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Take a trip into Scouting history

Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on March 30th, 2009

We love to hear a great story around a crackling campfire. But we love it even more when it comes straight from the source-especially the story of the Boy Scouts of America. What you've read about the BSA in books or passed on to eager boys at pack... [more]

Making Good Use of Time

Posted to Nick's Ramblings UK on March 29th, 2009

A couple of months ago, I found out that each Group should have an Anti-Bullying policy. News to me I thought, but I knew we had to have one and it's my job to put together the draft for the Group Executive to approve, change or chuck out! However... [more]

MSPP #64: The Bear Hunt

Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on March 29th, 2009

The Bear Hunt. Through the wheat fields, over trees, through the lakes, into the cave. It is challenging. It is rowdy. And it is loud if you have a room full of Cub or Boy Scouts and their leaders. This skit has been with the Scouting program for... [more]

The Slow Death of Nature

Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on March 28th, 2009

My two sons would just as soon spend 3 or 4 hours playing computer games than interact with real people. But, who can blame them? With the amazing graphics, sound, and practically real interaction, games these days are nearly "like being there"... [more]

New Eagle

Posted to Lone Star Scouter on March 27th, 2009

Congratulations Nathan on becoming Troop 483's newest Eagle Scout. Last night we had Nathans Eagle COH at the church, then afterwords we had snacks and drinks... [more]

Campfire Ash - Part 2

Posted to The Trainer's Corner Blog on March 27th, 2009

Hello fellow Scouters, Several Scouting friends have recently asked me to provide more detail about how I collected ash for my boys. I have previously blogged about why I collect ash. Here is how I used ash to start a campfire ceremony, and how I... [more]

Scouting in the News: March 27, 2009

Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on March 27th, 2009

There are great Scouting stories to be told across the country every day, and newspapers and other media outlets are catching on. Here are some recent highlights: Stories of heroism are nothing new for the Boy Scouts, but they never seem to get... [more]

World Scouting Movement

Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on March 27th, 2009

A great image video for the world scouting movement - please share this one with parents of new scouts. "Think globally and act locally" comes to mind when I put into perspective the work at the troop or pack level against the cumulative effect of... [more]

Scout What we are

Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on March 26th, 2009

Just because... this is worth the time to watch. What and who we are... [more]

Flags For The Parade

Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on March 26th, 2009

The committee of the Boy Scout troop has recently been discussing ideas about how to get Scouting more visible in our community. The pack has had a few rough years and membership numbers are down. This in turn has hurt the troop since 80 percent or... [more]

Backpacks

Posted to Lone Star Scouter on March 26th, 2009

I'm sure I will have a lot more to say on this subject after we hike during the 2nd part of Powder Horn, but one very important detail I learned last weekend is that you must start with the fit backpack. Depending on your level of hiking goals,... [more]

Short Uniform Shirts

Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on March 26th, 2009

If you purchased a new Centennial Uniform adult leader shirt and it seemed too short , you are not alone. The following was posted on the Innovation Engine website by Erin Feola, BSA Production Manager for Apparel: "The original production shirts... [more]

Around The Scouting Campfire #3

Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on March 26th, 2009

Here it is, the third episode of the Around The Scouting Campfire podcast. There is a lot happening in this show. It begins with Scoutmaster Steve and Buttons discussing a new (fictional) video game based on the adventure of Scouting. Then Steve... [more]

Luc Panissod to head the World Scout Bureau

Posted to Scouting News on March 25th, 2009

At its first annual meeting, the World Scout Committee appointed Luc Panissod as Secretary General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. Mr Panissod, who had been fulfilling this function on an interim basis since November 2007, will... [more]

NOAC

Posted to Scouting Maniac on March 25th, 2009

First off for those of you who do not know what NOAC is it is the National Order of the Arrow Conference that is traditionally held at Indiana Unversity. This event is a opportunity for members of the Order of the Arrow to get together for look at... [more]

