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Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on December 30th, 2014
So, here's what I'm hearing at my house. "Mom, I'm bored! The only fun thing to do is play on my electronics!" Are you hearing that too? I searched through my blog posts looking for activities that kids could do while they're still out of school... [more]
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on December 29th, 2014
The Christmas holiday is over and the new year is just a day away. The year of 2014 is coming to an end and like a lot of people I am looking back at its highlights. There are a few that stand out in my Scouting world. I finally started camping... [more]
Posted to Order of the Arrow Youtube Videos on December 29th, 2014
At the 2014 National Planning Meeting, the 2015 NOAC theme was announced during a live event. The theme is "It Starts With Us". Enjoy the recording of the event! -- Order of the Arrow, Boy Scouts of America Twitter:... [more]
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on December 29th, 2014
I'm truly fortunate to have so many readers and followers here on Bobwhite Blather. I get a little kick out of seeing visitor statistics, a new follower on Twitter or a subscriber to the e-mail list. It's good to know that my fellow Scouters are... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on December 28th, 2014
During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Each Sunday I'll publish a selection from his writings in the hope that you'll draw inspiration and... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on December 25th, 2014
Wishing all a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year! I would especially like to thank everyone that subscribes to the blog. Thanks for hanging in there for another year. Welcome to all the new subscribers. I hope that you find something in... [more]
Posted to Ask Andy on December 25th, 2014
________________________________________ Hi Andy, I just gotta know! When can we expect to see more of "A Winter Tale"? You've done a great job with the first two parts. They remind me a lot of the old fiction stories about Scouts from about the... [more]
Posted to Ropes and Poles on December 25th, 2014
Merry Christmas! If you're celebrating today, I hope you have a great day surrounded by family, and a blessed year ahead. This tree is decorated with Monkey's Fists , tied in 8mm sisal rope, with eye-spliced ends... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on December 24th, 2014
Skiing In A Winter Wonderland... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on December 23rd, 2014
Who won the 2014 Boysie Videogame Awards? So many incredible videogames came out this year that narrowing them down to the best was tough work. But let the trumpets sound: Here are the Boysies! BEST WII U GAME Mario Kart 8 Some might say it's only... [more]
Posted to Ask Andy on December 23rd, 2014
________________________________________ Here's what a reader recently had to say about Eagle Scouts⦠Most last-minute Eagles think the rank will help them in the future, particularly getting into the military academies. These last-minute... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on December 23rd, 2014
In this season of peace take a moment to consider your connection, as a Scouter, to the lofty goal set by our founder: ââ¬Â¦ let us go forth from here fully determined that we will develop among ourselves and our boys that comradeship, through... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on December 23rd, 2014
The winner of the Solo stove and Solo 900 pot give away isââ¬Â¦. I want to thank everyone for some great comments. The create the caption had me entertained for the last week and I hope you had fun with it! It was fun to read the comments,... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on December 22nd, 2014
Studying the First Aid merit badge pamphlet is great, but to really Be Prepared you need to put everything you think you know to the test. That's the idea behind the First Aid Meet, an annual event hosted by the Trailblazer District in Iowa's... [more]
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on December 22nd, 2014
It's the time of year when we look back on our past experiences and accomplishments over the previous twelve months and make resolutions on what we're going to change and improve in the year ahead. In Scouting, sometimes our new year's resolutions... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on December 21st, 2014
During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Each Sunday I'll publish a selection from his writings in the hope that you'll draw inspiration and... [more]
Posted to Scouting Rediscovered on December 19th, 2014
There is a period in the history of the Boy Scouts of America that not many people like to talk about. Some of you may have heard the story before; some of you may have lived through it. I think it is vitally important for all Scouters to know... [more]
Posted to Scouting Rediscovered on December 19th, 2014
There is a period in the history of the Boy Scouts of America that not many people like to talk about. Some of you may have heard the story before; some of you may have lived through it. I think it is vitally important for all Scouters to know... [more]
Posted to Scout Wire on December 19th, 2014
