ScoutConnect: A New Connected Technology Experience for Scouting America

A More Connected Future for Scouts, Families and Volunteers

Scouting America is continuing its transition to ScoutConnect, a new, unified technology experience designed to make Scouting easier to access, easier to manage and more connected for Scouts, families, volunteers, units and councils.

For many years, Scouting volunteers have used multiple systems and, in some cases, multiple logins and Member ID numbers to manage their Scouting responsibilities. ScoutConnect is being developed to bring these experiences together and create a more seamless digital journey—from discovering a Scouting program and joining a unit to managing membership, advancement and volunteer responsibilities.

The goal is simple: fewer systems to navigate, better information sharing and a more connected Scouting experience.

What Is ScoutConnect?

ScoutConnect is Scouting America's long-term technology initiative designed to connect the various digital tools used throughout the Scouting experience.

The system is expected to increasingly integrate functions associated with:

• BeAScout and finding a Scouting unit
• Online registration and membership applications
• Membership renewal
• My.Scouting
• Scoutbook and advancement
• Unit and volunteer information
• Reporting and data management
• Third-party technology connections

For families, the objective is to make it easier to find a unit, learn about Scouting, register and begin their Scouting journey. The current BeAScout experience allows families to enter their ZIP code, select a Scouting program and find available units in their area.

For volunteers, the long-term objective is to reduce the amount of time spent moving between separate systems and entering or maintaining the same information in multiple places.

ScoutConnect Is Already Beginning

ScoutConnect is not a single “go-live” event. Scouting America is introducing the new technology in phases.

Current and Projected Rollout

August 2026 — BeAScout & Online Registration

The redesigned BeAScout and Online Registration experience is now being introduced. Families can search for Scouting opportunities and begin the registration process through the new experience.

August 2026 — Unified Member IDs

Scouting America is beginning the transition toward a single, unified member identity. This is an especially important development for volunteers who may have accumulated more than one Member ID during their years in Scouting.

September 2026 — Membership Renewal

The next phase is expected to introduce additional changes to the membership renewal process.

October 2026 — Third-Party Connections

Additional connections between ScoutConnect and third-party technology providers are projected to become available.

December 2026 — Additional Membership & Reporting Changes

Further changes to renewal processes and streamlined reporting are projected during this phase.

March 2027 — New Scoutbook Experience

A new Scoutbook experience is projected as another major step in the transition.

April 2027 — Expanded Reporting

Additional reporting and dashboard capabilities are projected to follow.

What Volunteers Need to Know

These dates represent the projected implementation schedule and may be adjusted as Scouting America continues testing, refining and deploying the new technology.

The important point is that the transition has already begun, and volunteers should begin preparing now.

Your Member ID Is More Important Than Ever

One of the most important things every volunteer should do is make sure that all of your Scouting records are associated with the correct Member ID and account information.

Over the years, it is possible for a volunteer to have more than one Member ID—for example, because of:

• Registering in different councils
• Serving in multiple units
• Re-registering after a period away from Scouting
• Changes in registration
• Historical data-entry or account issues

When multiple Member IDs exist, information such as training records can potentially become separated between accounts.

Why Should You Fix This Now?

The more complete and accurate your Scouting identity is today, the better positioned you will be to take advantage of the new connected system as ScoutConnect continues to roll out.

Your goal should be to have one primary Scouting identity that accurately reflects your Scouting history, training and current service.

If you believe you have more than one Member ID, please contact the Southeast Louisiana Council office before creating another account or attempting to resolve the issue yourself.

Our staff can help determine whether duplicate records exist and assist with getting your information properly associated.

This is particularly important for maintaining accurate records of:

• Safeguarding Youth/Youth Protection Training
• Other completed training
• Current and previous Scouting positions
• Volunteer service
• Unit affiliations
• Registration history
• Advancement and other Scouting information

Scouting America's technology guidance has historically emphasized connecting multiple Member IDs so that training information can be synchronized across records.

Unit Leaders: Your BeAScout Pin Matters!

One of the most immediate benefits of the new system is the improved connection between prospective families and local Scouting units.

Your Unit Pin is your unit's digital front door.

When a parent goes to BeAScout.org and searches for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing or another Scouting program, the information they see about your unit can determine whether they decide to learn more or move on.

Scouting America recommends that units keep their BeAScout information current and turned on. Unit leaders should review information such as:

• Meeting location
• Meeting day and time
• Meeting frequency
• Unit dues and fees
• Fundraising information
• Unit description
• Contact information
• Whether prospective families are encouraged to attend a meeting
• Whether the unit is accepting new members

 

A unit must have its Unit Pin properly configured for BeAScout to effectively provide prospective families with lead and application options.

Remember:

If families cannot find your unit, they cannot join your unit.

Every unit should review its BeAScout information now and make sure it accurately represents the Scouting experience you provide.

What Are the Benefits of ScoutConnect?

As the system continues to develop, volunteers and families should see several important benefits.

For Families

One more connected experience.

Families should have an easier path from discovering Scouting to joining a unit and participating in the program.

For Unit Leaders

Less administrative work.

The long-term objective is to reduce duplicate data entry and the need to move information among multiple systems.

For Volunteers

A more complete Scouting identity.

Connecting your Member ID and Scouting records can help ensure that training, registration and service information follows you throughout your Scouting journey.

For Districts and Councils

Better information and better follow-up.

A more connected system should provide council and district leadership with better visibility into membership activity, recruitment opportunities, applications, renewals and unit needs.

For Scouting America

A more unified technology infrastructure.

Instead of continuing to operate through multiple disconnected experiences, ScoutConnect is intended to provide a foundation for a more integrated Scouting organization.

What Should You Do Now?

Every Southeast Louisiana Council volunteer can take a few simple steps to prepare:

1. Log in to your my.Scouting account.

Make sure your contact information and current Scouting positions are accurate.

2. Check your Member ID.

If you believe you have more than one Member ID, contact the Council office so we can help determine how your records should be connected.

3. Check your training records.

Make sure your required training is current and properly reflected in your Scouting account.

4. Unit leaders should review their BeAScout Unit Pin.

Make sure your unit is visible and that the information presented to prospective families is accurate and current.

5. Watch for additional ScoutConnect updates.

As new capabilities become available, Southeast Louisiana Council will provide additional information, training and tutorials to help volunteers make the transition.

The Future of Scouting Is More Connected

Technology should never replace the personal relationships that make Scouting successful—but it can make it easier for families to find Scouting, join Scouting and stay connected to Scouting.

ScoutConnect represents an important step toward that goal.

As the system continues to roll out through 2026 and into 2027, the volunteers who take the time now to ensure their Member ID, training and unit information are accurate will be best positioned to take full advantage of the new system.

One Scout. One Family. One Volunteer. One Connected Scouting Experience.

Southeast Louisiana Council will continue to keep our volunteers informed as ScoutConnect capabilities become available.

For questions about your Member ID, registration, training records or unit information, please contact the Southeast Louisiana Council office for assistance.

Together, we are preparing Scouting for the future—and making it easier for more young people and families to experience the adventure, character and leadership development that Scouting provides.