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You Asked...
Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on March 30th, 2015
Jennifer asked: "Do the 6 merit badges for star rank have to be earned while a 1st class scout, or could they have been earned while a tenderfoot or 2nd class scout?" All requirements to earn Star rank need to be started and completed after First... [more]
Podcast 261 â" Avoiding the Troop Program Death Spiral
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on March 30th, 2015
Sounds dramatic? But I got your attention, right? I'll explain what the dreaded troop program death spiral is and help you avoid it as well as answering email questions about Eagle Scout advancement , Advancement policies instituted by a troop, and... [more]
Ask the Scouts
Posted to Scouter Adam on March 30th, 2015
Do you ever ask your Scouts, specifically the PLC how's it going? Do you ever get out of where the Troop meets and call a get together? Well, our Scoutmaster did that this past week. It is Springbreak here in ââ¬Â¦ Continue reading ââ â... [more]
What is a Scout campout?
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on March 30th, 2015
When many people think of "camping" they think of gassing up the RV and loading it up with groceries, beverages, maybe the ATVs, video games and sports gear, and heading to the lake, a KOA or a state park and plugging in for a weekend or a week. To... [more]
B.P.'s Blog â" Shaving-paper Notes
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on March 29th, 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]
Android App Woes
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on March 27th, 2015
Hopefully by the time you read this the new Android version of the ScoutmasterCG app will be available on Google play! Unfortunately the only way to get this fixed was to un-publish the old version and publish a completely new one, so Android users... [more]
Knots Cartoon for March 2015
Posted to U.S. Scouting Service Project on March 27th, 2015
March 2015 Scouts - A Support Group for a Good Problem! Cafe Press Items Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com... [more]
What Is a Pack Meeting?
Posted to Scouter Mom on March 27th, 2015
Tammy sent in this question: What is considered a Pack Meeting? Our pack has monthly pack meetings and also other events for the entire pack, such as family camping, pinewood derby, etc. Do events such as these take the place of the pack meeting... [more]
Scouting for grown-ups
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on March 26th, 2015
Scouting volunteers know that the Scouting program is all about youth. We are here specifically to support and provide a Scouting experience for the Scouts. And while we may have some fun along the way, the program isn't in place just so the adults... [more]
Not Just Canoeing Wild Rivers
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on March 26th, 2015
Reading Canoeing Wild Rivers is like attending a master class in wilderness travel. Cliff Jacobson's 30th anniversary edition of the classic Expedition Canoeing ( now Canoeing Wild Rivers) is required reading for anyone planning or even thinking... [more]
Visiting a Boy Scout Troop
Posted to Scouter Mom on March 26th, 2015
James sent in this question: My son has earned his Webelos badge and is working on AOL . all he has left to do for his AOL is with your Webelos den attend one boy scout troop meeting . The other boys in his den have barely got there Webelos badge... [more]
Philmont Custom Apparel
Posted to Philmont Scout Ranch Youtube Videos on March 25th, 2015
Coming to Philmont this summer? Prepare your crew with your own custom Philmont apparel from Tooth of Time Traders. Order now at http://www.philmontcustom.com or call 575-376-2281... [more]
Emergency Preparedness BSA – Cub Scout Requirements
Posted to Scouter Mom on March 25th, 2015
With the updates to the Cub Scout program, many of the requirements for various awards need to be updated also. These are the new requirements for the Emergency Preparedness BSA award for Cub Scouts. (...) Continue reading the article at... [more]
Emergency Preparedness BSA – Cub Scout Requirements
Posted to Scouter Mom on March 25th, 2015
With the updates to the Cub Scout program, many of the requirements for various awards need to be updated also. These are the new requirements for the Emergency Preparedness BSA award for Cub Scouts. (...) Continue reading the article at... [more]
Expectations
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on March 25th, 2015
Like most units, our Troop has a new Scout Patrol that has started their Scouting adventure in earnest. They crossed over in February, like most Webelos and went on their first camp out with the Troop that following week. The Troop went to Camp... [more]
Scouts can salute "Citizen Perot" and earn a patch
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on March 24th, 2015
