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Year Round Camping Summary for 2016
Posted to My Scout Stuff - A Scoutmaster's Blog on December 30th, 2016
Here is our year-end camp summary for 2016: 1) Jan ââ¬â 2nd annual Winter backpacking on snowshoes in Little Cottonwood Canyon 2) Feb ââ¬â Last minute change to Crystal Hot Springs* 3) Apr ââ¬â 2nd annual April outing to White Rock near... [more]
The Challenge Slope
Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on December 28th, 2016
I don't generally agree with the common statement regarding Scouting to "let them fail". I think what is meant when "fail" is used is actually "learn". Burning pancakes is not failing - it is learning the point at which they're ready to flip. Taking... [more]
Issue 512 â" December 27, 2016
Posted to Ask Andy on December 28th, 2016
________________________________________ Good Morning Andy, The charter- and JTE-year run from January 1st through December 31st but the actual, operational Scouting runs essentially from September through May (with a smattering of events plus... [more]
Get trained, suit up and go swimming with one of the Earth's coolest creatures. By Aaron Derr The...
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on December 27th, 2016
Get trained, suit up and go swimming with one of the Earth's coolest creatures. By Aaron Derr The whale shark is one of the coolest animals in the world. It is the largest fish in the ocean - the largest known whale shark was more than 40 feet long... [more]
When you eat Christmas ornaments
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on December 25th, 2016
When you eat Christmas ornaments Sam: What do you get when you eat Christmas ornaments? Devin: Not sure. Sam: Tinsel-itis! View On WordPress... [more]
Christmas 2016
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on December 24th, 2016
We all have an image of the "perfect" Christmas. It is one of those images that we hold deep in our hearts. An image of a Christmas from our childhood, a vision of the ideal Christmas from It's a Wonderful Life. We think of bells and decorated... [more]
Scout Jobs
Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on December 23rd, 2016
Already tired of winter vacation? Bored with your current job? The week after Christmas is a great time to think about new opportunities. As a scout with lots of outdoors skills, leadership qualities, and interpersonal communications, there are... [more]
Little Aside
Posted to Jabbering All Day Long on December 23rd, 2016
I have noticed that bloggers like Seth Godin tend not to write mammoth 10-page posts they do simple 10 line little asides. The post Little Aside appeared first on Jabbering All Day Long ... [more]
Man on 21,000-mile walk around the world invites 2 lucky Scouts to join
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on December 23rd, 2016
There's a guy spending a decade walking around the world. Just let that sink in for a sec. Photo by Mark Schulte His route traces the pathways of the first humans and spans 21,000 miles. In a refreshing departure from the norm, he isn't looking to... [more]
Seven steps to becoming a charity trustee
Posted to Jabbering All Day Long on December 23rd, 2016
Ever wanted to be a Charity Trustee - I found this article on the Third Sector Website written by the voice of their youth trustees The post Seven steps to becoming a charity trustee appeared first on Jabbering All Day Long ... [more]
The Old Is New Again!
