Northern Star Scouting’s Commitment to Serving All Youth

Dear Northern Star Scouting Leaders, Families, and Friends, 

Recent news articles regarding an announcement by the Secretary of War about a new memorandum of understanding with Scouting America have understandably raised questions across the Scouting community. You may have seen reports suggesting significant programmatic changes tied to compliance with Executive Order 14173. As is often the case with breaking news of this nature, information comes from multiple sources, and not all of it is consistent. We recognize that uncertainty can be unsettling for families and volunteers who simply want clarity about what this means for their Scouts. 

We want to be clear: Northern Star Scouting and Scouting America will continue to welcome and serve all youth. Our commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and character-building program for every young person remains steadfast and unchanged. 

What Is Not Changing 

• Scouting America’s name, mission, and commitment to the Scout Oath and Scout Law. 

• Our eligibility requirements — Scouting will continue to welcome and serve all youth. 

• Our member registration processes. 

• Our longstanding practices to safeguard youth.  

• Our commitment to developing leaders and individuals of strong character. 

What Is New 

• Registration fees will be waived for children of active-duty, Guard, and Reserve families, effective June 1, 2026. 

• A new Military Service merit badge will be introduced. This is not a “required” badge for Eagle. 

• The Citizenship in Society merit badge will be discontinued.  There will now be 13 required merit badges for Eagle. Scouts who have already started the Citizenship in Society merit badge may complete it through December 31, 2026, and apply it as an elective (non-required) merit badge toward Eagle. 

Northern Star Scouting remains firmly committed to serving our entire community and reflecting the values of the families we serve. Our mission and vision remain unchanged. We will continue to provide safe, welcoming, and character-building experiences for all young people, grounded in a culture that values inclusion, respect, and belonging. 

Scouting has always been local.  

Our parents, volunteers, charter partners, and community leaders set the tone for our programs, and that will not change. You shape the experience for the youth in your units every day. We are deeply grateful for your leadership and for the role you play in delivering Scouting to 40,000 young people annually. 

Thank you for your steady leadership and continued commitment to the youth we serve. 

Yours in Scouting, 

Jeff Sulzbach 

Scout Executive