Scouting Inspires New Generation of Scouts to Reach for the Stars

Fifty Years After NASA Astronaut and Eagle Scout Neil Armstrong Set Foot on the Moon

NASA Astronaut and Assistant Scoutmaster Drew Morgan and Fellow Crew Members to Speak to Scouts at the 24th World Scout Jamboree Directly from the International Space Station

Glen Jean, WV, 19 July 2019 – As 45,000 Scouts from over 150 countries prepare to kick of the 24th World Scout Jamboree, the Boy Scouts of America, the 24th World Scout Jamboree and NASA are coming together to inspire today’s youth to expand their possibilities with a unique event that builds on Scouting’s iconic connection to the historic 1969 moon landing and the interest the program continues to propel in Scouts who last year earned more than 160,000 space-related merit badges, including astronomy, engineering, geology and space exploration.  

Fifty years after NASA astronaut and Eagle Scout Neil Armstrong sent greetings from space to participants of the 1969 National Scout Jamboree,  NASA astronauts Nick Hague,Christina Koch and Drew Morgan will inspire a new generation of Scouts directly from the International Space Station as they answer questions posed by Scouts attending the World Scout Jamboree at Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia at 1:00 p.m. EDT, July 24. 

The World Scout Jamboree, which is held every four years and provides life-changing activities focused on adventure, sustainability, peace and community service. Inspired by the theme to “Unlock a New World,” young men and women will celebrate the international tradition of Scouting during the two-week long 24th World Scout Jamboree that will take place in the United States for the first time since 1967. 

For April McMillan, Director of National Programs and STEM Scouts for the Boy Scouts of America and former researcher at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the inspiration that Scouting provides young people is endless. “Through every merit badge, adventure and service project, the programs of the Boy Scouts of America have been providing character and leadership opportunities for young men and women for more than a century. As this generation faces a new frontier of opportunities and challenges, the best thing we can do for this future generation of leaders is to empower them with a sense of curiosity to explore the many wonders the world, and the self-reliance to find solutions within themselves, their communities and the world that surrounds them.”

“The Eagle has landed,” those iconic first words proclaimed by Neil Armstrong hold special meaning for millions of young men and women who dream of walking in the footsteps of the famous astronauts of the Apollo 11 mission, especially given the many connections to Scouting. While it is well known that Eagle Scout Neil Armstrong was the first man to set foot on the moon, it was fellow NASA astronaut and Eagle Scout Jim Lovell that suggested that the lunar module be named Eagle. Much like many Scouting adventures do, it all started with the tradition that prompted the crew to create the mission patch, and the rest became history. Even before the module had been named, the mission’s connection to Scouting was set five years earlier when NASA sent a group of astronauts on geological trips to Philmont Scout Ranch in 1964 to introduce them to geologic concepts they might find on the Moon. Today, every Scout starting a backcountry trek enters through the same doors and can stand in the same spot as Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong and so many other incredible people went through before them as they consider the path and possibilities that awaits them. 

For media interested in covering the June 24th live event at the 24th World Scout Jamboree, please contact Kate.Jacobs@scouting.org. 

About the Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts of America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®” The Scouting organization is composed of nearly 2.2 million youth members between the ages of 5 and 21 and approximately 960,000 volunteers in local councils throughout the United States and its territories. For more information on the Boy Scouts of America, please visit www.Scouting.org.