HalfEagle.com

Friday Funny: Cub Scout Without His Uniform

Posted to Scouting News on January 30th, 2009

Welcome to Friday Funny! Every Friday, Scouting News will share a Scouting related joke with our readers. Hopefully you find it just as funny as we did! Today's Friday Funny comes from the Boy's Life Joke Archives , and was originally submitted by... [more]

Northern Star Council Capital Campaign Surpasses $18.5 Million

Posted to Scouting News on January 30th, 2009

The $25 million Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders capital campaign recently achieved 75% of goal. "This important campaign will help Northern Star Council better deliver Scouting's proven programs to all youth by equipping volunteers with the needed tools... [more]

The Purpose of Pinewood Derby

Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on January 30th, 2009

Pinewood Derby is a highlight of the year for most Cub Scout packs. Watching and cheering for the brightly colored cars speeding down the track can be very exciting. But I think it is helpful to remember that Pinewood Derby is not really about... [more]

Top 10 Largest Councils

Posted to Scouting News on January 30th, 2009

Scouting News has extracted a few facts, our readers have asked about in the past, from the Response to various inquiries regarding the Boy Scouts of America memorandum released in response to stories recently published by Hearst Newspapers . The... [more]

Friday Fives (and Tens)

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on January 30th, 2009

Every Friday five posts from Scoutmaster worth reviewing. This week the subject is Tens (and one six) ; Ten Common Scoutmaster Mistakes Avoid these common pitfalls and everything else will be easy. Ten Essentials With a Quiz What to always bring... [more]

Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on January 30th, 2009

My 30th podacst is available for download. I had a real great time with this. I chatted with a fellow backpacker from the Denver area. His name is Jason Klass. We talked about Light weight backpacking. Jason has a fantastic blog called Gear Talk... [more]

New National OA Trading Post Online

Posted to Scouting News on January 29th, 2009

The National Order of the Arrow website now features a new online OA Trading Post. To celebrate the launch of our new OA Trading Post Online website and to build excitement for the 2009 National OA Conference, we are offering deep discounts on all... [more]

What ever happened...

Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on January 29th, 2009

When I was a Scout singing was a big part of our meetings, camp outs, and of course camp fires. I have noticed lately that Scouts don't really like to sing that much. Why is that? What ever happened to singing? I love it, and as corny as it seems,... [more]

Vaseline and Cotton Ball Fire starter

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on January 29th, 2009

Outdoorsman / Woodsman Skills - Homemade Fire Starter Vaseline and Cotton Ball Fire starter This fire starter is easy to make and cost next to nothing, it has the extra benefit of being nearly waterproof. Simply place a small amount of Vaseline in... [more]

Once in a while...

Posted to Commissioner's Corner on January 28th, 2009

I have found that through my new found free-time with the scouting program, that I don't always think about scouting anymore. I have taken to spending my time doing other things. I actually feel bad that I don't think about scouting as much as I... [more]

Eagle Scout Lines Up for Super Bowl XLIII

Posted to Scouting News on January 28th, 2009

When the Arizona Cardinals take the field against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl 43 on February 1st, an Eagle Scout will settle into his place on the Arizona offensive line. Starting guard Deuce Lutui (#76) will add his 330 pounds to the... [more]

Leader vs. Boss

Posted to Scouting Maniac on January 28th, 2009

Hopefully the majority of you will be able to realize that there is a difference between a boss and a leader. These words in everyday society are used interchangeably but should because they are most definitely different. Which do you think works... [more]

Ten Essentials of Scoutmastership 5 - You are Scouting

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on January 28th, 2009

The Ten Essentials of Scoutmastership penned by William 'Green Bar' Hillcourt were part of the Scoutmaster's Handbook for many years. 5. A knowledge that to your boys you are Scouting. "What you are speaks so loud that I cannot... [more]

New BSA Health Form

Posted to Lone Star Scouter on January 28th, 2009

http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34605_Letter.pdf This is the new Annual Health and Medical Record form. It is replacing the current Class 1, 2 and 3 health forms. The major differences are - Everything is now in one place. It is a fillable,... [more]

The Commissioner's Corner Show #2

Posted to Commissioner's Corner on January 27th, 2009

Well, I did it...now I have 2 shows, but it will actually be 3, as this show is a two-part show. The topic for the show is Webelos to Scout Transition, but I had some help, with my good friends Commissioner Keith and Scoutmaster Jerry....we went so... [more]

