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Posted to Nick's Ramblings UK on November 29th, 2009
At our Group's Leader meeting the other night, I put on the agenda that each of the Section Leaders were to report how things were going in their own section. However, before they spoke, I decided to go first. I had realised what a good position... [more]
Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on November 29th, 2009
BSA Supply Group's new Winter/Gift 2009 catalog is now available. (This is not to be confused with the Winter 2009 catalog which came out in January 2009.) It features lots of Pinewood Derby accessories and many new 100th Anniversary items . You... [more]
Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on November 29th, 2009
The January 2010 Cub Scout Monthly Theme is " Power Up! " Here is the official BSA theme description: "Boys explore the science of energy through solar, electrical, and wind power and how this energy is used in their everyday lives. They can... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on November 28th, 2009
The clip below is part of Frontline's Inside the Teenage Brain . Parents, teachers and anyone who works with youth will find the show enlightening. Relatively new technologies have allowed scientists to examine the development of the brain as... [more]
Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on November 27th, 2009
Trailhead (formerly "News Briefs") in the November-December 2009 issue of Scouting magazine includes the following news stories of interest to Cub Scouters: BSA 100th Anniversary "Year of Celebration": Patch, Generations Connections, National Hall... [more]
Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on November 27th, 2009
On Thursday, December 10, 2009, 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), you can listen to a live audiocast of the National 100th Anniversary Kick-Off Rally . It is anticipated that 250,000 volunteers, staff members, Scouting alumni, and parents will be listening... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on November 26th, 2009
President Barack Obama's Thanksgiving Day proclamation, as released by the White House: What began as a harvest celebration between European settlers and indigenous communities nearly four centuries ago has become our cherished tradition of... [more]
Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on November 26th, 2009
The November-December 2009 issue of Scouting magazine is available at the magazine website. This issue has articles of interest to Cub Scouters on the following subjects: Building Purpose in Boys (Gurian Interview). Link Planning Cub Scout Service... [more]
Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on November 26th, 2009
Last week, the Scoutstuff Facebook page announced that the new Cub Scout belt loops should be in scout shops by the end of November . I have now heard from several sources that the new Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program Guide is not expected to... [more]
Posted to A Boy Scout's Blog on November 26th, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving to all of my readers! I am so very thankful to have such awesome and loyal readers. If I were to wrtie all the things I am thankful for, well I'd run out of space. But make sure to take a moment today to think of the many things... [more]
Posted to U.S. Scouting Service Project on November 26th, 2009
BSA has announced the approved site for a new Eastern High Adventure Center in the New River Gorge area near Bechtel, West Virginia, to be named The Summit: Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve. The over 10,000 acre site will also serve, beginning... [more]
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on November 25th, 2009
Cracker Barrel will return with fresh posts on Monday. We hope your holiday weekend is full of happiness... [more]
Posted to A Boy Scout's Blog on November 25th, 2009
So for this week's merit badge corner I thought I'd talk about the Communications merit badge. Communication is arguably one of the most important things we do each day and being able to communicate effectively is a skill that a scout can use for... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on November 25th, 2009
In Show 44 we share some feedback and our 5 star rating on iTunes. We also talk about some Scouting Technology in the news and Cold Weather Camping. I even thow in a great tip for good eats on your next backpack adventure. Here are some links from... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on November 25th, 2009
The BSA PR folks asked me to spread the word about this, so here you go... Clear your calendar for Dec. 10. That evening you'll want to cozy up to your computer for the National 100th Anniversary Kick-Off Rally. If you aren't already pumped up for... [more]
Posted to Boy Scouts of America "What's Hot" on November 25th, 2009
Registration for the 2010 Philmont Training Center Courses will open January 4, 2010... [more]
Posted to Commissioner Keith Comments on November 25th, 2009
Cranberry benefits Posted using ShareThis... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute Podcast on November 25th, 2009
In Show 44 we share some feedback and our 5 star rating on iTunes. We also talk about some Scouting Technology in the news and Cold Weather Camping. I even thow in a great tip for good eats on your next backpack adventure. Here are some links... [more]
Posted to An Hour A Week? Podcast on November 24th, 2009
#203-California Dreaming Vacation time, pinewood derby workshops, GeoScouting, Pack Meeting ideas, and more feedback are coming at you this week. And my list of what I'm thankful for. Links: Lowe's Dremel Derby- http://www.dremelderby.com/... [more]
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on November 24th, 2009
Have you checked out the PTC Media podcast site yet? ( http://www.ptcmedia.net ) The PTC Media network is a collection of seven Scouting related podcasts, six of them audio and one video. They are produced by four Scout leaders from across the... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on November 24th, 2009
If we are to focus on the success of our Scouts what evidence do we have that they have achieved success? There are a few simple questions in the introduction to the Scout Handbook that serve as excellent benchmarks for success; Are you ready to... [more]
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on November 24th, 2009
Today's hottest tech toys eventually become tomorrow's electronic waste: E-waste. And it ends up in landfills all across the country-especially in California, which is home to Silicon Valley. That's where Scouting came in. Earlier this... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on November 24th, 2009
