Program Planning for May 2026
Things to Remember This Month:
- Plan Summer Activities
- Complete Summer Camp Physicals
- Schedule Unit Planning Meetings
- Action: Check to see if you need to take Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT) this month
- National Day of Prayer on May 7; a day where Scouts participate by reading sacred texts
- Mother’s Day Reminder: Send Your Love and Wishes on May 10.
- Remembering the Brave: Memorial Day on May 25.
- Clickable May 2026 Program Planning PDF available for sharing with others.
May Council Events
Cub Scout Day Camp
May 25-29
Join us for Cub Scout Day Camp! Activities include a mix of physical and mental activities that allow Cub Scouts to explore nature, learn new skills, and build character.
REGISTERUnit Camping
Be sure to check in with your unit for upcoming activities. Avondale Scout Reservation offers a fantastic setting for an unforgettable outdoor adventure!
LEARN MORE
BALOO/IOLS
May 2-3
Hands-on program gives adult leaders the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the outdoors.
REGISTER
Lodge Leadership Development and OA Banquet
May 9
Lodge Leadership Development is an essential Order of the Arrow training for members, youth leaders, and advisers to learn, lead, and support the program.
PLANNING UNDERWAY
Intro to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST)
May 29-30
This ILST course will provide attendees with a basic knowledge of leadership skills needed for effectively running their patrols and troops.
REGISTER
Learning Programs for Leaders
A trained leader is better prepared to make the Scouting program all it can be!
LEARN MORE
IAC/Quinipissa Tradeoree
May 1-2
Discover, Collect, Connect: Your Ultimate Scout Memorabilia Destination! Join us for our TRADE-O-REE where scout memorabilia collecting happens …… buying, selling, or trading.
REGISTER
Northshore District Roundtable
May 14
Monthly program offered by the Northshore District that gives leaders hands-on experience and provides a forum for leaders to offer and receive help from their fellow Scouters.
LEARN MORE
Capital Service Area Roundtable (Central, Southern, and Western Districts)
May 21
Monthly program offered by Central, Southern and Western District that gives leaders hands-on experience and provides a forum for leaders to offer and receive help from their fellow Scouters.
LEARN MORE
Flags at Port Hudson
May 23
All Scouts, other organizations, and individuals are invited to honor our deceased veterans by placing American flags at the grave sites.
LEARN MORE
Flag Retrieval at Port Hudson
May 26
All Scouts, other organizations, and individuals are invited to retrieve the American flags at the grave sites of our deceased veterans.
LEARN MORE
Council Program Committee Meeting
May 28
Be part of the conversation as we work together to plan and decide on program initiatives for the whole Council.
LEARN MORE
Sporting Clays Classic @ Camp McGee
May 8
Bring your team for an exciting day of sporting clays and friendly competition at the stunning Avondale Scout Reservation.
SIGN UP
Hybrid Light Fundraising
May 1-31
Perfect Scout Fundraiser for your unit. Can be sold by Take Order Form or Show N Sell. The product can be consigned from Scout Office. Additionally, Units can set up an online storefront with HybridLight and sell directly online.
LEARN MOREMay Planning Items
Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT)
If you have not yet completed the new Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT), please note that the current Youth Protection Training (YPT) will expire on May 31, 2026 for the majority of Scout Leaders. To access the updated training, log in to your My.Scouting.org account. A link to the SYT course is located on the right side of the homepage. The new SYT represents a significant improvement over the previous training and addresses a wide range of relevant scenarios that both youth and adult leaders may encounter, within Scouting and in everyday life.
Create the Path: Plan Your 2026-2027 Adventure!
After the Program Kickoff your Unit should conduct its own annual program planning conference to get ready for the coming year. Using national planning resources for each program, as well as various calendars (e.g., Council, District, school and chartered partner), your Unit can develop a program filled with safe and fun activities and adventures. Planning ahead allows the Unit to have a quality program that is exciting and will create memories and attract new Scouts and families to join you.
- Cubmaster Resources
- Den Leader Resources
- Pack Committee Resources
- Troop Leader and Program Resources
Lead the Future: Shape Your 2026-2027 Leadership Team!
A great program must have a team of leaders to pull it off. “Building Stronger Families Through Scouting” requires parent participation strength – most successful packs have an “Every Parent Helps” policy. Recruiting, retaining, recognizing and replacing leaders on your team isn’t easy – but it is essential. Let's leverage the Atlanta Area Council's Recruiting Leaders page.
Summertime Fun Adventure: Make it Fun, Simple, and Easy!
School breaks afford Cub Scout Dens and Packs a perfect opportunity for special activities that are fun, simple and easy. Prepare now for your Cub Scouts to earn the Summertime Fun Adventure! This elective adventure is available for Tiger through Arrow of Light. See some ideas in the link below.