An Hour A Week? #171

Posted to An Hour A Week? on January 27th, 2009

#171-All Those Years Ago… It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepp.. wait, that's not right. Four years ago today, I grabbed a freebie microphone and started babbeling. This show is all about the history of An Hour A Week. We'll get back to... [more]

Boy Scouts Restore "Hustler" at Barksdale Air Force Base

Posted to Scouting News on January 27th, 2009

This story was written by Mrs. Betty Stephens of the 917th Wing Public Affairs office. (U.S. Air Force photo/Mrs. Betty Stephens) During Unit Training Assembly for the 917th Wing, Jan. 10, Airmen were rushing from place to place to engage in their... [more]

Discipline

Posted to Lone Star Scouter on January 27th, 2009

Discipline is a part of leadership, and a good leader keeps that in mind. It isn't always pleasant, but it is necessary, and if done in a spirit of love and concern, all are better because of it. Sometimes we need to be reminded that there are two... [more]

Personal Management and Mentally Awake

Posted to ScoutSigns on January 26th, 2009

I didn't want this to wait for the next "Patrol Box". Part of "mentally awake" is learning the basics of managing your money. It doesn't get any more basic than this--and the techniques used are still valid. This video is as true today as ever--and... [more]

Fictional Eagle Scouts

Posted to Scouting News on January 26th, 2009

Following a conversation on Twitter about Eagle Scouts, I ended up running across this list of Fictional Eagle Scouts and found it very interesting. Here are a few Fictional Eagle Scouts: - Jonathan Archer and Malcolm Reed of Star Trek: Enterprise... [more]

The 411 on the 502

Posted to Woggleknot.com on January 26th, 2009

As many of you know, since becoming a part of Google in June of 2007, the FeedBurner team has been hard at work transforming FeedBurner into a service that uses the same underlying architecture as many other Google applications, running in the same... [more]

The Koolamunga Test

Posted to Scouting Maniac on January 26th, 2009

Long ago, somewhere in Africa, a little place called Koolamunga had a Scout troop but no Cub Pack. When the missionary, John Cristy, sent out word that he was going to start a pack, all the boys who were too young to be Scouts rushed over to join... [more]

Aquanaut Requirements

Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on January 25th, 2009

One of the official suggested Webelos activity badges for July is Aquanaut . Here are the requirements for the Aquanaut Webelos activity badge : Do these: 1. Jump into water over your head. Come to the surface and swim 100 feet, at least half of... [more]

Winter time and Leave No Trace

Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on January 25th, 2009

Winter time is no time to forget about leave no trace. In fact, winter time is a great time to teach and reinforce those Leave no Trace principles with your Scouts. Winter camping offers a pristine environment where every day there can be new... [more]

It's A Small World After All

Posted to Commissioner Keith Comments on January 25th, 2009

What has over 28 million registered members in 33 countries? If you said members of the World Organization of the Scout Movement ...give yourself an A. Yes, that's right more than 28 million scouts and scouters populating the earth and all running a... [more]

United Way of East Central Iowa Awards $35,000 Transition/Capacity Building Grant to Boy Scouts

Posted to Scouting News on January 25th, 2009

In the spring of 2008, the United Way of East Central Iowa (UWECI) reduced funding to Hawkeye Area Council by $116,500 annually, a 54% reduction in their previous allocation. This represented an 8.1% reduction in the Council's operating income. The... [more]

Scouting at it's Finest

Posted to Commissioner Keith Comments on January 25th, 2009

One of the most amazing things I have learned about the scouting program is that the people you meet that will step up and be counted when a fellow scouter asks for volunteers is astounding. The photo on the left was taken at the first Webelos... [more]

The Dumbest Statements Ever Made About Scouting

Posted to Commissioner Keith Comments on January 25th, 2009

I have been a part of the BSA program for 20yrs (give or take a yr) and I started my career in Cubs and then Boy Scouts and now I am an adult leader on the volunteer level. Through the years I have heard the same comments about scouting that never... [more]

Huckabee Speaks to Scouts During Leadership Breakfast

Posted to Scouting News on January 24th, 2009

Over 430 businesspeople from Southeastern Wisconsin converged on the Country Springs Hotel for Potawatomi Area Council's 11th Annual Leadership Breakfast to learn more about Scouting in the area and hear Mike Huckabee's views on leadership. Mr... [more]

Getting back to why I started this scouting thing

Posted to Commissioner's Corner on January 24th, 2009

Ethan had a den meeting the other night, Sam had the week off from Den meetings, only the pack meeting. We got to his den leaders house and I got set up. He had emailed me earlier in the week wanting to know if I would be interested in going over... [more]

Boy Scouts earn Composite Materials Merit Badges

Posted to Scouting News on January 24th, 2009

When thousands of composites manufacturers, suppliers and consultants converged on the Tampa Convention Center last week for COMPOSITES+ POLYCON 2009, 31 local Boy Scouts joined them. On Saturday, January 17, these young men attended the conference... [more]

It's Friday night...Do you know where your gear is?

Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on January 24th, 2009

Since I am a gear junky and live by the axiom that "If you take care of your gear, it will take care of you", I am always aware of where my gear is. Particularly when it comes to the Friday nights that we are departing on camp outs. We have a tool... [more]

Friday Funny: Scout Oath Coin Fail!

Posted to Scouting News on January 23rd, 2009

Welcome to Friday Funny! Every Friday, Scouting News will share a Scouting related joke with our readers. Hopefully you find it just as funny as we did! I finally figured out why some Scouts have a problem keeping the Scout Oath and Scout Law... [more]

Murphy's Laws of Camping

Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on January 23rd, 2009

We have all heard of Murphy's Law which states, "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong." Mark W. at ScoutingManiac has recently blogged about a list of Murphy's Laws of Camping which he found at the Boy Scout Trail website. You have got to read... [more]

Children and the Work World of Television

Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on January 23rd, 2009

Before television became dominant, kids tended to aspire to the careers they were exposed to in real life. But today, children develop a picture of the adult work from what they see on television. As the Center for Media Literacy points out the... [more]

Humor Dose 1

Posted to Scouting Maniac on January 23rd, 2009

Murphys Laws of Camping Any stone in a hiking boot migrates to the location of maximum pressure. Remaining distance to a given campsite remains constant as twilight approaches. Number of mosquitoes at any given location is inversely proportional to... [more]

Reflection

Posted to Lone Star Scouter on January 23rd, 2009

At our Venture Round table tonight after the first hour my mind started to drift away from the conversation we were having about scuba diving and how each crew is different. I started reflecting back to all the years I spent in Scouting with my son... [more]

2009 Boy Scout Monthly Themes

Posted to ScoutSigns on January 23rd, 2009

Each month, the Boy Scout Roundtable has a plan to highlight the monthly themes for the following month. The idea is to give you a "leg up" on material to help your Scouts expand their horizons a bit. I wish they encouraged the units to use it more... [more]

Interview with the Co-Directors of 759: Boy Scouts of Harlem (Part 2)

Posted to Scouting News on January 22nd, 2009

This is the second part ( read part one here ) of the interview with the Co-Directors of 759: Boy Scouts of Harlem conducted by Joshua R. Godinez. This is Joshua's first, but hopefully not last, article on Scouting News, his website... [more]

I am...

Posted to Commissioner's Corner on January 22nd, 2009

I have thought about it... George Bush isn't in office anymore, but he is still President Bush... So, I may not be in office, but I am still Commissioner Cleary.... More to... [more]

To Be Physically Strong

Posted to Lone Star Scouter on January 22nd, 2009

Hmmm… We all tell the scouts to live by the scout oath, but sadly, I'm afraid we don't always practice what we preach. While I'm certainly in far better physical condition than I was two years ago, I have a very long way to go. What is... [more]

Scouter Writes Money Management Book for Children

Posted to Scouting News on January 22nd, 2009

When Tony Townsley, chief financial officer for Hokanson Companies Inc. and Assistant Scoutmaster for Del-Mi Troop 152, and his wife set up an allowance system for their children, they knew they wanted to impart the values of personal financial... [more]

NSJ 2010 Trivia

Posted to Scouting Maniac on January 22nd, 2009

Did you know that the 1957 Jamboree was second of three Jamborees held at Valley Forge. During this jamboree there was 50,100 scouts and the theme for this jamboree was that of "Onward For My God and My Country" The 1950 Jamboree held at Valley... [more]

How do you want to be remembered?

