Eagle Scout Caden McKinney Earns Prestigious Charles H. Jones Scholarship
ROGERS, Ark. (June 8, 2026) — The Natural State Council, Scouting America, is proud to announce Caden McKinney of Rogers as the 2026 recipient of the Charles H. Jones Eagle Scout Scholarship.
The Charles H. Jones Eagle Scout Scholarship recognizes Eagle Scouts in Arkansas who demonstrate exceptional leadership, academic achievement, and a continued commitment to the principles of Scouting.
McKinney, a senior at Shiloh Christian School, has distinguished himself through leadership in Scouting, academics, athletics, and community service. In addition to earning the rank of Eagle Scout, he was recently named the Department of Arkansas Veterans of Foreign Wars Scout of the Year. A founding member of Shiloh Christian's swim team, McKinney has also served as team captain, earned All-Conference honors, won a conference championship, and was named an All-State swimmer.
“Caden McKinney truly reflects what Scouting is all about through his leadership,
service, and character. Through his Eagle Scout project, ‘Clover Outdoor Classroom,’
along with his strong academics and passion for conservation, Caden has shown the
kind of servant leadership and dedication that make him a very deserving recipient
of the 2026 Charles H. Jones Eagle Scout Scholarship,” said Morgan O'Neal,
Butterfield Trail District Executive.
The scholarship provides $1,000 annually and is renewable for up to four years, subject
to annual eligibility requirements. Recipients must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA,
demonstrate satisfactory academic progress, remain active in Scouting,
and continue mentoring younger Scouts while upholding the values of the
Eagle Scout rank.
“I met Caden recently, and he is an impressive young man with a bright future ahead
of him,” said Tony Sitz, Scout volunteer and former University of Central Arkansas registrar. “He plans to attend Arkansas Tech University, and I have no doubt he will continue making a positive impact wherever he goes.”
The Charles H. Jones Eagle Scout Scholarship is awarded annually at the Gathering of Eagles in Northwest Arkansas. Funded by The Trinity Foundation, the scholarship recognizes Eagle Scouts who exemplify leadership, service, and character.
About The Natural State Council
The Natural State Council serves youth and families across 67 counties in Arkansas through programs focused on character development, leadership, service, and outdoor adventure. Formed through the merger of multiple Arkansas councils, the Natural State Council is committed to preparing youth for successful lives through the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
Gracie Lewis
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Email: gracie.lewis@scouting.org
Phone: (501) 527-0211
Website: www.naturalstatecouncil.org
Scouting America Expands Access for Military Families Through New Registration Fee Waiver
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (May 27, 2026) — Scouting America is supporting military-connected youth through a new Military Family Fee Waiver initiative that eliminates the $85 national youth registration fee beginning June 1, 2026.
The initiative is available to youth in families currently serving in the Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard. The waiver applies to both new and renewing youth memberships completed through Scouting America's online registration system.
Through a verification process during registration, eligible families can receive a discount code that reduces the national youth registration fee to $0. The initiative is funded nationally through philanthropic efforts and is designed to help remove financial barriers for military families seeking opportunities for their children to develop leadership, character, and outdoor skills through Scouting.
“Scouting is committed to ensuring every young person has the opportunity to develop character, leadership skills, and confidence,” said Shanna Richardson, Scout Executive and CEO of the Natural State Council. “This fee waiver gives back to the military families who serve our communities and our country.”
“My Scouting experience was critical to my development into who I am today, including my service in the Army National Guard,” said Hunter Sadler, a former Scout and member of the Arkansas National Guard.
The waiver applies only to the national youth registration fee. Local council, unit, optional program, and processing fees may still apply.
For more information about the Military Family Fee Waiver initiative, visit https://give.scouting.org/a/support-military-families.
About The Natural State Council
The Natural State Council serves youth and families across 67 counties in Arkansas through programs focused on character development, leadership, service, and outdoor adventure. Formed through the merger of multiple Arkansas councils, the Natural State Council is committed to preparing youth for successful lives through the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
Gracie Lewis
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Email: gracie.lewis@scouting.org
Phone: (501) 527-0211
Website: www.naturalstatecouncil.org
Scouting America Natural State Council Welcomes New Marketing and Communications Specialist
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (May 19, 2026) — The Natural State Council is pleased to announce the selection of Gracie Lewis as its new Marketing and Communications Specialist.
Lewis recently graduated magna cum laude from the University of Central Arkansas with a degree in public relations and minors in art and interdisciplinary studies. She has experience in marketing, communications, and creative design, with a passion for connecting with communities through storytelling and visual communication.
This position aims to help elevate Scouting America as an everyday household name for Arkansas families while highlighting the impact Scouting continues to make in communities statewide.
“Gracie brings creativity, professionalism, and strong communication skills to our team,” said Mike McLoughlin, Director of Programs & Marketing of the Natural State Council. “We are excited to welcome her as we continue growing Scouting throughout Arkansas.”
“I am excited to join the Natural State Council and contribute to an organization that makes a meaningful impact on children,” Lewis said. “I look forward to helping share the stories and experiences that make Scouting so amazing.”
For more information about Scouting America the Natural State Council, visit www.naturalstatecouncil.org
About The Natural State Council
The Natural State Council serves youth and families across 67 counties in Arkansas through programs focused on character development, leadership, service, and outdoor adventure. Formed through the merger of multiple Arkansas councils, the Natural State Council is committed to preparing youth for successful lives through the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
Mike McLoughlin
Director of Program & Marketing
Email: Mike.McLoughlin@scouting.org
Phone: (501) 664-4780
Website: www.naturalstatecouncil.org