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Stuff We Like: Jetboil MiniMo When it's time for a quick...
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on April 29th, 2015
Stuff We Like: Jetboil MiniMo When it's time for a quick boil in camp, our JetBoil system has never failed us. That's why we're excited for the new-for-2015â¦... [more]
Did bug spray melt my watch? Q. Dear Gear Guy, I got bug spray...
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on April 29th, 2015
Did bug spray melt my watch? Q. Dear Gear Guy, I got bug spray all over the face of my watch. It is waterproof, so the watch still works, but there is a dirty residue on the face of the watch... [more]
A Troop Revolution
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on April 28th, 2015
Vilhelm Hans Bjerregaard Jensen was a Danish Scout who became a Scoutmaster during the early years of the Scouting Movement . He decided to see something of Scouting around the world, worked his way through Europe and England, arrived in the United... [more]
Issue 441 â" April 28, 2015
Posted to Ask Andy on April 28th, 2015
________________________________________ Dear Andy, The last requirement for the Mile Swim patch reads as follows: "Swim 1 mile over a measured course that has been approved by the trained instructor who will supervise the swim." Can you please... [more]
Illinois Scouts make annual Grant pilgrimage
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on April 27th, 2015
Illinois Scouts make annual Grant pilgrimage For more than 60 years, Scouts from Illinois and surrounding states have gathered in Galena, Illinois, for the Blackhawk Area Council's U.S. Grant Pilgrimage , a weekend full of Scouting activities with... [more]
Podcast 265 â" Scouting Source Code 2
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on April 27th, 2015
Who was the voice of Scouting? How did a Danish Scout become the voice of Scouting in the United States? He knew the source code! What must we have to have to call what we do "Scouting"? This podcast is the second installment of a great story that... [more]
Arrow of Light changes
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on April 27th, 2015
Wrapping up our series on the upcoming changes to the Cub Scout program, this time we'll discuss what is changing with the requirements for the Arrow of Light award. Although these changes take effect on June 1 of this year, bear in mind that... [more]
B-P's Blog â" Camping
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on April 26th, 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]
Updated Museum Display
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on April 25th, 2015
The president of the Melrose Area History Museum and I met at the museum this morning to set up my shelf display and Scouting coffee mugs. We both thought this would be a quick process but the cabinet had other ideas. In order to place the shelves... [more]
Scouting Mug Museum Display
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on April 25th, 2015
I have collected a lot of Scouting memoribilia during my 35 years as an adult leader in Scouting. I have hundreds of patches, dozens of handbooks, a large tote of 2001 National Jamboree souvenirs, and enough coffee mugs to go over two months... [more]
Service project idea: removing invasive plants
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on April 24th, 2015
Service project idea: removing invasive plants Sometimes pulling weeds is about more than making an area look pretty. It's about saving it. Invasive species of plants make up 70 percent of the overall invasive population in National Park lands... [more]
Gather some branches
Posted to Boys' Life Magazine Pinterest on April 24th, 2015
Gather some branches, make a simple frame and create this handy clothes rack... [more]
Build the strength a
Posted to Boys' Life Magazine Pinterest on April 24th, 2015
Build the strength and endurance to take part in all your adventures with homemade fitness equipment... [more]
With a tin can and p
Posted to Boys' Life Magazine Pinterest on April 24th, 2015
With a tin can and paper clips, make a mini disc-golf basket... [more]
DIY Wooden blinds.
