A new Ohio law opens the door for Scouting America to share its programs with students in public and charter schools across the state. For more than a century, Scouting has helped young people throughout Ohio build the confidence, character, and skills that last a lifetime — and now more students than ever can discover what Scouting has to offer, right in their own schools. Whether you are a school leader, a parent, or a community partner, this is where you can learn what the law means, how the partnership works, and how to connect with the Scouting America council that serves your area.
Ohio's Senate Bill 19 allows patriotic youth organizations — those chartered under Title 36 of the United States Code, a group that includes Scouting America, the Girl Scouts, 4-H, Future Farmers of America, and the Civil Air Patrol — to share information about their programs directly with students in the state's public and charter schools. Under the law, schools are required to provide at least one opportunity each school year for these organizations to connect with students. Signed by Governor DeWine in June 2026 as part of the 136th General Assembly's education legislation, Senate Bill 19 takes effect September 23, 2026.
Schools and districts remain firmly in control. Each school decides the time, place, manner, and length of that opportunity, so it fits the school's schedule and never disrupts instructional time. In practice, the law simply ensures that every eligible student has a consistent, reliable chance to learn about the leadership, service, and character-building opportunities that Scouting and similar organizations provide.
Scouting America in Ohio is grateful to the members of the Ohio House and Senate, to Governor Mike DeWine, to bill sponsor State Senator Andrew Brenner, and to the advocates who championed this legislation. Their bipartisan support reflects a shared belief that Ohio's students deserve access to programs that prepare them to lead, to serve, and to succeed.
Scouting is one of the most effective youth development programs in the nation, and its impact is both measurable and lasting. Through hands-on, real-world experiences, Scouting builds the leadership, teamwork, and decision-making skills that Ohio's classrooms work to develop every day.
Across more than 135 merit badge and skill areas — spanning STEM, communication, civics, financial literacy, and dozens of career fields, from cybersecurity and engineering to public health and entrepreneurship — Scouting gives young people practical ways to apply classroom lessons and explore future careers.
By turning lessons into real-world skills, Scouting helps build a more prepared, future-ready workforce for Ohio — developing leadership, teamwork, and decision-making that employers value.
Each year, Scouts across Ohio contribute hundreds of thousands of hours of community service, conservation work, and Eagle Scout projects that strengthen their hometowns. The new law opens the door for more young people — regardless of background or ZIP code — to experience all that Scouting offers.
We know your time and your students' time are precious, and our goal is to be a simple, respectful, and helpful partner. Under the law, Scouting's outreach is limited to one opportunity per school year, scheduled by your district, and your school retains full control over the time, place, and manner. Participation is always at no cost to your school, and every adult who interacts with students completes Scouting America's Youth Protection training and background screening — our rigorous, nationally consistent safety standard.
More than anything, we want to listen. The Scouting America council serving your area would welcome the chance to learn about your district's goals and to explore how Scouting can help advance them — whether that means strengthening leadership development, supporting career readiness, or expanding service learning for your students. This is a partnership, and your priorities come first.
When you are ready, the council serving your community will be glad to start the conversation on your terms. You can find and contact your local council using the directory below.
Scouting America serves families in every part of Ohio through a network of local councils, each responsible for delivering Scouting programs in its region. The map below shows the area each council serves; use the directory to find and connect with the council nearest you.
| Council | Region Served |
|---|---|
| Black Swamp Area Council | Northwest Ohio (Findlay) |
| Buckeye Council | East-Central Ohio (Canton) |
| Dan Beard Council | Southwest Ohio (Cincinnati) |
| Erie Shores Council | Northwest Ohio (Toledo) |
| Great Trail Council | Northeast Ohio (Akron–Youngstown) |
| Lake Erie Council | Northeast Ohio (Cleveland) |
| Miami Valley Council | West-Central Ohio (Dayton) |
| Muskingum Valley Council | Southeast Ohio (Zanesville) |
| Simon Kenton Council | Central & Southern Ohio (Columbus) |
| Tecumseh Council | West-Central Ohio (Springfield) |
The following materials are available for councils, schools, and families to use and share. They will be posted here as downloadable files.
A one-page overview of the law and what it means for schools and families.
Coming SoonAn editable letter councils can send to superintendents and school administrators.
Download PDFLogos and guidance for consistent, statewide messaging.
Coming SoonScouting is delivered locally, so the best next step is to connect with the council serving your community. If you are a school leader ready to explore a partnership, a family interested in joining, a volunteer or Scouting professional, or a member of the media, your local council can help. Use the directory above, or the "Find Your Local Council" tool, to reach the right team by county or ZIP code.
For media inquiries or statewide partnership questions, please contact the statewide team.
Find Your Local Council