No matter if you are an Arrowmen or not.. Dr. E. Urner Goodman really gets it. Enjoy. Have a Great Scouting Day!... [more]
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on November 23rd, 2009
Clear your calendar for Dec. 10. That evening you'll want to cozy up to your computer for the National 100th Anniversary Kick-Off Rally. If you aren't already pumped up for 2010's yearlong celebration of Scouting, this 30-minute live audiocast is... [more]
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on November 23rd, 2009
With Thanksgiving just a few days away, we at Cracker Barrel want to know: What are you doing with your Scout unit this Thanksgiving weekend? Share your plans in the comments section below. The BSA is coming up on its 100th Anniversary, and... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on November 23rd, 2009
Scouting shares that paradoxical combination of simplicity and complexity found in a round of golf or a game of baseball. The goal is simple, the means direct, yet the process is complex. Scoutmastership, like properly swinging a golf club or... [more]
Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on November 23rd, 2009
The December ( Works of Art ) Program Helps pages from BSA National are available (free) for download. Cub Scout Program Helps is a great resource for crafts, games, activities, and more for pack meetings and activities and Tiger, Wolf, and Bear... [more]
Posted to A Boy Scout's Blog on November 23rd, 2009
This is another OA video done by Coosa Show. This is one of my favorites and I hope you will like it too... [more]
Posted to Nick's Ramblings UK on November 22nd, 2009
Yesterday I went to the GSL Support Day run by the County. This was kind of a follow up to the one I went to last year and also to cover some of the topics for the GSLs who couldn't make it to the previous session. Now to be fair, as would be... [more]
Posted to The Eagle Factory on November 22nd, 2009
from KTUL.com Tulsa - A local man was honored Saturday for decades of service to a Tulsa Boy Scout troop.When Scoutmaster Bill Shaffer first became a part Troop 26, he was just a boy himself. His life has revolved around mentoring young boys ever... [more]
Posted to Lone Star Scouter on November 21st, 2009
Fourth Boy Scout high-adventure base set to open in 2013 You've hiked through Philmont, set sail at Florida Sea Base, and paddled around Northern Tier. You've done it all, right? Not anymore. Coming in 2013 is the BSA's fourth high-adventure base,... [more]
Posted to Scouting News on November 21st, 2009
The Daily Journal has the perfect story for promoting your District's Roundtable training: Kregor, a leader of Boy Scout Troop 300 in Kankakee, and fellow leader Ryan Barrie, stopped at the McDonald's on Oct. 8 before a monthly Scout leaders'... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on November 21st, 2009
So, a scout leader in Illinois is on his way to the monthly Roundtable meeting, stops at Mickey D's to get a tea and wins $25K in their Monopoly game. See this news page . If he hadn't been volunteering with Scouts, he wouldn't have been there to... [more]
Posted to Lone Star Scouter on November 21st, 2009
In Boy Scouts character is built, so maybe we need bright yellow caution signs with Character Under Construction in big bold letters on them. Character is built by guiding the boys to live by the scout oath and scout law. One word missing from both... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on November 20th, 2009
'We sat on the snow and looked at the country far below us ⦠we nibbled Kendal Mint Cake.' wrote Edmund Hillary recalling the first successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953. Another member of the expedition noted 'It was easily the... [more]
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on November 20th, 2009
It's time to bring out the Scouter Spotlight again to show off some of the best volunteers in the Scouting program. This week we're heading to Puerto Rico to meet an impressive volunteer, Santos Ortiz Perez . He's been involved in Scouting since... [more]
Posted to Scouting News on November 20th, 2009
This week marked the 10 year anniversary of the Texas A&M Bonfire tragedy. The bonfire was an Aggie tradition since 1909, and was a symbol of the burning desire of Texas A&M to beat the University of Texas longhorns. On November 18th,... [more]
Posted to Scouting News on November 20th, 2009
An update to the story about the City of Allentown, and the union eyeing up an Eagle Project that took place in a city park. Fox News has an update about the situation: Nick Balzano, president of the Service Employees International Union's... [more]
Posted to Scouting News on November 19th, 2009
U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton of Missouri told about 500 people from Boy Scouts' National Capital Area Council that the values of Boy Scouts and the military are constant and that both organizations seek to serve something greater than themselves. This was... [more]
Posted to Scouting Maniac on November 19th, 2009
Here is a picture of the Scouting Stamp that is going to used by the USPS to help the BSA Celebrate 100 years: I am not totally impressed by this Stamp because it does not clearly show that it is supposed to be promoting the BSA. I know that there... [more]
Posted to Scouting Maniac on November 19th, 2009
It is official the BSA, has released a Press Release about a 50 million dollar endowment to develop and build a National High Adventure Base in West Virginia. This facility is expected to be the home of future National Jamborees after the year 2010... [more]
Posted to Scouting Maniac on November 19th, 2009
Been working on achieving a higher level of fitness for the Jamboree. Even without losing weight I would still qualify for the Jamboree but I personally believe that I need to lose weight and achieve a higher level of fitness for the Jamboree, in... [more]
Posted to Scouting Maniac on November 19th, 2009
Yesterday's meeting went okay. We worked on the Heritage Belt Loop, this went fairly well and we ended up completing three requirements. We did this as a pack wide activity because we only have 10 boys. I think we need to work on doing Activities in... [more]
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on November 19th, 2009
You've hiked through Philmont, sailed through the Florida Sea Base, and paddled around Northern Tier. You've done it all, right? Not anymore. Coming in 2013 is the BSA's fourth high-adventure base, called The Summit: Bechtel Family... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on November 19th, 2009