Now & Then , the newsletter for retirees of the Boy Scouts of America, is now available online! You can find it under the BSA Newsletters header on the right. Past issues (as well as the current issue) also will be added to the Now & Then... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on December 19th, 2014
Stay Fit This Season... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on December 19th, 2014
BL Workshop: Build your own #fitnessequipment #diy Build the strength and endurance to take part in all your adventures. Medicine Ball What You'll Need: An old soccer ball, volleyball or basketball Air nozzle to let the air out of the ball Pointy... [more]
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on December 19th, 2014
I got a draft notice last night. Well, sort of. Our council's Dean of Boy Scouts for University of Scouting e-mailed me to ask if I could teach the Strictly for Committee Chairs class, and I agreed to be drafted into service once again. I've taught... [more]
Posted to Scout Wire on December 19th, 2014
The National Council has the following lease vehicle for sale: 2011 GMC Terrain FWD SLE â 2 Approximate miles: 62,161 Exterior color: Quicksilver Metallic Interior color: Light titanium cloth seats Asking price: $14,131 Location: National Council,... [more]
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on December 19th, 2014
It is official! The Melrose city council appropriated the funds at last month's meeting, and tonight the Melrose park board has approved the purchase of equipment needed for a nine hole disc golf course to be installed at the Sauk River Park in the... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on December 18th, 2014
This is the fourteenth installment in a story that follows a new Scoutmaster, Chuck Grant, attempting to use the patrol method in a troop that has forgotten how. I've based this work of fiction on the stories shared by readers and listeners,... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on December 18th, 2014
During Scoutmaster conferences I often ask the Scout what the Scout Oath and Law mean to them. In their own words what do the values and the promises found in the Oath and Law mean. It seems that, by and large, there is a lack of knowledge in so... [more]
Posted to Scouting Maniac on December 18th, 2014
In first "You Make the Call" post I made our goals that I needed to work towards completing. As a reminder the goals are as follows: Goal 1: I will make a sincere effort to say 5 positive things that happened each day. These 5 positive things will... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on December 17th, 2014
Here's the "poem" I read on Podcast 248. I've had several requests for a print version of the poem I read on Podcast 248 . A PDF of the image below is available to download (link at the bottom of this post) and I have included a text version below... [more]
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on December 17th, 2014
I would like to see Cub Scout Pack 68 earn the 2015 Journey To Excellence (JTE) award because I think we can do it. I made this statement during last night's pack committee meeting, and than reviewed the requirements. By the time I finished I... [more]
Posted to Ask Andy on December 16th, 2014
________________________________________ Dear Andy, In our district, registration fees for district events are paid by having checks made out to an individual. The claim for doing this is so that the district, by circumventing the council's... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on December 16th, 2014
How to use science to make a faster pinewood derby car A former NASA engineer explains how you can use science to succeed at your next pinewood derby. For seven years, I worked at NASA on the Mars Curiosity rover. It is just like a pinewood derby... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on December 16th, 2014
This is the thirteenth installment in a story that follows a new Scoutmaster, Chuck Grant, attempting to use the patrol method in a troop that has forgotten how. I've based this work of fiction on the stories shared by readers and listeners,... [more]
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on December 16th, 2014
Wow! It was a lively troop auction this year. The Boy Scouts of Melrose Troop 68 seemed to like the selection of prizes and they were ready to spend their "troop bucks". (See the last post for the explanation of the troop auction and the troop... [more]
Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on December 15th, 2014
Do you have trouble coming up with great stocking stuffers for boys? I know I do! I want to buy things they'll like and use, but I don't want to spend a lot of money. I searched through several lists on Pinterest looking for items that would be... [more]
Posted to Scouter Mom on December 15th, 2014
Our Crew president led this jack rabbit posing game at our last meeting. It is a fun game for teenagers, but would work for other age groups also. The idea of this game is to remember different poses and to strike the correct pose quickly. There... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on December 15th, 2014
Next week is Christmas and the following is new year's, so for the next two weeks the podcast will be on vacation right along with you as you enjoy the holidays with your friends and family . I'll return on January 5th with Podcast number 249. You... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on December 15th, 2014