Break from Scouts for Training

Posted to Scouting Maniac on March 25th, 2009

For the next 5 weeks I will be going to a emergency medical training class that is known as the Emergency Trauma Technician Class this is a modified version of the national first responder curriculum. This class covers about 1/3 of the material... [more]

A Whack on the Side of the Head

Posted to Commissioner Keith Comments on March 25th, 2009

Strange title for a post that is typically about scouting. "A Whack on the Side of the Head," by Roger von Oech was the first book that I read in college that really got me thinking outside of the box. It is a fun read and I would recommend this... [more]

Happy Birthday BSA Photo Contest

Posted to ScoutSigns on March 24th, 2009

Great contest idea from Boys' Life. Scouts can submit photos via the website to compete for the cover of Boys' Life 's February 2010 edition (THE anniversary edition). From the site: The Boys' Life "Happy Birthday, BSA" photograph contest is open... [more]

DMIAB Phaseout

Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on March 24th, 2009

If you are a big fan of the Den Meeting in a Box kits, enjoy them while they last. According to an email I received from a BSA National employee, they are in the process of being phased out . Posted in CUB SCOUTS, STUFF, THEMES... [more]

Irving, Texas Invites Scouts to the National Scouting Museum

Posted to Scouting News on March 23rd, 2009

The National Scouting Museum and the Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau (ICVB) have teamed up to offer special discount packages to Scouts and their families who want to learn more about the history of the Boy Scouts of America. Located between... [more]

A recent find... we could learn a lot from!

Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on March 23rd, 2009

From the Chief Scout Yarns January 24, 1920 THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE SCOUTS The story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves is really an old Arab tale, and was first written in Bagdad. The Boy Scouts of Bagdad recently got up the play of Ali Baba. As you... [more]

2008 Boy Scout Sale a Popping Success

Posted to Scouting News on March 22nd, 2009

The results are in from the Boy Scouts' annual popcorn sale, and once again the Scouts have outdone themselves, taking to their neighborhoods, local businesses and even the internet to sell Trail's End popcorn. Congratulations to this year's "Tops... [more]

Success and Failure Scout Style

Posted to Scouting Maniac on March 21st, 2009

One of the things that I like to tell parents and youth members about scouts is that scouting is one of the few environments where members are allowed to make mistakes in their approach or ideas and not have terrible consequences as a result of... [more]

Achieving Success

Posted to Commissioner Keith Comments on March 21st, 2009

I use to think that achieving success was something one could only appreciate for themself and receive some type of award for being successful. A personal victory. Boy, was I wrong! When I was in cub scouts the only thing that seemed to really... [more]

Moving On, Life Continues

Posted to Nick's Ramblings UK on March 21st, 2009

Well last night at Cubs seemed to go well. The boys who lost their sister were there and seemed, albeit a little subdued, to be enjoying themselves. I saw the parents, but couldn't really speak to them properly, which was a shame, but they seemed... [more]

Travelling the Blue Roads in Life

Posted to Commissioner Keith Comments on March 20th, 2009

When I was a young boy, I would often take road trips with my grandfather while he delivered he candy orders to his customers. Most of these road trips were very uneventful, in fact, most of the time they were pretty boring for me. One day my... [more]

Let the Training Begin -No Excuses

Posted to Commissioner Keith Comments on March 20th, 2009

I have been an adult leader for approximately 12yrs. now and I am a firm believer the the Boy Scouts of America has cornered the market on available training for scouts and scouters. Access to this training is easy and the information provided is... [more]

Founders Day Parade

Posted to Official ClassB Blog on March 19th, 2009

March 14th was our small town's big parade. Its called Founders Day and we are lucky to have a front row seat. Our building is in the downtown historical district, right next to the park where the parade and activities are centered around. Our... [more]

