Twin Valley Council and Northern Star Scouting Announce Merger to Strengthen Scouting in Southern Minnesota
The Twin Valley Council Board of Directors announced that Twin Valley Council will be joining with Northern Star Scouting to continue and strengthen Scouting programs for youth and families across Southern Minnesota.
Following six months of thoughtful discussion and planning, the councils determined that this partnership will enhance long-term sustainability, operational efficiency, and program delivery while maintaining strong local service to communities throughout the region.
Twin Valley Council has a long history of serving youth in Southern Minnesota as an independent council chartered by Scouting America. Northern Star Scouting, headquartered in the Twin Cities, currently serves Central and Northeastern Minnesota, and Western Wisconsin. Together, the councils will form a single organization serving 41 counties in Minnesota and four counties in Wisconsin.
The combined council will support more than 40,000 youth, 700 Scouting units, and nearly 6,500 volunteer leaders, and will operate 12 council camps, including Camps Norseland located near St. Peter and Cedar Point located near Fairmont.
“As councils across the country face rising operational costs, this partnership allows us to share administrative resources while keeping our focus where it belongs—on delivering high-quality Scouting programs to youth,” said Dean Portner, President of the Twin Valley Council Board of Directors.
Northern Star Scouting will provide support for back-office functions such as accounting and management, allowing local staff and volunteers to focus on local programs and service.
“This step positions Scouting for long-term strength and growth in Southern Minnesota,” said Jeff Sulzbach, Northern Star Scouting CEO. “By working together, we ensure that future generations of young people can benefit from the values, leadership development, and service that Scouting provides.”
About Scouting America
Scouting America provides character development, leadership training, and outdoor adventure for youth across the nation, helping young people grow into responsible, ethical leaders guided by the Scout Oath and Law.