Posted to Commissioner Keith Comments on January 21st, 2009

I received an email from my wife today (she does that from time to time as we sometimes work opposite shifts) and usually she sends me some funny joke or video. But today, she sent me a video about Nick Vujicic , a motivational speaker. Boring... [more]

Family Member Resources

Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on January 21st, 2009

As with all the Webelos activity badges, the best resources for Family Member are the Webelos Handbook and the Webelos Leader Guide . Here are some other Family Member resources that may be helpful: Meritbadge.org Family Member Worksheet (pdf) SCCC... [more]

Posted to Scouting Maniac on January 21st, 2009

Computer Problems Well I have not been able to get online or have access to a computer that would allow me to access my blog. I tried at school but due to the filters and security protocols for student accounts blogs/personal web pages are blocked,... [more]

An Hour A Week? #170

Posted to An Hour A Week? on January 21st, 2009

#170-New York Groove Tonight-Iraqi Scouts, Webelos to Scout Transition Tracking, Belt Loop Midway, Friends of Scouting Presentations Made Fun for Cub Scout Packs, and March theme ideas. Links: Local scouts get education exchange with Iraqi scouts-... [more]

Good Samaritan Scout AKA Sleep out Prince

Posted to Scouting News on January 20th, 2009

Imagine sleeping outside in a cardboard box during the frigid winter nights in Minnesota to call attention to the plight of the homeless. That is exactly what a Boy Scout from Plymouth, Minnesota Boy Scout has done since he was five years old!... [more]

You don't have to be a Scout to lead a country but it helps…

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on January 20th, 2009

Seen today at Nick's Ramblings You don't have to be a Scout to lead a country but it helps… Today, Barak Obama becomes the latest in a long list of world leaders who gained their first taste of leadership at an early age as Scouts. The first... [more]

2008 St. Cloud Morning Optimist Club Youth Award Winners

Posted to Scouting News on January 20th, 2009

Congratulations to Trevor Davis of Troop 13 and Evan Neu of Troop 18, both of Central Minnesota Council, named the 2008 St. Cloud Morning Optimist Club Youth Award winners. Chartered in 1973, the St. Cloud Morning Optimist Club members represent a... [more]

The Unlikely Champion

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on January 20th, 2009

In 1984 62 year old Cliff Young took 7th place in one of the world's most grueling ultra-marathons; Australia's 543 mile endurance race from Sydney to Melbourne. The winner needs about five days to complete a punishing course usually... [more]

OA High Adventure - Wilderness Voyage: Canadian Odyssey

Posted to Scouting News on January 19th, 2009

This Summer, the Order of the Arrow will be piloting its first International High Adventure Program at Northern Tier's Donald Rogert Canoe Base at Atikokan in Canada. This program will be building on 10 years of success with Wilderness Voyage, the... [more]

WOW, Part Deux

Posted to Commissioner's Corner on January 19th, 2009

Once again, I have to say thanks to all the positive calls and feedback that I have received in regards to my situation. I want to quote an email that I recieved from "The Hawk" "I feel that we are diminished by the loss of your voice in this... [more]

Keeping it Real

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on January 19th, 2009

When Pat approaches the teacher and says "John hit me!" the teacher talks to John and sends Pat to play with Bill. Later Pat returns to the teacher and says "Bill hit me!". Now the teacher had better talk to Pat. When... [more]

Cub Scout Fast Tracks

Posted to Scouting News on January 19th, 2009

Fast Tracks is a National BSA program which is designed to help dens make sure their boys are advancing in rank. Fast Tracks is a series of den meeting plans (two den meetings per month) designed to be used in conjunction with the youth handbooks... [more]

A Scout is Helpful

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on January 19th, 2009

A Scout is helpful. A Scout cares about other people. He willingly volunteers to help others without expecting payment or reward. A crucial signpost in the road to maturity marks the point when we look beyond ourselves to the interests of others... [more]

Family Member Requirements

Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on January 18th, 2009

One of the official suggested Webelos activity badges for April is Family Member . Here are the requirements for the Family Member Webelos activity badge : Do all of these: 1. Tell what is meant by family, duty to family, and family meetings. 2... [more]

A Positive Attitude

Posted to Lone Star Scouter on January 18th, 2009

A good positive attitude can truly change the way you approach life, and your future. Let me illustrate with a short story. A few years ago, there was a wildlife organization out west that offered a bounty of $5000 for wolves captured alive. Two... [more]

MSPP #60: National Jamboree

Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on January 18th, 2009

It will soon be time for the 2010 National Jamboree . Boy Scouts have begun making their plans to attend, and save money to make those payments. Adult leaders are in training to become the scoutmasters and assistants for this huge event. Councils... [more]

Pinewood Derbies and Other Competitions

Posted to Commissioner Keith Comments on January 18th, 2009

Scouting and competitions have gone hand in hand since the beginning of the scout movement. Boys vs. boys has it's merits as a way to check one's understanding of the values beging taught within the program. Knowing first aid, for instance, is not... [more]

Anagrams

Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on January 17th, 2009

Anagrams are cool. An anagram is a rearrangement of the letters of a word or phrase to form a new word or phrase using each letter exactly once. For example, you can rearrange the letters of "William Shakespeare" and get "I am a weakish speller."... [more]

Happy Birthday To My Son!