Scouts can salute "Citizen Perot" and earn a patch The Caddo Area Council's Scout-O-Rama event coming up in Texarkana, Texas, looks pretty darn cool. For the Scouts, there will be fishing, Dutch oven cooking , push-cart races, zip lines, fireworks... [more]
Eagle Scout Gifts
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on March 24th, 2015
Every so often I am asked for ideas about choosing gifts for Eagle Scouts (gifts for new Eagles Scouts are nice, but they aren't expected as a rule). I believe any Eagle Scout would be pleased to receive any of the gifts listed here. Here's a... [more]
Suburban Chicago Explorer Honored for Saving Girl's Life
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on March 24th, 2015
Suburban #Chicago #Explorer Honored for Saving Girl's Life #hero #heroism #merit #scouting A 16-year-old, Explorer from Elgin, Ill. was honored by the Elgin Police Department with a lifesaving award on March 6. High school sophomore Andrew Wilson... [more]
Scouting Right Away
Posted to Scouter Mom on March 24th, 2015
"A boy on joining wants to begin Scouting right away" ââ¬â Robert Baden-Powell Scouts didn't sign up to be lined up in chairs listening to somebody talk. There is a time and place for instruction, but what the youth are really longing for is... [more]
New Cub Scout Program 2015 Awards
Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on March 23rd, 2015
The requirements for the Cub Scout National Den Award, the National Summertime Pack Award, the World Conservation Award and the Outdoor Activity Award have been updated to reflect the new Cub Scout adventure... [more]
Revised Cub Scout Awards
Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on March 23rd, 2015
The requirements for the Cub Scout National Den Award, the National Summertime Pack Award, the World Conservation Award and the Outdoor Activity Award have been updated to reflect the new Cub Scout adventure... [more]
Scoutmaster Podcast 260 Paperwork!
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on March 23rd, 2015
Scouts and paperwork can be like oil and water! In this week's podcast an update on our 2016 trip to Kandersteg , I'll answer email questions about handling permission slips ( get in touch and tell me how you handle paperwork and deadlines), youth... [more]
Cub Scout Program Updates
Posted to Scouter Mom on March 23rd, 2015
I have been receiving a lot of questions like these lately: Will you be updating your website to reflect the new Cub Scouting requirements that will start on June 1, 2015 ? ideas, etc for the new program? Thanks, Laura Hello. Do you know with the... [more]
Scouts who are not advancing
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on March 23rd, 2015
I got an e-mail from a reader: I'm the advancement coordinator for our troop. Recently I was running the "Scouts Not Advancing" report in Troopmaster and noticed that we have a good number of Scouts who haven't advanced in rank in 18 months or more... [more]
#ArrowTour | 2015 Region Chiefs
Posted to Order of the Arrow Youtube Videos on March 23rd, 2015
Follow the 2015 region chiefs on Twitter! 2015 Western Region Chief Nathan Lee: @OAWestChief 2015 Central Region Chief Joey Dierdorf @OACentralChief 2015 Northeast Region Chief Matt Bell @OANorthChief 2015 Southern Region Chief Alex Leach... [more]
B.P.'s Blog â" The Game of Scouting
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on March 22nd, 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]
Michigan Camp's 'Beast Feast' Teaches Scouts Cooking Skills
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on March 20th, 2015
MIchigan Camp's ââ¬ËBeast Feast' Teaches Scouts Cooking Skills For this meal, you're gonna need a bigger plate. Beast Feast, held every Monday night during summer camp at Cole Canoe Base in Michigan, is billed as the largest outdoor cooking... [more]
Mario Party 10 Game Review
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on March 20th, 2015
Mario Party 10 Game Review #marioparty10 #nintendo #gamereviews Mario Party 10 (Nintendo, Wii U) Gameplay: 8.2 Graphics: 8.2 Sound: 7.8 Replay Value: 8.5 Overall Score: 8.1 Pros: Bowser Party rocks, Use your amiibo, 70 mini games. Cons: Long... [more]
Raft Barrel Lashings
Posted to Ropes and Poles on March 20th, 2015
Kontiki season is picking up here in Southern Africa, with Windhoek, Namibia hosting their event this weekend, and the Western Cape hosting theirs next weekend. The diagram above shows one way of fastening barrels that worked well for my troop ... [more]
Cub Scout Song Book
Posted to Scouter Mom on March 19th, 2015
Amy wrote me and asked me if I would post a Cub Scout song book she made to fill a ticket for her Woodbadge course. My answer was yes! Her song book is below. It contains a lot of classics your pack will enjoy singing also.(...) Continue reading... [more]
What kind of a leader are you?