Fayette County West Virgina will be the new home of the B.S.A's newest high adventure-jamboree base. Supported by a 50 million dollar pledge from the Bechtel Foundation plans are to create a major destination for Scouts from all over the... [more]
Posted to Nick's Ramblings UK on November 19th, 2009
While reading Lotta's blog about the District Training weekend she'd just been on, it dawned on me how much thought we give to food and drink within Scouting. It could be the good food that Lotta and her colleagues have at their training sessions,... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on November 18th, 2009
The land is purchased, development funding is ready, and the plans are started for The Summit - the official name for the new national BSA site on the New River Gorge in West Virginia. Pretty exciting times for the BSA. Development should start... [more]
Posted to A Boy Scout's Blog on November 18th, 2009
I've decided to start another post series (I know another series for me to forget and neglect, just kidding). So this new series is going to be a weekly merit badge corner were I'll talk about a random merit badge, some eagle required some... [more]
Posted to Scouting News on November 18th, 2009
In a room filled with hundreds of supporters and local leaders, the Boy Scouts of America today unveiled its plans for a world-class, national center of scouting excellence in the New River Gorge region of West Virginia. The site will serve as a... [more]
Posted to Commissioner Keith Comments on November 18th, 2009
Recently, having had a few set backs in my life, I have found that being in a strong circle of friends can and will help one re-orient his compass in life and that everything can and does happen for a reason. I was beginning to show some classic... [more]
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on November 18th, 2009
There has been a message that has been going around the internet for a few years already. Last week it appears as a column in the local newspaper. You may have already seen this, but I wanted to post it anyway because I grow up during this time... [more]
Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on November 18th, 2009
BSA Supply Group's Facebook page yesterday announced that the new Cub Scout Belt Loops should be in scout shops by the end of November : "New Cub Scouting program belt loops are expected to be in Scout Shops next week. Here's a list of what's... [more]
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on November 18th, 2009
For the first time in history, the Boy Scout Handbook will be translated into another language. By the end of the year, the BSA plans to release a Spanish-language version of the official guide for Boy Scouts. It's the perfect time, too, as the... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on November 18th, 2009
There is an on going debate about electronics used in Scouting. While "Traditional" Scouters shun the new technologies and do not embrace what is the future, others seems to grab ahold and run with the new ways to "DO" Scouting. No matter which... [more]
Posted to Scouting News on November 18th, 2009
This post is not a news release or story, it is my personal opinionââ¬Â¦ I have for the past few months, after seeing a promotion for it on the National Eagle Scout Association website , been excited for the release of myNESA.org . I was a little... [more]
Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on November 18th, 2009
Now you can get KISMIF.org delivered to your email box thanks to Google Feedburner . Just follow this link . You can also find out when KISMIF.org is updated via Twitter , RSS , or HalfEagle.com . Posted in CUB SCOUTS, Tech... [more]
Posted to Nick's Ramblings UK on November 17th, 2009
At the Troop meeting tonight I didn't actually get to do much with the Scouts themselves (although there were a lot there and we seem to have a lot of Cubs joining the Troop at the moment!). Once I'd taken in the subs, I had a chat with a parent... [more]
Posted to Scouting News on November 17th, 2009
In alliance with the Boy Scouts of America, eKnowledge is offering SAT and ACT test prep programs valued at $200, free to Boy Scout families. The eKnowledge Sponsorship Alliance is made up of educationally focused foundations, as well as a group of... [more]
Posted to From the Committee Chair on November 17th, 2009
Looks like the guys really did a great job! The Troop placed 32nd out of 63 Troops. The older Scouts (First Class or above) placed 40th out of 122 teams, and the younger Scouts (not yet First Class rank) placed 26th out of 120 teams. Way to go,... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on November 17th, 2009
Much is said by older generation about the inadequacies of the younger generation. So it goes. I cautiously concede that the ratio of controlled-programed activities and free play seems to be increasing. This may be that parents, teachers, coaches... [more]
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on November 17th, 2009
Ever began a sentence with these words: "If I ran the Boy Scouts of America, I would..."? The BSA is betting that you have. If you're an opinionated Scouting volunteer looking for a sounding board for sharing feedback about the... [more]
Posted to The Leader's Campfire Podcast on November 17th, 2009
#73-759: Boy Scouts of Harlem This is an interview with Justin Szlasa ââ¬â Co-Director and Producer of 759: Boy Scouts of Harlem. Links: Facebook Fan Page-... [more]
Posted to An Hour A Week? Podcast on November 17th, 2009
#202-The Sound of Silence Our Pack's campout, flag retirement, our November Roundtable, Cub Scout 2010 Program Helps, new Webelos Den Leaders, Pinewood derby tracks, and snacks at meetings are online tonight. Links:... [more]
Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on November 16th, 2009
Here is a new Pinewood Derby participation patch ($1.19) available from BSA Supply Group. Boys usually love to get patches. Link Posted in CUB SCOUTS, Patches, Pinewood Derby... [more]
Posted to Scouting News on November 16th, 2009
The Morning Call has an article about an Eagle Scout project that has caused some problems with a local union: In pursuit of an Eagle Scout badge, Kevin Anderson, 17, has toiled for more than 200 hours hours over several weeks to clear a walking... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on November 16th, 2009
On our backpacking trip this weekend we adults were reminiscing around the campfire. Three of six of us had either not been scouts or had been scouts only briefly.Ã The two who had been scouts for a brief time said that they left Scouting... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on November 16th, 2009