Posted to Lone Star Scouter on January 17th, 2009

No longer a teenager………………….. Today my son turned 20. Another milestone in his life. I am very proud of you and all you have accomplished in your life so far son, and I look foreword to what your future has... [more]

Los colores bonitos, or how I learned to stop worrying and compare multiple feed metrics.

Posted to Woggleknot.com on January 16th, 2009

If you've been knocking about within FeedBurner using your Google Account, you may have noticed that the original "french fry" chart from the Analyze tab of the original feedburner.com is no more. This venerable bar chart, with its green picket... [more]

The Wisdom In Hot Chocolate

Posted to Commissioner's Corner on January 16th, 2009

A group of graduates, well established in their careers, were discussing their lives at a class reunion. They decided to go visit their old university professor, now retired, who was always an inspiration to them. During their visit, the... [more]

Posted to Lone Star Scouter on January 15th, 2009

A scout is clean in his speech. When we talk with other people, it's like going on a walk through their mind, and as we listen to others, we let them walk through our minds. When we are with friends and people we like, that walk is fun and... [more]

February 2009 (American ABC's) Program Helps

Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on January 15th, 2009

The February 2009 ( American ABC's ) Program Helps pages from BSA National are now available (free) for download. Program Helps is a great resource for crafts, games, activities and more for pack meetings and activities and Tiger, Wolf, and Bear... [more]

Activity Academies

Posted to ScoutBaseUK on January 15th, 2009

A water based activity academdy will be running at Hawhirst Scout Activity Centre for members aged... [more]

Ten Essentials of Scoutmastership 3 - An Immense Faith

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on January 14th, 2009

The Ten Essentials of Scoutmastership penned by William 'Green Bar' Hillcourt were part of the Scoutmaster's Handbook for many years. 3. An immense faith in Scouting as the program that will best serve to mold our youth into fine... [more]

Meeting Review

Posted to Scouting Maniac on January 14th, 2009

After Meeting Review January 12, 2009 Meeting This meeting our SPL was gone due to a family medical emergency, so our ASPL had to step up and take charge of the meeting. For being in charge of a meeting in a serious sense for the first time by... [more]

NSJ 2010 January 2009 Bulletin

Posted to Scouting Maniac on January 14th, 2009

The Boy Scouts of America's 100th Anniversary Jamboree-A Historic Event It is exciting for all of us to be involved in the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. This historic event will always be remembered by those who attend. The first Boy Scouts of... [more]

NSJ 2010

Posted to Scouting Maniac on January 14th, 2009

For those of you who don't know what NSJ is it is the National Scout jamboree. The National Scout Jamboree is hosted by National Council of the Boy Scouts of America is held held every 3 to 5 years. The Last one was held in 2005 at Fort AP Hill,... [more]

Dancin' Fool

Posted to Commissioner's Corner on January 14th, 2009

No, not me...Little Joe...my son...just loves that little lemur or rodent thing from Madagascar. Joe isn't a fool, more like a goofy, little 3 year old boy that doesn't know what it means to feel embarassed by dancing around, as we say, like a... [more]

Follow up to Show #1

Posted to Commissioner's Corner on January 14th, 2009

I have received a bit of email and some encouraging comments...I just wanted to update everyone and let you know that I can be found on iTunes, by going to the Podcast homepage and typing in Commissioner's Corner in the search... ...or click here... [more]

God was a baseball fan

Posted to Commissioner's Corner on January 14th, 2009

It's true...in the bible, it says "In the big-inning..." The beginning...Cub Scouts. About 95% of the boys that are Eagle Scouts, started out as Cub Scouts. It's rare for the most part that a boy joins Boy Scouts without having experienced Cub... [more]

I'll take mine with relish

Posted to Commissioner's Corner on January 14th, 2009

As I was chatting the other night with Jerry, we got to talking about the program, mine and his, and on to the topic of venturing. From a previous post of mine, I mentioned that some of the boys from the troop asked about starting a Crew...I thought... [more]

Tweener

Posted to Commissioner's Corner on January 14th, 2009

Ok, so I thought about the fact that I haven't had an actual post in almost 2 weeks, so I thought that I would catch a quick one 'tween Christmas and New Year's. It's not that I haven't forgotten, or don't care, I have some irons in the fire, and to... [more]

Just like Old Times

Posted to Commissioner's Corner on January 14th, 2009

To go back to the last post about troop shopping, I don't want people to think that I am always right, I am not...I want parents to know that they have a choice. We all worry about our son's future, but with scouting, you have that choice...and... [more]

Hail to the Chief!