An Hour A Week? #177

Posted to An Hour A Week? on March 19th, 2009

#177-Don't Stop Believin' Tonight I talk about the March Roundtable. If you're on Roundtable Staff or are wondering how another District does stuff, this one is for you… Links: New Uniform Inspection Sheets-... [more]

Lazziness

Posted to Scouting Maniac on March 18th, 2009

Laziness it seems that it is becoming a epidemic not only with the youth but also with the adults in the Troop as well. Right now there are probably only three people that have the interest of the boy scout Troop close to their heart. I know that I... [more]

Pinewood Derby Comics

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

If you have not noticed yet, a comic strip called The Buckets is currently running a few days worth of comics about Pinewood Derby cars. The Cub Scout son does not seem to understand that he has to make a car from this block of wood he received... [more]

March 2009 Cubcast (April Theme: Jurassic Pack)

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

The March 2009 Cubcast from BSA National is available (free). It has ideas for den meetings and more utilizing the April " Jurassic Pack " theme. The program also has a number of tips on helping special needs kids. Link [ Photo: Wikipedia ] Posted... [more]

Swatch Cards

Posted to Official ClassB Blog on March 17th, 2009

We started making swatch cards while back. Why? Many people want a true representation of the color of the t-shirt. Everyone knows what Red is, but not many can tell the color of Avocado. This is especially an isue for packs with Navy and Royal and... [more]

BSA Twitter Feed

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

Twitter is a popular micro-blogging service through one can send and receive short personal updates called "tweets." BSA National now has its own Twitter feed which you can access at the link below. Link Posted in CUB SCOUTS, Tech... [more]

March-April 2009 Scouting Magazine

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

The March-April 2009 issue of Scouting magazine is now available at the magazine website. This issue has articles of interest to Cub Scouters on the following subjects: New Youth Protection training video. Link Vehicles for hauling gear and kids... [more]

How Do You Break Very Bad News?

Posted to Nick's Ramblings UK on March 16th, 2009

Over the weekend I was told that the young sister of three of our Cubs had passed away. She had been born earlier in the year three months prematurely and I don't think she'd ever left hospital. Very sad news and I know we're all thinking about the... [more]

Training Chair

Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on March 16th, 2009

Sticking with this training theme for one more post... With Webelos crossing to troops, this is a great time to review your adult training levels. All adults, whether registered volunteers or not, should complete Youth Protection before interacting... [more]

Cutting the Emotional Cord

Posted to Lone Star Scouter on March 16th, 2009

Obviously, on the day your son was born, his umbilical cord was cut. But was completely cut? Even for those boys who progressed all the way through cub scouts, for many parents, it is a difficult task to cut the emotional cord once they enter boy... [more]

Four Styles of Leadership- Part B

Posted to Scouting Maniac on March 15th, 2009

Obviously using only four different styles of leadership is not going to work all of the time. These are not guaranteed methods but are methods that should give a new leader a starting place to work with. People can fill multiple books full of... [more]

An Hour A Week? #176

Posted to An Hour A Week? on March 15th, 2009

#176-What's On Your Mind? Sorry this was so delayed in getting out. Making Tigers match, making Bears easier, membership card improvement, Indoor Game Nights, business cards, Blue & Gold, and a small rant about Friends of Scouting are all on... [more]

Winner of the $25 Gift Code for TrailStop.com

Posted to Scouting News on March 15th, 2009

On February 27th, we started the February Twitter Contest , and today we announce the winner! We had 31 entries to the contest during the two week period it was open. The Prize The prize was donated by the good folks at TrailStop.com , and consists... [more]

My Daughter, the Boy Scout

Posted to Commissioner Keith Comments on March 14th, 2009

I have a daughter and she has attended more scout meetings than I can remember ...partly because I was a Cub Scout Leader for my son's unit and I am now a part of a Boy Scout troop and also because of my Commissioner responsibilities (she is too... [more]

Posted to Commissioner Keith Comments on March 14th, 2009

... [more]

