Youth completes Eagle Scout project, a ShelterBox first (opens in a new tab)
Congratulations and thanks to Tim Osburn, who recently completed his Eagle Scout Project focusing on ShelterBox awareness. See the full story at: ShelterBox USA: – News.
The Bloggers
A Scouter's Journey
- Active 2010–2013
- Posts 170
- Words 8,224
Original site: scoutersjourney.wordpress.com (opens in a new tab) ↗
A pack leader's year, told through 100 Days of Scouting entries and camp stories.
A blog's life in posts
Every post, newest first
Showing 1–50 of 170 · page 1 of 4. Each title opens the post in a new tab.
A Scouter's Journey: 2012 in Review (opens in a new tab)
It's been a busy year, just not all of it with Scouts; though as my family will tell you that takes plenty of time. Lucky for me the WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog. Here's an excerpt: 600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog
Honoring the Scout Law (opens in a new tab)
BSA has been getting a lot of bad press lately. I'm not sure how much the general public pays attention to Scouts in the news but having a daily Google News alert on it I see quite a bit. Whether its the Ineligible Volunteer files (just one of the youth protection tools that I think
Bearing Up: Reflections on ShelterBox SRT Assessment (opens in a new tab)
Much like the Order of the Arrow and Woodbadge, within ShelterBox training there is an element of keeping the details to yourself as not to spoil it for future participants. What I can tell you is that the past week has been mentally and physically exhausting (as promised); and I loved it. Myself and 11
Big ShelterBox Week (opens in a new tab)
This week is Big ShelterBox Week. ShelterBox is the premier international aid organization that provides emergency shelter and life-saving equipment following disasters such as earthquake, volcano, flood, hurricane, cyclone, tsunami or conflict. ShelterBox is entirely funded by donations and the work we do would not be possible without the many thousands of donors who so
Thank You For Helping (opens in a new tab)
This month marks my one year anniversary as a volunteer for ShelterBox. It certainly doesn't feel that long. As with Scouting, through ShelterBox I have met an amazing group of volunteers. A few I have had the pleasure of meeting in person, and many others online. I want to thank everyone that's helped me along
The Friendship Knot (opens in a new tab)
A couple days ago I wasn't quite feeling it before a troop meeting. It wasn't scouts per say but I was having trouble getting my khaki on in a spiritual sense. My friend Shawn suggested to teach the boys something new as a way to kick my slump. We dedicated the "educational" portion of the
Moving Up, Moving Forward (opens in a new tab)
Based on the events of this week I'd almost think it was "advancement week" if there was such a thing. I had Scoutmaster conferences with four Cub Scouts who will be earning their Arrow of Light at their Blue & Gold next weekend. 5 Scouts total will be crossing to our Troop and will be
Be Prepared: There's an app for that (opens in a new tab)
The topic of electronics and the outdoors can be a hot button issue for many. For years many Scout units have maintained a ‘no electronics on campouts' policy. I think that camping should be about detaching from our digital devices. That said technology adds a lot of tools, many in the form of apps. In
A Scouter's View of 2011 (opens in a new tab)
From the beginning this blog has held two roles. One has been as a resource to share ideas with parents and fellow Scout leaders. The other role has been as a diary of my own reflections of events gone by. According to WordPress this blog was viewed about 11,000 times in 2011. I certainly appreciate
The Importance of Service (opens in a new tab)
The holidays are upon us which as for many makes this a very busy time, and which also means less time to post. December is the one month of the year our troop takes a break from camping. Our Troop does an annual fundraiser selling Christmas trees and wreaths and that monopolizes all the weekends
Free BSA Websites Using Google Sites (opens in a new tab)
The first step in getting a freely hosted Troop website is to go to Google Sites. You will need a gmail address to sign in. If you don't have a gmail address there's a link at the top to register for a new account. Even if you already have a gmail account I suggest setting
It's a Contest (opens in a new tab)
I'd like to make mention of two contests that might appeal to you or your Scout units. You have until this weekend to get an entry in for the first one. Coleman "Continue Exploring" Contest If you are a non-profit organization and are in need of new camping gear, then look no further!