Posted to Boys' Life Magazine Pinterest on April 24th, 2015
DIY Wooden blinds... [more]
Build a Bee House. T
Posted to Boys' Life Magazine Pinterest on April 24th, 2015
Build a Bee House. This shelter provides solitary bees with a warm, dry place to nest... [more]
Build a Scout Law La
Posted to Boys' Life Magazine Pinterest on April 24th, 2015
Build a Scout Law Ladder. This folding Scout Law ladder can be displayed at meetings, outings or any other Scouting events... [more]
Badges⦠we don't need no stinking Badgesâ¦
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on April 24th, 2015
While it is true that we don't need no stinking badgesââ¬Â¦ We do have a need for patches and lots of them. If you follow me on Facebook, you may have noticed that I am in a patch phase. Well truth be told, I have been a patch guy for a long... [more]
Guide to Advancement updated
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on April 23rd, 2015
The BSA's Advancement Team has completed its biennial review and revision of the Guide to Advancement. The complete document can be downloaded here. As usual, there are several significant changes and clarifications, and most of the changes pertain... [more]
Build a Scout Law ladder
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on April 23rd, 2015
This folding Scout Law ladder can be displayed at meetings, outings or any other Scouting events. What You'll Need A wooden ladder about 7? or 8? tall 13 wooden boards Saw Paint for each board and the ladder Paint, tape, sticks, stencils, letters... [more]
The Lions Volunteer Dinner
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on April 23rd, 2015
Every year the Melrose Lions Club invites folks from the various volunteer organizations in town to a special meal to be recognized for all the work they do during the year for the community. This includes members of our volunteer fire and... [more]
Eagle Scout project idea: Clean up a creek!
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on April 22nd, 2015
Eagle Scout project idea: Clean up a creek! It seems pretty clear that aspiring Eagle Scout Parker Nasman isn't afraid of a little hard work. For his Eagle project, the Florida Boy Scout is aiming to clean up a local waterway that has become so... [more]
Scouts at Global Citizen 2015 Earth Day
Posted to Boy Scouts of America Youtube Videos on April 22nd, 2015
Representatives from the World Organization of the Scouting Movement and Boy Scouts of America spoke during the Global Citizen 2015 Earth Day... [more]
Mountaineer Weeken | 19 Adventures over 2 days
Posted to The Bechtel Summit Youtube Videos on April 22nd, 2015
Get a taste of the adventure and action sports opportunities available at The Summit Bechtel Reserve. The Mountaineer Weekend program gives you access to all venues in the Scott Summit Center. This area is a microcosm of the Summit with sample... [more]
Court of Honor Ceremony
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on April 22nd, 2015
This is one plan for a court of honor we've used in my troop for many years based on a few simple rules of thumb; Brief, formal, yet meaningful ââ¬â Depending on the number of awards and presentations this court of honor should take no more... [more]
2014 Kanwa tho Lodge Fall Conclave
Posted to Order of the Arrow Youtube Videos on April 21st, 2015
Kanwa tho Lodge held its Fall Conclave from September 5-7, 2014. Throughout the event, there were many activities including service projects in the morning & afternoon, an Arrow Fair event, and lodge elections. The event was held at Indian Mound... [more]
What is Wilderness First Aid Training?
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on April 21st, 2015
What is Wilderness First Aid? Wilderness First Aid expands on basic first aid training with advanced emergency management and assessment techniques. During a Wilderness First Aid course Scouters and youth members over age 14 learn how to assess,... [more]
Boy Scout installing flagpoles for wounded veterans
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on April 21st, 2015
Boy Scout installing flagpoles for wounded veterans Thomas O'Gorman, a Scout from Troop 271 in Harker Heights, Texas, has come up with a great idea for an Eagle Scout project. Harker wanted to bring a special kind of recognition to veterans in his... [more]
How to Host a Cub Scout Geocaching Event
Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on April 20th, 2015
Great resource for planning and hosting a geocaching event for your Cub Scout den or... [more]
Illinois Scouts help clean up after another tornado
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on April 20th, 2015
Illinois Scouts help clean up after another tornado In the November 2014 issue of Boys' Life , we told you about several Illinois Boy Scout troops that participated in an event they called Service-O-Ree. The Scouts traveled a short distance across... [more]
Podcast 265 â" Scouting Source Code Part 1
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on April 20th, 2015
This story really explains it allââ¬Â¦ .. told by a man who ought to know Scouting if anyone does! What must we have to have to call what we do "Scouting"? Must we have an organization? If we understand how Scouting started a century ago we can... [more]
Podcast 264 â" Scouting Source Code Part 1
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on April 20th, 2015
This story really explains it allââ¬Â¦ .. told by a man who ought to know Scouting if anyone does! What must we have to have to call what we do "Scouting"? Must we have an organization? If we understand how Scouting started a century ago we can... [more]
Is Roundtable that important?
