Click on event for additional details or us the Calendar Summary
Annual Open House at Camp Wilderness
- Friday of every year during Reunion Week (which ever week the 4th of July lands)
- Open invitation to families of the camp staff to see camp
Reunion Week at Camp Wilderness
- 4th of July (which ever week the 4th of July lands)
- Chance to enjoy the weekend (Or the full week!) of summer camp
- Must have completed Physical Form if staying overnight & current BSA Membership
- Must follow all camp rules
- Fellowship, Winterizing Camp, Small Projects, and Camp Master Training
Christmas Party (Staff and Association)
- Fellowship and fun at Zorbaz and Camp Wilderness
Welcoming Staff / Staff Week (previously called Spring Gathering)
- Welcome Staff to Camp and Fellowship
Local Socials — Fellowship and Food
- Fargo Social — First Tuesday of each month at a local restaurant from 7-9 pm (check our Facebook page for this month’s location)
- Grand Forks — Check Facebook for the next event
- Duluth — Check Facebook for the next event
Camp Reunions — Celebrating the Camp’s Anniversary for Metigoshe, Wabaunaquat, Heart Butte, Big 4, and Camp Wilderness.
Announcing Newly Elected Association Officer and Board Member
Congratulations to Wayne Stephens for being elected as Executive Secretary. Andrew Fugleberg as President and Lane Schirado as past President. Dave Pederson was re-elected to the Board of Directors.
Looking for an easy way to raise funds? Our Northern Lights Council Raffle Fundraiser is a great opportunity for your unit!
$10 Tickets. 35% Commission. Big Prizes.
- Raffle Sale: August 28 – November 8
- Tickets: $10 each
- Commission: Units keep 35% of ticket sales
- Tickets are provided in booklets of 10
- No popcorn sales required to participate!
- Any unsold tickets returned to the office are not charged to the unit.
- Raffles are now an approved Council fundraiser.
Buyers Could Win Amazing Prizes!
Prizes include:
- 5-night trip to Mexico for 2 — airfare not included
- 2-night trip to New Orleans for 2 — airfare not included
- 3-night stay at GrandVu Lodge in Walker, MN for 4–6 people
- 3-night stay at Kohl’s Resort near Bemidji, MN
- 1-day guided fishing trip on Lake of the Woods
- 2-night stay & ice fishing experience in Whitman, ND
- Another 2-night stay & ice fishing experience in Whitman, ND
More than $9,000 in total value!
All prizes have been generously donated to the Northern Lights Council.
Ticket Sales: August 28 – November 8
Drawing: November 20
Winners will be contacted after the drawing.
Ready to Participate?
Contact Pam Thompson using the contact information on the attached flyer to arrange tickets for your unit. DEs are expected to have tickets available by August 28.
This is an easy fundraising opportunity for your pack, no popcorn sales required! Grab your tickets, share them with your families and supporters, and help your unit earn 35% while supporting the Northern Lights Council.
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Camp Grafton Merit Badge Weekend with a unique opportunity for Scouts to earn merit badges while learning directly from North Dakota National Guard instructors. Space is limited and this popular annual event fills quickly, so register today to secure your spot and be part of this special weekend!
Day 2 Update: Scouts Begin Adventures in MN
Day 1 Update: Camp Wilderness Welcomes Northern Tier Scouts and Scouters
Over the past 24 hours, Camp Wilderness has transformed into a temporary home for Scouts, Scouters, volunteers, and staff evacuated from Northern Tier High Adventure Base in Ely because of the ongoing wildfires in northeastern Minnesota. We’re grateful to share that everyone is safe.
According to Scouting America, Northern Tier has fully evacuated its facilities, all crews have been safely removed from the Boundary Waters and accounted for, and there have been no injuries associated with the evacuation. While wildfire conditions continue to be monitored closely, the Northern Tier Ely property is not currently under immediate threat. The call for help came Monday. By Tuesday, Camp Wilderness staff and volunteers had cleaned and prepared facilities, stocked supplies, and ordered the paper products and other necessities needed to welcome hundreds of unexpected guests.
The first crews began arriving around 4:30 p.m., and our kitchen staff had dinner ready to serve by 6:00 p.m. Scouts, leaders, and Northern Tier staff continued arriving throughout the evening. At approximately 9:00 p.m., Northern Tier leadership received confirmation that the final wilderness crew had safely reached base camp and was on its way to Camp Wilderness. Every participant was accounted for.