ShelterBox Ambassador Field Training (opens in a new tab)
This weekend I was an attendee at ShelterBox Ambassador Field Training. I'm still processing all I went through but I can say without hesitation that it was one of the best, if not the best training, I've ever attended. The weekend was very well balanced between informational sessions, hands-on with the ShelterBox equipment, team development
Countdown (opens in a new tab)
In less than 24 hours now I'll be heading off to Austin, TX for ShelterBox Ambassador Field Training. The Ambassador Field Training is a great opportunity for new and seasoned Ambassadors to receive hands-on training with ShelterBox equipment, get a sense of what it is like on a ShelterBox deployment, learn ways to take their
Featured Guest (opens in a new tab)
I had the unique pleasure of being interviewed by Scoutmaster Clarke Green for his ScoutmasterCG podcast. Joining me was Mark Dyer, ShelterBox Response Team (SRT) member and ShelterBox Scouting Coordinator. Here is a link to the interview, as well as a post of mine Clarke was kind enough to feature on his blog on how
ShelterBox Mobile App (opens in a new tab)
Not too long ago I came across a service (Conduit Mobile) that let's you build mobile applications for iPhone, Android, Blackberry… For free. The design interface isn't the most intuitive (being a content Mac convert) but after a few renditions I finally came out with a product I was happy with. ShelterBox: All that's news
Lead, Train, Inspire (opens in a new tab)
This past weekend our troop had our monthly campout. The forecast was grim and called for a weekend of rain and possible flooding. I was trying to think of more under the tarp kind of activities as backup when I came across Larry Geiger's post on scoutmastercg.com. As the 4 attending Scouts had all recently
Honored to Serve (opens in a new tab)
It was an honor to have our troop provide the color guard for the dedication today of Kenilworth's new 9/11 memorial. The Scouts raised the flag and then lowered it to half mast. To know that the first time the American flag was raised over this steel that was once part of the Twin Towers,
Pay It Forward (opens in a new tab)
Tonight was the broadcast of NY Says Thank You Started in 2003 at the suggestion of a 5-year-old boy, The New York Says Thank You Foundation has grown into one of the Nation's leading organizations to transform the 9/11 Anniversary into a positive, hands-on platform for national volunteer service. Each year on the 9/11 Anniversary,
Boy Scouts and CERT (opens in a new tab)
Yesterday a notice went out among our council that volunteers were needed to help distribute relief supplies that were being trucked into our area by the Red Cross. I don't have exact statistics but I've been told that more than 800 households in our immediate area were severely impacted by Irene and the flooding that
Hurricane Irene Assistance Needed (opens in a new tab)
Fellow Scouts and their families in the upper part of our council can use your assistance after Hurricane Irene. Patriots' Path Council would like to thank everyone for your efforts in helping those in need after Hurricane Irene. Our council currently has many families who are in critical need of assistance which includes families who
Hurricane Lessons (opens in a new tab)
Lessons learned during Irene:...
The Razor's Edge (opens in a new tab)
Why I'm thinking of resigning as Scoutmaster and why it may be a good thing. Yes you read that right. The man who for the past almost 8 years who has bled khaki, is thinking about hanging up the expedition hat. This weekend at our campout I told my Scouts that if things continued as
World Humanitarian Day (opens in a new tab)
A SCOUT IS A FRIEND TO ALL, AND A BROTHER TO EVERY OTHER SCOUT, NO MATTER TO WHAT SOCIAL CLASS THE OTHER BELONGS. Today is World Humanitarian Day, which focuses on the aid workers who put so much of their personal time and effort to helping those in need all around the world. In honor
The Purple Patch (opens in a new tab)
A couple nights ago at our Troop meeting we had a Scout attend who hasn't been able to attend for a couple months. While participating in one of the activities he made a comment about "I'm not a Scout…" as he was deferring his level of input to the other Scouts in attendance who've been
Operation Cranford: Be Prepared (opens in a new tab)
Last night was the culmination of a lot of hard work and planning and it literally paid off. Several months ago two Scout troops from Cranford, NJ started working together on a emergency preparedness event. What they pulled off was quite amazing and was a great benefit to the Scouts, to the community and to
First Summer Camp as a Scoutmaster (opens in a new tab)
So we've been home for a few days now from what was the first summer camp for the "new" troop and my first as a Scoutmaster. Outside of cabin camping with the family, the last time I was camping for a week straight was as a young Scout myself. Four Scouts, "the core" as I've
Ready for Disaster (opens in a new tab)
As a representative for ShelterBox I was recently asked to assist two Scout Troops that are collaborating on a disaster preparedness event. What they've come up with is very ambitious. The scenario they've chosen is that due to a local flood 40 families are now homeless. The Scouts will be setting up a tent city
Summer Scouting (opens in a new tab)
It's officially summer here in NJ and things in my Scout world have slowed down quite a bit – or at least it feels that way. Prior to this year the Troop would nearly shut down over the summer. Some years monthly outings would still be planned. Others, like last summer – our first with
A Different Day in Green Socks (opens in a new tab)
My first introduction to ShelterBox was at the National Jamboree. Even after walking for hours amongst a sea of tents of all shapes and sizes there was something about the dome that caught me. I listened to their "mission" and was impressed by their solution. After that we were off to inspect these comfortable cocoon-like
Tradeshow of Scouting featuring ShelterBox (opens in a new tab)
