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Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on January 30th, 2015
Most people are quite happy to never have to visit a police station. Seeing one on a television show is just fine with them. The Boy Scouts of Troop 68 think a little differently. They were happy to pay a visit to the local station. The Boy Scouts... [more]
Posted to Scouting News on January 30th, 2015
Now here is a video that will put a smile on your face! Published by Larry Green from over at www.scoutpioneering.com this is a collection of photos illustrating some features of the Boy Scouts of America's multifaceted Program, set to the Music,... [more]
Posted to Scouting News on January 30th, 2015
Now here is a video that will put a smile on your face! Published by Larry Green from over at www.scoutpioneering.com this is a collection of photos illustrating some features of the Boy Scouts of America's multifaceted Program, set to the Music,... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on January 30th, 2015
Snowmageddon 2015 may not have been all it was expected to be, but that doesn't mean there aren't people who need help. Time to send in the Boy Scouts. Across the Northeast, Scouts are digging out fire hydrants , shoveling driveways and sidewalks ,... [more]
Posted to Scouting Rediscovered on January 30th, 2015
In July, 1924, tragedy struck America's first family. President Coolidge and Boy Scouts Calvin Jr., the son of President Calvin Coolidge, died suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 16 from blood poisoning. Coolidge was devastated, and the whole... [more]
Posted to Scouting Rediscovered on January 30th, 2015
In July, 1924, tragedy struck America's first family. President Coolidge and Boy Scouts Calvin Jr., the son of President Calvin Coolidge, died suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 16 from blood poisoning. Coolidge was devastated, and the whole... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on January 29th, 2015
1. Promote Ownership If youth leadership is actually responsible for the running the program, (meetings, outings, the whole megillah), they must have sense of ownership. Without ownership they will not have a sense of responsibility. 2. Praise... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on January 29th, 2015
Autistic Scout's message: "You are not alone" Michael Whary is a 16-year-old Boy Scout from Ohio who also happens to be autistic. For his Eagle project, he created a video that looks like it came straight from the heart: a message to others who... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on January 28th, 2015
It's Klondike derby season; have you had yours? Klondike derbies are great. You get to have fun in the snow by also learning and practicing essential Scout skills, and you get to compete against your friends and talk all kinds of smack if you win... [more]
Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on January 28th, 2015
Need a quick and easy Cub Scout skit? Check these... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on January 28th, 2015
A few fun things to do in MN when it gets really cold. Don't you wish you were here instead of on that silly vacation to FL, Mexico, or wherever you went?... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on January 28th, 2015
"The Movement has already, in the comparatively short period of its existence, established itself onto a wide and so strong a footing as to show most encouraging promise of what may be possible to it in the coming years. Its aim is to produce... [more]
Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on January 27th, 2015
Play this fun game to help your Cub Scouts learn what to do in severe weather situations that might occur while you're... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on January 27th, 2015
Get a PDF version of this infographic below. I've written extensively about developing youth leadership but this article focuses on how our youth leaders are selected. Before we delve into specifics let's agree that there's a danger of losing the... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on January 27th, 2015
When a Scout takes on a position of responsibility ââ¬Â¦ ââ¬Â¦ we'll discuss and agree on a set of shared expectations, and begin what will be an open dialog for their tenure in that position. Reconciling what a Scout did or did not do before a... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on January 26th, 2015
What do you think? In this week's podcast I'll answer email questions about anxious Scouts, liability insurance , cell phones and whether we should be using merit badge books or unofficial work sheets and workbooks. The Big Three Resources every... [more]
Posted to Scouter Mom on January 26th, 2015
Mark sent in this question: I wanted to get an idea of how other Cub Scout packs handle Blue & Gold/AOL/Crossover events. Traditionally, our pack has held this entire event on one night with a dinner, cake decorating, and mainly used it to... [more]
