Description: Troop 1911 bugler, Knox Henderson, playing Tattoo at summer camp on Melita Island. Tattoo is the precursor to taps/lights out.
Cal T. – Troop 1911, Mullan Trail District – captured a moment that stood out above all the rest.
His winning image earned top honors in the 2026 Montana Council Photo Contest, making him one of the photographers in the Youth Category to claim the overall title.
That’s no small achievement in a contest that features entries from Scouters, parents, alumni, and photographers of all ages. His photo reminds us that some of the best storytellers in Scouting are the Scouts themselves.
In a world dominated by video, still images hold a unique power. They invite us to pause, reflect, and remember. Researchers believe images have a deep connection to human memory. A single photograph can bring back emotions, experiences, and moments we haven’t thought about in years.
That’s why the Montana Council Photo Contest remains one of our favorite events.
Scouting happens year-round, but there is something especially memorable about summer in Montana, from mountain trails and campfire evenings, serene lakes, and unexpected rainbows, to summer at camp, games, activities, and fun.
We invite Scouts and Scouters of all ages to share your adventures. Whether it’s an action shot of Scouts on an adventure or working on a service project, a candid moment of camaraderie at Camp Melita Island, or a stunning star-filled sky over K-M Scout Ranch, we want to see how Scouting inspires you.
We love the photos of rainbows, waterfalls, and mountain vistas. However, our favorite images are the candid moments between Scouts that demonstrate the Scouting story.
DEADLINE: Jan. 8, 2026
Featured entries may appear in our council calendar, social media, or print materials. We feature all winners at the Montana Council Annual Convention, and the Grand Prize Winner receives special recognition.
Of course, we are also hypervigilant in assuring images demonstrate and reflect best practices, the Guide to Safe Scouting, youth protection, and the overall safety of youth. We appreciate your attention to this detail as well.
We can’t wait to see your world through your lens!
Lido Vizzutti
Director of Marketing & Communication
