Dear Mount Baker Scouting Families,
Following the announcement of the Memorandum of Understanding between Scouting America and the Department of War, I have received additional information which helps to clarify misconceptions about what is and what is not changing in the Scouting program.
Despite Scouting America’s request for collaboration on any public statements, the video released by Secretary Hegseth was released without Scouting America’s knowledge. You may have seen stories that suggest significant programmatic changes tied to Executive Order 14173. As is often the case with breaking stories of this nature, the news is reported from multiple sources and can have inconsistencies. We recognize these inconsistencies can cause uncertainties for Scouts and their families.
Executive Order 14173 applies to the federal government, contractors, and its affiliates. As an organization with a congressional charter, Scouting America is considered an affiliate of the government.
To be clear, Mount Baker Council and Scouting America will continue to welcome and serve all youth. Our commitment to providing a safe program, full of character and skill-building 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 process.
- Birth certificates will not be required for registration.
- Our longstanding practices to safeguard youth.
- “Duty to God”: Scouting America remains a non-sectarian organization.
- Our commitment to developing leaders and individuals of strong character.
What Is New
- Registration will be waived for children of active-duty, Guard, and Reserve families effective June 1, 2026. (Specific information will be released in the future.)
- A new Military Service merit badge will be introduced. This is not a required badge for Eagle.
- The National DEI Committee will be combined with the People and Culture Committee.
- The Citizenship in Society merit badge will be discontinued effective immediately. Scouts who have already completed any requirements (as of February 27, 2026) for the Citizenship in Society merit badge may work on and complete it through December 31, 2026. This can be applied as an elective (non-required) merit badge towards Eagle.
Mount Baker Council remains committed to serving our entire community and reflecting the values of the families we serve. Our mission has not changed. We will continue to provide welcoming, program-rich, safe, and character-building experiences for all young people, centered around the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
Our parents, leaders, chartered partners, and community have always been an integral part of our programs and that will not change. You set the tone of the program and shape the experiences of the youth in your units every day. Your leadership and the role you play in Scouting continues to be appreciated and directly impacts the more than 3,000 youth in our program.
If you have any questions about how this national update affects your Scouting unit or local Council activities, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are always here to support families, volunteers, and partners every step of the way.
Stay Informed
National Scouting America will be releasing FAQs regarding the recent announcement.
For the official Scouting America announcement and ongoing updates, please visit the Scouting America newsroom; the official source for Scouting America releases: Scouting Newsroom – Official Scouting America Updates.
Thank you for your continued leadership and commitment to the youth we serve.
Yours In Scouting,
Chris Otto
Scout Executive, Mount Baker Council
