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From the Desk of Karl Shelton Scout Executive: A Season of Joy, Reflection, and Reverence

Karl Shelton headshot

As the holiday season surrounds us with its warmth and light, I want to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable year we’ve shared in the Conquistador Council, Boy Scouts of America.


This Christmas, I am reminded of the spirit of giving, community, and faith that makes Scouting so special and meaningful.

nativity scene stained glass

One of the twelve points of the Scout Law is that “A Scout is Reverent.” This principle reminds us to honor and respect the beliefs and practices of others while reflecting on our own faith and values. During this season of celebration, let us carry the spirit of reverence into all that we do—showing kindness, gratitude, and humility as we gather with loved ones and serve our communities.


Growth

2024 has been a year of growth, adventure, and service. Together, we’ve achieved incredible milestones: a successful summer camp, more than 10% membership growth, and a thriving board of directors. Our virtual roundtables have fostered collaboration, and our dedicated staff has worked tirelessly to ensure Scouting continues to thrive in Southeast New Mexico.


Reflection

This season, I am especially grateful for the families, volunteers, and Scouts who embody the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. Your commitment to living these principles strengthens the bonds of our community and ensures we continue to build leaders of character for generations to come.


As we prepare to celebrate Christmas and welcome a new year, I am filled with excitement for the opportunities ahead. In 2025, we’ll celebrate the Conquistador Council’s 100th anniversary—a momentous occasion to honor the legacy of Scouting in our community while setting a bold vision for the future.


May this holiday season bring you and your loved ones joy, peace, and a renewed sense of purpose. As we reflect on our blessings, let us also remember the importance of reverence in our lives and strive to uphold it in all that we do.


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Karl Shelton

Scout Executive

Comments

A Scout folding the American flag
Scout Law

Scout Law

A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

Scout Oath

Scout Oath

On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my Country,
and to obey the Scout Law, to help other people at all times
to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

Accessibility Statement

Conquistador Council, Scouting America

Conquistador Council, Scouting America is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for everyone. We strive to ensure that our website and digital content can be accessed and used by people of all abilities.

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Our Commitment

We are continually working to improve the accessibility and usability of our website. Our goal is to follow recognized accessibility best practices, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and to make information about Scouting programs, events, resources, and opportunities available to all members of our community.

Our accessibility efforts may include:

Providing alternative text for meaningful images and graphics.
Using clear headings and logical page structures.
Maintaining readable text and appropriate color contrast.
Providing descriptive links and buttons.
Supporting keyboard navigation whenever possible.
Providing important information contained in flyers or graphics in accessible text formats when possible.
Reviewing digital documents and other resources for accessibility.
Ongoing Improvements

Accessibility is an ongoing effort. As our website, programs, and digital resources change, we will continue to review and improve accessibility wherever possible.

Some content on our website may be provided by third parties or link to external websites and resources that are not controlled by Conquistador Council. While we encourage accessible digital experiences, we cannot control the accessibility of third-party content.

Need Assistance?

If you experience difficulty accessing any part of our website, encounter an accessibility barrier, or need information provided in an alternative format, please contact Conquistador Council.

When contacting us, please describe the page, document, or information you were attempting to access and the accessibility issue you encountered. We will make reasonable efforts to provide the information or assistance you need.

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Conquistador Council, Scouting America
2603 N Aspen Ave.
Roswell, NM 88201
Phone: (575) 622-3461
Email: info@nmscouts.org

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We welcome feedback about the accessibility of our website and appreciate your help as we continue working to make Scouting information and opportunities accessible to everyone.

Last reviewed: August 2026

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