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on March 19th, 2015
With the renewed emphasis on leadership ââ¬â something Scouting has always produced as a by-product of our program ââ¬â we're compelled to examine just what we mean by leadership. It's been said that leadership is all about getting results... [more]
Issue 437 â" March 18, 2015
Posted to Ask Andy on March 18th, 2015
________________________________________ Here's a letter I received from Paul Wolf, the USSSP.ORG's resident guru on advancement requirements⦠Hi Andy â In your column last week (No. 436 â March 10, 2015), one of your readers asked, "Is there a... [more]
Folding flags for Special Forces
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on March 18th, 2015
Kansas Boy Scout Devin Prock is a proud American who wants to join the military someday and already has a tremendous amount of respect for the American flag. Collecting flags, folding them and sending them overseas to members of our Special Forces... [more]
Down & Derby Movie Review
Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on March 17th, 2015
If you're looking for a fun, family-friendly movie, check out Down and... [more]
Training or Developing Youth Leaders
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on March 17th, 2015
I taught my step-son to drive from the passenger seat of a beat-up, old, standard transmission Honda Civic. I am pretty sure the best way to learn how to start from a stop with a clutch is sitting behind the wheel, feeling the clutch engage,... [more]
Podcast 259 â" Socratic Scouting
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on March 16th, 2015
Can a Scoutmaster save their brains by using their ears? Baden-Powell thought so! In this podcast we'll explain and discuss the art of Socratic Scouting. I'll also answer email questions about merit badge blue cards (there's always a question about... [more]
Why do people attend meetings?
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on March 16th, 2015
If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be ââ¬Ëmeetings.' The humorist Dave Barry pretty much had his finger on the pulse of things with that... [more]
B.P.'s Blog â" Listen
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on March 15th, 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]
The Fleur de Lis and Scouting
Posted to Scouter Mom on March 13th, 2015
Monica sent in this question: Hi, We have our blue and gold coming up in a few weeks. Most boys are earning their Arrow of light but we have one boy who is only crossing over and one boy who is ending his scout career this year and not joining a... [more]
Find a Map
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on March 12th, 2015
Watching an old episode of Bonanza the other day and as with most of the stories, the guys with the white hats typically come out on top while the bad guys in their black hats seem to have the opportunity to listen to Mr. Cartwright give them a... [more]
The law of attraction
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on March 12th, 2015
I was watching the birds fly around in my back yard the other morning. Among others, we have a pair of cardinals who have returned for the last couple years. Here's a picture my wife took as they relaxed in our magnolia tree. I'm not absolutely sure... [more]
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on March 11th, 2015
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire gametips #pokemon #videogames #tips Do you have any tips for Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire? Games Guru: When choosing your Pokémon party (the Pokémon you take with you in the field), make sure you have... [more]
Summit Award Requirements
Posted to Scouter Mom on March 11th, 2015
The Summit award is the highest award a Venturer can earn. This award emphasizes leadership, mentoring, planning, and service. Venturers complete the Pathfinder award first, and then move on to this award. The Summit award requirements are shown... [more]
Summit Award Requirements
Posted to Scouter Mom on March 11th, 2015
The Summit award is the highest award a Venturer can earn. This award emphasizes leadership, mentoring, planning, and service. Venturers complete the Pathfinder award first, and then move on to this award. The Summit award requirements are shown... [more]
Hitting the target
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on March 11th, 2015