Today, Camp Wilderness is hosting nearly 200 participants at Cub Camp, including approximately 75 Northern Tier staff members. Our team has continued supplying meals and other essentials, while the Camp Wilderness Trading Post has been converted into a commissary to support Northern Tier operations. Their administrative team and medical staff have established temporary workspaces, allowing them to continue supporting participants throughout the evacuation. This morning, Northern Lights Council volunteers and staff met with Northern Tier leadership to coordinate canoe routes on the Mississippi River, allowing crews to continue enjoying meaningful outdoor experiences while relocated.
How You Can Help
While we’re honored to provide a safe place for our fellow Scouts, caring for hundreds of additional people comes with significant costs to our council. Meals, lodging, transportation, logistics, supplies, and the many behind-the-scenes operational needs required to respond to an emergency are expected to total between $10,000 and $15,000 each day.
If you would like to support these efforts, donations can be made through our online giving page. Please include the note “For Northern Tier Wildfire Relief” with your gift. Checks may also be mailed to:
Northern Lights Council
4200 19th Ave. S.
Fargo, ND 58103
Please write “For Northern Tier Wildfire Relief” on the memo line or include it in an enclosed note.
Contributions will support the care of Scouts, volunteers, and staff relocated from Northern Tier High Adventure Base to Camp Wilderness. Donations will help cover Camp Wilderness’s expenses such as lodging, meals, transportation, logistics, and other related operational costs. Funds raised will be used to offset both direct and indirect costs incurred by the Northern Lights Council in providing a safe and effective response.
The generosity of our Scouting family has always been one of our greatest strengths. Thank you to everyone who has already reached out to help. Your support is making it possible for Camp Wilderness to provide a safe, welcoming home away from home during this unexpected situation.
We’ll continue to share updates as the week progresses.
Our exclusive 2026 National Scout Jamboree patch sets are officially available for online pre-order. Each unique series features one bold central patch and five coordinating shoulder patches. The designs celebrate the rich heritage of our region, highlighting the diverse birdlife along the Central Flyway, the premier waters of American fishing in the Prairie Pothole, and the innovation of compact machinery inspired by North Dakota’s own Bobcat Company.
Online Store
As of July 19, 2026, our online store for National Jamboree patches is temporarily closed while our contingent is attending the National Jamboree, as all of our patches have been taken to the Summit. If you are attending the Jamboree, you can purchase patches from the adult leadership of the NLC contingent (Troop 4344) or trade with any contingent member. To obtain contact information for the adult leadership, please email ryan.hansen@scouting.org.
Our online store will reopen on August 1 after the contingent returns, with any remaining patch sets available while supplies last. All online purchases receive an email confirmation, and orders are typically shipped within 1–2 business days to the address provided at checkout.
Thank you for your support! Your purchase helps offset the costs of sending our Scouts to the National Jamboree.
Summer Socials for Scouting: Join Us in Bemidji and Grand Forks
Looking for a great night out this June? Two fantastic summer social events are being hosted to support local Scouting programs. Whether you are in Minnesota or North Dakota, come enjoy live music, delicious food, exciting silent auctions, and networking—all for an incredible cause.
Both events are exclusively for adults, as alcohol will be served, and the attire for both evenings is summer casual.
The 9th Annual Bemidji Lawn Social
Come celebrate nearly a decade of community tradition at our annual lawn social. At approximately 6:30 PM, the evening will feature a short program highlighting the impact of Scouting in the area.
Date and Time: Thursday, June 25th from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: House of Dr. Mark Shanfeld, 13061 Arcadia Ct NE, Bemidji, MN 56601
Highlights: Live music, food catered by Sodexo, and a silent auction.
Important Note: Please pay attention to signs indicating where to park upon arrival.
The Grand Forks Summer Social
Join us for an exclusive evening of networking and fun to directly support Scouting programs across northeast North Dakota. Organizers are also actively seeking event sponsors to help showcase and grow these vital local programs.
Date and Time: Thursday, June 11th from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: The home of Matt and Heather Viscito, 3450 62nd Ave S, Grand Forks, ND 58201
Admission: Tickets are $50 per adult or $90 per couple
Highlights: Great food, music, networking, and a silent auction.
Supporting Local Youth
Every dollar raised at these events goes directly toward supporting regional Scouting, helping to provide leadership, outdoor adventure, and character-building programs for youth. Gather your friends, secure your tickets, and help kick off the summer for a great cause.