Posted to Commissioner's Corner on January 14th, 2009

No, not our president elect, and this is a scouter forum. I have my political views, but chose not to expose them here. What I am talking about are den chiefs... A position that is overlooked as another leadership requirement for Boy Scouts or for... [more]

Not Your Average Scout Night With UW Badger Women's Hockey

Posted to Scouting News on January 13th, 2009

February 1st, 2009 is being advertised as Scout Day with the University of Wisconsin Badger Women's Hockey Team, however its more than just free admission for Scouts in uniform. Kids 12 and under are taking over the Kohl Center, when the Women... [more]

New Latino Outreach

Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on January 13th, 2009

A December 28 Associated Press article features a BSA National announcement of Hispanic outreach pilot programs launched in several cities to test ways to introduce scouting to Latino families . As part of the outreach, BSA will be running radio... [more]

Rock On!

Posted to Lone Star Scouter on January 13th, 2009

Come take a look at the fun that Troop 483 had at Enchanted Rock in November. The last week in January, the Crew will have the opportunity to help boys from another troop complete portions of their climbing merit badge on this and other rocks... [more]

Buckeye February '09 Packet (American ABC's)

Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on January 12th, 2009

Simon Kenton Council's Buckeye District roundtable packet for February 2009 ( American ABC's ) is now on the SKC website. The Buckeye District puts together a very good roundtable packet each month that they post on their website. It has games,... [more]

Duct Tape Merit Badge revisited

Posted to Lone Star Scouter on January 12th, 2009

I wanted to share something with you all. I don't think it will surprise any of you to know that we can look at the stats for this blog and see what posts are being looked at. Today, for the second time this month, one that I wrote just under a... [more]

Winter 2009 Catalog

Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on January 11th, 2009

BSA Supply Group's Winter 2009 catalog is now available. This one features lots of Pinewood Derby accessories as well as many new 100th Anniversary items . You can download the pdf here ( link ) or view the catalog online here ( link ). Posted in... [more]

Quakes shake loose fears about Yellowstone volcano

Posted to Lone Star Scouter on January 10th, 2009

AP – In this Friday, Aug. 15, 1997 file photo, an unidentified pair of visitors to the Yellowstone National … CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Run for your lives … Yellowstone's going to explode! Hundreds of small earthquakes at Yellowstone National Park in... [more]

LNT in Brazil

Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on January 10th, 2009

Fortaleza, Brazil is a big city in a warm climate and has many poor people and lots of trash around. Many of them are too busy surviving to worry about the natural environment, much like large cities in our country. There was a natural area in the... [more]

January 2009 Baloo's Bugle - February (American ABC's) Theme

Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on January 10th, 2009

The January 2009 Baloo's Bugle (by Commissioner Dave) is available for free download. Baloo's Bugle is a monthly unofficial publication with games, activities, ceremonies, puzzles, crafts, and other ideas for den and pack meetings. This one covers... [more]

Annual Planning Meeting

Posted to Scouting Maniac on January 10th, 2009

Annual Planning Meeting Monday January 5, 2009 For our Troop who has a PLC of four members and then a Troop of only about 6 t 9 more active scouts, I believe along with the rest of the adult leadership that I would be easier to conduct a Annual... [more]

"Switch" Pilot Program

Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on January 9th, 2009

At the BSA Innovation Engine website is an announcement about a new pilot Cub Scout health and wellness program called "Switch." The program encourages kids to spend less time in front of a television or computer , to get more exercise , and to eat... [more]

Friday Five - Camping Skills

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on January 9th, 2009

Every Friday five posts from Scoutmaster worth reviewing. This week the subject is Camping Skills; Never-Fail Campfire Building This little film explains how to collect the three things needed to build a fire; tinder, kindling and fuel. Gathering... [more]

Super Gator - Camp Strake

Posted to Lone Star Scouter on January 9th, 2009

Every year winter camp has a theme, this year was Super Heroes (Super Gator - Camp Strake). We as Adult leaders cut loose and have fun. We do GEO Cash to find the ToGator, teach merit badge classes, wear Super Hero Costumes, do the Scoutmaster cook... [more]

Why Bother With Leader Knots?