Over the past two weeks we have had a wonderful Scouting experience learning about the fantastic people that we have in Scouting. Our Council Court of Honor was held a few weeks back honoring those that received their Silver Beaver award this... [more]
New Cub Scout Program 2015: FAQs
Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on March 10th, 2015
June 1st is quickly approaching, so I'm sure you're all getting excited about the new Cub Scout adventure program. I know I am! There are so many fun activities for the boys to do. But even if you're excited, you may have questions and concerns. ... [more]
Special Needs Scouting Resources
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on March 10th, 2015
Tony Mei, chairman of the National Disabilities Awareness Committee, got in touch to share a variety of resources for special needs Scouts. Every unit leader ought to take the time to read The Guide to Working With Scouts With Special Needs and... [more]
Scout Sweeps
Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on March 10th, 2015
Are folks in your community tired of wreaths, mulch, and bulbs? Your troop could be one of eight that receive a big fundraising starter kit from Country Meats via Scouting Magazine's sweepstakes through the end of April. It's no secret that I love... [more]
Catching Up Cub Scouts
Posted to Scouter Mom on March 10th, 2015
Jay sent in this question I am currently the Bear Den leader, and have had four boys most of the year and they have all earned their Bear Rank. This past week I was lucky enough to have two more boys join our Den. How would you go about getting the... [more]
Issue 436 â" March 10, 2015
Posted to Ask Andy on March 10th, 2015
________________________________________ Dear Andy, I have all the original "See-N-Do" series of slides from the 70s, but I don't have the script to go with them. I'd like to make a PowerPoint presentation out of these and add a narration. Would... [more]
Podcast 258 â" Scouting's Most Important Volunteers
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on March 9th, 2015
Is it the Council President, commissioner, or Scoutmaster? Nope, listen to find out which volunteers Scouting can't do without, and to answers to email questions about a new Scoutmaster , Scouts who won't lead , and new Scout patrols . LINKS... [more]
Den Job Chart
Posted to Scouter Mom on March 9th, 2015
Cub Scouts love to help out at den meetings! A den job chart will help you spread the jobs around and keep track of which den members have already been assigned specific jobs. Your Cub Scouts will want an opportunity to do each job. Ideally each... [more]
Put me in, Coach!
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on March 9th, 2015
Spring has sprung, or is in the process of springing, in much of the country, and with it comes the national pastime. Major leaguers have been warming up in sun country for a couple weeks, and our young people are dusting off their spikes and... [more]
B.P.'s Blog â" Standardization of Badges
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on March 8th, 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]
Baloo's Bugle: Volume 21 Issue 08 - March 2015 April 2015 Core Value - Faith | Soaring the Skies
Posted to U.S. Scouting Service Project on March 5th, 2015
Baloo's Bugle: Volume 21 Issue 08 - March 2015 April 2015 Core Value - Faith | Soaring the Skies Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com... [more]
Our job is to enable success
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on March 5th, 2015
I doubt there's anyone who hasn't felt frustration at how poorly or inefficiently our Scouts go about doing tasks at one point or another. We all know how to set up a tent ââ¬â and could beat almost any Scout in a competition ââ¬â how to cook... [more]
10 funny St. Patrick's Day jokes
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on March 4th, 2015
10 funny St. Patrick's Day jokes by Boys' Life readers Even if you remember to wear green on March 17, you'll still get a "pinch" of humor with these funny St. Patrick's Day jokes submitted by Boys' Life readers. Tom: What do you get when you cross... [more]
Pathfinder Award Requirements
Posted to Scouter Mom on March 4th, 2015
The Pathfinder award is the third level award in the newly remodeled award system for Venturers. This award emphasizes leadership, responsibility, planning, goal development, and training. Venturers complete the Discovery award first, and then move... [more]
