Scouts BSA Activities
Scout T-Shirts Available
For all returning youth Scouts and new 2026 Scouts
Ordering closes October 31, 2026
For the 2026-2027 program year, Northern Star is providing every registered youth (both new and returning) with a t-shirt! Units can place as many t-shirt orders as they need, but can not exceed number of registered youth.
Unit leaders should use this order form to select shirt sizes for their Scouts. Shirts are only available to Scouts who have completed registration for the 2026/2027 program year. Leaders can use My.Scouting for an accurate list of registered Scouts.
If needed, Leaders can place multiple orders to secure shirts for new members. For example, a Pack leader could place an order in August for their returning Scouts and an additional order in September for new Scouts.
Once placed, orders will be filled within 7 business days. The leader placing the order will receive an email when it is ready.
Leaders can choose one of the following ways to pick up their shirts.
- Pick up at the Northern Star Leadership Center (Fort Snelling)
- Pick up at the Hermantown office
- Pick up at the Mankato office
- Arrange a pick up with the District Executive
Fall Camp-o-Ree
Fall Camp-o-ree
Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4, 2026 at Anderson Scout Camp in Houlton, WI
Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4, 2026 at Phillippo Scout Camp in Cannon Falls
Friday, October 9 – Sunday, October 11, 2026 at Stearns Scout Camp in South Haven
Arrow of Light Scouts must attend and register with a troop
Details to come
Show off your Scout skills and team up with fellow troops and crews from across Northern Star Council for a weekend of friendly competition at Fall Camp-o-ree. Arrow of Light Scouts are encouraged to attend with a participating troop.
Each Fall Camp-o-ree is open to all Northern Star Scouts BSA regardless of their district affiliation.
Details are still in the planning phase, so check back for more details.
Mammal Study and Nature Merit Badge Class
Mammal Study and Nature Merit Badge Class
Saturday, October 3, 2026
10am – 1:30pm
Sustainable Safari in Burnsville, MN
$25 per participant
Mammal Study: A mammal may weigh as little as 1/12 ounce, as do some shrews, or as much as 150 tons, like the blue whale. It may spring, waddle, swim, or even fly. But if it has milk for its young, has hair of some kind, is relatively intelligent, and has warm blood, then it is a mammal.
Nature: There is a very close connection between the soil, the plants, and all animal life, including people. Understanding this connection, and the impact we have upon it, is important to preserving the wilderness, as well as to our own well-being as members of the web of nature.
Begin your Mammal Study and Nature merit badges!
Reptile and Amphibian Merit Badge Class
Reptile and Amphibian Merit Badge Class
Saturday, October 10, 2026
10am – 1pm
Sustainable Safari in Burnsville, MN
$25 per participant
Kids always have been interested in snakes, turtles, lizards, and alligators, as well as frogs and salamanders. Developing knowledge about these captivating creatures leads to an appreciation for all native wildlife; understanding the life cycle of a reptile or amphibian and keeping one as a pet can be a good introduction to natural history; and knowing about venomous species can help Scouts to be prepared to help in case of an emergency.
Aim and Climb
Shoot and Climb Event
Saturday, October 17, 2026
10am – 5pm
Phillippo Scout Camp Cannon Falls
$5 per AOL Scout Adults free
Looking for an exciting day filled with adventure, outdoor fun, and hands-on activities? Our Metro Area Scout Camps are offering special event days through the summer of 2027 that give youth the chance to experience some of the best camp programs available.
Many of these activities are included for groups that already have a campsite or facility reservation. Don’t have a weekend reservation? No problem! Youth and families can still participate by registering separately for the event.
Environmental Science Merit Badge
Environmental Science Merit Badge Class
Saturday, October 17, 2026
10am – 1pm
Sustainable Safari in Burnsville, MN
$25 per participant
While earning the Environmental Science merit badge, Scouts will get a taste of what it is like to be an environmental scientist, making observations and carrying out experiments to investigate the natural world.
Veterinary Medicine Merit Badge
Veterinary Medicine Merit Badge Class
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Noon – 2pm
Sustainable Safari in Burnsville, MN
$25 per participant
The field of veterinary medicine in the 21st century is one of the most exciting medical professions in which to work. The skills of a veterinarian are practiced with cutting-edge technology and treatment options, and the profession offers a wide range of career choices.
