America 250
Celebrating 250 Years of American History, Citizenship, and Service
In 2026, the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This historic milestone, known as America 250, provides an opportunity for Scouts and Scouters to explore American history, citizenship, service, and leadership while living and serving abroad.
To commemorate this anniversary, the Transatlantic Council offers a series of special awards and recognition programs that encourage participants to learn from the past, engage in their communities, and live the values of Scouting.
America 250 Unit Service Award
As our nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, the Transatlantic Council is excited to introduce the America 250 Unit Service Award. This special recognition encourages Scouts and Scouting units to participate in meaningful service projects that honor the values of citizenship, community service, and civic engagement.
The America 250 Service Award provides units with an opportunity to celebrate this historic milestone while making a positive impact in their local communities throughout the Transatlantic Council.
Unit Recognition
Units that complete the award requirements may apply to receive an official America 250 Unit Service Award ribbon for display on their unit flag. Units should submit their completed award application using the online submission form.
Applications will be reviewed and approved through the council’s recognition process. Once approved, ribbons will be distributed to qualifying units.
Scout and Scouter Recognition
Scouts and Scouters who have earned the award can proudly wear this special commemorative patch on their uniform as a symbol of their commitment to service, citizenship, and community. The patch is available now through the our Program Supply Center. Order yours today and proudly display your role in this historic milestone.
America 250 Heritage in Action Award
Discover the Past. Engage the Present. Shape the Future.
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Transatlantic Council proudly presents the America 250 Heritage in Action Award. This special award encourages Scouts and Scouters living overseas to explore American history, citizenship, service, and culture while experiencing life in a global community. It is available for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturers, Sea Scouts, and Scouters/adults.
Participants earn the award by completing activities in three key areas:
- Learn – Understanding American history, values, and heritage
- Participate – Engaging in meaningful activities, events, and cultural experiences
- Act – Serving others and making a positive impact in the community
Guides and Booklets
All award requirements, completion tracking, certification, and submission instructions are included in each guide and booklet. Participants only need to use the version that best fits their needs.
The Complete Guide contains all requirements and information for every program level in a single document, making it an excellent resource for unit leaders, commissioners, and families with Scouts in multiple programs.
To make it easier for units to access the requirements specific to their program, separate program-level guides are also available. Each program version is offered in both a traditional single-page layout and a convenient bi-fold booklet format. Units can simply select the guide for their program level, print the bi-fold version double-sided on a single sheet of paper, fold it, and provide Scouts or Scouters with a compact, easy-to-carry reference for tracking their progress throughout the year.
Download the complete guide or program of your choice below. Pro tip: If you are printing the booklets, select the ‘Flip on short edge’ print option.
- Complete Guide: This comprehensive guide containing requirements for all programs and participants, including Cub Scouts, older Scouts (Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts), an Scouters/adults.
- Complete Guide (Single-Page Layout – 12 Pages)
- Complete Booklet (Bi-fold Format)
- Cub Scouts:
- Cub Scouts Guide (Single-Page Layout – Four Pages)
- Cub Scouts Booklet (Bi-Fold Format)
- Older Scouts (Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts)
- Older Scouts Guide (Single-Page Layout)
- Older Scouts Booklet (Bi-Fold Format)
- Scouters and Adults
- Scouter/Adults Guide (Single-Page Layout)
- Scouter/Adults Booklet (Bi-Fold Format)
Purchase Your Patch
Once you have completed the requirements for the award, you may purchase your Heritage in Action Award patch in our online Program Supply Center.
Share Your Journey
We encourage participants to share photos, videos, and stories from their award experience. Help showcase how Scouts and Scouters across the Transatlantic Council are celebrating America 250 through learning, participation, and service. Tag us on your public social media posts. Email us.