June 30 to July 5, 2026 in Medora, ND
The Northern Lights Council is hosting a unique camp-out and service week at Badlands Ministries, and we want you there! We are putting together a contingent of 300 older Scouts (ages 12+) and adult Scouters to camp, explore the badlands, and serve as the official volunteer staff for the historic Grand Opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.
In celebration of the U.S. 250th anniversary, this once-in-a-lifetime grand opening on July 4 will bring dignitaries and visitors from across the nation to western North Dakota. To support this massive celebration, the Presidential Library and the Medora Foundation have specifically requested our council’s help. Volunteers must commit to camping and serving for the full week. The registration fee is $120. Spots are strictly limited to the first 300 registrants on a first-come, first-served basis, and sign-ups will close permanently once filled. The final deadline to secure your place in history is June 15, 2026.
WHAT VOLUNTEERS RECEIVE: Each volunteer will receive:
- A commemorative event patch and two staff shirts
- Meals and snacks from dinner on June 30 through lunch on July 5
- Tent camping accommodation at Badlands Ministries (bring your own tent)
- Admission to the Pitchfork Fondue and Medora Musical
- Special recognition of Scouts and Eagle Scouts during the Medora Musical
- Access to live music, vendor booths, hiking trails, and activities around Medora
- Opportunity to purchase discounted tickets onsite for Point-to-Point Park attractions (mini golf, lazy river, zipline, and more)
- A special visit from Joe Wiegand, nationally recognized Theodore Roosevelt reprisor
VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES: Volunteers will work at least one 5-6 hour shift each day. Three shifts will be available daily:
- Morning: 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Afternoon: 12:30 PM – 5:30 PM
- Evening: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Participants will rotate through different shifts during the week to provide flexibility and a variety of experiences. Volunteer assignments may include:
- Parking and traffic assistance at multiple lots between Medora and Dickinson
- Leading children’s activity stations
- Assisting with flag ceremonies
- Supporting event logistics and guest services
- Additional event support roles as needed
Transportation between Badlands Ministries and volunteer work sites will be provided.
ARRIVAL & CHECK-IN INFORMATION: The event officially begins on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 30. Volunteers may arrive to set up camp during either of the following times:
- Monday, June 29: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday, June 30: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Please note that meals will not be provided until dinner on June 30. Anyone arriving prior to that time should plan to bring and prepare their own meals. On June 30, Scouts and Scouters will also have an opportunity to tour the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Dinner and a volunteer orientation session will follow that evening.
MEALS & HOSPITALITY: A hot breakfast will be served each morning at Badlands Ministries from July 1 to 5. Volunteers will also receive a grab-and-go lunch each morning to enjoy during the day. Dinner will be provided through vouchers redeemable at participating food trucks in Medora.
The Pitchfork Fondue and Medora Musical experience will be scheduled for half of the group on July 1 and the remaining attendees on July 4. A nightly cracker barrel fellowship gathering will also take place at Badlands Ministries.
COST: The volunteer participation fee is $120 per person. This fee helps cover meals and snacks, patches and shirts, crackerbarrells, water, and other supplies or administrative costs.
FREE TIME & ACTIVITIES: Volunteers will have a significant amount of downtime each day, depending on their assigned shift schedule. During free time, participants can enjoy:
- Hiking trails and scenic overlooks
- Live entertainment and music
- Vendor booths and activity stations
- Gift shops and local attractions
- Point to Point Park activities
- Nearby Badlands and National Park experiences
Volunteers are also welcome to travel outside Medora during their downtime to visit places such as Dickinson, Bismarck, or other Badlands destinations. To avoid heavy traffic, we recommend using backroads such as Sully Creek Road when traveling to the interstate.
TRANSPORTATION & SHUTTLE INFORMATION: Because Medora and the surrounding area are expected to be extremely busy during the celebration week, parking within town will be very limited. Shuttle transportation will be strongly encouraged and, in many areas, necessary. Shuttle stops are expected to include:
- Medora Musical & Pitchfork Fondue Amphitheater
- Bully Pulpit Golf Course
- Badlands Ministries
- Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
- Chimney Park
- Billings County School
- Multiple hotels in Dickinson and Dickinson Public Schools
- USFS Pasture Lot (I-94 Exit 36 near Fryburg)
CAMPING INFORMATION: A limited number of RV hookups will be available at Badlands Ministries, including four 20-amp sites and one 30-amp site, offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations for these spots can be made during registration. All volunteers should plan to bring their own tents, sleeping gear, and personal camping equipment. Cooking supplies will generally not be necessary unless you plan to prepare your own meals prior to dinner on June 30. Parking space will also be available for troop trailers.
