Impact365: A Year-Round Scouting Service Initiative

Service has always been central to Scouting. From community cleanups and food drives to flag ceremonies and helping neighbors, Scouts put the Scout Oath and Law into action every day. The principle of “Do a Good Turn Daily” has guided generations of Scouts and continues to shape the positive role Scouting plays in communities around the country.

This year, Scouting America is introducing Impact365, a national, year-round service initiative designed to highlight the service Scouts already perform while encouraging continued engagement in meaningful community service throughout the year.

What Is Impact365?

Impact365 provides a flexible national framework that connects local service efforts into a shared story of impact. Rather than replacing existing service programs, Impact365 brings visibility and focus to them, allowing councils, districts, units, and families to participate in ways that best meet local needs.

Each year, Impact365 will feature a unifying theme to help spotlight service efforts across Scouting America while maintaining flexibility in project selection, timing, and scale.

2026 Theme: America 250

The inaugural Impact365 theme aligns with America 250, the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

To recognize this historic milestone, units are encouraged to aim for 250 hours of community service during 2026. These hours can be earned through a wide range of Scouting service activities, including but not limited to:

Scouting for Food
Rank advancement service projects
Park, trail, and neighborhood cleanups
Citizen science initiatives
Service projects in schools
Support for chartered organizations

Every service activity counts toward this goal, and together these efforts represent a significant contribution to local communities nationwide.

Future Focus Areas

Impact365 is designed as a long-term initiative. In future years, annual themes will focus on:

The Environment
Schools
Safety

Each year will also emphasize a National Day of Service on November 14, with a renewed national focus on Scouting for Food, reinforcing one of Scouting’s most established and impactful service efforts.

How to Participate

Participation in Impact365 is straightforward and integrates easily into existing unit activities:

Plan local service projects
Units should plan and carry out service projects that address local needs. Project timing, scope, and type are determined locally.
Make service visible
Units are encouraged to involve families, alumni, and community partners. Sharing service efforts on social media helps demonstrate Scouting’s impact. Councils and units may also share highlights by emailing tacscouting@gmail.com.
Log service hours
Service hours should be logged through existing reporting methods. Accurate tracking is essential to measuring and communicating the collective impact of Impact365.
Recognize accomplishments
Celebrating service reinforces its importance and recognizes the leadership and commitment demonstrated by Scouts.

A Consistent Commitment to Service

Impact365 is a year-round approach to service that highlights what Scouts already do—contribute time, effort, and leadership to their communities. By planning meaningful projects, tracking service hours, and sharing outcomes, units help demonstrate the measurable impact of Scouting at the local and national levels.

Through consistent service, Scouts strengthen communities, build leadership skills, and live the values of Scouting every day of the year.