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on January 26th, 2015
Time now for a couple more questions from readers. Social Security numbers in troop records From a troop committee chair: Troopmaster has a place in the adult records for a leader's social security number. Should we be recording the SSNs of our... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on January 26th, 2015
This weekend I took to the mountain for the 4th Annual Yeti Winter Hang with the Cascade Hangers. It is a great Hammock hanging event where we talk gear, hang out, and have a lot of fun. Clearly a non Scouting event, but the gear, the camping, and... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on January 25th, 2015
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 Cub Scout Ideas on January 24th, 2015
Practice scenarios to keep your child safe. This is a required Wolf Cub Scout... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on January 23rd, 2015
Skylanders Trap Team: Midnight Museum â Dark Element Expansion Pack review SKYLANDERS TRAP TEAM: MIDNIGHT MUSEUM DARK ELEMENT Gameplay: 7.5 Graphics: 8.9 Sound: 8.5 Replay Value: 5.5 Overall Score: 8.0 Pros: Knight Mare is very cool; creepy,... [more]
Posted to Summit Blog on January 22nd, 2015
We are excited to present our special springtime promotional offer! When your qualifying crew signs up for the 2015 Paul R. Chris ten High Adventure Base seasonââ¬Â¦each crew member will get a FREE Summit shirt!!! How cool is that?!?! Not only... [more]
Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on January 22nd, 2015
Play this version of the Germ Magnet game to teach Cub Scouts how important proper handwashing... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on January 22nd, 2015
Make a bottle-cap disc-golf game With a tin can and paper clips, make a mini disc-golf basket. Toss bottle caps into the basket to score points! What You'll Need: 28- to 32-ounce tin can Can opener Ruler Fine-tipped marker Tin snips Work gloves... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on January 22nd, 2015
Take a look at naturally glowing plants and animals Scientifically speaking, bioluminescence - the giving off of light from a living organism - is a reaction caused from combinations of chemicals. But it's so much more: It's a wild light show in... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on January 22nd, 2015
Many of the athletes on the swim team at Gig Harbor High School in Washington state have one thing in common: They're either Eagle Scouts, or on their way to becoming Eagle Scouts. This year, eight swimmers are either Eagle Scouts, or on their way... [more]
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on January 22nd, 2015
How does your troop program planning go? Some troops take last year's calendar and just copy it, doing the same things each month. Others get together, rack their brains to think of new things to do but generally keep some key activities from year... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on January 22nd, 2015
Andy Gao, a Boy Scout from Freehold Township, New Jersey, is good with computers. So it makes perfect sense that, for his Eagle Scout project, he built six computers for a local community center. "Students are required to use technology, such as... [more]
Posted to Philmont Scout Ranch Youtube Videos on January 22nd, 2015
No matter how much time you've spent at Philmont, you probably haven't seen it from these unique perspectives. All footage was shot with the DJI Inspire 1... [more]
Posted to Scouter Adam on January 21st, 2015
Our Council has a singular program for Training the Board Chairs for Eagle Scout Boards of Review and Sea Scouts Quartermaster Boards of Review. I do not believe that other Councils have this type of program. I first wrote about ââ¬Â¦ Continue... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on January 21st, 2015
I am the assistant Scribe for Wood Badge Course W1-492-15. This is my third time staffing Wood Badge and I am super excited to once again have the opportunity to help the participants get the very most out of their Wood Badge experience. Our... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on January 21st, 2015
Last night at our Patrol Leaders Council meeting we discussed the most recent camp out, or I should say camp out attempt. To recap, the weather got real bad, gear got wet, we assessed the risk and bailed outââ¬Â¦in a nut shell. Part of each PLC... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on January 20th, 2015
A 15-year-old Boy Scout from Louisa, Virginia, didn't like the idea of bugs messing with his fruits and vegetables. So he's unleashing some bats. Andrew Morris is working with the local parks and rec department to install bat houses at six... [more]
Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on January 20th, 2015