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT FLEXIBILITY: The Northern Lights Council is excited to support this historic opportunity for Scouts and Scouters. Because the planning timeline for this event has been significantly compressed, some details are still being finalized. While we are committed to providing a great experience for our Scouts and Scouters, schedules, assignments, and activities may change as additional information becomes available. We appreciate everyone’s patience, flexibility, and understanding as plans continue to develop.
Additional information, including a finalized list of volunteer roles, responsibilities, and activities, will be shared as it becomes available. We expect more details, along with a volunteer waiver, to come by June 1.
Please note that during registration, you will be asked to select your check-in time, indicate your preferences, and provide the ages of participating Scouts. If you have any questions, please contact Ryan Hansen at (218) 770-7505 or ryan.hansen@scouting.org.
On June 13, 2026 Scouts across the Northern Lights Council will participate in a Conservation Day of Service. Learn more by clicking the box below!
We are excited to announce a unique volunteer opportunity for older Scouts, their families, and adult volunteers across the Northern Lights Council for the summer of 2026! As part of the nationwide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, our council is partnering with the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library to support the grand opening of the Presidential Library in Medora on July 4, 2026.
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library will be a new national landmark dedicated to preserving the legacy of President Theodore Roosevelt, highlighting his conservation leadership, public service, and the American spirit. The opening is expected to draw thousands of visitors from across the country and will be a major event in North Dakota during the America 250 celebrations.
While many operational details are still being finalized among partner agencies and organizations, we can share that Scouts (ages 12+) and adults will be invited to assist with event logistics, including parking, transportation, and general operations. Current planning calls for participants to arrive in Medora on Tuesday, June 30, with orientation on Wednesday, July 1, and volunteer support running Thursday, July 2 through Sunday, July 5. Grand opening events bringing thousands of benefactors from all over the country are anticipated Wednesday through Friday, with the grand opening on Saturday, July 4 to the general public. If you are not interested in volunteer opportunities but the public grand opening, more information may be found at trlibrary.com/grand-opening.
In accordance with Safeguarding Youth policies, youth participants must attend with appropriate adult supervision. Participants should tentatively plan to camp in or near Medora for the duration of the event. Orientation and training will be provided, and schedules will include both volunteer shifts and personal time to explore Medora and the North Dakota badlands. Meal service will be provided in some capacity, and there will likely be a participation fee to help cover food, supplies, and event materials.
Scouts are asked to bring their field uniforms for volunteer shifts. Activity uniforms are also recommended for general wear. We plan to provide event apparel, and all participating Scouts will have the opportunity to earn service hours and receive a commemorative patch.
This opportunity is not intended to replace your unit’s attendance at summer camp. Because space will be limited and demand may exceed capacity, participation will be first come, first served once formal registration opens. We plan to hold an official registration for the event, but the exact timeframe has not yet been determined.
To help us gauge interest, please complete the interest form for your troop by indicating the estimated number of youth and adults who may wish to participate. Completing the form is non-binding and serves only to measure interest. You may include siblings in your estimate; however, please note that volunteer opportunities are reserved for those over 12 years of age.
For questions, please contact Ryan Hansen at ryan.hansen@scouting.org. This form will close on March 31, 2026.
This scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors who were registered members of the Northern Lights Council, Scouting America or the Dakota Horizons Council, Girl Scouts of the USA during the 2025–26 school year and plan to continue their education at a college, university, or post-high school technical program in fall 2026. A certified diploma must be submitted if selected.
Applicants must provide a high school transcript covering six semesters, demonstrate leadership in Scouting and participation in activities outside the organization, submit a statement of financial need, and include one signed recommendation letter from a volunteer leader who knows them personally.
The Matt & JoAnn Butler Youth Development Scholarship Program recognizes the value of youth development and continued participation in Scouting. Scholarships of up to $2,000 are awarded annually and are paid directly to the institution the recipient plans to attend.
Application Instructions:
- Complete the application personally and answer all questions.
- Submit online by 11:59 PM on May 31, 2026 (recently extended from May 15)
- Selected recipients will be notified in writing by July 31, 2026.
