Las Vegas families and community members welcomed over 1,500 Scouts and Scout leaders to Floyd Lamb State Park this past weekend for the 2026 Scout Expo. The three‑day event, held Oct. 16‑18, drew participants from the Las Vegas Valley and northwest Arizona, including nearly 1,000 overnight campers who set up tents and cabins across the park’s scenic grounds.
Unplugged Adventures Inspire Youth
The Expo’s theme, “Unplugged Adventures,” emphasized hands‑on outdoor learning, competition and skill‑building. More than 40 merit‑badge workshops were offered, ranging from wilderness survival and first aid to environmental stewardship and leadership. Scouts rotated through stations, earning badges that reinforce the values of service, responsibility and personal growth.
Eagle Scout AY Young Performs
National recording artist and Eagle Scout AY Young provided a special musical performance for the assembled youth. Young, a member of Troop 24 in Kansas City, Missouri, credited Scouting with shaping the confidence and values that have guided his career as a touring musician. “Scouting is part of who I am,” he said. “It taught me to serve, to lead, and to use what I’m passionate about to do something for other people.” He added that an idea he started as a Scout eventually took him around the world, and he hopes today’s participants see their own passions as pathways to future opportunity.
Scouting’s Ongoing Impact
Young’s connection to Scouting extends beyond his performance. He has regularly visited local councils during his tours, sharing his story and encouraging young people to pursue their interests. He also wrote the original song “Be Prepared,” inspired by the Scout motto, which has become a staple of his shows and a rallying anthem for Scouts nationwide.
The Expo highlighted the enduring relevance of Scouting in today’s fast‑changing world. Parents praised the event for providing a safe, values‑centered environment where children can develop leadership skills and a love of the outdoors. “It’s wonderful to see our kids learning teamwork and responsibility outside of a screen,” said Maria Gonzales, a mother of two Scouts who attended the weekend.
Looking Ahead
Organizers announced plans to expand the Expo next year, adding more merit‑badge options and inviting additional musical guests. The success of this year’s gathering underscores the strong community support for youth programs that reinforce traditional family values and personal liberty through service and self‑reliance.
For families interested in future Scouting events, details will be posted on the Nevada Scouting Council website and through local community bulletins.
Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
