For Scouts, the start of a new year is the perfect time to make New Year’s resolutions for Scouting success. Whether you’re working toward new badges, gearing up for major events, or just looking forward to spending time with your troop, 2025 will be filled with exciting opportunities. 

One of the best ways of preparing for a new year the smart way is by setting goals for the big Cub Scout events and Scouts BSA events ahead. With a bit of preparation, you can make this your best Scouting year yet. Here are some ideas to help you set the stage for a great 2025.

Ways to Start a Successful New Year in Scouting

The beginning of the year is a time for reflection and setting new goals for people of all ages, and New Year’s resolutions for kids are always worth making. Just like any other part of life, goal-setting in Scouting helps you focus your efforts and track your progress. Scouts have a unique opportunity to make resolutions that not only better themselves but also benefit their troop and community. Here are some ideas:

• Reflect on past successes and challenges. Before setting new goals, it’s important to look back at what worked well in 2024 and what you might want to improve. Maybe you had a great time at summer camp, but found that you could have been more prepared for certain activities or events. Or perhaps you enjoyed participating in the Popcorn Fundraiser, but want to sell even more this year.
• Get inspired by Scouting values. Scouts are guided by important principles like being trustworthy, loyal, and helpful. Consider resolutions that make these values shine through. For example, you could aim to help a fellow Scout at every troop meeting or commit to earning a new merit badge each month.
• Set goals for major Scouting events. Once you’ve reflected on the past year and considered how Scouting values can guide you, it’s time to think about the big events of the year and how you can get the most out of them. Setting specific, measurable goals for these events will help you stay on track for improvement and success throughout the year.

Major Scouting Events to Get Ready for in 2025

Scouting is full of exciting annual events, and preparing for them is key to a successful year. Here’s a look at some of the major Scouting events to keep on your radar for 2025 and how you can set goals to excel in each one.

Pinewood Derby

The Pinewood Derby is one of the most popular and anticipated events in Scouting. It’s a chance to combine creativity and craftsmanship as you build and race your own wooden car. To prepare, set goals that go beyond simply winning. You could aim to learn new skills in woodworking, design a car that reflects your personal style, or help younger Scouts build their cars.

One idea is to start working on your car early in the year, allowing plenty of time for trial and error. You might also challenge yourself to create a car that follows Scouting’s environmental focus, perhaps by using recycled materials. By setting goals for both the process and the outcome, you’ll have fun and feel accomplished no matter where your car places in the race.

Popcorn Fundraiser

The annual Popcorn Fundraiser is a fantastic way for Scouts to learn about salesmanship and raise money for troop activities. Setting clear goals can make a big difference in how much you sell. For example, you might aim to beat your personal record from last year, sell to new customers, or work on honing your pitch.

Fundraising teaches valuable lessons in responsibility and teamwork, and many Scouts find it rewarding to meet or exceed their goals. Plan ahead, make a list of potential customers, and practice your sales technique to ensure a successful fundraiser.

Recruitment Events

Recruiting new Scouts is vital for keeping your troop strong and active. A great goal for recruitment events in 2025 is to bring a friend to each event or to participate in a recruitment drive. You can also aim to develop leadership skills by volunteering to lead recruitment efforts within your troop.

Another idea is to focus on improving communication skills, such as learning how to explain the benefits of Scouting to potential recruits and their families. Not only will this help your troop grow, but it will also enhance your confidence and ability to represent Scouting in a positive light.

Summer Camp and Day Camp

Summer camp is one of the biggest highlights of the Scouting year. It’s a time to develop new skills, make memories with friends, and achieve personal growth. Consider setting goals related to specific activities, such as conquering a challenge course, mastering outdoor survival skills, or even spotting the legendary Sasquatch!

Similarly, day camps offer younger Scouts the chance to experience a taste of adventure while still being close to home. Set goals to learn something new each day or to assist a camp leader with organizing activities. Summer camp is an opportunity to push yourself outside of your comfort zone, so use it as a time to show everyone what you’re capable of.

Setting goals for a successful year in Scouting can make 2025 a standout year. By making resolutions that reflect the Scouting values, you’ll be on track to achieve personal growth, help your troop, and contribute to your community. You can use your goals to ensure that each Scouting event brings you one step closer to becoming the best Scout you can be.

Start a Scouting Year of Success in 2025 With Laurel Highlands Council

If you live in the western parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, or West Virginia, enrolling your child in the Scouting America Laurel Highlands Council is an excellent way for them to start each new year on the right track and achieve personal success throughout the year. 

The Laurel Highlands Council serves youth members and volunteer adult leaders throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania and portions of the Potomac region in Maryland and West Virginia. We aim to beneficially involve every eligible child and their families in the fun and adventure of our programs. We provide extraordinary youth development programs that teach and strengthen the values of the Scout Oath and Law. 

Contact us to learn about our Cub Scout and Scouts BSA programs for your child, and join now!