Pathfinder Award Requirements
Posted to Scouter Mom on March 4th, 2015
The Pathfinder award is the third level award in the newly remodeled award system for Venturers. This award emphasizes leadership, responsibility, planning, goal development, and training. Venturers complete the Discovery award first, and then move... [more]
Photo of the Week: Stripes In Season
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on March 4th, 2015
Photo of the Week: Stripes In Season... [more]
Signs, Signals, and Codes Merit Badge
Posted to Scouter Mom on March 3rd, 2015
The Signs, Signals, and Codes merit badge is a new merit badge for Boy Scouts. This merit badge encourages Boy Scouts to explore different methods of communication, including Morse code, semaphore, braille, and cryptography. I think this badge... [more]
Signs, Signals, and Codes Merit Badge
Posted to Scouter Mom on March 3rd, 2015
The Signs, Signals, and Codes merit badge is a new merit badge for Boy Scouts. This merit badge encourages Boy Scouts to explore different methods of communication, including Morse code, semaphore, braille, and cryptography. I think this badge... [more]
Issue 435 â" March 3, 2015
Posted to Ask Andy on March 3rd, 2015
________________________________________ Dear Andy, While at the Philmont Training Center for a week-long session on advancement a few years ago-which overall was very good-we spent part of one day talking about getting a new Scout to First Class... [more]
Bedwetting and Scouts
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on March 3rd, 2015
Every so often I hear from a Scouter or parent about a Scout who has a problem with bedwetting. It goes without saying that I am not a medical expert, but I did a little research and several sources agree an estimated 3.75 -5.25 million boys (and... [more]
Write a funny caption for this video
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on March 3rd, 2015
Write a funny caption for this video! We'll print the funniest ones in the June 2015 issue of Boys' Life. Boys' Life photography editor W. Garth Dowling shot this funny video while working on a story about Eagle Scout and sled dog racer Matt... [more]
Podcast 257- Who Leads Who?
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on March 2nd, 2015
ââ¬Â¦ if we have youth leading Scouts who do we lead? Find out who the Scoutmaster leads and directs in this podcast as well as answers to questions about merit badges , Webelos wearing sashes, and adult supervision of patrol meetings or... [more]
Secret Codes
Posted to Scouter Mom on March 2nd, 2015
Having a secret code can be fun. There are several simple methods of coding communication so that only those who know the "secret" know what is being said. You can make a game out of these secret codes. Start using the code to communicate. When the... [more]
Food Safety Practices for Outdoor Cooking
Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on March 2nd, 2015
Help your Webelos learn about food safety while cooking... [more]
Webelos program changes
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on March 2nd, 2015
In our continuing series on changes coming this year to the Cub Scout program, this month I'll preview the Webelos changes along with some pointers on how to do some advance preparation for some of the Adventures. As always, be sure to consult the... [more]
Gear Tweekin'
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on March 2nd, 2015
Today we took advantage of a nice sunny day to get some gear tweekin' in. Part of our addiction to camping gear is first recognizing that I have this addiction and second that I need to get out and play with it. So Greg, Scott, Wade (all... [more]
B.P.'s Blog â" Scouting Spirit
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on March 1st, 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]
Quest for Fire
Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on March 1st, 2015
There's a scene in the old 1981 movie "Quest for Fire" where the lead character was shown how to make fire by another clan. Until that moment, fire could only be found in nature or stolen from others so it was fiercely guarded and nurtured. Being... [more]
Want to see more Scouting blogs? Why not check out the main page with the recent Scouting blog posts? Or maybe check out some of the most popular recent blog posts? This page is getting pretty old, so if it's getting a bit dusty just let me know. ;)