Stephen Bechtel, Jr. received his Eagle Scout rank in 1940. Since then, he's received the Distinguished Eagle Scout award and the Silver Buffalo award. His uncle received the Silver Buffalo in 1950 and served as National President of the BSA from... [more]
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on November 16th, 2009
Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer for your water-loving Boy Scout? Here's one: the Scuba Diving merit badge pamphlet, hot off the presses. The merit badge, the first new one in three years, will officially be released on Dec. 1 when it... [more]
Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on November 15th, 2009
The November 2009 Cubcast from BSA National is available (free). Part 1 has ideas for den meetings and more utilizing the December " Works of Art " theme. Part 2 has suggestions on doing chartered organization service projects . Part 1 mp3 file... [more]
Posted to A Boy Scout's Blog on November 15th, 2009
This week's video is from the Melrose Scouting Podcast Productions videos and features buttons, the radical boy scout. Enjoy!... [more]
Posted to Scouting News on November 15th, 2009
Scout units often assist first responders during large scale drills; however this is the first article I've seen where Boy Scouts helped a hospital staff prepare for the opening of a hospital. The Cumberland Times reported on Boy Scouts... [more]
Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on November 15th, 2009
BSA National and the U.S. Postal Service have announced a commemorative stamp for the 100th anniversary of Scouting . The new stamp should be available in July 2010 . In conjunction with the new stamp, a campaign has been announced to encourage... [more]
Posted to A Boy Scout's Blog on November 15th, 2009
Like many units around the country we had our annual scouting for food drive today. We were supposed to meet at our meeting place at 10:00 am to start sorting food at 10:20. Unfortunately we hit a little snag when the girl scout meeting that we... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on November 14th, 2009
Does your troop go to summer camp? Is the Wood Carving merit badge offered there? How about Leatherwork or Basketry? If so, there's a real good chance your scouts have used materials and tools supplied by Whittler Bob from Pennsylvania. Bob... [more]
Posted to Scouting News on November 14th, 2009
While it hasn't been officially announced on bsajamboree.org yet, the 2010 National Jamboree Staff Training is now available in MyScouting . The training which is consistent with other BSA online trainings consists of a video, flash based... [more]
Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on November 14th, 2009
Here is the December 2009 ( Works of Art ) monthly theme emblem. It is $1.29 from BSA Supply Group. Link Posted in CUB SCOUTS, Patches, Works of Art... [more]
Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on November 14th, 2009
The Simon Kenton Council Buckeye District roundtable packet for December 2009 is now available. Buckeye District puts together a great roundtable packet each month. This one has games, cooking ideas, crafts, songs, skits, ceremonies , and more for... [more]
Posted to Scouting News on November 14th, 2009
WDAF-TV out of Kansas City , Missouri, featured a story about an Eagle Scout who noticed the signs of Carbon Monoxide poisoning and was able to get his family out of his house and to safety... [more]
Posted to A Boy Scout's Blog on November 14th, 2009
This past weekend the Central New York Orienteering Group (aka cnyo) held there 16th annual Scout-O Orienteering competition. This event was divided into two days, the training part and the competition part. On Saturday the training takes place... [more]
Posted to Scouting News on November 14th, 2009
The Press-Enterprise has a story about a Scout's Eagle Scout Project to assist in replacing an Elementary Schools book collection that was ruined last year. Boy Scout Steven Pulsipher hopes a book drive will help Jacob Wiens Elementary School... [more]
Posted to Scouting News on November 13th, 2009
The Millerton News has a story about the hostage situation at Stissing Mountain Middle School, a twelve year-old who was in an adjacent office credited his dad and the Boy Scouts for his courage to act. Twelve-year-old Zack Pruner, a middle school... [more]
Posted to True North Scouting on November 13th, 2009
Hey all, I want to thank you for all being loyal listeners and readers. I also want to mention how sorry that I am that I haven't updated or posted to my blog in so long. It seems that time really does fly when you are having fun, and right now, I... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on November 13th, 2009
"We will not lie, steal or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does." That is the USAir Force Academy's honor code. The Naval Academy and Military Academy have similar codes. Since I was accepted to the USAFA eons ago (but didn't attend), I've... [more]
Posted to Woggleknot.com on November 13th, 2009
It's about time these two neighbors got to talking to each other. Most Saturday afternoons you'd find them politely waving as they passed at each other by with their push mowers, tending to their neatly manicured tables, charts, and graphs. It just... [more]
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on November 13th, 2009
Do your boys know their way around a campsite? How are they in a canoe, on a horse, or climbing a mountain? If their outdoor skills have been heightened through the Scouting program, they'll soon have a new award to show for it: the National... [more]
Posted to Scouting News on November 13th, 2009
Back in August we informed you that Detroit Area Council and Clinton Valley Council were going to merge . They did, and became known as the New Michigan Council until a name could be decided. Well that time has come, and the new name is Great Lakes... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on November 13th, 2009
A reader asks: I would like to get your thoughts on how you evaluate Scout Spirit. Is it standard practice for a scoutmaster to ask a scout to write out what the scout's interpretation of Scout Spirit is?Ã Each rank in Scouting requires... [more]
Posted to Lone Star Scouter on November 13th, 2009
We'll be headed to Enchanted Rock this weekend for some climbing and rappelling. Mother Nature looks like she'll be providing the perfect weekend, middle 70's during the day and middle 50ââ¬Â³s at night. I'll have my favorite troop leaders there... [more]