Building a birdhouse is such a great opportunity for our all of our boys. They learn about taking something simple, such as wood, and turning it into something useful. They learn about using tools safely. And they learn about helping other... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on January 20th, 2015
Mölkky (pronounced mulkey) is a Finnish game reminiscent of kyykkä, a centuries-old form of skittles. Mölkky is easy to learn, and can be played indoors or out. The pins and throwing stick for mölkky can be made from tree limbs or sticks... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on January 19th, 2015
Once you become a Scouter, what's next? What five things can you do to make the best of your opportunity as a Scouter? Whether you are just starting out, or have been around for awhile, let's get the new year off on the right foot by thinking about... [more]
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on January 19th, 2015
Former president Bill Clinton has acquired the title of "Explainer-in-Chief" recently, for his talks and speeches clarifying the current administration's actions and policies. Mr. Clinton has the ability to relate complex subjects in a manner that... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on January 19th, 2015
Over the years I have various discussions as to why we salute in Scouting. The question or discussion typically stems from a misunderstanding of what the salute means. Many of the discussions try to compare the Boy Scouts with the Military. This... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on January 18th, 2015
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 January 18th, 2015
"The better part of valor is discretion, in the which better part I have sav'd my life." ââ¬â Falstaff in the Henry IV, William Shakespeare. It is not often that we get placed in situations in Scouting that call for serious decisions to be made,... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on January 18th, 2015
Not surprisingly, a Scout saving someone's life isn't all that rare . Still, it's nice to see one of our own recognized outside of the nurturing biosphere of Scouting. Emery Benson, a Scout from Maryville, Tennessee, was recently featured on The... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on January 17th, 2015
Food pantries exist to help those who aren't fortunate enough to know where their next meal will come from. But who helps the food pantries? Pete Kivela, a Boy Scout from New Milford, Connecticut, recently earned his Eagle rank in part because... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on January 16th, 2015
For more than 35 years, the Parents' Choice Foundation has been helping parents find quality products for their kids. And for the third consecutive year, Boys' Life has earned a coveted Parents' Choice Approved Award . What does this mean? Quite... [more]
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on January 15th, 2015
Waiting at the mall for a table at a restaurant last week, I saw a young boy, probably three years old, spot a piece of paper on the floor. Very matter-of-factly, he walked over and picked up the paper. He was already headed toward the trash can... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on January 14th, 2015
More commemorative America the Beautiful Quarters are on the way. Since 2010, five new quarters per year have been released in the order that each national site was established. In 2015, the U.S. Mint will introduce quarters for Homestead National... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on January 14th, 2015
As a Scout Leader we rely on the methods to achieve the goals of Scouting, Citizenship, Character, and Fitness. The methods are an important part of the process to reach our youth and move them towards being good adults. "The Boy Scouts of America... [more]
Posted to Ask Andy on January 13th, 2015
________________________________________ Dear Andy, A Life Scout in my troop informed me last week that his Eagle project was complete and that he'd like to have a Scoutmaster conference with me. While I was aware that the project was in the works,... [more]
Posted to U.S. Scouting Service Project on January 13th, 2015
February 2015 KNOTS Caption Contest! 3 Ways to Enter: KNOTS BLOG | Facebook Page | Email 1) Contest runs until January 28th, 2015 2) Enter your captions and theme or title ideas 3) Enter as many times as you like 4) Name and email are required... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on January 13th, 2015
Asking "what is an Eagle Scout?" sparks interesting conversations among Scouters. This question got me wrapped around my own axle for a few years; but not anymore. Conversations about Eagle Scout commonly unfold like an operatic libretto. The... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on January 12th, 2015
This questions starts some pretty dramatic conversations! In this week's podcast I'll explain my answer to the question ââ¬ËWhat is an Eagle Scout?' in Scoutmastership in Seven Minutes or Less and answer two email questions about Eagle... [more]
