined member registration, innovative initiatives are reshaping the way we operate and connect.
Join Scouting America CIO, Mike Bullock, and members of the Technology Advisory Committee in this interactive session to explore the key components of Scouting America’s technology strategy. Discover how these advancements will impact Councils and Units and share your valuable insights to help shape the future of technology-driven Scouting.
Meeting Resources for Dens & Packs
A detailed exploration into new Pack Meeting Resources and the gamification of Den Leader resources.
Venturing & Sea Scouting (Older Youth Programs)
Join us and learn how to grow and support Venturing and Sea Scouting. These programs are a great way to help ensure that youth remain involved in your units, districts, and council. They will also help secure your next generation of adult leaders. If you would like to make retaining our youth and developing tomorrow’s leaders a goal, then it is time to ensure Older Youth Programs are a priority for your council.
Maximizing Safety and Quality: Navigating NCAP Standard PD-112
In 2025, Standard PD-112 is revised to give council’s the option to create a longer review timeframe (up to 3 years) to provide an opportunity for a more intensive review of program risks with the goal of reducing unnecessary burdens and fine tuning procedures to create more time for camp staff to deliver safe, quality, and fun programs to Scouts that encourage retention and returning camp customers. Learn how to set up a program, conduct and document a quality risk review, and develop and implement light touch but meaningful safety improvements. Learn about best practices for reviewing incidents, trends and converting your camp data into actionable information. A great option for program professionals and volunteers and council risk managers.
How Philmont Scout Ranch Can Support Your Local Council
Philmont Scout Ranch is more than just a destination—it’s a resource for your council’s success! This session will explore the ways Philmont can support local councils, from increasing camper attendance at your council camps to sharing best practices in land management, conservation, and program excellence. Learn how Philmont’s expertise in backcountry adventure, staff training, and sustainable outdoor practices can enhance your council’s operations. Whether you’re looking to boost recruitment, improve camp programming, or implement effective land management strategies, this session will provide practical takeaways and new opportunities for collaboration. Come discover how Philmont can be a key partner in your council’s growth and success!
The Future of Unit Service is NOW
Join us for an engaging session where we define the vision for Unit Service, focusing on culture, priorities, collaboration, and partnerships. Discover the new tools available to commissioners and provide valuable feedback on our vision, challenges, and needs. This session aims to build awareness and accountability among commissioners.
Mental, Emotional & Social Health (MESH)
Mental Health is a challenge for all youth-serving organizations. Scouting America has developed evidence-based solutions to address concerns and help spot the signs for of a range of mental health issues so that support and resources can be provided.
Thursday, May 15th
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Offerings:
Community Partnerships
Join us for an insightful session on Community Partnerships, where you’ll discover effective strategies to foster and grow partnerships between schools, communities, and Scouting America. This session aims to expand our reach and impact through collaborative efforts. Dr. Jackie Sanderlin, an expert in community engagement and partnership development, will lead this session. With her extensive experience and passion for building strong community ties, Dr. Sanderlin will provide valuable insights and actionable advice.
AI-Powered Transformation: Revolutionizing Scouting America with Microsoft Business Applications
In this session, we will explore how Scouting America can leverage Dynamics 365, Power Platform and Copilot to enhance their operations, improve member engagement, and streamline processes.
How sending your professional staff to Jamboree benefits your council
Talk with the Jamboree team and fellow Scout Executives about the benefits gained in having your professional staff serve as a staff member of the Jamboree. Discussion will include the roles available for a professional staff member and how you can leverage the Jamboree to further your staff development plan.
8 Tips to Shift Your Focus to Major Gifts
Unlock the potential of major gift fundraising with this practical session designed to help build a sustainable pipeline for long-term success. In this session, you will learn how to identify top prospects, cultivate meaningful donor relationships, and prioritize efforts for transformational giving. This session will provide actionable tips on aligning organizational goals with major donor interests, engaging leadership in the process, and effectively stewarding major gift donors to inspire continued support.