Posted to The Trainer's Corner Blog on January 8th, 2009

Hello fellow Scouters, Should you bother with leader recognition knots? Do they add any value to your Scouting program? Isn't it really about the boys, not us leaders? I hear these questions a lot when I discuss leader recognition. I say it does... [more]

When I Grow Up - Official Theme Description

Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on January 8th, 2009

The March 2009 Cub Scout Monthly Theme is " When I Grow Up ." Here is the official BSA theme description: " Explore career possibilities of the 21st century this month. Host a pack career fair , inviting several adults to share what they do for a... [more]

Reinventing the BSA?

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on January 8th, 2009

What I carry away from this widely distributed AP Article is - The BSA is in the midst of a membership crisis owing to two basic factors - "...a still-standing ban on gay or atheist leaders, and scandals surrounding inflated membership... [more]

Picture of the Week

Posted to Lone Star Scouter on January 8th, 2009

This is THE BOSS, Robin. She is one of our most dedicated leaders. She has personally overseen every long term campout that every single current boy scout in our troop has attended. Thank you Robin! We couldn't do it without you... [more]

New Council: Lewis and Clark Council

Posted to Scouting News on January 7th, 2009

Last night the consolidation between Okaw Valley Council and Trails West Council was approved by both Councils. The new Council will be known as Lewis and Clark Council and will be headquartered in Belleviille, Illinois. Scouting News had brought... [more]

Ten Essentials of Scoutmastership 2 - Focused Zeal

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on January 7th, 2009

The Ten Essentials of Scoutmastership penned by William 'Green Bar' Hillcourt were part of the Scoutmaster's Handbook for many years. 2. A zeal focused upon one point - the boy's happiness through his formative years - "A happy... [more]

BSA Licensing Insider, Vol. 2, No. 1 Highlights

Posted to Scouting News on January 7th, 2009

While this post was waiting to go live, Josh over at BoyandGirlScouts.com beat me to the punch - BSA Subscriptions and New Stuff . Check his post for details how to subscribe to the BSA Licensing Insider and other BSA emails and to see pictures of... [more]

Quote of the Week

Posted to Scouting Maniac on January 7th, 2009

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." -John Quincy Adams (1825-1829); 6th US President Leadership in my opinion is not jsut the ability to demand others to do something. Many people... [more]

Troop 759: Boy Scouts of Harlem

Posted to Scouting News on January 6th, 2009

I was recently made aware of a new documentary film in production, titled 759: Boy Scouts of Harlem . The film is a 72 minute documentary coming in the Spring of 2009. Film Synopsis 759: Boy Scouts of Harlem is an upbeat, family friendly... [more]

Lowe's and Dermel Tools to Provide Pinewood Derby Help

Posted to Scouting News on January 6th, 2009

Lowe's Home Improvement Stores and the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation are teaming up once again to provide tips, tools, and tricks for the Pinewood Derby season. Robert Bosch Tool Corporation is offering a a "Pinewood Derby Accessory Kit" for Dremel... [more]

What Is High Adventure?

Posted to Lone Star Scouter on January 6th, 2009

Jerry at The Scoutmaster Minute has an excellent post on the subject of "High Adventure" that is worth any BSA leaders time reading. Here are a few highlights……….. "the question came up as to what the definition of "High... [more]

The Online Forms

Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on January 6th, 2009

There has been a lot of talk in a few of the Scouting forums about some new online forms that can be found on the scouting.org site. I would like to write about two of them today - the tour permit and the medical form. The new Tour Permit is... [more]

An Hour A Week? #168

Posted to An Hour A Week? on January 5th, 2009

#168-Couch Potato It's allergy season in Central Texas again and I'm feeling it! On the up side, we had the most people ever join in to the chat room during the live show!Tonight-Online tour permits, more on medical forms, how to download YouTube... [more]

Press Release: KWizCom Makes Donation to Cub Scouts

Posted to Scouting News on January 5th, 2009

"Who would dream a web-component company from a different country would help us? But that's exactly what KWizCom did!" exclaims Rob Potthoff, the IT Manager for the Yorkville Pack 340 website . The Illinois Yorkville Pack 340, like other Cub Scout... [more]

A Scout is Trustworthy

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on January 5th, 2009

A Scout is trustworthy. A Scout tells the truth. He is honest, and he keeps his promises. People can depend on him. Trust men and they will be true to you; treat them greatly, and they will show themselves great. Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882),... [more]

LNT Master Educator Courses 2009

Posted to Scouting Maniac on January 4th, 2009

This Leave No Trace course is designed to teach participants to have the skills and information required to put on a Leave No Trace Trainer Seminar. This Seminar is designed to teach people how to give the LNT information to a wide range of... [more]