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on January 12th, 2015
The game of Scouting that we play is indeed a game. We hope that our boys are having fun, and one of the best ways to have fun is to play a game. William "Green Bar Bill" Hillcourt was the first to describe Scouting as a game with a purpose. Most... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on January 11th, 2015
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 January 10th, 2015
The start of treatment for a person going into Hypothermia is the Hypo Wrap. Hypothermia is an extremely dangerous condition where the victim or casualty's core body temperature drops below 95 degrees (F). The persons condition can deteriorate... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on January 9th, 2015
The BSA programs are changing . Some have already happened, some are happening now, and some are still to come. Since you're part of Scouting, you probably have some opinions, one way or the other. Here's your chance to make them heard - by signing... [more]
Posted to Scout Wire on January 8th, 2015
Click to open the January issue The January issue of the Learning for Life newsletter has been published and is now available online. In this issue, you can read more about Distinguished Council Award due dates, 2015 Growth Kits, 2015 Law... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on January 8th, 2015
Jake Pritchard, an 11-year-old Cub Scout from Fair Oaks, California, didn't panic when his dad fell and seriously injured his head during a rappelling trip to Putah Creek State Wildlife Area. Instead, the boy kept calm and called 911, and now his... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on January 8th, 2015
The Philmont dining fly or crew tarp is a 12ââ¬Â² by 12ââ¬Â² nylon tarp rigged for simple, easy setup. Hiking sticks or trekking poles can be used as poles, eight stakes and three paracord lines are all else that's required. A 40ââ¬Â²... [more]
Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on January 8th, 2015
The best bird identification guide for Cub Scouts whose leaders aren't bird... [more]
Posted to Scout Wire on January 8th, 2015
A new Cub Scouting program is launching June 1, 2015, that will be more fun and exciting for boys, and easier to implement for unit leaders. To ensure you are ready to make the transition, a series of webcasts will be hosted on January 17 to... [more]
Posted to Scout Wire on January 7th, 2015
As part of the Order of the Arrow's centennial anniversary, the Centurion Award has been made available for local lodges to submit nominations. The Centurion Award aims to highlight "Hometown Heroes," or Arrowmen who have meaningfully contributed... [more]
Posted to Scout Wire on January 7th, 2015
To provide the best programs for our members, the Testing and Evaluation Team conducts surveys from time to time to learn their opinions on various Scouting issues. Please encourage your youth members (14 years of age or older), volunteers, Boy... [more]
Posted to Scouter Mom on January 7th, 2015
This printable checkoff sheet for the Signs, Signals, and Codes to keep track of your patrol's progress. (...) Continue reading the article at http://scoutermom.com/16617/signs-signals-codes-merit-badge-boy-scouts-checkoff-sheet/... [more]
Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on January 7th, 2015
Here are some ways to conduct the 1-foot hike for the Tiger Cub Scout required adventure, Backyard... [more]
Posted to Ask Andy on January 7th, 2015
________________________________________ Happy New Year Andy, As a regular reader, I've been able to serve as a more effective commissioner. I got a "paycheck" last night that I want to share with you. It was at an Eagle court of honor for a Scout... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on January 7th, 2015
Ok.. you have had a few days to look over and answer your 20 Questions . I honestly hope that you took some time to answer the questions for yourself. It is said that the average New Years resolution lasts 9 days. Then we as a society just give... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on January 6th, 2015
Help a Philmont mini-bear find food as it leaps from tree to tree in BL's newest game! Help one of Philmont Scout Ranch's infamous mini-bears gather food as it leaps from tree to tree in the Philmont Mini-Bear Dash... [more]
Posted to Scout Wire on January 6th, 2015
Now that 2015 is upon us, the Performance Management Department is providing various demographic data specific to each council. Two files are available for download from MyBSA: The Demographic and Income Profile provides information about the... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on January 6th, 2015
If you're a member of the Eagle Patrol of Troop 9226 in Afton, Minnesota, then you've accomplished a lot in your Scouting career. All seven boys in the Eagle Patrol joined Scouting together as Cub Scouts in elementary school, and now, all seven are... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on January 6th, 2015
