Vanguard Scouting at the

2025 National Annual Meeting

Vanguard had a strong presence at Scouting America’s National Annual Meeting (NAM) in Orlando, Florida, in May 2025. NAM is an annual gathering where Scouting professionals and volunteers from across the United States come together to discuss the organization’s future, update programs, and chart the course for the upcoming year. Nearly all Council Scout Executives attend this important event to collaborate on planning and leadership.

This year, the Vanguard International Scouting Association participated in several NAM activities, including hosting a booth at the large Scouting expo. The Vanguard display showcased the various Scouting religious emblems available to Latter-day Saint Scouts and Scouters. Anchored by a prominent image of the Savior, the booth emphasized the commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ among Latter-day Saint Scouts.

   

   

During NAM, the National Religious Relationships Committee (NRRC) held its annual meeting with representatives from all faiths participating in Scouting across the country. Vanguard delivered a report highlighting the activities and achievements of Latter-day Saint Scouts and Scouters from the previous year. The NRRC also worked together on plans for the upcoming “Faith in God & Country” activity area at the 2026 National Scout Jamboree.

The week’s highlight was the annual Duty to God Breakfast, a multifaith event attended by hundreds. This celebration reinforces the vital role of faith in Scouting and honors the religious principles outlined in the Scout Law. The breakfast features keynote speakers, the presentation of the National Duty to God Award, which recognizes adults for their leadership in promoting faith, and special recognition for Scouts who have earned religious emblems.

At the 2025 breakfast, the entire Anderson family was honored for earning their Vanguard religious emblems. Timothy and Holly Anderson were recognized alongside their children and Holly’s father, James Wilde. Timothy, Holly, Evaine, Timothy Jr., and James all earned their Vanguard Duty to God Award, while Ariana earned her Vanguard Light & Truth Award as a Cub Scout.

A Milestone Achievement

The Anderson family’s recognition at the National Annual Meeting represents a remarkable milestone for Vanguard Scouting. Having an entire family—spanning three generations—honored together on a national stage demonstrates the profound impact of faith-centered Scouting and the power of shared values passed from grandparent to parent to child. This extraordinary achievement showcases the strength of Vanguard’s mission to integrate faith and Scouting, and stands as an inspiring example for Latter-day Saint families across the country. Congratulations to the Anderson family and to Vanguard for this well-deserved recognition at one of Scouting’s most prestigious events!