Last night our council held their annual Tradeshow of Scouting. I had the opportunity to run a table on behalf of ShelterBox USA. Technically this is my first official speaking engagement for ShelterBox and I got to give my presentation (a condensed version) 60-100 times. There was a lot of positive feedback about ShelterBox and
Campfire Question: Courts of Honor (opens in a new tab)
One of the things I've enjoyed most about this blog is the feedback from the readers. To know that it's more than just me babbling into the interwebs and that there's people around the country and even world that are contributing to mine and my Scouts experience is both appreciated and humbling.I've decided to start
ShelterBox & Scouting Webinar (opens in a new tab)
This Tuesday ShelterBox USA is hosting a webinar on ShelterBox and Scouting. While I am not a presenter, I'm pleased to say they will be announcing the ShelterBox and Scouting presentation I put together for our council's Tradeshow of Scouting. Listen as ShelterBox USA Scout Coordinator, Mark Dyer, shares ShelterBox's partnership with the Boy Scouts
DAY 100! (opens in a new tab)
So here I am at the end of my 2nd 100 Days of Scouting blogging marathon. As with last year I've made a number of new friends and have learned a lot. I hope that some of what I've shared has helped others as they have helped me. Once again a special thanks to Scoutsigns
Day 99: Beginnings End (opens in a new tab)
I'll be honest there's a part of me that's sad the 100 days is almost over. Of course there's nothing to force me to stop my daily Scouting and for the most part it won't. It's like reaching the parking area after a good hike of many miles in the woods. It's the part that
Day 98: 2 Days to go and out of catchy titles (opens in a new tab)
Today the Scouting got a late start: Sent out the "mega update" to the Troop parents with all the pertinent info for NJSP Camporee this weekend; Cleaned up a section of a section of my "Scout section" of the basement. I lost track of how many partial sheets of Badge Magic I found, and tons
Day 97: Home Again (opens in a new tab)
The inclement weather held off all weekend – that is til an hour before dawn today when the heavens opened. By pack up time the rain had let up a bunch but at that point there was no alternative but to bag the tents wet and dry them at home. We were actually out of
Day 96: Camporee (opens in a new tab)
Today was the main day of Camporee. The weather held nicely with a few light showers – just enough to remind us (or me at least) how much worse it could have been if the forecast was accurate. The Scouts all had a good time. It was a full day with rifle, archery, tomahawk throwing,
Day 95: In the woods where I belong (opens in a new tab)
This weekend it's back to the woods where I love to be. The Scouts are attending the district spring Camporee. We wound up with a large site so it was easy to distance the adults from the Scouts. Turns out the four of them are all crammed into the same tent. I don't know if
Day 94: Troop Shopping (opens in a new tab)
A busy Troop meeting night. A couple days ago I found out that (one?) of the Scouts had invited the Music MB counselor back for this week's meeting. When I heard I let the Scouts know they would have to reschedule with the counselor. For one, the night's activities were already full with the planned
Day 93: Camporee Prep (opens in a new tab)
This weekend is the District Camporee. I'm hoping it's just the absence of needing a Tour Permit that is the source of the "I can't help but feel like I'm forgetting something" feeling I have. Called the Committee Chair to confirm if he (and trailer towing van) were attending – no; made arrangements to pick
Day 92: Wilderness First Aid (opens in a new tab)
Inspired by a recent topic on Scouts-L I've been researching Wilderness First Aid training. There was mention of an online option that is interesting: http://advanced.profirstaid.com/en/ As much as I'm in favor of what can be done online should I've got mixed feelings on this one. I didn't see a WFA course but there was CPR
Day 91: T Minus 10 (opens in a new tab)
Less than 10 to go. As before, the #100Days process has me wondering what's next. 100 days of anything could be a major step in my life – if I was passionate about it. 100 Days of Reading…. 100 Days of Fitness… 100 Days of Family…. Today I: picked up the District Eagle recognition certificates
Day 90: Mother's Day (opens in a new tab)
No Scouting today. Today all the attention was where it should be – on the mother of my Scout (and non-scout child Happy (belated) Mother's Day to all the MISS's and Mom's out there in Scouting. How has your mom influenced your Scouting career? I remember my Mom being a Den Mother when I was
Day 89: In the Garden (opens in a new tab)
We have tradition in our family that Mother's Day weekend as much as possible (weather permitting) is spent outside. This usually means getting the garden planted for summer and trying to get the landscaping a little nicer than the year before. So yesterday was garden day because that's what makes the mrs happy. My son
Day 88: 100 Days of Scouting (opens in a new tab)
Printed off some information on the location chosen by the troop for june campout. It's a bit of a haul as far as driving distance (especially with current gas prices) but I gave them the choice so now let's see if we can make it work. Mailed out a couple of shelter box scout patches.
Day 87: The Surprise (opens in a new tab)
Thursday night is Troop meeting night. On my way home from my office I got a text message from my son asking me NOT to show up to the meeting until 7:05. Needless to say I was a little suspicious but not overly so as it was my birthday and I figured it had something
Day 86: 100 Days of Scouting (opens in a new tab)
• heard from a father that he had dates confused and son would like to go on next weekends campout. The irony is that last meeting I ha a discussion with the scout on why he should still take part in the planning even if he couldn't attend. • got my next series of time
Days 84 & 85: Hanging in There (opens in a new tab)
I really hate to blog about "nothing" but that's pretty much been it for the past two days, at least as far as Scouting. Day 84 had my head filled with memories of 9/11. I worked at the Towers up to two weeks prior to the bombing and when it happened it did a major