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on April 20th, 2015
Do you attend your district Roundtable? When I was first recruited to be a den leader, our Cubmaster told me that, besides basic leader training, I needed to attend Roundtable each month. I viewed it as part of my commitment to the boys in my den,... [more]
Scouting time
Posted to Scouter Adam on April 20th, 2015
The past two weekend were good weekends for the Troop and Scouts. The first was our Pre-Camporee outing. It was my second time with the Troop and it was good. We were back at Camp Lewis which our Council owns. ââ¬Â¦ Continue reading ââ â... [more]
Scouting time
Posted to Scouter Adam on April 20th, 2015
The past two weekend were good weekends for the Troop and Scouts. The first was our Pre-Camporee outing. It was my second time with the Troop and it was good. We were back at Camp Lewis which our Council owns. It is a good location since it is... [more]
B-P's Blog â" Acting
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on April 19th, 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]
Follower
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on April 19th, 2015
Its never late to learn, you are never to old to figure things outââ¬Â¦ you don't know it all. You know what famous person this quote is from? Yeah..me neither.. I just wrote it, but I am sure that there are lots of great leaders out there that... [more]
https://youtube.com/devicesupport
Posted to Order of the Arrow Youtube Videos on April 17th, 2015
... [more]
Dissipate - tensegrity tower at AfrikaBurn 2015 festival
Posted to Ropes and Poles on April 16th, 2015
Dissipate is a project being planned by a group of architects and engineers (including a few former Scouts) for the upcoming AfrikaBurn Burning Man regional event near Cape Town, South Africa. The tower consists of an hourglass tower with a... [more]
Why is training still optional?
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on April 16th, 2015
As former district training chair, I strongly believe in the value of training and the necessity of a good training program for our adult volunteers. I acknowledge that training is never perfect, and that leaders who complete basic training are not... [more]
David Brooks Figures Out the Ultimate Truth: Character Counts!
Posted to Scouting News on April 15th, 2015
I enjoy listening to New York Times Columnist David Brooks both on NPR and as part of the Shields and Brooks pundit pair on the PBS Newshour. Brooks describes himself as a recovering secularist so the topic for his new book struck a cord with me. ... [more]
Paddleboarding buying guide
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on April 14th, 2015
How to buy a stand-up paddleboard It looks like walking on water. Kinda feels like it too. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is one of the most fun things you can do on the water, and it's one of the fastest-growing outdoor sports. Though SUP's roots... [more]
Friluftsliv and Shinrin-Yoku
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on April 14th, 2015
The next time you are out camping take a moment or two to be in the wild, stroll around and take it all in. No intention, no agenda, just be there until your mind quiets down and you begin to see what's in front of you. The Norwegians call it... [more]
Issue 440 â" April 14, 2015
Posted to Ask Andy on April 14th, 2015
________________________________________ Hi Andy, Is it a requirement to have a ceremony after becoming an Eagle Scout? My son says he doesn't want one, and I'm saddened by this. Maybe he will change his mind, but I'm not very hopeful and getting... [more]
Podcast 263 â" Wilderness First Aid
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on April 13th, 2015
Wilderness First Aid is highly recommended , but when is it required ? In this week's podcast we'll do our best to tell you when wilderness first aid training is required (although it's just good common sense too!) , I'll also answer questions... [more]
Which way are your people pulling?
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on April 13th, 2015
Do you ever feel like your leadership efforts are like the engine of a locomotive, but it seems like you're working a lot harder than you have to in order to get somewhere? Some organizations seem to operate that way. It can take a lot of effort and... [more]
New Pack- Quick Look
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on April 13th, 2015
Hey gang.. Been awhile.. certainly got away from my blogging goals over the last couple weeks. No real excuse other than to say other things have taken priority. The Troop obviously, Staffing Wood Badge once again, and of course family life. Other... [more]
B-P's Blog â" Fundamental Ethics
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on April 12th, 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]
2014 Report to the Nation
Posted to Order of the Arrow Youtube Videos on April 12th, 2015
2015 National Chief, Alex Call, joined a delegation of Scouts from around the nation to deliver the Boy Scouts of America's 2014 Annual Report to our nation's leaders. -- Order of the Arrow, Boy Scouts of America Twitter:... [more]
When should you say "no"?