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on December 23rd, 2016
I have been more active with Melrose Boy Scout Troop 68 during the last few months as our new scoutmaster gets comfortable with his new position. I have invited the Patrol Leaders Council to once again hold their meetings at my house which has... [more]
Download a Pinewood Derby Car Design Template
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on December 22nd, 2016
Download a Pinewood Derby Car Design Template Most Cub Scouts find it easiest to sketch their Pinewood Derby car designs before they start cutting into the block of wood. It's much easier to erase a pencil drawing than it is to fix the wrong cut... [more]
Venturer is lone American to receive 2016 Messengers of Peace Hero Award
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on December 22nd, 2016
Katie Hancock, a Venturer from Lubbock, Texas, was the lone Boy Scouts of America honoree to receive the 2016 Messengers of Peace Hero Award. The award, presented Nov. 23, 2016, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, recognizes Scouts, volunteers and... [more]
Issue 511 â" December 21, 2016
Posted to Ask Andy on December 21st, 2016
________________________________________ (I first wrote this story-it's a true one-in 2007. Today, nine years later, we have, in addition to long-time readers, a whole new generation of Scouters, Scouts, and parents reading. So it occurred to me... [more]
Inside the January 2017 issue
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on December 21st, 2016
Inside the January 2017 issue Here's what you'll find inside the January 2017 issue of Boys' Life magazine. Remember, many articles are only available to subscribers and are not available online. Please visit Boyslife.org/subscribe to subscribe to... [more]
Temporarily Lost My Site
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on December 21st, 2016
You may have noticed recently that you were not able to access this blog or the troop's website. The site was offline for a few days to transfer everything to a new server since the old server was having issues. It was an older server and was... [more]
BSA renews alliance with National Park Service
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on December 21st, 2016
Some of the best Scouting happens in National Park Service sites - including national parks, national monuments, national battlefields and more. So it's only, well, natural for Scouting and the National Park Service to become close friends. That... [more]
Tom Eaton, who illustrated Pedro for Boys' Life for three decades, dies at 76
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on December 20th, 2016
Tom Eaton, whose whimsical and wacky illustrations over three decades enlivened iconic Boys' Life characters like Pedro the Mailburro and Dink and Duff, died Dec. 11, 2016, in Kansas City, Mo. He was 76. Anyone who has picked up a copy of Boys'... [more]
How the Football Has Changed Since 1869
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on December 20th, 2016
How the Football Has Changed Since 1869 The first football game was played in 1869. Here's how the ball has changed since then. 1869 The first footballs were made from inflated pig bladders, each one an unpredictable size and shape. This roundish... [more]
Scouts cancel troop gift exchange, spend money on needy families instead
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on December 20th, 2016
2015 In 2013, the Boy Scouts of Troop 485 in Franklin Square, N.Y., were getting ready for their troop's annual gift exchange when something magical happened. In prior years, it went like this: Scouts brought a gift to the designated troop meeting... [more]
Nerds
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on December 20th, 2016
I had a talk with a group of Scouts a week or so ago. I asked them what they thought of Scouting and how their classmates viewed it. My point was to illustrate that the "pressure" that they feel for being Scouts is no different than it was when I... [more]
Keep Smellables Out of Your Tent
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on December 19th, 2016
Keep Smellables Out of Your Tent Whether you're camping in bear country or in an area with smaller curious critters (even if they might be harmless), take special care of your smellables. A smellable is any object that might attract an animal with... [more]
Greatest hits: Our 16 most-read posts from 2016
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on December 19th, 2016
Late December brings a spate of year-in-review lists. While overused, they are a handy way to recap the year that was. One way to look back on 2016 in Scouting is by seeing which Bryan on Scouting blog posts were most popular. We write the posts,... [more]
Watch a special holiday message from your National Key 3
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on December 17th, 2016
The Boy Scouts of America's National Key 3 has a special holiday message for you and the members of your Scouting family. The video message opens with a montage of Scouts and Venturers saying, in their own words, what they learned in Scouting in... [more]
World Conservation Award has new requirements, effective immediately
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on December 16th, 2016
Whether you know the World Conservation Award as the "panda patch" or as the award that encourages Scouts and Venturers to think globally and act locally to improve and conserve our environment, there's something you need to know. The BSA National... [more]
Ice-Climbing Time!
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on December 15th, 2016
Test your limits by climbing straight up a wall of ice. By Aaron Derr Photographs by Christopher Beauchamp Ice climbing is just like rock climbing. Except instead of rock, you're climbing a wall of ice, it's freezing outside, you're wearing... [more]
Jeopardy Game for Building a Better World Adventure
Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on December 15th, 2016
Looking for a way to make the Arrow of Light adventure, Building a Better World, more fun? Look no further than these Jeopardy-type games! The post Jeopardy Game for Building a Better World Adventure appeared first on Cub Scout Ideas ... [more]
M416 Trailer Build- The Beginning [TBP]
Posted to A Volunteer in the Movement on December 15th, 2016
I am well overdue for writing up my trailer build, so here it goes! After trading in my Dodge Dakota pickup for a Jeep at the end of 2013, it quickly became obvious that I needed to figure out a way to haul stuff for family and scout camping trips... [more]
In the darkest day for their family, Scouting stepped in
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on December 15th, 2016
The instant you join Scouting, your family grows. Your circle of support widens. When John Halterman died unexpectedly in October 2015, the Cub Scouts and parents of San Diego Pack 624 showed the truth of that statement. It was March 2015 at the... [more]
Simple things
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on December 15th, 2016
We teach our Scouts to focus on the little things and the big things will take care of themselves. I have lived by that train of thought since I became a Sergeant in the Army. Little things always add up. And the other thing that I know for sure... [more]
These two will represent BSA as 2016-2017 NRA Youth Ambassadors
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on December 14th, 2016
The Boy Scouts of America has selected two young people to serve as the 2016-2017 NRA/BSA Brownell Youth Ambassadors. In this role, the pair will represent all Boy Scouts and Venturers at a variety of shooting sports industry events. They'll work... [more]
How to score Root Beer at a Scout Unit!