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on November 13th, 2009
This post to the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast is the third of four videos featuring the open house held by the Central Minnesota Council on September 2, 2009, to celebrate the " A Century Of Values " tour. Where the first two videos in this... [more]
Posted to A Boy Scout's Blog on November 13th, 2009
So Our Troop held our annual elections last night and we had a prety good turnout. We had most of the main leadership postitons filled and the few scouts that did not obtain a leadership position are inetrested in being patrol leaders. Admittedly... [more]
Posted to Scouting News on November 12th, 2009
The U.S. Postal Service today gave scouting 'a stamp of approval' to honor 100 years of the U.S. scouting movement. The Celebrate Scouting stamp, which will be sold in the summer of 2010, coincides with the Boy Scouts of America's 100th... [more]
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on November 12th, 2009
Check your mailbox next summer for even more evidence that the BSA's celebration of its 100th Anniversary is on. It'll be on parade floats at the Rose Bowl and at the National Scout Jamboree , but it will also be on a U.S. Postal Service... [more]
Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on November 12th, 2009
The new Baloo's Bugle is out. Baloo's Bugle is a great monthly unofficial publication with games, activities, ceremonies, puzzles, crafts, and other ideas for den and pack meetings. This one covers the December " Works of Art " theme. For Webelos... [more]
Posted to Nick's Ramblings UK on November 12th, 2009
After the seriousness of the last couple of days, here is something silly - On the Ning Nang Nong On the Ning Nang Nong Where the Cows go Bong! And the Monkeys all say Boo! There's a Nong Nang Ning Where the trees go Ping! And the tea pots Jibber... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on November 12th, 2009
So if worksheets are a lesser 'form' of Scouting what are the alternatives? Short answer: conversations, dialogues, counseling, mentoring, listening and a selective memory. Longer answer follows. Note that I may not be perfectly correct in... [more]
Posted to Scouting Maniac on November 12th, 2009
Final change to my signature, found out that I will be primarily working with Webelos Scouts, so I changed my position name again. Hopefully for the last time for a while but who knows it is hard to say what will stay current and what will not... [more]
Posted to Scouting Maniac on November 12th, 2009
Tonights meeting went really well, we talked about what is Veterans Day and why is it important. To sum up the group decided that Veterans day was more than just honoring those who have served but it also includes those who are currently serving. We... [more]
Posted to Lone Star Scouter on November 11th, 2009
Thank a Veteran today, give them a hug, shake their hand, buy them a drink. Show your appreciation for their sacrifice to our country... [more]
Posted to A Boy Scout's Blog on November 11th, 2009
As today is veteran's day I wanted to take a moment to thank all of our veterans who have served in the armed forces. Without these brave men and women who spend their time serving our country we would not have many of the freedoms we enjoy today... [more]
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on November 11th, 2009
Think about it. It is truly amazing. We spend a lot of our lives in line or lanes. We wait in line at the bank. We wait with our shopping cart at the store. We drive in lanes, sometimes one wide, sometimes two wide. These lanes and lines help us to... [more]
Posted to Scouting Maniac on November 11th, 2009
Let us take a moment to remember all of the veterans out there who have served or are serving are country. Wish them the best of luck and be thankful to them for serving our country. Let us also remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on November 11th, 2009
Here's an exchange from Ask Andy : Hi Andy, I'm a relativelyà new Assistant Scoutmaster.à I've been instructed that Scouts seeking ranks beyond First Class, in this troop, are required to complete a "Scoutmaster Conference Worksheet"... [more]
Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on November 11th, 2009
The December 2009 Cub Scout Monthly Theme is " Works of Art ." Here is the official BSA theme description: "December is a time of celebration and giving. This is a perfect month for involving friends in doing good deeds and creating holiday magic... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on November 11th, 2009
I would like to wish all of our Nations Veterans a Blessed Veterans Day! Our Nation maintains it's freedom because of those few that stand up and say I will serve. Thank you all. As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest... [more]
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on November 11th, 2009
On Saturday, the BSA released version 1.1 of its Boy Scout Handbook iPhone app. The app, which we gave a favorable review in early September, gets even better with this update. One of only complaints we had with the original version of the app was... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on November 11th, 2009
After many requests, I've finally added the ability to leave comments about these blog entries. Now, the two Den Moms in Florida and that one Scouter in California can drop me a note. If there's anyone else out there that wants to chime in, go right... [more]
Posted to ScoutSigns on November 11th, 2009
America loves movies. Even small towns have a movie theater with the latest films from Hollywood. Libraries loan DVDs and video stores abound. Netflix will deliver them to your mailbox or over the Internet. Need more? Youtube is one of the most... [more]
Posted to Nick's Ramblings UK on November 11th, 2009
If I should die, think only this of me: That there's some corner of a foreign field That is for ever England. There shall be In that rich earth a richer dust concealed; A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware, Gave, once her flowers to love,... [more]
Posted to Lone Star Scouter on November 11th, 2009
Political correctness has been killing truth, and common sence. It now looks like it has killed soldiers. As of today I am declaring war on Policital Correctness! I encourage all my friends to join me in this war. When you hear or see anyone with... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on November 11th, 2009
