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How to Geocache for Kids

A quick guide to show families how to geocache! It's a great activity for kids. Geocaching will get Cub Scouts outdoors, which is where we want them to... From Cub Scout Ideas 4 years ago

Earning All of the Merit Badges

Heather sent in this question: I have two boys one is almost done with all 137 Merit badge he is 15 and I know most of the merit badge go together. Now my 10 year old is now a boy scout and came to me the other day and said he to would like to get... From Scouter Mom 6 years ago

The Best Scouting Apps of 2016

It's 2016. The smartphone doesn't detract from the Scouting experience; it enhances it. Where in the past there was a debate over whether smartphone use is appropriate in Scouting, these days most Scouters see the devices like pocketknives... From Aaron on Scouting Magazine 7 years ago

How to Host a Cub Scout Geocaching Event

Great resource for planning and hosting a geocaching event for your Cub Scout den or... From Cub Scout Ideas 9 years ago

The 2014-2015 Program Of Troop 68

This month is the beginning of the new 2014-2015 program for the Boy Scouts of Melrose Troop 68. The Scouts got together one Saturday last month and plotted out their monthly themes and activities for another year. A few of the traditional outings... From A Scoutmaster's Blog 9 years ago

Summer Camp Advancement 2014

The Boy Scouts have come home. About an hour and a half ago the ten Boy Scouts and two adult leaders of Melrose Troop 68 arrived home from spending the week at Many Point Scout Camp in northwest Minnesota. From the few minutes I was able to talk to... From A Scoutmaster's Blog 9 years ago

Arrow of Light Adventure Requirements: Camper

[cs2015] Camper is one of the Arrow of Light CORE Adventure Requirements.  In the current Webelos Cub Scout program, it is similar to the Outdoorsman activity badge and Arrow of Light requirement 5. In this adventure, Webelos learn how to set up... From Scouter Mom 9 years ago

Best Scouting apps for iPhone and Android, 2014 edition

Empty your backpack and leave everything behind. All you need on your next Scouting outing is your smartphone. OK, so maybe that's an exaggeration. What is true, though, is that for the two-thirds of Americans who own smartphones, it's now possible... From Aaron on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago

Register Now for 2014 Philmont Training Center Conferences

The Philmont Training Center, the national training center of the Boy Scouts of America, is excited to offer new cutting-edge conferences to volunteers from across the nation in 2014. In addition to yearly favorites such as "District Key 3," these... From Scout Wire 1 decade ago

High Adventure Is Closer Than You Think

High adventure comes in many forms. It can mean hiking the New Mexico backcountry or exploring your local state park's trails. It could be scuba diving off the Florida Keys or going off the diving board at your local YMCA. It might be whitewater... From BSA National Scout Jamboree 2010 Bulletins 1 decade ago

Building real-life skills through STEM

As we look ahead to Scouting's next century, we know that giving our Scouts solid skills in Science, Technology, and Engineering and Math – or STEM – is what will make the difference in having a qualified workforce where it's needed to help keep... From Chief's Corner 1 decade ago

My top 10 jamboree memories

After 10 phenomenal days at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree earlier this month, I have just one regret: I couldn't see it all. I never rolled by the skate park or BMX track, didn't take a dip in the Pools, and bailed on whitewater rafting... From Aaron on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago

At the K2BSA tent, I go fox hunting with Scouts from N.C.

The beeping on Bram's handheld radio intensified, and then: "I'm getting something!" Like a trio of bloodhounds, three Scouts from Troop A120 out of Durham, N.C., were off to follow the digital scent. Eight minutes later, they found their prize: a... From Aaron on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago

Zombie Movie

Our May Campout was supposed to be this final conclusion to our Zombie theme that we had running through the year so far.  In January we had a Geocaching type campout where they had to find Z0M-B formula in the … Continue reading â ’... From An Hour a Week... left over after Scouting 1 decade ago

Nathan's Scouting Memories

(The following article was written by Nathan Blommel, an alumni of Melrose Boy Scout Troop 68. Nathan was a Boy Scout from 1988 to 1993. He has earned the Life Rank. This is the first of a series of guest articles written by former members of Troop... From A Scoutmaster's Blog 1 decade ago

Make your life easier with next-gen troop program features

The new design for the Science program feature (above) and the old design. In Scouting, one size doesn't fit all. So suggesting a month-by-month troop planning calendar on a national level, as in the past, just doesn't work. For example, take the... From Aaron on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago

Charleston, W.Va., to Scout families: We're your gateway to the jamboree

You may have heard there's a big party at the Summit this summer, a little get-together called the 2013 National Scout Jamboree. But did you know that just an hour northwest of the BSA's extravaganza sits the hip, historic city of Charleston,... From Aaron on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago

The most- and least-popular merit badges of 2012, and what that info tells us

Which merit badges had Scouts rushing to counselors and Moms and Dads rushing to the sewing machine last year? Here's your answer. In January 2012, I presented a list of 2011′s most- and least-popular merit badges based on sales numbers from... From Aaron on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago

Find your path: Track down a National Trails Day event near you

Last year's patch. This year's design hasn't yet been released. Maybe you'll walk in the footsteps of the Wright Brothers in Ohio, hike from scene to scene in an outdoor production of Snow White in Boulder, or bike through redwoods in California... From Aaron on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago

Jumping to conclusions ('Are You Tougher?' Episodes 5 and 6 Recap)

All good television shows must come to an end. And so it is with a heavy heart that tonight we waved goodbye to Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout? , the six-episode reality series that matched fresh-faced Eagle Scouts against 30- and 40-something... From Aaron on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago

Something new under the sun ('Are You Tougher?' Episode 3 Recap)

Did we finally have a fair fight on our hands? After two weeks of pitting adults who didn't make Eagle against teenagers who did,  Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout?   turned up the heat last night. Forget excuses like "I came three merit badges... From Aaron on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago

Philmont Leadership Challenge

"Why are you here and what do you expect to get out of this course?" That's a pretty different way to kick off a BSA training course. Truth is, I signed up for the Philmont Leadership Challenge after learning these five things: It was at Philmont... From A Volunteer in the Movement 1 decade ago

The Geocaching Project

The Boy Scouts of Melrose Troop 68 chose geocaching as the theme for last August. A merit badge counselor came to one of the troop meetings and the monthly outing was based on that topic. The Boy Scouts had fun and seemed to enjoy the thrill of the... From A Scoutmaster's Blog 1 decade ago

Issue 328 â€" September 30, 2012

Rule No. 91 o To avoid being elected to a volunteer position you don't want, chair the nominating committee. ________________________________________ Dear Andy, I went to a Roundtable the other night and received a stack of paperwork for our troop... From Ask Andy 1 decade ago

Geocaching Fun

A few years ago the Boy Scouts of Melrose Troop 68 spent a month introducing themselves to the world of geocaching. One parent came to the meetings and showed the Scouts how it was done, and worked with them to find two geocaches located nearby our... From A Scoutmaster's Blog 1 decade ago

The Ultimate List of Scouting Apps

Once upon a time, we used maps printed on paper to find our way. We studied laminated sky charts to identify constellations. We counted seconds after thunder strikes to locate storms. What were we thinking? Today, thanks to... From Aaron on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago

Open for Debate: Are smartphones the modern-day camper's Swiss Army knife?

Maybe. But here's the debate: Should you allow your Scouts to bring their smartphones on camping trips? Sure, Scouters and Scouts can do it all with these powerful gadgets. A smartphone (or tablet) is a watch, an alarm clock, a digital compass, a... From Aaron on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago

Issue 294 â€" March 4, 2012

Special NAYLE Edition Rule No. 61: When called upon to speak to any group or audience, resist the urge to describe the thoughts that ran through your head before you figured out what you were actually going to say.  The three most important... From Ask Andy 1 decade ago

Geocaching Merit Badge for Boy Scouts

Geocaching is one of the newer merit badges offered to Boy Scouts. It was added in 2010. Geocaching is becoming more and more popular across the country, so this badge gives Scouts a way to learn about it. [ This is a content summary only. Click on... From Scouter Mom 1 decade ago

EveryTrail.com

EveryTrail.com  is a great resource for researching and sharing outing information. EveryTrail is free and useful for a variety of trips – including road trips, sight-seeing tours, sailing trips, hiking, cycling, flying, hang gliding,... From Scoutmaster Clarke Green 1 decade ago

Electronics and Scouting

There are many out there that feel that there is no place for electronics in Scouting.. no phones, ipods, or gps units.  Well I tend to disagree with those folks, but with this caveat, training, skills, and appropriate time and place. Training.  IF... From The Scoutmaster Minute 1 decade ago

11 Scouters join prestigious list of Silver Buffalo Award recipients

The Silver Buffalo Award square knot and medal. What do Robert Baden-Powell, Jimmy Stewart, Neil Armstrong, and Bill Gates have in common? All are recipients of the Silver Buffalo Award , Scouting's highest honor for adults. Late last month, 11... From Aaron on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago

Endeavour Delivers Payload of Boy Scout Patches

It's no longer breaking news that space shuttle Endeavour returned this morning this morning from a successful 15 day trip, delivering the final U.S. components for the International Space Station and taking its last flight. All in all, Endeavour... From Stadri Emblems Scouting Blog 1 decade ago