The Value of an Alumni Association in Your Council
A strong alumni network can be a powerful asset in advancing your council’s mission. This session will explore how a well-structured alumni association can drive success in membership growth, fundraising, marketing, and volunteer engagement—all critical components of a thriving council. Through an engaging presentation and panel discussion, you’ll gain insights from councils with successful alumni programs, learn best practices, and discover actionable steps to launch, strengthen, or expand your own efforts. Whether you’re looking to build a solid foundation or take your existing program to the next level, this session will provide the tools and inspiration needed to harness the full potential of your alumni community
Membership Standards
The Membership Standards team is integral to ensuring a consistent approach in handling incidents and providing guidance related to safeguarding youth within Scouting America. This session will provide real case examples to highlight these critical practices.
Maximizing the Value of the National Camp Accreditation Program Authorization Process
Explore how councils and territories can collaborate to create sustainable camp operations by focusing on facilities. This session highlights Scouting America’s property assessment process, offering insights into evaluating infrastructure, optimizing resources, and driving improvements for long-term viability. Learn practical s+D24trategies to enhance the sustainability of your camp properties and how you can potentially benefit from the property assessment process.
Embedding Enterprise Risk Management into our DNA
National staff will collaborate with Local Councils to integrate best practices and essential tools into our operational routines, strengthening our Enterprise-wide Risk Management system. This session will also cover updates on new GLIP inclusions and exclusions.
How Technology Enhances Experiences: Make Our Programs Highly Relevant to Today’s Youth
Scouting America is redefining how technology enhances the experiences of members, volunteers, and professionals across the organization. From adopting service-oriented design to harnessing artificial intelligence for streamlined member registration, innovative initiatives are reshaping the way we operate and connect.
Join Scouting America CIO, Mike Bullock, and members of the Technology Advisory Committee in this interactive session to explore the key components of Scouting America’s technology strategy. Discover how these advancements will impact Councils and Units and share your valuable insights to help shape the future of technology-driven Scouting.
Roadmap – Change the Way We Work Together
In this session you will get an update on how we are ‘Changing the Way We Work Together to embrace the Scout Oath and Law in our interactions with one another, to implement streamlined processes to drive operational excellence and collaboration, and to build alignment around membership growth, financial health, and other key metrics.
Comp & Benefits
Stay ahead of the curve with our session on Compensation & Benefits, where we’ll explore the latest trends and updates in this critical area. This session will provide you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the evolving landscape of employee compensation and benefits.
Exploring–Creating Membership Growth:
Learn how to grow and support Exploring within your districts and council. Did you know that Exploring posted national year-end growth in both participants and units for the third year in a row? You will learn the proven methods to help lead your council to membership growth, as well as identify valuable tools to help you ignite an Exploring Explosion.
Why Scouts Want to Stay in Scouting
The Order of the Arrow updated its Mission and Purpose and stated a Vision for the first time in its history in July 2024. Using these elements, the OA, as Scouting’s Honor Society, is establishing its relevant role in Scouting through its new vision: To be why Scouts want to stay in Scouting. Join us to learn how the Order of the Arrow will be integral to your council’s membership plan as a retention tool for older youth and adult program participants through excellent program delivery.
Communicating Effectively with Commissioners
This session will explore the purpose of Unit Service communications and address the key challenge of delivering actionable information to unit commissioners. Learn about current communication tools and resources and share your feedback to help improve our communication strategies. Equipping commissioners with the information needed to serve unit leaders will be the focus of this session.
Local Council Board Governance
Join us to learn more about best practices in effective board governance. We will equip local council presidents and board members with a better understanding of their duties to enhance their performance, protect themselves from liability, and further the mission of Scouting.
Thursday, May 15th
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Offerings:
New Program Testing: Make Our Programs Highly Relevant to Today’s Youth
Learn more about the new program testing currently underway and planned for the future with Scouting America to grow our Movement again.
Roadmap – Broaden Our Appeal & Revitalize Our Brand
In 2025, we’re building on our marketing successes from 2024 with a strategic focus on continuing to reintroduce Scouting to America and inviting youth and families to join. During this interactive session, we’ll look at the roadmap for the year with an emphasis on continuing to tell the Scouting story through aggressive marketing, public relations and social and digital media. Plus, we’ll share the latest marketing research councils can use to better reach their key audiences and improve the experience of youth and families.
Engaging the Latino Community
Join us as we share best practices on how to successfully expand outreach into the Latino community, including case studies and best practices.