Around The Scouting Campfire #2

Posted to Around The Scouting Campfire Podcast on March 14th, 2009

Scoutmaster Steve and Buttons talk about being a star, the Scout Motto, Life with Dad, and have a little fun with a rapping version of Little Bunny Foo Foo. Share and Enjoy:... [more]

The Gourmet Side of Scouting

Posted to Commissioner Keith Comments on March 13th, 2009

As a Commissioner for Voyageur District, I get the luxury of visiting several boy scout units that I service and I often will visit some of those units attending camp at one of our many Council camps. Usually the visitations often come with an... [more]

Closing a Group

Posted to Nick's Ramblings UK on March 13th, 2009

Closing a Scout Group is never a good thing. It means that local kids have less places to go and things to do, there is a loss of something that has provided a service for the local community and there is the sense of failure. It also doesn’t... [more]

Adult Support : Adult Support : Trainers

Posted to ScoutBaseUK on March 13th, 2009

Comments from the survey on... [more]

2008-2009 Program Helps Full Download

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

Cub Scout Program Helps is a great resource for Cub Scout leaders. It contains a month-by-month breakdown of suggestions for den (Tiger, Wolf, or Bear) and pack games, songs, advancement ceremonies, crafts, and other activities to go along with the... [more]

April 2009 (Jurassic Pack) Program Helps

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

The April 2009 ( Jurassic Pack ) 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 den... [more]

Scouting and Twitter

Posted to Scouting News on March 12th, 2009

I have received a few questions about Twitter and Scouting recently due to the TrailStop.com $25 Gift Card Contest . What contest you may be asking yourself… If you haven't already entered, do so soon as the contest ends on March 13th, 2009!... [more]

"I Built It" Emblem

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

Here is a new (2009) I Built It emblem ($1.19) available from BSA Supply Group. Participation emblems are a fun way to encourage attendance at special events. We may give this emblem to those who participate in our summer birdhouse building event... [more]

A Burning Word

Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on March 11th, 2009

Here is a message from Baden Powell from the Chief Scout yarns... from 1919 to today.. timeless message. April 05, 1919 A BURNING WORD There was a man named Garnier who wanted to know whether monkeys talked to each other with any meaning when they... [more]

The Scoutmaster Minute Show #32

Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute Podcast on March 11th, 2009

Camp Cooking .? In this show Scoutmaster Jerry invites you all to sit around the Jetboil and listen in on a conversation with his Assistant Scoutmasters. We talk about Wood Badge, Lightening up our packs, cooking, and some awesome Clam chowder. So... [more]

Four Styles of Leadership- Part A

Posted to Scouting Maniac on March 11th, 2009

Since lately I have been trying to focus on leadership theroy and its application I figured it woul be appropriate to definite the four main styles of leadership which include the telling style, the coaching style, The persauding style, and the... [more]

OA Elections & Troop 11 Website Work

Posted to From the Committee Chair on March 11th, 2009

Well, I've been busy this week. I supervised an OA election on Monday night, and I can't remember one that I was more unprepared for. I got off very late from work and had to rush to get to the Troop's meeting place in time for the election. First... [more]

Dating An Eagle Scout

Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on March 10th, 2009

Nearly two years ago I wrote a blog post that reprinted a list by Michael Conkey about the rules for a young man to follow if he wished to date his daughter. The list included that the young man must be an Eagle Scout, follow the Scout Law, and... [more]

Cub Scout Logo Mousepad

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

Here is a Cub Scout logo mouse pad ($10.95 plus shipping) available from online retailer Zazzle.com . Link Posted in CUB SCOUTS, Merchandise... [more]

Being Prepared

Posted to Nick's Ramblings UK on March 9th, 2009

As a movement the Scouts have a very good motto. It's short, to the point, meaningful and easy to remember – Be Prepared. I try my best to be prepared in everyday life as well as Scouting and most of the time I am. I do slip up from time to time,... [more]

