Scouting America & NAA
Emporing the Next Generation of Leaders
The National Auction Association (NAA) is thrilled to join forces with Scouting America to bring the high-energy world of professional auctioneering to the leaders of tomorrow. This isn't just about the iconic auction chant—it’s about equipping youth with "skills that sell" and leadership that lasts. By merging the entrepreneurial spirit of the auction industry with the character-building mission of Scouting, we are creating a unique pathway for young people to master public speaking, business ethics, and asset marketing.
The Auctioneering Merit Badge
Currently featured in the Scouting America Test Lab, this badge serves as a "masterclass in professional presence," offering Scouts an opportunity to develop essential life skills:
- Unmatched Confidence: Scouts learn to command a room by mastering their own "auction chant," salesmanship, and showmanship.
- Business Intelligence: Participants dive into the mechanics of a sale, including asset valuation, marketing, and the ethics of a fiduciary.
- Professional Mentorship: Scouts are encouraged to interview NAA Professional Auctioneers to gain firsthand industry insights.
2026 Challenge: Complete your requirements by June 30, 2026, to be an official part of the Test Lab cycle and help shape the future of this badge! Access requirements and resources here.
For Scouts: The NextGen Advantage
Ready to take your skills to the professional level? The NAA offers a specialized NextGen Membership for youth ages 12–18:
- VIP Access: Get pro-level training and invitations to national competitions.
- Networking: Connect with experts who can help turn your interest into a career.
- Lead Your Community: Use your skills to help your Troop or local council with high-impact fundraising.
For Adult Leaders & NAA Professionals
This partnership offers a powerful platform for professional auctioneers and Scouting volunteers to collaborate:
- Mentorship: Serve as a Merit Badge Counselor to share industry expertise with motivated youth.
- Lead with Service: Use the live auction method to boost fundraising for local councils, demonstrating the "power of the gavel" in action.
- Invest in the Pipeline: Engaging with Scouts ensures the long-term growth of the auction profession.
Together, we are teaching the skills that sell and the leadership that lasts.