Museum U. at the National Scouting Museum

Posted to Scouting News on January 4th, 2009

The National Scouting Museum has announced its January and February Merit Badge schedule. Citizenship in the Nation January 10, 2009 2:30pm - 4:30pm January 31, 2009 2:30pm - 4:30pm Communications February 7, 2009 10:00am - 12:30pm February 28,... [more]

Out With The Old

Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on January 4th, 2009

As the new year begins I cannot help but think of A Scoutmaster's Blog and the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast . I have been writing posts to the blog for over two and one half years already. (Wow, time flies fast.) This is the 374th post to... [more]

Sea Base Staff Alumi Event Planned for 2010

Posted to Scouting News on January 3rd, 2009

The Florida Sea Base Alumni & Friends Association is planning the largest Sea Base reunion ever for 2010! The reunion will be held the weekend of October 8 - 12, 2010 at the Sea Base. This event will celebrate the 30 year anniversary of Sea... [more]

ScoutParents Website Relaunched

Posted to Scouting News on January 2nd, 2009

The Boy Scouts of America National Council has relaunched the ScoutParents website. The new version is less interactive and more in line with other National Council websites. The ScoutParents website is now hosted on the same content management... [more]

Neutralizing "Bad Apple" Behavior

Posted to Lone Star Scouter on January 2nd, 2009

I'm sure as leaders we all deal with this at one time or another, so I thought I would share what Scoutmaster had to say on this topic. Almost all of us have either had the personal experience of working with someone who displayed bad apple... [more]

Top 10 December 2008 Posts

Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on January 2nd, 2009

Here are the top 10 most viewed posts for December 2008 (other than those solely about monthly theme items): 2008-2009 Program Helps 2009 Blue & Gold Emblem Cub Scout Program Helps Online Webelos Activity Badge Worksheets Indoor Game Night New... [more]

The Junior Assistant Scoutmaster

Posted to Scouting Maniac on January 2nd, 2009

One of the leadership positions that is rarely used or if used it is commonly misused is that of the Junior Assistant Scoutmaster or JASM. The JASM is a youth leader in the Troop that has the primary purpose of serving as the youth leader and scout... [more]

2009 NOAC Updates

Posted to Scouting News on January 2nd, 2009

Just received the latest OA National Events Information Newsletter, if you haven't subscribed to get these valuable updates, you can subscribe to the National Events Information Email List . Here are the highlights: NOAC 2009 Will Be Theme Driven... [more]

Cub Scout Polar Plunge

Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on January 1st, 2009

I do not consider myself crazy (although their are some who think you need to be crazy to be a scoutmaster). For example, they are a number of people each year who decide they need to take a quick dip in a hole cut through the ice of a frozen lake... [more]

Out With The Old (2008)

Posted to Scouting News on January 1st, 2009

Its always fun, and a good idea, to look back at the past year as the New Year approaches. With that in mind, here is a little recap of 2008 here on Scouting News: Top Stories for 2008 1. If You Don't Complete Your Ticket While this video was... [more]

Silver Buffalos

Posted to Boy Scouts of America "What's Hot" on January 1st, 2009

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Silver Buffalos

Posted to Boy Scouts of America "What's Hot" on January 1st, 2009

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Ben Pearce

Posted to BSA Value of Scouting Podcast on January 1st, 2009

Eagle Scout, Ben Pearce, received the 2008 Hero of Conservation Award from Field and Stream, in addition to the BSA's William T. Hornaday Award for conservation and environmental ethic. "Giving back to the community everything that it has done for... [more]

Using the Competitive Ad Filter with AdSense for feeds

Posted to Woggleknot.com on December 31st, 2008

First, Happy New Year to everyone from AdSense for feeds and FeedBurner teams here at Google. Second, this is a quick one - but we get asked this a lot, so we thought we'd cover it. If you currently use the Competitive Ad Filter with AdSense for... [more]

Ten Essentials of Scoutmastership - A Belief in Boys

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on December 31st, 2008

The Ten Essentials of Scoutmastership penned by William 'Green Bar' Hillcourt were part of the Scoutmaster's Handbook for many years. A belief in boys that will make you want to invest yourself and your time on their behalf. As... [more]

Twitter Me This

Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on December 31st, 2008

The internet has many ways to be "social" in this online world. What began with simple emails has developed into something much more. Now we have sites like Facebook and Myspace to keep in touch with friends and family. One social site I have been... [more]