Minecraft-themed pinewood derby cars are super popular this year. In pinewood derbies across the country, Cub Scouts are racing Steve, Enderman and Creeper cars inspired by the Minecraft video game. Take a look at these awesome Minecraft pinewood... [more]
Posted to Scout Wire on January 6th, 2015
A Commissioner Training Conference will be held at the Florida Sea Base from January 18-23. This conference is designed to provide an open forum for sharing best practices and current ideas for commissioners at all levels of the BSA. Whether you... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on January 6th, 2015
Most of you will have read the series "A New Scoutmaster" I started publishing this fall ( here's the first chapter ). Because of the overwhelmingly positive response I expanded the story past the original twelve chapters, edited, expanded what I... [more]
Posted to Scout Wire on January 6th, 2015
The Fiscal Management I course is designed to give council staff and volunteers a greater understanding of the fiscal management and administrative processes of a local council. The greatest benefits from this course occur when the Scout executive... [more]
Posted to U.S. Scouting Service Project on January 6th, 2015
January 2015 Winter Camp Scout Leader First Aid Cafe Press Items Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com... [more]
Posted to Scout Wire on January 5th, 2015
Interested in the Learning for Life and Exploring certifications? Professionals of all tenures and titles can choose to attend one or both of the Exploring and Learning for Life Curriculum Based certification courses offered throughout the country... [more]
Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on January 5th, 2015
Mark your calendar for the upcoming webcasts with all the latest details about the new Cub Scout... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on January 5th, 2015
So Far, So Good! Lot's of catching up to do! It's nice to be back after a two week hiatus! In this podcast I'll tell you about my new book, So Far, So Good! and answer email questions about how to keep a vision for all age divisions of Scouting,... [more]
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on January 5th, 2015
Goats in a tree? Write a funny caption for this photo! What's going on in this picture? What are those goats doing in that tree and what are they thinking? If you can think of a funny caption for this photo, just post it in the comment form at... [more]
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on January 5th, 2015
Last month we presented an article on the changes coming later this year to the Tiger program in Cub Scouting. We'll continue with an overview of changes to the next level, the Wolf program. As I mentioned previously, the website Cub Scout Ideas,... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on January 4th, 2015
"You can judge a man by the company he keeps"-Euripides Guilty as charged. The company we keep, tan shirts, dedicated to being good Citizens, men of Character, and Fit. I have heard this saying all my life. You are judged, as unpopular an opinion... [more]
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on January 4th, 2015
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 Bobwhite's Blather on January 2nd, 2015
The end of 2014 brings with it a new resource for the often "hidden" Scouter ââ¬â merit badge counselors. MBCs tend to escape our notice sometimes because many are not regular Scouters. There's no requirement that a MBC be registered in a unit... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on January 1st, 2015
picture from adorepics.com So lets start the New Year off rightââ¬Â¦ looking back and learning from the past and setting goals for a better future. Knowing who you are and where you want to go. Setting a vision for the new year and seeing it to... [more]
Posted to Scouter Adam on January 1st, 2015
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2014 annual report for this blog. Here's an excerpt: The concert hall at the Sydney Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 19,000 times in 2014. If it were a ââ¬Â¦ Continue... [more]
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on January 1st, 2015
Well, here we are. The closing of the curtain of one year, the opening of another allowing us to move on to the next. It has been a great year for the Schleining's. We count ourselves as blessed. Looking back at the year that we fondly take a... [more]
Posted to Ask Andy on December 31st, 2014
________________________________________ Dear Andy, I'm the Chartered Organization Representative and Committee Chair for our troop. I'm looking for the best way to communicate with the troop, the parents, and the troop committee. We have... [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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