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2026 Changes to Year End Unit Re-charter and Membership Renewal A message sent to all councils from Scouting America, Council Operations A New, Simpler Renewal Cycle for All Members Scouting America announced an important change at the National Annual Meeting that will simplify the membership and unit renewal process nationwide. By February 2028, all members and all units will have a single, common renewal month of February. This change is in response to feedback from unit leaders and other Scouters who asked for a simpler, more consistent renewal experience. We appreciate and value their input. Key updates include: · Beginning September 2026, all units due for renewal will renew to February 2028. · All memberships and unit charters will have a common renewal month of February by February 2028 o To simplify the process and in response to unit leaders' requests, Scouting America is returning to unit control of member renewals. If the unit does not renew a member, that member may renew themselves after the unit-only period closes. · The current 60-day grace period will end December 31, 2026 o Members renewing in November 2026 will still receive a 30-day grace period through December o Members renewing in December 2026 must renew by December 31 to avoid being dropped To support the transition during 2026: · Beginning in September 2026, new and renewing units will use the standard charter fee plus a monthly pro-rata fee through February 2028 · No changes for new and renewing members through 2026 Please begin to share this information with your staff, units, commissioners, and membership teams. Additional information will be coming soon from Scouting America and your council may have specific guidance and implementation details during the transition period. This is a significant operational change designed to reduce complexity and create a more streamlined experience for volunteers, families, and councils alike. Do you have an idea for the next Rainbow Council News? Send us a message
Happy Waupe Wednesday! Hello Arrowmen of Waupecan. Summer is on it's way! The Newsletter is the perfect way to stay informed about all the things going on this summer with the Lodge! Lodge Induction Experience The Lodge Induction Experience (aka LIE) is an opportunity for the arrowmen in our lodge to experience a brand new Induction! Sign up to attend during Spring Fellowship! Lodge Leadership Development Waupecan’s Lodge Leadership Development (LLD) is a amazing place to learn how to build a vision, share the OA message, and learn how to more effectively perform in your leadership roles. https://scoutingevent.com/702-LLD Spring Fellowship Spring Fellowship registration is open! Join us on May 29th-31st at Rainbow Scout Reservation for Lego Mania Spring Fellowship! https://scoutingevent.com/702-SpringFellowship2026 Newsletter Enjoy this months Newsletter! https://canva.link/p27vi76u53abpx0 Vigil Nomination Form Vigil Form is due May 29th! List of eligible candidates is in your inbox. Search for May 2026 Waupe Wednesday NEWS! Master Link linktr.ee/waupecan Leah Schindler | Lodge Secretary ORDER OF THE ARROW Waupecan Lodge
April Roundtable: Service Takes Center Stage! This April, our roundtable tackled a new topic, but one of the most important parts of Scouting: service! We brought fresh ideas to the table and talked about real, exciting ways to get youth involved beyond meetings and requirements. Service is how Scouting puts values into action—helping others, strengthening our community, and building character. And here’s the best part: service doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Sometimes the best opportunities are the ones right in front of us—planned well, done with care, and delivered with Scout spirit. The Service Ideas We Brainstormed: Humane societies & animal-related projects Blankets and toys, shelter supply prep, and pet-ready organization (labeled storage, restocking). A lot of these can even work as off-site projects! Forest preserve help & conservation hour projects Trails, cleanups, and supporting local green spaces—awesome outdoor time while helping Scouts build real skills. Rainbow Scout Reservation service Camp isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a community you help build. Service at camp makes the whole Scouting experience stronger- and there is ALWAYS something to do! Partnering with your chartered organization Want a shortcut to great service opportunities? Ask your chartered org! And we emphasized: ask multiple contacts (facility staff, teachers/program leaders, and the lead community contact). Helping food pantries Sorting, packing, food drives, supporting distribution days—small actions that add up fast (and build trust in your community). Community events (cleanups & local days) We talked about how fun it is to jump into local efforts—like your village’s cleanup day—helping neighbors and keeping shared spaces looking their best. Nursing homes & assisted living facilities (year-round) This is service that matters all year long. Depending on the facility, projects might include activities, crafts/comfort items, or writing notes/letters. Bottom Line No matter what project your unit chooses, the heart of Scouting service is the same: show up, help out, do it with respect, and make your community stronger—one action at a time. Catch our next roundtable! For Scouts BSA: Scoutmaster Cookoff at Spring Camporee — May 2 For Cub Scouts: Zoom on May 14 — Summer fun ideas! We hope you can join us—bring your questions, grab new ideas, and be part of the conversation- and the community! Do you have an idea for the next Rainbow Council News? Send us a message
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