The Scoutmaster Minute has now hit the big time.. errr.. well maybe not the big big time.. but at least 2009 and Twitter! I have been on twitter for some time now, but until recently have not really used it "to it's potential" as they say. I found... [more]
Posted to From the Committee Chair on November 11th, 2009
Bill S., our newest Eagle This evening Bill S. passed his Eagle Board of Review, which I had the honor to sit on. All of the board members were impressed with his answers, and feel that he is very deserving of the award. The board members were... [more]
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on November 10th, 2009
We asked, and you responded big time. After presenting Scouting magazine readers with a mystery location, complete with a photo and description, we asked a simple question: "Where Am I?" The feature appeared in our September-October... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on November 10th, 2009
I don't think of myself as particularly a persnickety or doctrinaire so what follows is probably out of character.Ã I do like to write therefore I strive to observe the rules of grammar and rely greatly on my spell checker. As someone who... [more]
Posted to Scouting Maniac on November 10th, 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]
Posted to Scouting Maniac on November 10th, 2009
Here is a short online story published by James Garner about a Cub Scout who joined a pretty much full Den already and taught the group the meaning of what it was to be a human and how everyone should be treated. So here it is how you enjoy it: My... [more]
Posted to Scouting Maniac on November 10th, 2009
Many of you may be wondering, if you are a regular reader of Scoutingmaniac why I would change from the Boy Scout Troop Level to the Cub Scout Pack Level. There are several different reasons, some of them personal, some of them based on logistics,... [more]
Posted to Lone Star Scouter on November 9th, 2009
What exactly do Webelos base their decision on when deciding which Boy Scout troop to join. I guess it depends. If the young scout lives in an area where there is only one troop, well I guess the decision is easy. What if they live in an... [more]
Posted to Woggleknot.com on November 9th, 2009
This is just a quick clarification on AdSense for feeds as it relates to the AdSense for Content specific policy of only allowing three ad units and three link units per page. Many publishers have asked the question "Since feed items often get... [more]
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on November 9th, 2009
Last week we brought you Five Days of Patches , a contest for a free copy of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Geocaching, Second Edition." Of all of our responses, we had six Scouters who correctly named all five patches. The correct... [more]
Posted to An Hour A Week? Podcast on November 9th, 2009
#201-Why I Love Her Tonight we cover some online form suggestions, messed up rank patches, topping Gallagher, pinewood derby track suggestions and a lot of feedback in this extra long episode. Links: Scoutshopstuff blog post-... [more]
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on November 9th, 2009
Want to make Cub Scout camps a great experience for boys? Then just make sure the camp has these 10 simple elements, courtesy of Dennis Kampa of the Rocky Mountain Council: Top-notch camp leadership and quality, trained camp staff Safe environment... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on November 9th, 2009
From Scouting Magazine's 'What would You Do?' department (formerly called 'Front Line Stuff') a question about a recent troop leader election: We recently had our troop leadership elections, and the Scouts elected a senior... [more]
Posted to Commissioner Keith Comments on November 9th, 2009
Well folks, Cub Scout College came and went and, I for one, had a great time teaching a class on Webelos to Scout Transitions/Selecting a Boy Scout Troop. The event was held at Lakeshore Technical University and what a beautiful campus in Cleveland,... [more]
Posted to Lone Star Scouter on November 9th, 2009
I'm always looking out for new way's to go lighter when backpacking, camping or just hiking, I have found something new. Colgate Wisp. A very small lightweight toothbrush with toothpaste built in with a toothpick at the other end. I take 3 to... [more]
Posted to From the Committee Chair on November 8th, 2009
Well, we got back from the northern reaches of Maryland about 11:30 this morning after a 7 am departure. Only one pit stop along the way . I am told the younger Scouts team placed 30th. That doesn't sound to good until you know that there were 190... [more]
Posted to Nick's Ramblings UK on November 8th, 2009
Today's parade at church went really well! When I got to church this morning, the Scouts who were there to carry the flag and escort it, were already there and looking very smart. The Assistant Scout Leader and I then went to have a chat with the... [more]
Posted to Scouting News on November 7th, 2009
I recieved word that Northen Tier High Adventure Base in Ely, Minnesota, still has some open slots for OKPIK Winter Adventures. This would be a great oppurtunity for a last minute adventure trip for your unit! The Okpik season begins Dec. 27 and... [more]
Posted to Nick's Ramblings UK on November 7th, 2009
Tomorrow (Sunday), is Remembrance Sunday , which is an important date in the Scouting, and indeed the country's calendar. This is the time we remember those who have served and died in the armed forces in the various wars. As part of this people... [more]
Posted to Scouting News on November 7th, 2009
The Daily News has a nice feature article on Austin Boyd, the ninteen year-old Scout from New York that was killed in a car accident on Wednesday night. The story shows how the Scouting community is showing their respect, how friends and family... [more]
Posted to Scouting News on November 6th, 2009
Celebrate Scouting Stamp Unveiling at The Smithsonian National Postal Museum What: The U.S. Postal Service will be joined by the Boy Scouts of America to unveil a Celebrate Scouting stamp recognizing 100 years of Scouting in America. Who : Allen... [more]
Posted to The Trainer's Corner Blog on November 6th, 2009
Hello fellow Scouters, Hallmark has their annual collectable ornaments, and we can have our own annual Scout collectable ornament! The great thing about our Scout ornaments is that they are made by our Scouts! Last year I wrote about a Scout-made... [more]
Posted to ScoutSigns on November 6th, 2009
Fall is in the air, no doubt about it. Depending on where you are it might still be toasty warm during the day, or the trees might be at the height of color, or you have already had your fill of snow. While the Scouts are out and about searching... [more]