Here is a technique for anchoring your tent. In this video, I demonstrate using a snow stake. A stick works just as well. Snow stakes are versatile and light and are worth carrying into camp. It is important to anchor your tent well. Winter... [more]
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on December 15th, 2014
We sometimes use the terms interchangeably. We have a boy-led troop with boy-led patrols. They read Boys' Life. "Never do anything a boy can do" is a key piece of advice, and Baden-Powell made frequent references such as "The Scoutmaster teaches... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on December 15th, 2014
photo courtesy of Thermarest Getting a good nights sleep is an important part of any camp out, and very important when camping in the cold. Sleeping in the cold creates some anxiety in young Scouts. While the Scout is up and moving he can control... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on December 14th, 2014
During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Each Sunday I'll publish a selection from his writings in the hope that you'll draw inspiration and... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on December 13th, 2014
Today I was putting up the Christmas lights and getting the tree ready to decorate. Carols being sung in the background and the smell of Christmas in the air. When what to my wandering mind did ah ha!!! A give away of gear! So here is the way... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on December 13th, 2014
Just as a recapââ¬Â¦ Cold weather camping is a High Risk activity that is challenging, fun, and rewarding for those that venture into the cold weather environment. This type of camping takes discipline, skills, and a great attitude. Once leaders... [more]
Posted to Summit Blog on December 12th, 2014
2016 Council Contingent Info It's here! 2016 council contingent information for the Paul R. Christen National High Adventure Base . The Summit's a big place and there's a ton of fun and development to be had for Scouts and Venturers alike. Let this... [more]
Posted to Summit Blog on December 12th, 2014
2016 Council Contingent Info It's here! 2016 council contingent information for the Paul R. Christen National High Adventure Base . The Summit's a big place and there's a ton of fun and development to be had for Scouts and Venturers alike. Let this... [more]
Posted to Official ClassB Blog on December 12th, 2014
Mini Wood Badge Patrol Flags are an Excellent Aid for Wood Badge Presentations! is from the ClassB® Custom T-shirts Blog Copyright © 2010 ClassB, Inc.. This feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this material in your... [more]
Posted to Scouter Mom on December 12th, 2014
Here is an easy game for your December meeting. It works with almost any age group. When choosing items for the "stocking", think of all of the senses. Include something with a scent, or something which makes noise. Include it in your Christmas... [more]
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on December 11th, 2014
A boy went out to walk his dog after school one chilly December afternoon. He had homework to do, it was getting dark, and his mom was expecting him home for dinner soon. On his walk he spied a patch of red and white cloth on the ground. That looks... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on December 11th, 2014
We made a Texas snowman at the BL offices today. Pedro will never be the same... [more]
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on December 11th, 2014
On Monday, December 15th, following the last court of honor for the year, Melrose Boy Scout Troop 68 will hold its annual troop auction.While some troops hold auctions as fundraisers, Troop 68 does things a little differently. Our auction is... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on December 11th, 2014
This is the twelfth installment in a story that follows a new Scoutmaster, Chuck Grant, attempting to use the patrol method in a troop that has forgotten how. I've based this work of fiction on the stories shared by readers and listeners, questions... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on December 11th, 2014
Camping in the cold is adventurous and fun. It poses challenges and requires more training to ensure a safe, fun time spent in the winter camping. I love cold weather camping, it is perhaps some of my favorite camping. Since becoming a... [more]
Posted to Scout Wire on December 10th, 2014
The BSA is hosting its 2015 Kindred meeting on Tuesday, February 3, at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside as part of the American Camp Association National Conference. The BSA Kindred meeting is a gathering of anyone interested in learning more about... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on December 10th, 2014
Choosing great gifts for Scouts or Scouters can be a challenge, here's some of my personal favorites: Rayovac Sportsman's Lantern I've tried out several different LED lanterns, and the Rayovac Sportsman is built more solidly, is smaller, tougher,... [more]
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on December 10th, 2014
It is official! Boy Scout Troop 68 of Melrose is going to Philmont Scout Ranch in the summer of 2016. Our committee chairperson received confirmation of our trek registration last week. Let the planning begin! It has been a decade since the troop... [more]