2009 News 8 Austin Eagle Scout interview

Posted to Scouting News on March 9th, 2009

In 2008, the Capitol Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, set a local record with 342 young men reaching the rank of Eagle Scout - the highest rank in Scouting. News 8 Austin interviewed several new Eagles, and we're sharing one of them with you... [more]

Quote of the Week- Team power

Posted to Scouting Maniac on March 9th, 2009

"When a team outgrows individual performance and learns team confidence, excellence becomes a reality." Joe Paterno "The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if... [more]

The First Audio Podcast

Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on March 8th, 2009

It has been a long time in the making, but the first Melrose Scouting Audio Podcast (MSAP) is done and ready to be heard. This new podcast will be hosted by me, Scoutmaster Steve, and Buttons, the radical Boy Scout. Current plan are to have four... [more]

Around The Scouting Campfire #1

Posted to Around The Scouting Campfire Podcast on March 8th, 2009

Scoutmaster Steve and Buttons, the radical Boy Scout, introduce this new podcast, sing The Hole in the ground Song, talk about the Outdoor Code, and recite John Wayne's Scout Law. Share and Enjoy:... [more]

Balitmore Area Council 2008 Gathering of Eagles

Posted to Scouting News on March 7th, 2009

The Baltimore Area Council, Boy Scouts of America 2008 Gathering of Eagles launched the Eagle Reserve Initiative... [more]

Non-Scouting Service Hours

Posted to Lone Star Scouter on March 7th, 2009

Service hours don't always have to be done during a scouting event. If your scout is volunteering their time, have them check with the scout master ahead of time to see if it qualifies for their service hour requirements. Logan G and Joey O... [more]

Klondike Derby Musings …

Posted to From the Committee Chair on March 7th, 2009

If only we had the weather for a Klondike Derby like this! Of course, the last time we had a decent snow for the Klondike Derby, they cancelled the event! Go figure! Dick... [more]

Online BSA Training

Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on March 6th, 2009

At MyScouting.org you can now take Climb On Safely and Trek Safely online. These are in addition to Weather Hazards, Youth Protection, Safe Swim Defense, and Safety Afloat. In case you didn't know, at least one adult on every outing is supposed to... [more]

Communication

Posted to Nick's Ramblings UK on March 6th, 2009

After sending a load of emails of to various people in my Group and the District I thought how much easier it is to communicate today. I can email any documents to my Leaders that they may need in a fraction of a second. I can also send information... [more]

Jeff Gordon to Receive Boy Scouting's Silver Buffalo

Posted to Scouting News on March 6th, 2009

Champion race car driver Jeff Gordon has been selected to receive Boy Scouts of America's (BSA) highest honor for his efforts in Scouting's national recruiting program as well as his personal humanitarian work. The commendation, known as the Silver... [more]

Scouting Heritage Merit Badge

Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on March 5th, 2009

Have you heard about the Scouting Heritage Merit Badge yet? No? Well, that is probably because there is no such merit badge... yet. On the BSA Innovation Engine (found at http://ideas.scouting.org/ ) there are a lot of ideas thrown around for new... [more]

March 2009 (When I Grow Up) Program Helps

Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on March 5th, 2009

The March 2009 ( When I Grow Up ) 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 den... [more]

Chief Scout Executive Speaks About the Hispanic Initiative

Posted to Scouting News on March 5th, 2009

The Chief Scout Executive, Robert J. Mazzuca, appeared on NBC Nightly News to talk about the new Hispanic initiative. Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News , World News , and News about the Economy... [more]

Quote of the Week- Confidence

Posted to Scouting Maniac on March 5th, 2009

"Confidence...thrives on honesty, on honor, on the sacredness of obligations, on faithful protection and on unselfish performance. Without them it cannot live." -Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945), 32nd U.S. president Yours in Scouting Service Mark... [more]

