As America marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Scouting America invites you to explore what citizenship and community mean today. Take on creative challenges, visit historic places, and team up with friends and family to celebrate the spirit of our country.

The Liberty in Action: 250th Anniversary Challenge brings together Scouts from all programs to explore America’s founding principles, connect Scouting’s long tradition of civic service to our national story, and take meaningful action in their communities. Running from March 2026 through February 2027, this program blends learning, creativity, service, and reflection — offering Scouts, leaders, and families a powerful way to participate in America’s semiquincentennial.

To commemorate this historic milestone, Scouting America is introducing a limited-time, collectible Liberty in Action America 250 Challenge Patch. Read on to discover the official requirements and begin your journey toward earning this one-of-a-kind keepsake — just in time to celebrate July 4, 2026.

The Liberty in Action: America’s 250th Anniversary Challenge begins by inviting Scouts to connect the founding principles of the Declaration of Independence to modern life. This activity helps participants explore core American values such as equality, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness while applying them to real-world experiences. By researching historical phrases, reflecting on personal meaning, and sharing insights with family, friends, or their unit, Scouts build a deeper understanding of citizenship and civic responsibility. This challenge encourages critical thinking, meaningful discussion, and a personal connection to the founding ideals that continue to shape America today.

Choose one from the following options:

a) Research what these three famous phrases from the Declaration of Independence meant in 1776 and what they mean today, and provide modern examples showing how they apply in real life to a family member, friend, or your unit:

• “We hold these truths to be self-evident …”
• “All men are created equal …”
• “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness …”

b) Identify something that makes you think of fairness, freedom, or happiness, and share your findings with a family member, friend, or your unit. Explain how it connects to your life.

This section of America's 250th challenge highlights the powerful role Scouting America has played in promoting civic engagement, national service, and community leadership. Participants research moments when Scouting supported national spirit or significant service efforts, or they create a time capsule that captures what Scouting represents today. This activity reinforces patriotism, historical awareness, and the enduring impact of Scouting values such as service, preparedness, and unity. It also helps Scouts reflect on how their participation contributes to something larger than themselves.

Choose one from the following options:

a) Research and share examples of times when Scouting America or the Exploring program supported national spirit — such as significant service efforts, national events, or community initiatives. Share your findings with a family member, friend, or your unit.

b) Create a time capsule — real, digital, or a simple list of items. Choose things that best show what Scouting in America or the Exploring program is all about.

The Creative Expression component invites Scouts to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary through art, speech, performance, or media. Whether designing a commemorative patch, delivering a speech about liberty, creating a short video, or learning a skill from the 1700s, participants bring history to life through creativity. This challenge promotes public speaking, design thinking, storytelling, and historical interpretation while encouraging youth to reflect on what freedom means in 2026 and beyond. It bridges America’s founding era with modern voices and perspectives.

Choose one from the following options:

a) Design a unit-level shoulder patch or commemorative coin for the United States Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary). Explain the symbolism you chose to a family member, friend, or your unit.

b) Perform a 2- to 3-minute speech on one of the listed topics:
• What liberty means to me in 2026
• One right I won’t take for granted
• An American who inspires me and why
• What freedom looks like where I live

c) Create a short video (60–90 seconds) or a poster series suitable for sharing on social media that connects the ideals of 1776 to life today. (Youth must have parent/guardian approval before any posting.)

d) Learn a skill or play a game from the 1700s.

This portion of the challenge encourages direct engagement with American history through experiential learning. Scouts may visit historic founding-era locations, attend the National Jamboree America's 250th display, research local community history dating back to 1776, or participate in a commemorative celebration. By connecting with historical places and events, participants deepen their understanding of the Revolutionary era and of America’s development over the past 250 years. This activity fosters historical literacy, community pride, and meaningful exploration of America’s origins.

Choose one from the following options:

a) Visit a site from the American founding era (1760–1805). Virtual tours qualify.

b) Attend the National Jamboree “America250” display.

c) Research your local community’s history and its development since 1776, and share what you learn with a family member, friend, or your unit.

d) Participate in a 250th anniversary celebration event.

Service is at the heart of Scouting—and at the heart of this challenge. For the final requirement, Scouts complete a service project reflecting the founding ideals of community service, civic responsibility, liberty, equality, or the common good. This milestone aligns with Scouting America’s Impact365 initiative and reinforces the principle that citizenship requires participation. By recording and submitting service hours, Scouts demonstrate that America’s founding values are not just historical concepts but living commitments expressed through service and leadership.

Participate in a service project that reflects American founding ideals — such as service to community, civic responsibility, liberty, equality, or the common good. Record and submit your service hours.

America’s 250th anniversary is more than a milestone — it’s an opportunity to reflect, learn, create, explore, and serve. The Liberty in Action: America’s 250th Anniversary Challenge invites Scouts to connect the ideals of 1776 with the responsibilities of today. Through research, civic engagement, creative expression, historical exploration, and meaningful service, participants honor the past while shaping the future.

This challenge reminds us that liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness are not just words in a document — they are lived values strengthened through action. By completing these activities and contributing service through Impact365, Scouts help ensure that America’s founding principles continue to guide communities for generations to come.

Now is the moment to step forward. Reflect on our history. Celebrate the present. Serve for the future.