On The Yard

The midshipmen have a soft spot for the BSA program. Many of them began their scouting journey as Cub Scouts and continued all the way through as Eagle Scouts. Frequently, the midshipmen credit their BSA experiences with preparing them for the Academy and beyond.

As the highest rank in the Scouts BSA, Eagle Scout is a huge accomplishment. In 2019, only 8% of Scouts attained it. In February 2021, almost 1,000 girls and young women also earned this rank for the first time, after gaining entrance to Scouts BSA in 2019. The rank of Eagle Scout often portends future success, as many well-respected astronauts, service personnel, senators, and other notable people were once Eagle Scouts. For the military, it’s an especially notable achievement, as each branch lets Eagle Scouts enter at higher rank and pay grade, after completing bootcamp, than those who have not achieved the Eagle Scout designation.

Since the midshipmen are so focused on giving back to their community, they are dedicated to connecting with local Scouts and helping them on their journey, too. In fact, a club at the Naval Academy called USNA NESA (National Eagle Scout Association), works with Scouts of all levels, including Eagle Scouts. The club’s primary mission for the midshipmen is “to act as mentors and give back to the Scouting community.” The midshipmen reach their mission by hosting a number of public events and events for Scouts.

Earning Badges at the USNA NESA Jamboree

Every year, in the early winter (typically on MLK Day), hundreds of Scouts descend on the Yard for the USNA STEM Scout Jamboree. This all-day event is a highly anticipated annual event in Annapolis, drawing Scouts near and far. The event offers a chance for the Scouts to get a glimpse of the midshipmen life and see the dedication to service up close.

Troops come to tour the Academy and earn STEM-focused merit badges while partnering with the midshipmen (who help them earn their badges). Scouts enjoy STEM-focused presentations and spend time with a number of different extracurricular activities, including the Surface Navy Association, Semper Fi Society, The Naval Academy Flying Squadron (VT-NA) and Dolphin Club. A full day is not enough for some troops, and they wisely extend their time with camping excursions near the Yard. One of the many highlights for the Scouts is sharing in the rare opportunity to join the midshipmen for a meal in King Hall–a truly impressive moment on the Yard.

Last year, the pandemic led USNA NESA to move the event online. Still, the event hosted over 800 participants! Even with the digital format, Scouts performed their merit badge session in the morning and earned badges in aviation, chemistry, digital technology, engineering, medicine, nuclear science, oceanography, programming, radio, robotics, and space exploration.

The afternoon was spent listening to two keynote speakers and viewing a lab video from the USNA STEM department. They virtually attended an admissions briefing and had time to offer feedback and ask questions of the midshipmen. With the online format, more Scouts from across the country were able to join and interact with each other and with the midshipmen. The program was a huge success.

This year, the in-person USNA STEM Scout Jamboree is tentatively slated for February 26, 2022. Scouts should look out for more information coming soon!

Whooping It Up at Navy Football Scout Day

The community service doesn’t end with the Jamboree. Each year, over 2,000 Scouts and adults partake in a riveting and unforgettable experience when they join the midshipmen for Navy Football Scout Day. Ready to whoop it up for the midshipmen, they join the crowd of 34,000 screaming fans at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

Touring the Yard

Whether participating in the Jamboree or on game day, Scouts also have the opportunity to visit the Naval Academy and set up a tour of the Yard. Tour guides focus on the numerous historical monuments and buildings, and bring the history and mystery of the Yard to vivid life. Touring Scouts also get a behind-the-scenes look at life on the Yard as they watch the midshipmen go about their daily duties and learn what it takes to be a part of the brigade.

These events strengthen the bonds between BSA and USNA, and continue the tradition of giving back to the Scouting community. We look forward to this year’s Jamboree and wish the Scouts and their midshipmen brethren the best as they earn their merit badges and forge their path to success—together.