Navigators USA
Navigators USA Chapter #337
Our Moscow-Pullman Chapter of Navigators USA is sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Palouse (UUCP). Nationally, we are billed as “alternative scouting.” What that looks like locally is a secular, progressive-minded, co-ed troop welcoming of LGBTQ+ kids and their families. Our current cohort is between 6 and 11 years old, but we welcome kids between 5 and 12 years old.
We meet from 3 pm until 5 pm on the first and third Sunday of each month during the school year. We meet in and around Moscow, outdoors whenever possible, or at the UUCP Fellowship Hall, if we need indoor space or a kitchen. During summer, because of vacation and travel schedules, we hold ad hoc meet ups and get togethers rather than regularly-scheduled meetings.
We have three main types of activities: outdoor experience and skills, community service, and arts/music/life skills. (More details below.)
We are not a drop-off club, and we include the whole family in our membership. (At least one parent to accompany your child/children). Participating parents not only provide guidance to their own kids, but also to anyone else who may want to learn from your experiences and expertise.
We are less-formal than some scout troops with no uniform requirement and no ceremonies. Members can work toward badges over the course of the year, but we are rarely focused on activities simply to earn a badge.
The UUCP is our generous financial sponsor for major expenses, but we are a completely secular group. Beginning in October 2026, we will require a $30 annual membership fee to help offset activity expenses.
Here are a few examples of past activities:
- Winter hikes and XC skiing
- Completing knots, knife, and maps & compasses badges
- Propagating and transplanting houseplants
- Conducting downtown Moscow street clean ups
- Helping UI Soil Stewards Club prepare for planting
- Building and jamming with recycleable material musical instruments
- Practicing self-care: yoga, coloring, meditative music
- Creating comfort kits for ATVP and Latah Recovery Clients
- Practicing resiliency on 3-mile hikes while carrying gear
- Creating Winter Solstice candles and enjoying a bonfire
- Sledding party at PCEI
- Birdwatching, listening, and sketching at Rose Creek Nature Preserve
- Donation sorting at the UI Vandal Food Pantry
- Shopping for and stocking the UUCP Little Free Food Pantry
- Pathway maintenance work at PCEI
- Touring the Palouse Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation facility
- Annual family camping trip (September)
Questions or would like to join us for a meeting? Please be in touch!