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on April 9th, 2015
My wife frequently tells me that I look for ways to say no ââ¬â that I'm always finding reasons why something can't be done. In reality, I'm going through a list of obstacles in my head that need to be overcome in order to turn that no into a... [more]
Best backpacks with a hydration bladder
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on April 9th, 2015
Q. Gear Guy, my troop is getting ready to go on a backpacking trip. I need a backpack. I would like a hydration bladder in it as well, but I don't know where to start looking. - Arid Adisson, Cameron, North Carolina Here are two good options for... [more]
MLB The Show 15
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on April 8th, 2015
#MLBTheShow15 #gamereview #ps4 #videogames There's no more rewarding way to get to know all the baseball players and all the legendary American stadiums than with MLB 15 The Show. But because the game is so packed with features, it sometimes hard... [more]
Issue 439 â" April 8, 2015
Posted to Ask Andy on April 8th, 2015
________________________________________ Hi Andy, Great April Fool's column last week⦠or I truly hope it was I've been an avid reader for quite a well and have always found useful information in your columns. I've also reached out a few times with... [more]
Write a funny caption for this photo
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on April 7th, 2015
What is this stormtrooper saying? Write a funny caption for this photo! What's going on in this picture? What are those stormtroopers doing and what are they thinking? If you can think of a funny caption for this photo, just post it in the comment... [more]
Pedro's Flight Academy
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on April 7th, 2015
http://media.boyslife.org/onlinegames/flightacademy/ Train with Pedro as he pilots his airplane through trees, forest fires, rescue missions and even UFOs. Train with Pedro as he pilots his airplane through trees, forest fires, rescue missions and... [more]
New: Limited Edition Scout Tee â" Get Yours Today!
Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on April 7th, 2015
Grab your limited edition "Do Good Deeds - Not Just for Scouts" t-shirt... [more]
Great Scout Fundraiser Idea (Really!)
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on April 7th, 2015
I've been contacted by a number of companies who offer Scout fundraiser opportunities and I've turned them all down until today. When Paul Geatches from Country Meats contacted me I had my guard up. Most of the opportunities I hear about don't meet... [more]
Podcast 262 â" The Scale of Scouting
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on April 6th, 2015
What's the difference between a patrol and a herd? In this week's podcast we'll look at what the founder had to say about the scale of Scouting and I'll answer email questions about patrols choices and presenting badges. LINKS The Big Three... [more]
Webelos elective changes
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on April 6th, 2015
Last month we took a look at the changes to the Webelos program coming in June 2015, with an eye toward the required Adventures that'll require some nontrivial advance planning on the part of the Webelos den leader. This month we'll dive into the... [more]
Eagle Scout Cotton T-Shirts
Posted to Boy Scouts of America "What's Hot" on April 6th, 2015
... [more]
Eagle Scout Cotton T-Shirts
Posted to Boy Scouts of America "What's Hot" on April 6th, 2015
... [more]
B.P.'s Blog â" Development of the Patrol System
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on April 5th, 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]
New Cub Scout Pack Meeting Plans
Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on April 2nd, 2015
The Boy Scouts of America has created awesome Cub Scout pack meeting plans for... [more]
Baloo's Bugle: Volume 21 Issue 09 - April 2015 May 2015 Core Value - Health and Fitness | Backyard Fun
Posted to U.S. Scouting Service Project on April 2nd, 2015
Baloo's Bugle: Volume 21 Issue 09 - April 2015 May 2015 Core Value - Health and Fitness | Backyard Fun Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com... [more]
Not just any car
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on April 2nd, 2015
People buy and sell cars all the time. But this wasn't just any car. In the fall of 1998, shortly after my older son (who is now in medical school) came home from the second grade and told mom and dad that he wanted to join Cub Scouts, I bought a... [more]
2015 OA ArrowTour
