National Office of Development

2nd Quarter 2025

Dear Scouting Family, 

Each spring, as the world reawakens, Earth Day reminds us of the incredible gift we share in the natural world—and our responsibility to protect it. At Scouting America, this commitment has been part of who we are for more than a century. 

From the very first Scout hikes in 1910 to today’s epic adventures at our High Adventure bases, Scouting fosters a deep respect for the environment. It’s a respect built not from textbooks but through hands-on experiences in some of the most breathtaking places in America. Through the simple act of pitching a tent beneath a starlit sky or planting a tree in a local park, Scouts grow to understand their role as caretakers of our planet. 

Caring for the environment is woven into the fabric of Scouting. Over the years, Scouts have earned more than 33 million conservation-related merit badges—each one reflecting hands-on learning and a commitment to making a difference. More than just achievements, these badges represent a movement of young leaders dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of our planet for generations to come. 

In this issue of Infinite Pathways, you’ll discover how that legacy lives on through the sustainability and conservation efforts at our four High Adventure bases—Sea Base, Philmont, Northern Tier, and the Summit Bechtel Reserve. These places are more than destinations for adventure; they are living classrooms where Scouts learn how to safeguard ecosystems, preserve natural resources, and lead by example. 

Your support makes this possible. Every young person who treks, paddles, or dives is learning that our planet needs champions—and that they can be those champions. Thank you for believing in Scouting to inspire respect for nature and a lifelong commitment to leaving our campsite better than we found it. Together, we are making a difference. 

Yours in Scouting,

Carlo Laurore   

SVP & Interim Chief Development Officer, Scouting America 

Executive Director, Scouting America Foundation

Building Hope, One Coral at a Time: Sea Base Scouts Lead the Charge in Ocean Recovery

Scouts at Sea Base are on the front lines of ocean recovery, achieving a remarkable 93% coral survival rate even during last year's challenges. Their dedication offers real hope for our reefs and demonstrates the power of youth engagement in conservation, all made possible through the generous support of donors like you.

Guardians of the Wild: Sustaining Philmont's Wilderness for Future Generations

The powerful connection between adventure and responsibility at Philmont thrives because of your forward-thinking generosity. Your dedicated support of the Wilderness Guía Program is forging a legacy of environmental stewardship, cultivating our youth into dedicated protectors of the natural world.

Beyond the Paddle: Northern Tier Scouts' Data Mission in the Boundary Waters

Northern Tier Scouts aren't just exploring the Boundary Waters; they're actively protecting it. Your shared commitment to conservation empowers these Scouts' vital data mission, reinforcing that their work gathering precise water information is valued and contributes to tangible wilderness preservation.

From Strip Mine to Model: Summit Bechtel Reserve’s Journey Toward Sustainability

Thanks to your partnership, the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve is a testament to renewal, a premier destination offering Scouts incredible high-adventure opportunities. This story showcases how donors like you transformed a former strip mine into a beacon championing environmental responsibility.