I’m Faith Johnson, a 24-year-old recent graduate from Montana State University with a degree in Psychology and Sociology. Being a Montana native, I’ve always had a deep love for the outdoors and a strong sense of community. Since I was just 4 years old, I’ve been actively involved in my local theatre scene, taking part in over 30 productions and fostering my passion for the arts. On top of my academic and theatrical pursuits, I proudly hold the title of Miss Montana 2023. In January 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to represent my state at the Miss America competition, earning scholars ..read more

In Montana like most states, all non-profit organizations are required to have an annual meeting of its membership. The purpose of that meeting is to evaluate and assess the organization’s progress toward its mission, review financials, adjust strategy, and the election of its officers and board members. As you probably already know – Montana is a big place. Organizing board or business meetings on a statewide scale can be difficult due to the logistical hurdles involved, including extensive travel requirements and associated expenses. (A shout-out to our hardworking Executive B ..read more

Hello, my name is Ashley Jerome. I am the Program Executive for Montana Council and will serve as the Camp Director at Melita Island this summer. I am originally from Middletown, Penn., and moved to Great Falls in December 2022. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education PreK-4 and Special Education K-8 from Shippensburg University, graduating in December 2016. I worked as an emotional/behavioral/autistic support special education teacher from December 2016 until January 2024.  Before moving to Montana, I served several camp staff roles at Hidden Valley Scout Reservatio ..read more

The Silver Beaver Award is a special award and one we hold in the highest esteem in Montana Council. Those that are recognized are a sample of all of the outstanding work that goes on in the council on behalf of our volunteers. It is an honor to recognize fellow Scouters. Introduced in 1931, the council‐level distinguished service award is awarded to registered Scouters who have impacted the lives of youth through service given to the council. The council is pleased to announce the selection of three distinguished Scouters as this year’s Silver Beaver Honorees: Wayne Thares – Great Falls Be ..read more

Montana Council is pleased to announce the 2024 Anniversary Month Contest winners! Congratulations: – Winning Troop:  141, Sidney – Badlands District – Winning Pack:  4426, Havre – Hi-Line District – Winning Crew: 2526, Bozeman – Mountain Valley District – Community Service Award: Troop 1218, Helena – Prickly Pear District Pack 4426, Havre, Hi-Line District, led by Cubmaster Jeremy Malley. The entry was submitted by Committee Chairman, Bill Lanier. Pack 4426 completed the following activities: Provided community service by assisting wit ..read more

Over the past several weeks, I have attended Investment in Character & Leadership (ICL) events in Bozeman, Missoula, and Great Falls. It is a busy time of year and so critically important. It’s refreshing to see many local community leaders investing in what we do. I believe they do it for two reasons: Someone they know and respect has asked them to help.  They strongly believe in what Scouting is, what we do, and the impact that we have on the youth in our communities. And boy did it work! We have raised over half the dollars needed to support our districts to date. That, combined ..read more

To promote an interest in STEM-related classes and engineering, Cub Scouts and Scouters received professional insight into the science behind Pinewood Derby car construction during Mountain Valley District’s recent derby kick-off at the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering, Montana State University. Organized by Dr. Stephan Warnat, Associate Professor at MSU’s Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department, and his graduate students, the workshop aimed to provide valuable tips that could help the Scouts design and build a faster car. After a slideshow on the history of the Pinewood Derby ..read more

Communication and getting information shared is one of the hardest challenges we face in Scouting. Sharing ideas and ways to handle or fix situations can help our leaders feel more prepared. Roundtable in each of our districts is an excellent tool to facilitate the sharing of ideas and information. In most cases, attending a roundtable can answer all your scouting questions. We want everyone regardless of their distance from population centers to benefit from the exchange of information and ideas at strong vibrant roundtables. We are offering a new, periodic (two to three times a year) Mo ..read more

Effective June 1, 2024, the Cub Scout program will have a new and revised look! Over the next few months, the BSA will be publishing program updates, resources, and handbooks for all grade levels (K-5).  Some key highlights: Bobcat The Bobcat Rank is being retired, and will be replaced by the Bobcat required adventure at all ranks. This is intended to be the first adventure of the school year at each grade, with requirements specific to that age group. Rank Adventures All ranks will now be earned by completing six required adventures and two optional adventures. Many adventures have b ..read more

Merit Badge Universities bring together Scouts, Venturers, and adults from across our large, rural state, providing the opportunity to earn merit badges in collegiate or professional settings with high-level tutoring. Here are three upcoming MBUs across the state. Each location offers unique opportunities. Black Otter District Merity Badge University 2024 When: Saturday, February 24 Where: MSU Billings More Info, Merit Badge Offerings & Registration Mullan Trail District & University of Montana ROTC MBU24 When: Friday, March 1 – Saturday, March 2 Where: Univesity of Montana For ..read more