Service to others is ingrained in Scouts BSA: from daily Good Turn to 1-8 hours needed for rank advancement and several merit badge requirements. This page is to list opportunities which may be suitable. Refer also to the Troop 48 Policy for Service Hours. Best practice is to have your Scoutmaster and/or merit badge counselor approve the service project before beginning.
Adopt-a-Park
Check below calendar list for events scheduled at Warriors Path State Park.
Eagle Projects
Check below calendar list for events posted by rising Eagle candidates to demonstrate their project leadership. They are responsible for providing sufficient and timely details.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee
The food bank typically offers four hour volunteer work sessions on Saturday mornings. A couple of sessions could cover the Citizenship in the Community service requirement. All volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes.
Bays Mountain Park
A trail-maintaining crew, The Gorillas, has been established at the Kingsport city park as led by experienced volunteers associated with the TN Eastman Hiking & Canoeing Club. Tasks currently can range from cutting back branches to keep the paths open to installing log or rock steps to address erosion. The events at typically third Saturdays from 9am until 2pm (weather permitting). If you would like to participate, contact Ms. Laura Ellis, BMP volunteer coordinator, at LauraEllis@kingsporttn.gov or call the Nature Center at (423)229-9447. This opportunity is suitable for Camping MB #9c and Life rank conservation requirements.
Appalachian Trail maintenance
Contact Mr. Hasler to arrange basic trail maintenance (such as using loppers/hand saws to remove encroaching growth, hauling out trash, painting blazes) trips which are suitable for conservation expectations for Life rank and Camping merit badge. Will require volunteer release form and adequate adult participation.
Pollinator Gardens
Several butterfly/pollinator gardens have been established in our region. Performing weeding and mulching tasks is suitable service for the Life rank conservation requirements. Keep Kingsport Beautiful has created gardens at Lincoln and Johnson elementary schools plus the Kingsport Farmer’s Market. Scouts with a knowledgeable adult (such as Mr. Sprinkle) can complete this service during non-school/event hours. Please contact KKB when planning any maintenance outings.
Petworks
Petworks on 3101 E. Stone Drive, Kingsport has a required volunteer orientation at 1pm Saturdays, then a 1-5:30pm session. If under 16 years old, volunteers must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times.
Service Opportunities on Troop 48 Calendar
Jefferson Garden Squad
Surgoinsville River Front Festival
Jefferson Garden Squad
CHPC Pumpkin Patch Unloading 2026
Cub Scout Haunted Adventure Weekend