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on November 6th, 2009
Here's the last patch. Identify it and then read on to find out how to submit your answers. Each day this week, we have given you one mystery patch. Scroll down to see the other four if you missed a day. Now, it's time to correctly identify... [more]
Posted to ScoutSigns on November 6th, 2009
Scouting has been celebrated on postage stamps around the world. Some collectors only focus on those stamps. There is even an organization for it: Scouts on Stamps Society International . There was also a big drive on Facebook to have an official... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on November 6th, 2009
Open the Eagle Scout Project Workbook (opens PDF file) and you will find about 2 1/2 half pages of instructions about conducting the project written in less than 1000 words (966 to be exact). Google the words "Eagle Scout Project" and... [more]
Posted to Scouting News on November 5th, 2009
Iroquois Trail Council is mourning the loss of Austin J. Boyd who was killed in a traffic accident while traveling home from a camp kick off on Wednesday. Austin was the current Lodge Chief of Ashokwahta Lodge and had served on both the Camp... [more]
Posted to Scouting Maniac on November 5th, 2009
You all may be wondering why there was such a drastic change in my signature after my posts. The reason behind this is that I am in the process of switching to a adult leadership role in Denver Area Council after my move to this area. My move lead... [more]
Posted to Scouting Maniac on November 5th, 2009
It is official, I am going to the 2010 National Jamboee as Staff on Subcamp Seven as one of there youth staff members. I am not exactly sure what I will be doing in regards to a specific assignment but I am sure it will be fun all around. This is a... [more]
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on November 5th, 2009
Here's the fourth patch. Do you have all four so far? Each day this week, we're giving you one mystery patch. Your job is to identify the patch. On Friday, send us an e-mail with the answers. Whoever gets the most correct will win a copy of... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on November 5th, 2009
CA Scouter comments: It would be interesting to hear your reflections on Scouts putting off Eagle til they're 17.5 years old and then trying to get their project and missing merit badges done in the small amount of time left. ... in a perfect... [more]
Posted to Scouting News on November 4th, 2009
The Suburban Journal has an interesting feature on the company that creates the Eagle Scout Award Kits, check it out: When David Bouchein won his Eagle Scout medal in the 1970s he had no idea of the prominence that award would play later in his... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on November 4th, 2009
At an Eagle Scout's court of honor, the scout is recognized for his accomplishments and presented with a nice Eagle Scout medal. As the Eagle Scout is created through a process of building smaller parts into a whole, the eagle medal goes through a... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on November 4th, 2009
So far we have determined that needless drama can be caused when a Scoutmaster seeks to impose his ideal vision of an Eagle Scout on the advancement process. In addition we have discovered Baden Powell founded Scouting on the idea that it would... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on November 4th, 2009
Recently I had a chat with a number of the Scouts in my troop about their Eagle Projects. Landscaping, fence building, compost bins, flag pole/ memorials etc... were among the list of ideas that hit the table as these young men begin the process of... [more]
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on November 4th, 2009
The third test of our Five Days of Patches contest is above. Each day this week, we're giving you one mystery patch. Your job is to identify the patch. On Friday, send us an e-mail with the answers. Whoever gets the most correct will win a copy... [more]
Posted to ScoutSigns on November 4th, 2009
The sweet smell of gasoline? Chemistry. The sweeter smell of perfume? Chemistry. The bane of high school students all across the world? Yep, the same chemistry. Does physics get its own merit badge? Nope. Biology? Nada. This is the only science... [more]
Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on November 4th, 2009
As noted previously , the 2009-2010 Insignia Guide refers to the following new additions to the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program : 1. Abilities Awareness (17861-Loop, 14700-Pin) 2. Family Travel (17862-Loop, 14701-Pin) 3. Good Manners (17863... [more]
Posted to The Trainer's Corner Blog on November 3rd, 2009
Hello fellow Scouters, When I was a Cub Scout leader, I absolutely loved taking training classes. So when our pack started to look for a Pack Trainer, I jumped at the chance. In a special single-subject episode, in my 9th Scouting podcast I discuss... [more]
Posted to The Trainer's Corner Podcast on November 3rd, 2009
When I was a Cub Scout leader, I absolutely loved taking training classes. So when our pack started to look for a Pack Trainer, I jumped at the chance. In a special single-subject episode, in my 9th Scouting podcast I discuss my time as our pack's... [more]
Posted to ScoutSigns on November 3rd, 2009
Troop Leadership Training is happening in November for our troop (more here ). In a very timely email, this link appeared from the email ether: Troop Positions of Responsibility The following leadership positions count toward Boy Scout advancement... [more]
Posted to ScoutSigns on November 3rd, 2009
Our troop is running Troop Leadership Training in place of the normal meetings this month. We haven't had one in a while, we are about to have elections, and the SPL decided this was easier than trying to get everyone to attend a special session... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on November 3rd, 2009
Scoutmasters need to understand what makes Scouting different from everything else - why young men and women have been Scouts all over the world for the past century. Scouting's founder Baden-Powell envisioned a movement that would give... [more]
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on November 3rd, 2009
Five Days of Patches continues with the patch you see above. Each day this week, we're giving you one mystery patch. Your job is to identify the patch. On Friday, send us an e-mail with the answers. Whoever gets the most correct will win a copy... [more]
Posted to Nick's Ramblings UK on November 3rd, 2009