Philmont Grace

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

I visited Philmont Scout Ranch for the first time in 1984 when I attended the Training Center for a scoutmaster fundamentals course. I quickly became familiar with a prayer known as the Philmont Grace, and have used it during the following five... [more]

Leave Nothing But Footprints - Official Theme Description

Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on March 3rd, 2009

The May 2009 Cub Scout Monthly Theme is " Leave Nothing But Footprints ." Here is the official BSA theme description: "Warm weather is a perfect time for outdoor adventure, complete with den hikes in the neighborhood, park, or on local trails. As... [more]

Friends

Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on March 3rd, 2009

I recently listened to a podcast about a guy that thru hiked the Continental Divide Trail as a Yo Yo.. that is when you complete the hike, then turn around and do it again, returning to where you began, in one trip. All in all that on the CDT, that... [more]

Hey Mom, Scout Camps are Haunted!!!

Posted to Commissioner Keith Comments on March 2nd, 2009

Did I get your attention? In all of the years of scouting, that I have been a part of, I found that the scout camps that I once went to are haunted. Sure, we had our ghost stories but this is much different. I have had the luxury of revisiting the... [more]

Lost Generation

Posted to Chairman's Chat - A Pack Committee Blog on March 2nd, 2009

I try not to repost many things but this was very good. I viewed this in the Leave No Trace blog. It is an advertisement from AARP on prespective. Lost Generation - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42E2fAWM6rA Leave No Trace Blog - ... [more]

$103 March Contest

Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on March 2nd, 2009

AJ from Alabama and Lisa from South Carolina have claimed their prizes and a new contest for March is under way. There's $103 in prizes available, contributed by Firepistons.com , ClassB.com , and BoyScoutTrail.com . You could win a $28 Fire Piston... [more]

Arrowmen in Action

Posted to Scouting Maniac on March 2nd, 2009

Here is the second installment of Arrowmen in Action. Arrowmen In Action: Serving the People of a State This semester, as many Arrowmen are taking their seats in the schoolhouse, Jeff St. Cyr will be taking his seat in the state house. That's right,... [more]

Klondike Derby

Posted to From the Committee Chair on March 2nd, 2009

Wel, this weekend was the Klondike Derby at Pipsico Scout Reservation in Surrey County. Our arrival was in the hours of darkness, and after checking in and being assigned a site, we quickly set up camp. The weather was almost balmy. A tee shirt was... [more]

Wood Badge thoughts

Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on March 1st, 2009

Yesterday I attended the new Nationally required Trainers EDGE course. It is a requirement for all Scouters that wish to Staff for Wood Badge. It was just what I needed to get my Scouting Batteries charged and pumped to take another path on... [more]

Scout Trivia: General Trivia

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

It is that time once again. A new month begins so it is time for another ten questions from the Scout Mania trivia book. The theme this month is "General Trivia". Keep in mind, these questions are based on the 1984 Boy Scouts of America Scout... [more]

100th Anniversary - Generations Connections

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

... [more]

Jurassic Pack, Special Needs Scouts

Posted to BSA CubCast Podcast on March 1st, 2009

Experience the Jurassic period with your Cub Scouts on this month's Cubcast! Hear how to make the theme for April come alive for your boys. And we'll talk about how to work with special needs Scouts, with valuable insights regardless of whether you... [more]

Potawatomi Area Council Hires New Scout Executive

Posted to Scouting News on February 28th, 2009

Potawatomi Area Council's Executive Board Search Committee would like to announce that Patrick Scherer has been hired as Potawatomi Area Council's new Scout Executive. He will become the 13th Scout Executive in the history of the Council and will... [more]

ScoutFit â€" New Wellness Program Offered by the Mid-America Council

Posted to Scouting News on February 28th, 2009

One in three children in Nebraska (K-12) are overweight or at risk of being overweight. To help combat this, the Mid-America Council is transforming our many wellness-based activities into a higher profile program – ScoutFit. The ScoutFit program... [more]