Scout Shorts

Focus on Youth Membership Growth Continues

After a year of strong membership growth, the Indian Waters Council continues to strive to create an atmosphere of growth for our units! So far in 2024, that has resulted in national-leading Cub Scout growth of +20% over the past year. The support now focuses on supporting more Scouts BSA troops growing among Fifth-Grade youth. Such suportcan be found in the 2024 IWC Unit Recruitment Manual, which includes recruitment methods and tips and contacts who can help. There is also a discount code, and a timeline information to help your unit grow!


Download the IWC Unit Recruitment Manual here!

Apply Here for Camp Barstow Staff!


Camp Barstow is looking to fill the ranks for counselors and staff for Summer 2024! Do you have what it takes to help and guide others along their Scouting journey? Apply Here!

Camp Barstow Filling Up, Fast!

There is still space for your Troop to attend this Summer at Camp Barstow. Experience the popular "Barstow Bundle" programs. The deadline for the "Early Bird Discount" for your Scouts is April 1st.


Click here to find out more about the Barstow Bundles and these incredible adventures for next June 9-15 or 16-22 or 23-29 or June 30-July 6, 2024, and Reserve your spot here.

Henry Shelor District to Host 12th Annual BBQ Cook-Off


Join us in Sumter, SC for the 12th Annual BBQ Cook-Off March 22-23, 2024! Wings! Pulled Pork! Entertainment! SCOUTING!


Learn More Here!


Info for Troop Campout Opportunity


Scout Volunteer Information

Law Merit Badge Day A Major Success!


More than 150 Scouts and Scouters met with law makers and government officials for the Indian Waters Council's annual Law Merit Badge Day in January. Hosted by Eagle Scout Sheriff Jay Koon of Lexington County, the merit badge instructors included past SC Supreme Court Chief Justice Jean Towle, Eagle Scout Attorney General Alan Wilson, Eagle Scout and SC Senate Minority Leader Brad Hutto, and the Eagle Scout Senior Federal Judge Joe Anderson.


Scouts learned about the law, the functions it serves, the differences between types of laws, how to become a lawyer in the state of South Carolina and the many other jobs that deal with aspects of the law or legal processes.

Annual Chicora Merit Badge College Helps Scouts on Trail to Eagle!


75 Scouts from all over Indian Waters Council and delegates representing three other Councils met in Conway, SC on two Saturdays to study merit badges to help them on their Eagle Scout Journey. Merit Badges like Heatlhcare Professions, Acheology, Automotive Maintenance, Pulp and Paper, 8 Eagle Required badges, and more were taught over the two days.

OA Spring Fellowship - This Weekend At Camp Coker!


The Muscogee Lodge #116 Spring Fellowship will be held this weekend, March 8-10, 202,4 at Camp Coker in Society Hill! Come enjoy fun and fellowship as we prepare for the Section E7 Conclave!


Register Today!

"Religious Relations Committee"

Is Now Up and Running


The Indian Waters Council has organized a Religious Relations Committee whose goal is to bring awareness of the PRAY program, Messenger of Peace, conduct Unit Chaplain training, and oversee the Council Duty to God Award, among others.  


If you are interested in serving on this committee or have questions, click here to contact Kenneth McIver.

High Adventure Opportunities!


Opportunities are available for Philmont and Sea Base for Summer 2024!


Interested? Email Scott Hagler

2026 National Scout Jamboree Announced!


Mark your calendars! The 2026 National Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve will be held on July 22-31, 2026. Council Information will be released soon.


Click here to see more about the 2026 National Jamboree.

Give Adventure 2024 FOS


Give Adventure! Give $20 to Make $120,000!

Our annual Friends of Scouting Campaign is well underway. We reached our goal of raising $250,000 for 2024 by the end of last year. We're at almost 50% of last year, and we'd like to end our campaign by June 1.  


Haven't given yet? Visit indianwaters.org or email terri.towle@scouting.org with a pledge or any questions, or just CLICK ON THE LANTERN OR THE LINK BELOW!


If everybody reading this donates $20, we'll raise $120,000 in just a few days! If you've given in the past but haven't yet made your gift for this year, please consider giving it today.


Give Adventure!

The Indian Waters Council's Annual Awards Reception & Ceremony took place on Sunday afternoon, February 25, 2024, at the USC-Sumter Campus with so many Eagle Scouts and volunteers recognized. View photos from the event on our council website by clicking here.

Upcoming Events!


Climbing Merit Badge at Camp Barstow - March 16


Chicora Cub-O-Ree March 22-24


Merit Badge University - Lexington, SC - March 23


Capital Rivers FOS Event - Columbia - April 18


Family Camping Weekend at Camp Barstow - April 19-21


Shooting Sports Weekend at Camp Barstow - May 3-5


Council Pinewood Derby - Lexington, SC - May 4


Orangeburg FOS Event - Columbia - May 9


IWC Golf Tournament's 50th Anniversary - WildeWood Club - October 7


Upcoming Training Events!


"Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader"


BALOO Training at Camp Barstow - March 16-17


University of Scouting - Lexington, SC - March 23


IOLS at Mission Lake - April 13-14, 2024


EDGE Training at Camp Coker - April 13


Climbing/Cope Instructor Training at Camp Barstow - April 19-21


Subscribe to Scout Shorts!


Do you know someone who is not receiving the Scout Shorts email? Send them the link below to get them registered! Encourage them to subscribe and be kept informed about upcoming events, adult training experiences, Muscogee Lodge events, and volunteer opportunities.


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Don't Be Caught in the Rain!


Did you know that the Hazardous Weather Training is required for all direct-contact leaders and it expires every 2 years? Unlike other position-specific training, Hazardous Weather does expire! Don't be taken by surprise, visit your my.scouting.org account and confirm your completion today!


Click here to learn more.

The Council Will Cover BSA Fee Increase for All Youth Members


The Indian Waters Council continues its commitment to help make Scouting accessible for its youth and families. For the past year, the Council has been paying for the BSA's "joining fee" of $25 per youth member. Effective April 1, 2024 that national fee will be eliminated, but most other fees are slightly increasing (per link at bottom of this article).


BSA youth membership fees will increase by $5 on April 1, but the Council will pay that fee for all youth joining or renewing their membership in 2024.


To secure the coverage in the online registration system, simply use the code: "kid5" starting April 1, 2024. Until that date, new Scout joining fee coverage can be redeemed with the code, "spring25."


Click here for a listing of all fees effective April 1, 2024

Program Updates!


Cub Scout Program Updates Announced!


Scouts BSA announces Advancement Program Updates


YPT Overnight Participation Reminder

The Indian Waters Council serves our Scouting families and communities in 19 South Carolina counties: Bamberg, Calhoun, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Fairfield, Florence, Horry, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Marlboro, Marion, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda, Sumter, and Williamsburg.