Not a very pleasant topic, but one we potentially have to deal with. A while ago I came back from a meeting having found out that my Group should have an anti bullying policy ( see here ). So I wrote one and the Group's Executive agreed it with... [more]
Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on November 3rd, 2009
Abilities Awareness is one of the forthcoming new Cub Scout belt loops for the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program. I have received from an unofficial source this set of requirements for the soon-to-be available award: Requirements Belt Loop... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on November 3rd, 2009
We have been talking about winter camping at the Troop the last couple weeks in an effort to be prepared for some terrific Cold weather camping experiences. I talked extensively about the word COLD (Clean, Overheating, Loose in Layers, and Dry). I... [more]
Posted to Scouting Maniac on November 2nd, 2009
Recieved word from Subcamp 7 Cheif Dave and found out he still has spots avialable for staff. He said I could either be a dining, commissary, or environmental assistant. I responded that I would gladly take any of these three positions and I should... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on November 2nd, 2009
During my tenure as Scoutmaster I have worked with 50 Scouts who have earned the rank of Eagle. Becoming an Eagle Scout is beset by difficulties and so should it be, it is supposed to be challenging. Unfortunately these normal difficulties are... [more]
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on November 2nd, 2009
We're out of the office this week, so we're bringing you a special weeklong feature: Five Days of Patches. Each day this week, we're giving you one mystery patch. Your job is to identify the patch. On Friday, send us an e-mail with the... [more]
Posted to ScoutSigns on November 2nd, 2009
According to Hootsuite , 1434 hits were registered in October on items posted to Scoutsigns or that I just found interesting on Twitter . The Patrol Boxes seem to be the most popular items, and disappointingly the Merit Badge of the Week didn't do... [more]
Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on November 2nd, 2009
Here are the top 10 most viewed posts for October 2009 (other than those solely about monthly theme items): 2009-2010 Program Helps Full Download New Cub Scout Belt Loops Coming 2009-2010 Program Helps Kindergarten Lions: Pilot Description Scout... [more]
Posted to Scouting News on November 2nd, 2009
The Bonner County Daily Bee has a nice feature article about Boy Scout Troop 111 which is celebrating its 75th anniversary: Troop 111 now has about 30 members according to scoutmaster Laszlo Suto, who said some scouts have moved to more... [more]
Posted to A Boy Scout's Blog on November 2nd, 2009
This weeks video is a commercial about cub scouting which involves a dad and his cub replacing the lock on the back door and theyââ¬Â¦.. well you'll see... [more]
Posted to U.S. Scouting Service Project on November 1st, 2009
Lots of hints for Works of Art - games, openings, closings, ceremonies, jokes, and more Items for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, too Ways to have your Cubs display their talent and Suggestions to connect the core value of Faith to the theme,... [more]
Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on November 1st, 2009
Horseback Riding is one of the forthcoming new Cub Scout belt loops for the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program. I have received from an unofficial source this set of requirements for the soon-to-be available award: Requirements Belt Loop... [more]
Posted to Scouting News on November 1st, 2009
Morrison, Brown, Argiz and Farra, LLP (MBAF) CEO and Managing Partner Tony Argiz was recently honored by the South Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America for his service to the South Florida community as part of Hispanic Heritage month. The 11th... [more]
Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on November 1st, 2009
Photography is one of the forthcoming new Cub Scout belt loops for the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program. I have received from an unofficial source this set of requirements for the soon-to-be available award: Requirements Tiger Cubs, Cub... [more]
Posted to Scouting News on November 1st, 2009
Highlands Today features an interesting article about an Eagle Scout project: As long as they are not still feathered and squawking, Sebring High school freshman Joseph De Genaro wants your turkeys. The 14-year-old Boy Scout has launched an... [more]
Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on October 31st, 2009
Nutrition is one of the forthcoming new Cub Scout belt loops for the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program. I have received from an unofficial source this set of requirements for the soon-to-be available award: Requirements Belt Loop Complete... [more]
Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on October 31st, 2009
Pet Care is one of the forthcoming new Cub Scout belt loops for the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program. I have received from an unofficial source this set of requirements for the soon-to-be available award: Requirements Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts,... [more]
Posted to Scouting News on October 31st, 2009
The Daily Item features an article about an Eagle Scout whose project was scouting out fire hydrants for the city. He's made it his business to scout out the hydrants in town so emergency responders can know the exact longitude and latitude for... [more]
Posted to A Boy Scout's Blog on October 31st, 2009
So this gear head Friday post is kind of a long shot since one doesn't usually doesn't associate cameras and lenses with traditional camping gear like tents and backpacks. But it is important gear to have if you want to capture memories of your... [more]
Posted to KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting on October 31st, 2009
Family Travel is one of the forthcoming new Cub Scout belt loops for the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program. I have received from an unofficial source this set of requirements for the soon-to-be available award: Requirements Tiger Cubs, Cub... [more]
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HalfEagle.com is a service project of Gregg Hilferding. I am an Eagle Scout, U.S. Army veteran, and Appalachian Trail thru-hiker. I'm currently serving as the Scoutmaster for Troop 72 in Zephyrhills, Florida.
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