Posted to Ask Andy on December 10th, 2014
________________________________________ Dear Andy, When I click on the bookmark I have for your columns, I ask myself, "How is he going to find a way to be unkind this week?" Yes, I know this isn't a discussion forum and I'm not asking a question... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on December 10th, 2014
As with many other things in Scouting, some "rules" get made up as they go. Cell Phones? NO.. No electronics on Scouting Outings. Not written down anywhere from the BSA, but ask many Scouters and they will proclaim this as gospel. Knives, same... [more]
Posted to Scouting Rediscovered on December 9th, 2014
When election time comes around, I sometimes find it frustrating watching different politicians debate. Many of them have great things to say about what they want to accomplish if they're elected, but I often want more details. I want to know how... [more]
Posted to Scout Wire on December 9th, 2014
The Boy Scouts of America's National Key 3-National President Dr. Robert M. Gates, Chief Scout Executive Wayne Brock, and National Commissioner Tico Perez-wish the BSA family a safe and happy holiday season... [more]
Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on December 9th, 2014
Random Acts of Kindness Ideas, Cub Scout style! Includes printables to show everyone our Cub Scout Good... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on December 9th, 2014
This is the eleventh of twelve installments in a story that follows a new Scoutmaster, Chuck Grant, attempting to use the patrol method in a troop that has forgotten how. I've based this work of fiction on the stories shared by readers and... [more]
Posted to An Hour a Week... left over after Scouting on December 9th, 2014
Every December we do our end of year Court of Honor / Christmas party and our Scouts play the LEFT / RIGHT game. I'm usually the narrator and I Google search for a story, looking for one with a Scout context. This year I just made one up. Hope... [more]
Posted to Scouting Maniac on December 9th, 2014
Here is the next five of 50 things that every new District Executive needs to know but their Local Council Executive Staff won't tell them. This is list is based off of personal experience and in no way represents what a the BSA at either the... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on December 8th, 2014
What's the difference between demanding compliance and getting voluntary obedience? The answer may have a lot to do with the tone of your voice (literally and figuratively). In this podcast I answer emails about an particular Eagle Scout Board of... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on December 8th, 2014
When it comes to earning merit badges, Dylan Stamm and Jake Sindelar don't mess around. The two Mid-America Council Scouts have combined to earn more than 275 of them, including the four that were only offered during the BSA's 100th anniversary... [more]
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on December 8th, 2014
If you're a regular reader of this website, you've heard about changes coming to the Cub Scout program. Maybe you've read our articles, or those from Scouting Magazine's blog, or attended Cub Scout Roundtable and heard about them from your friendly... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on December 7th, 2014
During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Each Sunday I'll publish a selection from his writings in the hope that you'll draw inspiration and... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on December 5th, 2014
Here's more holiday gifts for Scouts or Scouters. These books have helped me as a Scouter and outdoorsman, they have been a source of inspiration and learning practical skills, Scouting history, outdoor lore, and the Scouting program for many... [more]
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on December 5th, 2014
It is that time of year. Time to add Christmas parties to the schedule. Time to get the gift shopping done. And for me, time to create the yearly Boy Scout Troop 68 dvd's for each member of the troop. I began this tradition in 2004, the year I... [more]
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on December 5th, 2014
Earlier this week, our troop welcomed our newest Eagle Scout, joining two others whose boards of review I participated in last week. The three new Eagles brings our troop's total to 55 over its thirty years of operation. Eagle Scout is the pinnacle... [more]
Posted to Ropes and Poles on December 5th, 2014
Day and night photographs courtesy Akela Joy For the East Rand District end of year Cub Christmas Camp, Puddle Pirate Rover Crew built this pioneered Christmas Tree. All of the guests at the camp bought gifts which were used to decorate the tree... [more]
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on December 4th, 2014
A long time ago, 1987 actually, I joined the board of directors for our local community access television station, Mel-TV. I was a member of the board for 20 years, many of those as the chairman. I retired from the board a few years before the City... [more]
Posted to U.S. Scouting Service Project on December 4th, 2014
Baloo's Bugle: Volume 21 Issue 05 - December 2014 January 2015 Core Value - Positive Attitude| Yes I Can Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on December 4th, 2014
