From Passion Project to Global Partner: The Black Pug Software Story

In 2011, two dedicated volunteers at the Simon Kenton Council noticed a significant gap in their existing software: it simply wasn’t providing the data and facility rental management capabilities they needed. With backgrounds in technology, they knew they could do better. What started as a focused effort to support their own Council quickly blossomed into a  powerful realization: this solution could benefit many Councils. And just like that, Black Pug Software was born.

Why “Black Pug”? A Story of Tenacity
The name “Black Pug Software” isn’t random; it’s a nod to the founders’ beloved family pets. Pugs, though small, are renowned for their tenacious spirit, fearlessly taking on challenges no matter the size. This became a fitting metaphor for the new company, ready to enter a market dominated by larger, established players. Like their canine muses, Black Pug Software was determined to prove that a smaller, agile team could make a significant impact.

Growing with Scouting America, Globally
Since its beginnings in 2011, Black Pug Software has expanded its reach from a few Councils to supporting Scouting America Councils worldwide. Despite this growth, their commitment remains unwavering: to exclusively serve Scouting America. Their products are meticulously crafted to meet the diverse needs of Councils of all sizes, with a continuous stream of innovative features designed to enhance the Scouting experience.

Tailored Solutions for Every Council Need
Black Pug Software offers a comprehensive suite of products designed to streamline operations and enhance efficiency for Councils:

• Camp Reservation System: This system simplifies weekend camping, allowing Units and external groups to reserve everything from individual campsites to entire camps or specific ranges.
• Scouting Event System: From training sessions and fundraisers to summer camps and day camps, this system expertly manages a wide array of activities.
• Trading Post System: Councils can effortlessly sell products online, offering both shipping and in-store pickup options for customers.
• Point of Sale (POS) System: Designed to replace existing Council POS systems, this robust solution handles registrations, customer payments, and inventory sales with ease.

Innovation at the Heart of Our Software
Beyond these core systems, Black Pug Software is continually developing innovative solutions that directly address the unique challenges faced by Scouting America Councils. We understand the importance of seamless integration and data accuracy, which is why we’ve developed features like:

• PeopleSoft Upload Option: This critical feature streamlines the transfer of financial and other essential data directly into your Council’s PeopleSoft system, reducing manual entry errors and saving valuable time.
• Automatic Member Validation: Our system goes beyond simple registration by automatically validating members. This includes confirming the membership status of your own Council members attending local events, as well as seamlessly validating out-of-council members whose home Councils have uploaded their
  membership data. This ensures accurate participant lists and proper compliance for all events.
• Advanced Inventory Tracking: Go beyond basic sales with our sophisticated inventory tracking capabilities. Councils can monitor stock levels in real-time, manage multiple locations, and gain insights into popular items, optimizing purchasing and reducing waste.
• Scoutbook Merit Badge Data Import: This innovative feature allows for the seamless import of merit badge data directly into Scoutbook, simplifying record-keeping for summer camps and other programs. This eliminates duplicate data entry and ensures accurate tracking of Scout achievements.
• Integrated Donation Collections: Facilitate fundraising efforts with ease through our donation collection feature. Councils can securely accept donations online, track donor/sponsor information, and generate reports, all within the same platform.

Our Commitment: Listening and Evolving
Today, Black Pug Software proudly supports over half of all Scouting America Councils. We believe our success is directly tied to the success of the Councils we serve. That’s why we maintain close, collaborative relationships, actively listening to feedback and using it to continually refine and enhance our products. This collaborative approach ensures that Black Pug Software remains a leading provider of tailored solutions that truly meet the evolving needs of all Councils within Scouting America, helping them focus on what matters most: empowering the next generation of leaders.