Dear Scouting Family,

Last month, I had the privilege of serving on staff at the 2026 Scouting America National Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. Nearly 12,000 Scouts and Scouters from across the country gathered for what is often described as the adventure of a lifetime. I was assigned to the Impact and Service Team, where thousands of Scouts worked side by side assembling flood buckets and feminine hygiene kits for families in need.

What made the experience truly unforgettable was its timing. The day before the Jamboree officially began, severe flooding struck several communities surrounding the Summit. Suddenly, what had been planned as a service project became an immediate disaster relief effort. Many of the flood buckets and hygiene kits assembled by Scouts were distributed to local families the very same day they were packed. Before each Scout began assembling a bucket, they heard a simple message: "You came to the Jamboree for adventure, fun, and lifelong memories—but the next ten minutes are for someone else." Those words captured the very heart of Scouting. We teach young people to lead, to serve, and to step forward when others need help. I left convinced that if Scouting is ever to fully reclaim its place in the heart of America, it will be because people recognize us not simply for the adventures we offer, but for the service we inspire.

That spirit of service is exactly why the coming weeks are so important. As another school year begins, thousands of families across our six counties will be looking for opportunities that help their children grow into confident, capable, and caring adults. Throughout August, our staff will visit elementary schools across the council to invite every eligible youth to begin their Scouting adventure. Our newly redesigned www.AdventureStartsHere.org website makes it easier than ever for families to find a local pack, learn about Join Scout Night events, purchase a uniform, and register for our Annual New Scout Shoot-o-ree. While these school visits introduce families to Scouting, the strongest recruiting tool has always been a personal invitation. If you're a volunteer, parent, alumnus, or supporter, I encourage you to share our Join Scout Night information with friends, neighbors, coworkers, and families in your community. One invitation can truly change the course of a young person's life.

Recruitment season also comes with exciting national news. Scouting America recently announced NCAA and NBA Champion, and Eagle Scout, Josh Hart as our new National Brand Ambassador. Hart often speaks about how Scouting taught him discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of keeping his commitments—qualities that helped him succeed both on the basketball court and in life. His story is a reminder that Scouting doesn't simply prepare young people for one career or one achievement; it prepares them for whatever path they choose to pursue.

Finally, I am pleased to welcome Dan Bradley to the Palmetto Council family as our new York District Executive. Dan is an Eagle Scout from Minnesota with an extensive background in journalism, and he is eager to partner with our volunteers to continue delivering an exceptional Scouting program throughout York County. If you have the opportunity to meet Dan over the coming weeks, I know he would appreciate a warm Palmetto Council welcome.

As we begin another Scouting year, I hope each of us will remember that every Eagle Scout, every community service project, and every future leader begins with a single invitation. Thank you for the countless ways you support Scouting throughout the Palmetto Council. Together, we are not only building stronger Scouts—we are building stronger communities.

Yours in Scouting,

Justin K. Williams