Day 80: Tauwinipen

• Squared away all the registration paperwork needed (by Saturday) for summer camp and now have a binder of leader materials; • Mailed out a Shelterbox Scout patch; • Thanks to another Scouter got help with my geocaching app conundrum – turns... From A Scouter's Journey 1 decade ago

Day 79: Getting Warmer

Todays Scouting activities included: • Getting organized for summer camp registration. The early registration discount ends a day or two after tomorrow's troop meeting. Still hopeful we may get 1 or 2 more Scouts to go. • Researching geocaching apps... From A Scouter's Journey 1 decade ago

Robotics merit badge launch includes all-new interactive resource center

The age of robots in the Boy Scouts of America has begun. No, the BSA isn't planning to replace Scoutmasters with androids. At least not that I've heard of. I'm referring to today's launch of the Robotics merit badge. It's the latest example of how... From Aaron on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago

2nd 100 Days of Scouting: Day 57

Geocaching Merit Badge I'm still under the weather, and that is really dragging me down. Wood Badge is coming up this weekend, and I have work to do to prepare for it. The weather will be flaky, so lots to "be prepared" for. Now that we have passed... From 100 Days of Scouting 1 decade ago

ClassB at the South Florida Camporee

A week ago, ClassB® had the pleasure to attend the Scoutmasters Camporee of South Florida . This Camporee is an annual event organized by the South Florida Council and attended by over 2,000 Scouts and adult leaders from around the region. The sun... From Official ClassB Blog 1 decade ago

Take note of these 2011 Boy Scout requirement changes

Any great organization constantly tweaks and adapts its requirements to better reach its members, and the Boy Scouts of America is no exception. To that end, the BSA announced this week which requirements will change in 2011. One big item is... From Aaron on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago

2010 Scouting News Recap

So 2010 is gone!  It didn't turn out quite like I had expected for Scouting News.  Personal commitments including returing from Iraq, working at a new Boy Scout Camp, moving two hours away from my "home base", and starting a "real job" kept me... From Scouting News 1 decade ago

Boy Scout Merit Badge: Geocaching

One of the new merit badges announced this year is Geocaching. Geocaching is an outdoor activity that pairs GPS and other navigational techniques to find a cache – anything from an amazing view to a hidden container of treasures.  Often... From Stadri Emblems Scouting Blog 1 decade ago

The Year In Review (sort of)

So it is that time to reflect on the year that was...I wanted to touch on some highlights of the year for the Troop: - we camped 12 months of the year: among the campouts we had a Lock In, backpacking trip, rock climbing, wilderness survival,... From The Scoutmaster 1 decade ago

STOCKING STUFFERS!!

Merry Christmas everyone!  Are you stuck on what to get your favorite scouter to fill his or her stocking?  Here's a few ideas.  The first one is a very cool item I stumbled upon this morning while picking up spices for pumpkin pie. #1 –... From Lone Star Scouter 1 decade ago

ClassB Sponsors BSA Centennial Camporee

Last weekend, the Gulf Ridge and West Central Florida Councils held their Centennial Camporee at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. This was the largest-ever gathering of Scouts in the West Central Florida area. Thousands of Scouts, from... From Official ClassB Blog 1 decade ago

Scouting Week In Review â€" October 29th

Hello Scouts! It's finally here – Halloween weekend! Before you head out for the fun, trick-or-treating or visiting your friendly neighborhood haunted house, check out this Halloween Safety Guide and make sure to get a good dose of these... From Official ClassB Blog 1 decade ago

Review of Boys' Life "Let's Go Geocaching"

From the popular Boys' Life Series, " Let's Go Geocaching " is a great introduction for those who are just discovering the quickly growing pastime of geocaching. Geocaching is sometimes described as a modern-day game of "hide and go seek", where... From Trailstop 1 decade ago

Meet the winners of the nationwide geocaching pinewood derby

Geocaching is the perfect mix of outdoors fun and high-tech gadgets. That explains why it's such a hit with today's Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers. Take the participants of the Race to 2010, for example. The BSA just released the... From Aaron on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago

This Week in Scouting â€" October 15th, 2010

Hi Scouts! The Boy Scouts of America released a brand new merit badge pamphlet and circular badge this week and they should be in Scout shops by December. It's all about Geocaching, and if you haven't tried this new techno-version of "hide and... From Official ClassB Blog 1 decade ago

Geocaching Pamphlet and Badge

Today I was glad to see that Scouting Magazine announced that production of the Geocaching merit badge pamphlet (and patch) will begin soon and hopefully we'll see them available by the end of the year. A near final draft of … Continue reading... From A Scouter's Journey 1 decade ago

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