Base Camp Lock-In 2026
November 7, 2026
Twin Valley is excited to announce the Base Camp lock-in for 2026!
Fish & Wildlife Merit Badge Day
Fish & Wildlife Merit Badge Day
Saturday, November 7, 2026
10am – 12:30pm
Sustainable Safari in Burnsville, MN
$25 per Scout
Learn how animal diversity impacts the planet and the longevity of communities across the globe with the Fish and Wildlife Management Merit Badge. The Fish and Wildlife Merit Badge is a conservation-based merit badge recognizing our ecological impact and responsibility to preserve and protect animal life. Scouts will learn the purpose of fish and wildlife conservation while listing at least three significant problems threatening fish and wildlife resources in their community.
Ad Altare Dei Retreat
Ad Altare Dei Retreat
Friday, November 13 – Sunday, November 15, 2026
6pm Friday – 11am Sunday
Phillippo Scout Camp in Cannon Falls
$140 with scholarships available
Limited to 24 youth in grades 7+
The Ad Altare Dei religious emblem focuses on the seven sacraments. The emblem is completed during scheduled meetings and retreats led by trained and certified Religious Emblems Counselors, with some outside work and service projects.
Pope Pius XII Retreat
Pope Pius XII Retreat
Saturday, November 14, 2026
9am – Noon
Pax Christi Catholic Church in Eden Prairie
$50 per participant
Ages 15-21
Bird Study Merit Badge
Bird Study Merit Badge Day
Saturday, November 14, 2026
10am – 12:30pm
Sustainable Safari in Burnsville, MN
$25 per Scout
Birds are among the most fascinating creatures on Earth. Many are beautifully colored. Others are accomplished singers. Many of the most important discoveries about birds and how they live have been made by amateur birders. In pursuing this hobby, a Scout might someday make a valuable contribution to our understanding of the natural world.
Soil and Water Merit Badge
Soil and Water Merit Badge Day
Saturday, November 21, 2026
10am – 12:30pm
Sustainable Safari in Burnsville, MN
$25 per Scout
Conservation isn’t just the responsibility of soil and plant scientists, hydrologists, wildlife managers, landowners, and the forest or mine owner alone. It is the duty of every person to learn more about the natural resources on which our lives depend so that we can help make sure that these resources are used intelligently and cared for properly.
Sustainability Merit Badge
Sustainability Merit Badge
Saturday, December 12, 2026
10am – 1pm
Sustainable Safari in Burnsville, MN
$25 per Scout
Learn to reduce waste and teach sustainable practices to others so you can help conserve Earth’s resources with the Sustainability Merit Badge. Scouts will develop and implement a plan to reduce their water usage, household food waste, and learn about the sustainability of different energy sources, including fossil fuels, solar, wind, nuclear, hydropower, and geothermal.
Snow Base & North Wind
Snow Base at Tomahawk
North Wind at Stearns in South Haven
Weekend in January and February
Check out winter programs at Tomahawk & Stearns Scout Camp! Enjoy an outfitted weekend of winter fun with our trained Snow Base and North Winds Staff. Staying warm is easy when we provide cold weather training, winter clothing, camping equipment, excellent meals and outdoor activities. Tiered programs and commitment to innovation ensures fun and new challenges for all experience levels every winter.
Liberty in Action – 250th Anniversary Challenge
Liberty in Action Challenge
On Going in 2026 –
Includes Scouts of all ages!
Scouting America is proud to announce the official launch of the new Liberty in Action: 250th Anniversary Challenge, a special program celebrating the values, service, and civic spirit that define our nation and our Scouts.
- About the Initiative: Beginning Monday, March 2, all Scouts can earn the Liberty in Action 250th Challenge patch by participating in activities that highlight patriotism, community service, responsible citizenship, and an understanding of the principles that shape our democracy. The program empowers Scouts to connect with their communities, learn about the responsibilities of citizenship, and take meaningful action that reflects the ideals of liberty, leadership, and service.
More details around this initiative can be found here!
- Earning the Liberty in Action Patch: The Liberty in Action patch can be earned by completing a set of age-appropriate activities such as:
- Participating in a community service project
- Learning about local, state, or national government
- Exploring historical landmarks or events connected to American liberty
- Demonstrating good citizenship within their unit, school, or neighborhood