Everything you need to know about NESA and Why it Matters
The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) is dedicated to supporting Eagle Scouts in advancing the mission of Scouting for future generations. As NESA continues to evolve, this interactive session offers a valuable opportunity to stay informed and engaged. Join NESA President Rich Pfaltzgraff, his Vice Presidents, and professional staff for an in-depth discussion on the latest and upcoming NESA initiatives, including membership, scholarships, national events, awards and recognition, training, and marketing and communications. Attendees will gain insights into how NESA can strengthen their local council efforts, enhance alumni engagement, and provide key resources to support their council’s success. This session will also include a Q&A with NESA leadership, allowing participants to get direct answers to their most pressing questions. Whether you’re looking to expand your council’s NESA presence or maximize the benefits of Eagle Scout alumni engagement, this session will equip you with the knowledge and connections to make an impact.
Scouting for Clean Waterways -National Service Initiative
Join us to explore Scouting America’s newest national service initiative: Scouting for Clean Waterways. Each year, millions of tons of plastic and other man-made materials pollute our waterways, causing severe harm to marine life, habitats, and local economies. This initiative provides a hands-on, impactful way to educate Scouts about sustainability while empowering them to act. Learn how your council can participate, providing your council the opportunity to attract new families to Scouting by offering programs that align with parents’ desire to teach their children the importance of caring for our planet and gain recognition from donors and the media for the positive change your Scouts and Scouters create in their communities.
Roadmap – Change the Way We Work Together
In this session you will get an update on how we are ‘Changing the Way We Work Together’ to embrace the Scout Oath and Law in our interactions with one another, to implement streamlined processes to drive operational excellence and collaboration, and to build alignment around membership growth, financial health, and other key metrics.
Roadmap – Strengthen Our Financial Position
This interactive session will provide a deep dive into the strategies, structure, and opportunities within Scouting America’s $1 billion campaign. We’ll explore how councils, volunteers, and donors can align their efforts with this transformative initiative, leveraging joint funding opportunities, board engagement, and targeted donor strategies. Learn how your local council can partner with the National Office, maximize resources, and secure sustainable support to drive long-term success. This is your chance to ask questions, share ideas, and walk away with actionable insights to position your council for growth and impact.
Parent’s Priorities: How Scouting Resonates with Families
Emotional priorities guide the purchase decisions for parents and youth. Learn more about their emotional priorities today and what priorities are on the rise. Also explore how Scouting fits with these emotional priorities and the recruitment messages to use to show how Scouting helps them in meeting their priorities.
Cub Scout Updates 2025-2026 Program Year
A review of the Cub Scout program updates launched in 2024 and a quick overview of new resources that will launch for 2025.
Implementing Learning for Life: Updated Character Education Resources
Learn how to implement Learning for Life in your local council. Did you know that we have updated the Learning for Life Character Education books? Through Learning for Life, you will have a great resource to improve your school and community relationships. The new curriculum consists of grade specific, age-oriented; character education lesson plans that are utilized in schools and other educational settings to help instill character and ethical decision making in our youth. This includes PreK-12 grades, and Champions for students with special needs.
Volunteer Training
How volunteer training is developed through volunteer task force teams, professional support and Scouting U, and what is currently in the pipeline for updates to volunteer training.
Professional Development & Training
Presented by members of Scouting U, this session will provide insight into how Scouting America’s Continuing Education Program and training opportunities can assist your local council in enhancing the professional skill levels of all employees across key areas, driving career advancement opportunities, improving employee retention rates, and boosting productivity through skills development. We will review the future of professional development opportunities and getting the most out of existing tools like Skillsoft.
Scout BSA
Join the Scouts BSA committee to hear about what we’ve been up to in 2024 and what our plans are for 2025! We’ll be sharing updates and information on many topics, including the combined troop pilot, clothing guidelines and troop clothing policies, new troop resources, the Scouts BSA merit badge test lab, and more.
Effective Strategies for Fall Membership Recruitment
This elective is designed to equip participants with the strategies and tools necessary to effectively plan and execute a Fall Recruitment Membership initiative for the National Annual Meeting. Attendees will learn best practices for identifying and targeting potential members, crafting compelling recruitment messages, and utilizing various outreach methods. The session will also cover techniques for engaging and retaining new members, ensuring a successful and sustainable membership growth. Join us to enhance your recruitment skills and contribute to the growth and vitality of our organization!