Scouting America and the Simon Kenton Council Celebrate New Ohio Law Opening the Door to Partner With Ohio Schools

Travis Gulling Testifying Before Ohio Legislature

Simon Kenton Council thanks the Ohio House, the Ohio Senate, Governor Mike DeWine, and Swing State Strategies for championing legislation that connects more young Ohioans to leadership, opportunity, and a path to tomorrow’s workforce

COLUMBUS, Ohio – June 24, 2026 – Scouting America and the Simon Kenton Council today celebrated the passage of Senate Bill 19, landmark legislation [signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine on June 24] that allows patriotic organizations like Scouting America to partner with Ohio’s public and charter schools. The new law opens the door for Scouting to share the value of its youth leadership training, the strong connection between Scouting and school curriculum, and the role Scouting plays in preparing the workforce of tomorrow.

Under Senate Bill 19, Ohio public and charter schools are required to give 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 – at least one opportunity each school year to share information about their programs directly with students. Schools retain full control over the time, place, manner, and length of that opportunity so it does not disrupt instructional time. In practice, the law ensures that every eligible student has a consistent, reliable chance to learn about the leadership, service, and character-building opportunities these organizations offer.

“This is a tremendous day for the youth of Ohio. We are grateful to our state’s leaders for recognizing what Scouting families have known for more than a century, that Scouting builds the confidence, character, and skills that last a lifetime. We look forward to partnering with Ohio’s schools, learning what matters most to them, and helping prepare students to lead and succeed,” said Travis Gulling, Scout Executive & CEO of the Simon Kenton Council.

Thanking Ohio’s Leaders and Partners
The Simon Kenton Council and Scouting America extend their sincere thanks to the members of the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate who voted to support this legislation, to Governor Mike DeWine for signing it into law, and to Swing State Strategies for their tireless advocacy and partnership in helping make this opportunity possible. The Council is especially grateful to the State Senator Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware) for sponsoring the bill and his leadership and vision.

Why This Matters
Scouting is one of the most effective youth development programs in the nation. Its impact is measurable and lasting:

  1. Scouting builds leadership, teamwork, and decision-making skills through hands-on, real-world experiences – the same skills Ohio’s classrooms work to develop every day.
  2. Scouting’s program connects directly to the school curriculum, reinforcing learning in STEM, communication, civics, and career readiness through more than 135 merit badges and skill areas.
  3. By introducing youth to fields from cybersecurity and engineering to public health and entrepreneurship, Scouting helps build a more prepared, future-ready workforce for Ohio.
  4. Service is at the heart of Scouting. Each year, Scouts across Ohio contribute hundreds of thousands of hours of community service, conservation work, and Eagle Scout projects that strengthen their hometowns.

By allowing schools to partner with Scouting, this legislation opens the door for more young people, regardless of background or ZIP code, to access these life-changing opportunities.

A Partnership Built on Listening
The Simon Kenton Council sees this new law as the beginning of a true partnership. The Council is eager to sit down with Ohio’s superintendents, principals, and school leaders to learn about each district’s goals. We look forward to exploring how Scouting can help turn those goals into reality, whether that means strengthening leadership development, supporting career readiness, or expanding service learning. The Council will follow each school’s lead on timing and approach, consistent with the law’s provision for a once-a-year opportunity scheduled by the district.

Reaching Every Young Person
Equitable access is central to Scouting’s mission. Through programs such as the Simon Kenton Council’s ScoutReach initiative, the Council already delivers the full Scouting experience at little to no cost to youth in some of central Ohio’s most underserved communities. This new law strengthens that commitment by making sure every student learns that Scouting is available to them.

About the Simon Kenton Council
The Simon Kenton Council, Scouting America, serves more than 18 counties across central and southern Ohio and Greenup County, Kentucky. With the support of thousands of dedicated volunteers, the Council delivers Scouting programs – including Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Exploring, and ScoutReach – to thousands of youth each year, helping them grow into the leaders of tomorrow. For more information, visit skcscouts.org.

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