News & Blog

Available now: Refresher for Safeguarding Youth Training Last year, on May 17, 2025, Scouting America replaced the retired Youth Protection training (YPT), with the new full Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT) course. This SYT course expires 12 months from the completion date, and takes approximately 90 minutes including a 20 question test.   As of May…

Scouting America recently shared the following information with Councils regarding safeguarding youth and privacy practices within Scouting. Occoneechee Council is sharing this message with our members so they can have access to the same guidance and resources. Below is the message provided by Scouting America, along with supporting document links. To see full details on…

Media inquiries should be directed to PR@Scouting.org. A message from Patrick Jordan, Occoneechee Council Board President, on March 5, 2026: Dear Scouting Family, As I write to you for the first time as President of the Occoneechee Council, I do so with deep gratitude for your trust and with the awareness that this is a significant…

At this year’s Eagle Banquet, Occoneechee Council had the privilege of presenting the Medal of Merit to six youth and separately recognizing an adult leader for his role in a life-threatening emergency. The Medal of Merit recognizes meritorious action, outstanding acts of service, uncommon bravery and presence of mind in situations involving risk to life.…

The Eagle Banquet is always special, but this year felt electric. From the moment guests arrived, there was a sense of pride in the room. Families, leaders, and supporters gathered to celebrate years of hard work, perseverance, and service. One by one, Scouts crossed the stage to be recognized as members of the Eagle Scout…

Occoneechee Council is proud to announce that Jim Crawford has been selected as the 2025 Council Alumnus of the Year. This distinction is unique within Scouting. Rather than recognizing service alone, the award honors individuals who actively promote and share the gift of Scouting through their careers, personal influence, and lifelong commitment to its values.…

As we close the chapter on 2025, one thing is clear: Scouting in Occoneechee Council is strong, growing, and making a measurable difference across central North Carolina. This year marked our fourth consecutive executive year of membership growth. Over the past five years, our council has grown nearly 7 percent. That kind of steady progress…

Each February, Scouting America highlights a weekend of faith-based observances that connect Scouting’s values with the traditions of many religious communities. In Occoneechee Council, these observances give Scouts a chance to reflect on duty to God, service to others, and leadership within their own faith traditions. This year’s national observance window is Feb.6 through 8,…

Occoneechee Council is proud to recognize and celebrate the Silver Beaver Class of 2025, a group of exceptional volunteers whose service to youth, community, and Scouting embodies the very best of our movement.​ What the Silver Beaver Means The Silver Beaver Award is the highest honor a local council can bestow upon a volunteer, recognizing distinguished service…