Posted to Scouter Adam on December 14th, 2016
Getting Root Beer at a Scout Unit is pretty easy. Go to a Unit during their Court of Honor and talk to people. Soon, someone will ask if you would like one. It is that easy. Yes it was. Ok ââ¬Â¦ Continue reading ââ â... [more]
Issue 510 â" December 13, 2016
Posted to Ask Andy on December 13th, 2016
________________________________________ Several regular readers wrote to me about the pack finances problem Kevin, in the Longhorn Council, was having. Check these out (they may help you, too!)⦠Hi Andy, This is for Kevin. Start with a pack... [more]
The race cars at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina, are some of the fastest...
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on December 13th, 2016
The race cars at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina, are some of the fastest ever. The Pinewood Derby cars are not too shabby, either. The Mecklenburg County Council held its championship Pinewood Derby race right smack in the... [more]
Scoutmaster Podcast 333 Scout Parents
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on December 13th, 2016
Do you have quarterly Scout parent meetings? I'll answer an email question about parent's meetings in this podcast. On our quarterly Scout parent meetings that include a court of honor. Everyone arrives at about 7PM, the Scouts go outside to play a... [more]
Distinguished Eagle Scout Rex Tillerson nominated as secretary of state
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on December 13th, 2016
Rex Tillerson, a Distinguished Eagle Scout, Silver Buffalo Award recipient and past national president of the Boy Scouts of America, has been nominated to be the nation's next secretary of state. Tillerson, upon Senate confirmation, would be the... [more]
One Good Deed After Another
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on December 13th, 2016
One Good Deed After Another It started when Parker Schmidt was a Webelos Scout from Pack 95 in Georgetown, Delaware, and it hasn't slowed down since. First, Parker was recognized for saving a cat that was trapped in a burning fireplace . Then,... [more]
How to Be More Helpful with the Joy Maker Challenge
Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on December 12th, 2016
Cub Scouts are Helpful, the third point of the Scout Law, through community service projects. Help even more people through the Joy Maker Challenge. The post How to Be More Helpful with the Joy Maker Challenge appeared first on Cub Scout Ideas ... [more]
Study links Scouting with better mental health later in life
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on December 12th, 2016
Some benefits of Scouting show up right away. Others take months, years or even decades to be appreciated fully. Into that latter category goes a new study from Great Britain that suggests adults who were in Scouting as young people have better... [more]
Dealing with policy issues
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on December 12th, 2016
A reader writes: Our Scoutmaster wants to make changes to the troop uniform policy, but when I said I should have been in on the discussion he told me that uniforming wasn't something that was at the committee chair level, since it deals directly... [more]
How to Jump Start a Dead Battery
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on December 9th, 2016
How to Jump Start a Dead Battery You walk out to the parking lot after school and realize you left your car's headlights on all day. Now the battery is dead. Luckily, a nearby friend is willing to use his car to jump-start your car. Here's how to... [more]
Sharing the Fun
Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on December 9th, 2016
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of WASPcam? . All opinions are 100% mine. Who takes pictures and records your outings? I have hundreds of photos that we've used in slide shows, web posts, ceremonies, and recruiting. It's fun to... [more]
Before and After: The 10 top Eagle Scout project transformations of 2015-2016
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on December 9th, 2016
Sometimes, it's like night and day. You look at a spot of land before an Eagle Scout candidate has completed his project there. Then you look at that exact same spot after the project is done. The transformation is so stunning that you're tempted... [more]
Lego machines to make rope
Posted to Ropes and Poles on December 9th, 2016
Most pioneering projects (but by no means all ) use rope or cordage, so understanding how rope is made is a useful part of pioneering. There are some simple ways of making rope, but these Lego projects by Nico71 take ropemaking to another level. The... [more]
John Glenn, first American to orbit Earth, father of Eagle Scout, dies at 95
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on December 8th, 2016
John H. Glenn Jr., the first American to orbit the Earth, a Silver Buffalo Award recipient and the father of an Eagle Scout, has died. He was 95. Glenn was never a Scout, but his son, David, is an Eagle Scout. David went on a trek at Philmont Scout... [more]
How to Build a Snow Cave
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on December 8th, 2016
How to Build a Snow Cave A T-shaped snow cave is a quick and efficient way to protect yourself from even the worst winter storm. Locate a large snow drift or steep, stable snow slope, and start digging with the instructions below. 1. DIG THE... [more]
Modifications to the Cub Scout Program
Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on December 8th, 2016
The Cub Scout program has been modified effective December 2016. The list of changes is available here. Download or print your copy. The post Modifications to the Cub Scout Program appeared first on Cub Scout Ideas ... [more]
Is this the best-catered court of honor in Eagle Scout history?