What's going on here? Write a funny caption for this photo What's going on in this picture? Why is that sign there and what does it mean? If you can think of a funny caption for this photo, just post it in the comment form at the bottom of this... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on December 4th, 2014
This is the tenth of twelve installments in a story that follows a new Scoutmaster, Chuck Grant, attempting to use the patrol method in a troop that has forgotten how. I've based this work of fiction on the stories shared by readers and listeners,... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on December 4th, 2014
http://boyslife.org/tag/homemade-gifts/ View On WordPress... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on December 3rd, 2014
Some of my favorite camping gear sees a lot of use around the house or on the job. Here's ideas for practical gifts for Scouts and Scouters nearly anyone would welcome receiving; Coffee! The first time a GSI java press showed up on a camping trip I... [more]
Posted to Scouting Maniac on December 3rd, 2014
Here is the first five of 50 things that every new District Executive needs to know but their Local Council Executive Staff won't tell them. This is list is based off of personal experience and in no way represents what a the BSA at either the... [more]
Posted to Ask Andy on December 2nd, 2014
________________________________________ Dear Andy, This isn't a question; I just want to comment on that letter about the Scout who was denied his Eagle rank (he'd completed all requirements as stated) by a dubious board because of his supposed... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on December 2nd, 2014
This is the ninth of twelve installments in a story that follows a new Scoutmaster, Chuck Grant, attempting to use the patrol method in a troop that has forgotten how. I've based this work of fiction on the stories shared by readers and listeners,... [more]
Posted to Scouting Maniac on December 2nd, 2014
Letter A: Always Follow Up After every meeting where a new Scout or parent visits your unit it essential to have a follow-up conversation via phone or e-mail. It is essential because it gives the Scout/parent time to digest the information given... [more]
Posted to Scouting Maniac on December 2nd, 2014
Jerry Schleining over at the blog "The Scoutmaster Minute" on November 29 published the post "You Make the Call". Below you will find an excerpt from the post that in my opinion pretty much sums up the topic discussed within the post: "So you make... [more]
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on December 1st, 2014
The Boy Scouts of Melrose Troop 68 had a busy one day activity during the month of November. It was a two part outing. The first part was a trip to the St. Cloud State University climbing wall where the Scouts had fun testing their skills on seven... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on December 1st, 2014
Another agonized alliteration! In this podcast I answer emails about merit badge classes , patrols cooking their own chow , a Scoutmaster worried about Scouts who change troops, Scouting's chimeras (or urban legends ), and a little troop leadership... [more]
Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on December 1st, 2014
Recently, I asked this question on my Facebook page. There were several themes that came up again and again. To help you out with your holiday shopping, I thought I would put together a list of gifts for boys based on what my Facebook followers... [more]
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on December 1st, 2014
One of the most fascinating and fulfilling things about being part of the Scouting movement is watching our young people grow and develop as individuals, team members and leaders. Every time I sit on a board of review (as I did for two new Eagle... [more]
Posted to Ropes and Poles on December 1st, 2014
With the festive season upon us, I've put together a list of pioneering-related gifts that you might find useful. John Sweet's Scout Pioneering is a classic reference, and there are a few different editions in print. Your best bet is to hunt one... [more]
Posted to U.S. Scouting Service Project on December 1st, 2014
(click Thumbnail) December 2014 Natural Rock Face Climbing Complete with Dirt Cafe Press Items and T he 12th Annual The Cartoon Days of Christmas (TCDC) Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on November 30th, 2014
As you know by reading the blog, I am a fan of gear. I like to play around with gear, test it, try it, and change it often. There are pieces of gear that I love and pieces of gear that I am always looking for the newer, better, more efficient, or... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on November 30th, 2014
During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Each Sunday I'll publish a selection from his writings in the hope that you'll draw inspiration and... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on November 30th, 2014
At the end of the summer myself another leader and a couple of Scouts from my Troop, both Eagle Scouts, took a four hour road trip South to attend our Sections Conclave. It was just another four hours in the car until we started a conversation... [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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