Posted to Summit Blog on April 2nd, 2015
The Summit Bechtel Reserve is excited to announce it will celebrate the Order of the Arrow's centennial as an ArrowTour host. ArrowTour is an interactive event for Scouts, volunteers, and Scouting alumni that will travel throughout the country... [more]
Cub Scout Pack Game: Giant Marbles
Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on April 1st, 2015
Need a simple, but fun game for your next pack meeting? Try Giant... [more]
Eagle Scout project idea: planting seeds
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on April 1st, 2015
Less than a year after a wildfire burned thousands of acres not far from his own community, Boy Scout Hunter Jackson, from Provo, Utah, had organized a team of volunteers to help restore the landscape. Thankfully, no structures were damaged during... [more]
Plan-Do-Review
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on April 1st, 2015
Scouts Canada has created a clear, uncluttered, engaging process in the "Plan-Do-Review" component of the Canadian Path . Scouting is made up of intuitive principles that are intended to be taken at face value. Simplicity can be elusive; we tend to... [more]
E. Urner Goodman
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on April 1st, 2015
Dr. E. Urner Goodman is the man that founded the Order of the Arrow. His story is one of love of Scouting and of teaching young men to grow into men of Character. I stumbled on this video the other day and thought it is worth sharing. For those... [more]
Walking Merit Badge
Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on April 1st, 2015
The long-awaited Walking merit badge requirements have been released today. Though not an Eagle-required badge, I expect this one will be one of the most popular badges to collect in 2015. Requirements for the Walking merit badge: Do the following:... [more]
Playing Games with Varying Skill Levels
Posted to Scouter Mom on April 1st, 2015
John sent in this question: Hi, I am wondering if you have a solution to the following: With all games where the smallest person is out first and the best person stays in longest the scouts that need the most practice at something get the least. Do... [more]
Issue 438 â" April 1, 2015
Posted to Ask Andy on April 1st, 2015
________________________________________ STUMPERS! Did you ever get asked a question that you're just not sure how to answer? I've had a few, so I thought I'd share them with you. Maybe you can come up with an answer. Here we go⦠Dear Andy, I've... [more]
To serve
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on March 31st, 2015
"And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."- John F. Kennedy "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." ? Mahatma Gandhi "The first question... [more]
Camping in the New Cub Scout Adventure Program 2015
Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on March 31st, 2015
Camping is a requirement for Cub Scout rank advancement in the new adventure program (effective 6/1/15). Read all about the new... [more]
April KNOTS Scout Cartoon ;)
Posted to U.S. Scouting Service Project on March 31st, 2015
April 2015 Exploring the Outdoors! Cafe Press Items Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com... [more]
Do We Demand or Earn Attention?
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on March 31st, 2015
Scouts endure demands for their attention. In a classroom we listen for things that sound like they'll be on the test, and strain out the rest. If someone asks a question everyone groans, because that makes the lesson longer. We learn not to... [more]
Commissioner College 2015
Posted to Scouter Adam on March 31st, 2015
Over the weekend of March 14th, the 2015 Cascade Pacific Council held it's annual Commissioners College. I believe that I have been to Commissioners College now four times. I have now gotten my Associate, Bachelor and just this year ââ¬Â¦... [more]
Commissioner College 2015
Posted to Scouter Adam on March 31st, 2015
Over the weekend of March 14th, the 2015 Cascade Pacific Council held it's annual Commissioners College. I believe that I have been to Commissioners College now four times. I have now gotten my Associate, Bachelor and just this year Masters in... [more]
Can Women Be Assistant Scoutmasters?
Posted to Scouter Mom on March 31st, 2015
Margaret sent in this question: Are single moms allowed to be assistant scoutmasters and go along on outings and campouts with boy scout troops as long as there are separate bathroom facilities? Thanks for the question Margaret. The BSA does not... [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. ;)