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on December 8th, 2016
From the start, the Eagle Scout court of honor for Brian O'Rourke III in Cambridge, Mass., was destined to be special. Brian's grandfather, Glen McLaughlin, traveled all the way from California to be there. There was a slideshow that had many in... [more]
After Pearl Harbor was attacked, Boy Scouts sprang into action
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on December 7th, 2016
For many months leading up to Dec. 7, 1941, the Boy Scouts of the Honolulu Council had been training. They were sharpening their skills in first aid and emergency communications. Like Scouts today, they didn't know when - or if - they might put... [more]
Five ways to make an ordinary troop meeting extraordinary
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on December 7th, 2016
No pressure, but if your troop meetings aren't exciting and extraordinary, you risk losing Scouts to other activities. In other words, one bad meeting could be a young man's last. So how do you add "wow" to your weekly troop meetings? You start by... [more]
Little to Big
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on December 7th, 2016
Do a Good Turn Daily.. That is the Slogan of Scouting. It is a challenge to each of us to look for some way to be of service. The slogan asks us to seek opportunities every day to do somethingââ¬Â¦ anything that will ultimately make a... [more]
Issue 509 â" December 6, 2016
Posted to Ask Andy on December 6th, 2016
________________________________________ Hi Andy, About David Ball's question (your November 11th Issue) about adult support on outings, let me share something our Senior Patrol Leader and his ASPL did a couple of years agoââ¬Â¦ They were having... [more]
How to Help Cub Scouts with the Genius of Play
Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on December 6th, 2016
Need Cub Scout gathering activity and den game ideas? The Genius of Play website has them and also explains why play is important to a child's development. The post How to Help Cub Scouts with the Genius of Play appeared first on Cub Scout Ideas ... [more]
Help send this Scout to Super Bowl LI
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on December 6th, 2016
Some people, like these 14 Eagle Scouts , play, coach, manage or perform their way to the Super Bowl. Others, like one lucky kid each year, take a much different route. Scouts and Scouters, let's give a cheer to Ryan Stoltz, a Second Class Scout... [more]
Scoutmaster Podcast 332 â" Shared Expectations
Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on December 5th, 2016
It is our responsibility to assure there's a shared expectationââ¬Â¦ ââ¬Â¦ and our Scouts understand them. Scout aged children are not going to interpret gentle reminders, they'd prefer to have to have things clearly spelled out. They are... [more]
Photo Discs For All
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on December 5th, 2016
I bought my first digital camera in 2004 for a trip to Philmont Scout Ranch. It was great! I was able to take many more pictures than I would have with a film camera. It was very easy to share the windows once we returned home. Every participant of... [more]
Crazy and Unusual Superstitions of Pro Athletes
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on December 5th, 2016
Crazy and Unusual Superstitions of Pro Athletes A lot of people are superstitious - don't walk under that ladder or break a mirror! - but few groups are as superstitious as athletes. Many athletes use magical thinking to help them perform well or... [more]
Tips for running a Boy Scout Christmas tree lot
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on December 5th, 2016
Oh, Christmas tree. How lovely are your branches. And how lovely, too, is your ability to raise money to fund Scouting adventures. While that last sentence lacks the lyricism of the original carol, its words are no less accurate. Many Boy Scout... [more]
Mid-year Cub Scout program updates
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on December 5th, 2016
If you follow Scouting Magazine on social media, you might have heard about some updates to the Cub Scout Adventure program that were announced last week. (Look in the comments for links to the updates that you can print and paste into the Scouts'... [more]
Scouting forâ¦
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on December 4th, 2016
