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Annual Convention

April 24 - 26, 2026

The Annual Meeting and Convention of the
Scouting America, Montana Council

Education, Fellowship, Celebration, and Fun with other Scouters from across Montana. This is a special event where we celebrate Scouting and all the important individuals who make our program great! 

Leaders, volunteers, and supporters from every corner of the state gather for a weekend of inspiration, fresh ideas, meaningful connections, and well-earned celebration.

Among our many celebrations, we recognize Scouting volunteers with Outstanding District Awards, Silver Beaver Awards, Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year, and Top Popcorn Sellers, to name a few.

It’s a chance to swap stories, learn practical strategies you can take back to your unit, and honor the volunteers who make it all possible.

No matter your position in Scouting, this event is designed for you!

dates + location

April 24 – 26, 2026
Delta Hotels Helena Colonial

Early Bird Fee

Register by April 1, 2026, to receive the discounted rate.

Questions?

Contact Stacie Cline:
stacie.cline@scouting.org
(406) 926-1810

Quick Links

News & Announcements

New This Year! Leader Position-Specific Training
This is an opportunity to complete the required position training. Check out the courses listed below.

Celebrate With Us! 
Celebrate our amazing Scouting volunteers with Outstanding District Awards, Silver Beaver Awards, Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year, and Top Popcorn Sellers – to name a few. Check out the full agenda below.

Seminars Announced!
Announcing our exciting Seminar Schedule, including a Town Hall with Glen Pounder, Scoutng America’s Chief Safeguaridng Officer – yes, the guy from your SYT video!
Full Seminar List.

Additional Details: 2026 Information

Montana Council is considered one of the best councils in the nation and it’s because of you – the Scouts, Scouters, and families that make up our community. 

Gathering together to celebrate and recognize all you do for the youth in Montana is not only one of our favorite events but one we take seriously. This is the time of year we get to share our admiration and appreciation for you and get to say thanks for being the support that keeps Scouting in Montana alive.

The Friday night Scouter Appreciation Dinner theme is Hollywood Nights! Step into the spotlight for a night inspired by the glamour of the silver screen, with great company, great energy, and a celebration worthy of a premiere.

This is one of the not-to-be-missed events of the year!  No matter what your position is in Scouting, there is content here for you!  

Seminar & Activities Schedule 2026

The event information will be updated as it becomes available. Agenda and schedule are subject to change.

  • Town Hall with Glen Pounder, Scouting America’s Chief Safeguarding Officer
    Yes, the guy from your SYT video! This is an opportunity for Q&A regarding Youth Protection policies! 
  • Range and Target Activities
    Learn about hosting age-appropriate and safe range activities for your Scouts! Additionally, learn the required steps to plan an approved RATA event. 
  • Scoutbook Plus Tips and Tricks 
    Learn the ins and outs of the system from a volunteer expert! Scoutbook Plus continues to improve and offer unit leaders more options and tools! 
  • The Mystery of Commissioner Service
    What on earth is a commissioner?  How do they provide value to your units? Join us as we demystify Commissioner service! 
  • Supporting Scouts with Special Needs
    Scouting is for ALL youth! Learn about available local and national resources and get your questions answered about Special Needs Scouting from the volunteer specialists. 
  • Ask a Scoutmaster
    Bring your questions and ask a Scoutmaster who has “been there, done that.” Best practices for Boards of Review, SM Conferences, Coaching Scouts to Eagle, Recruiting Parent Help, Scoutmaster Minutes, and anything else you’d like to have answered! 
  • Creating a Unit Calendar
    One of the first things families that want to join your unit look for is a calendar. Good calendaring doesn’t happen by accident – It happens when your unit has an annual troop program planning conference. And we’ll teach you how to host one! 
  • Montana’s Scouting Gems – Our Camps
    We may be biased, but come to hear why we have the best properties in the nation. We will share our most recent construction successes and our future projects and facilities plans. 
  • How Scouting is Funded
    Scouting is Needed, and Scouting has Needs! Our Scout Executive will share how units, districts, and the Council work in tandem to provide the financial resources Scouting needs. 

This is an opportunity to complete your required position training! The following courses will be offered: 

  • Cubmaster/Asst. Cubmaster Training
  • Scoutmaster/Asst. Scoutmaster Training 
  • Troop and Pack Committee Training 
  • Charter Org. Representative Training 

 

  • Backpacking Tech and Treks Alex Crawford, Mountain Valley DE and MOHAB Trek Director
    Learn about the latest backpacking gear and awesome local hikes your Scout groups can take! 
  • Dutch Oven Cookery Bob Dowdy, Lewis and Clark District Scouter and K-M Camp Staff
    Come learn the basics of Dutch oven cooking.  Very little is more important than the food offered at your unit campouts.  Create a must-attend unit campout by learning the basics of Dutch Oven Cooking! 
  • onX Maps – Alex Strickland, Content Marketing Leader at onxMaps and VP Marketing, Montana Council Board, will be on hand to discuss the benefits of using onX for outings beyond hunting. 
  • Map and Compass David Hanson, Prickly Pear District Scouter
    Learn the basics of navigating with a map and compass!  

Convention Agenda 2026

Friday, April 24, 2026

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
New Board Member Orientation

2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Registration Open

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Council Executive Committee Meeting

6:30 pm – 7:00 pm
14th Annual Scouter Appreciation Night Trivia & Social Hour
(Adults Only)

7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
14th Annual Scouter Appreciation Night Dinner & Awards
Theme: Hollywood Nights
(Adults Only)

The 2025 Seminar Descriptions & Schedule reference the types of breakouts hosted during the annual convention. If you would like to suggest a topic or host a seminar, contact your district executive and let them know.

Saturday, APRIL 25, 2026

7:30 am – 8:00 am
Fellowship Breakfast
(buffet)

8:00 am – 8:20 am
Opening Ceremonies
(All Invited)

8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Registration

8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Trading Post & Exhibits Open

8:45 am – 11:45 am
District Popcorn Kernel Planning Summit

8:45 am – 9:30 am
Seminar Session 1

9:45 am – 10:30 am
Seminar Session 2

10:45 am – 11:30 am
Seminar Elective 3

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Awards Luncheon

1:45 pm – 2:45 pm
General Session

2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Leader Position-Specific Trainings

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Outdoor Vendor Expo

3:45 pm – 4:00 pm
Silver Beaver Gathering
(All Silver Beavers Invited)

4:10 pm – 4:40 pm
Council Annual Business Meeting
(All Invited)

4:40 pm – 6:40 pm
Free Time

5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Chairman’s Reception 
(By Invitation Only)

6:40 pm – 7:10 pm
Pre-Banquet Fellowship and Social
(Adults Only)

7:10 pm – 9:30 pm
Silver Beaver Banquet
(Adults Only)

Sunday, APRIL 26, 2026

7:00 am – 8:00 am
Closing Breakfast
Key Three Remarks At 7:30
(buffet)

Hotel Location

Delta Hotels Helena Colonial

2301 Colonial Dr.
Helena, MT 59601

Phone: (406) 443-2100

Event registration does not include a hotel room. Hotel rooms must be booked separately. Use the group “Scouting America, Montana Council” when booking to receive the group room rate.