Yesterday was our annual Scouting for Food drive. Scouts from all over our Council hit the neighborhoods with enthusiasm and the knowledge that for two hours of service they will help feed many people in our community that are in need. Now, we... [more]
Answers to your questions about the Cub Scout modifications
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on December 3rd, 2016
The BSA announced this week that some Cub Scout adventure requirements that previously were mandatory will become optional, in a move intended to give Cub Scouters more control over their den program. On Facebook, on this blog and elsewhere, Cub... [more]
Michigan Cub Scout breaks regional record for popcorn sales
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on December 2nd, 2016
Mason Schlafer, a 10-year-old Cub Scout in Pack 4055 of the Michigan Crossroads Council, sold a lot of popcorn this year. So much, the council and its popcorn supplier say, that Mason broke a Central Region record. To date, the Cub Scout has... [more]
Horse and Cart
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on December 2nd, 2016
You can look at a good Scout Troop like a horse and cart. The horse has to be strong and steadfast. The horse has to be trained so as not to buck and run when it's not supposed to. The horse works as a part of a team and each pulls it's share of... [more]
Write a Funny Caption For This Photo
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on December 1st, 2016
Write a Funny Caption For This Photo What's going on in this picture? What is that iguana doing and what is it thinking? If you can think of a funny caption for this photo, just post it in the comment form at the bottom of this page. After we... [more]
Trail Volunteer Law
Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on December 1st, 2016
The National Forest System Trails Stewardship Act just became law! So? Well, it directs the USDA to significantly increase the role of volunteers in trail maintenance projects. That means more opportunities for scouts to step up and provide... [more]
The Summit is Ready to Weather the Storm
Posted to Summit Blog on December 1st, 2016
Anyone who has visited the Summit Bechtel Reserve knows that the weather can change very quickly. West Virginia, and the Summit's, unique topography creates beautiful vistas - and rapidly evolving forecasts! Since the 2013 National Scout Jamboree,... [more]
KNOTS Scout Cartoon for December 2016
Posted to U.S. Scouting Service Project on December 1st, 2016
Snowscout Learns About Firebuilding December 2016 Cafe Press Items Keywords: Diesslin, knots scout cartoon, firebuilding, snowman, melting, camping Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at... [more]
What is Journey to Excellence, and why should you care?
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on December 1st, 2016
You think you're making all the right moves for your Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts or Venturers, but do you really know? With the BSA's Journey to Excellence scorecards in hand, you can answer that question with a satisfying yes. Journey to Excellence,... [more]
Modifications to Cub Scout program give den leaders more flexibility
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on November 30th, 2016
The Boy Scouts of America has announced modifications to Cub Scouting that make the program more flexible for busy parents, den leaders and Cubmasters. The BSA gathered feedback from den leaders who had delivered the new Cub Scouting program for a... [more]
Fly high with an Aerial Sports job at the 2017 National Jamboree
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on November 30th, 2016
How about a jamboree job where people look up to you all day long? That's the promise of the Aerial Sports team at the 2017 National Jamboree, held July 19 to 28 at the stunning Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. The perks of the job - like... [more]
Kiff some things you never knew
Posted to Jabbering All Day Long on November 30th, 2016
Kiff ? The questions is what do you really know about a person What do you know about Kiff OK you can look... The post Kiff some things you never knew appeared first on Jabbering All Day Long ... [more]
Ask you shall receiveâ¦
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on November 30th, 2016
Guided Discovery is the process of asking questions to achieve a learning objective. The Senior Patrol Leader comes to you and says that Tommy Tenderfoot has a leaking tent. You being a good Scoutmaster immediately takes action and checks out the... [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. ;)