Are you ready to thrive in subzero temperatures and trek across the winter wilderness? What about paddle across acres of meandering rivers while reveling in the natural beauty of the Great North Woods? If you said yes, you’re in luck because Northern Tier is offering a lottery that will give you a chance to visit…
Each year, troops and crews from around the country participate in the age-old Scouting tradition of running Christmas tree lots. Not only do these Scouts and Venturers get to work on their business skills—they also get to experience the excitement of holiday fundraising.
Story contributed by John Hovanesian, M.D. who is chairman of the Board of Directors for the Orange County Council . The number one challenge faced by leaders of youth-serving organizations is having too little help from other parents. But why do some organizations seem to have no shortage of volunteers, and meetings and campouts always run…
National Scout shops are providing the Scouting community an opportunity to help local Scouts who may be in need of uniforms, Scouting equipment, and other program needs. Similar to an Angel Tree, the Ethan Giving Tree allows customers, Scouts and Scouters to select a Scout in need using cards on a Christmas tree from any…
Busy parents, den leaders and Cubmasters are in for a treat this holiday season that will provide greater flexibility and control over the Cub Scouting program. Effective today, some adventure requirements that were previously mandatory will become optional. In response to the feedback we’ve heard from den leaders, these modifications were developed to allow Cub…
Councils across the country have been working hard to grow Exploring , and we’ve got the membership to prove it! These councils are contributing to the future of BSA in a huge way by stepping up and taking the Exploring program to new heights.
Any Scout can tell you the importance of dedicated Scouters. They always seem to have just the answer. They’re always there when you need them, offering a helping hand. They always manage to keep it together, even when camping plans run amuck.
Calling all volunteers, parents, and Scouts! The Voice of the Scout surveys are being redesigned to empower councils to better serve the unit and we need to hear your voice! Last time we distributed the Voice of the Scout, we attempted to reach 1.45 million Scouts, volunteers, and parents.
Calling all Sea Scouts! Are you ready to step up and be a part of expanding the Sea Scout program for the future? If you answered ‘yes,’ then you’re in luck because we’ve got just the opportunity you’re looking for—applications are now being accepted for the Sea Scout Boatswain position.
At Thanksgiving time, one would expect to see many words written about what a wonderful time it is to reflect on what we truly are thankful for: our families, friends and the things we value most. This year, however, I’ll leave that to others, and pass on the story of a new Cub Scout friend…
The only thing trickier than deciding what to get someone who has everything, is what to get a Scout who has everything. But don’t panic, because we’re serving up 10 genius gift ideas just for you—and you don’t even have to brave Black Friday to get them!
When mom blogger Angela of This Gathered Nest and her son were invited to spend a day exploring the best of what Scouting had to offer her family, they were thrilled to check the program out. Angela says she had always heard great things about Scouting – especially the prestigious Eagle Scout award – but she and…
Scouts from across the country will join together at the tropical Scouting paradise of BSA’s Florida National High-Adventure Sea Base for an awesome, science-based program — the Marine STEM Adventure. From July 9 to August 5, 2017, Scouts 13 years and older (and graduated from the 8th grade) will participate in the unique, week-long program, experiencing…
We gave you the scoop on #GivingTuesday and how your support helps Scouting on this global day of giving. Today, we’re reminding you to get your council fired up to promote #GivingTuesday and #WeAreTheBSA using the power of social media and other outreach tools.
The 2017 National Jamboree will be here before you know it … Whether you’ve already registered as an attendee or staff member, or have been looking for a good reason to do so, here are five things to know about Scouting’s premier event: 1.
The weather may be getting colder, but Scouting for Food efforts are getting hotter and hotter! Scouting for Food is an annual food collection drive run by local councils that benefits thousands of communities across the nation. The Scouting for Food program is among many local initiatives rooted in serving others and the desire for…
From now through December 31, 2016, the Scouting Alumni Association will accept nominations for the National Alumnus of the Year Award and Regional Alumnus of the Year Award. According to Bryan on Scouting , the National Alumnus of the Year Award is granted to an individual who, over a sustained period of time, has made significant…
Please join us in congratulating James Machamer, who will serve as Scout executive of the Pikes Peak Council in Colorado Springs, CO, effective January 1, 2017. Jim began his Scouting career as a district executive at the Pikes Peak Council, and later moved to Denver, where he served as a district executive, senior Exploring executive…
For nearly a year I’ve been using this blog to share with you all my thoughts on Scouting – what it means to me and where we are going. But throughout this time, I’ve also been meeting Scouts from all walks of life, and it’s those stories that resonant with me and remind me why I’m…
It is time to nominate deserving volunteers for the 2017 Silver Antelope Award. Only electronic nominations and recommendations letters will be accepted – using the Silver Antelope nomination form – at [email protected] before the deadline of November 30 . When submitting the nomination form, please include as much correct and relevant information about the nominee as possible.
Mike Johnson has been selected as the next general manager of the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base , where he began his Scouting career. As assistant director of program from 1989 through 1992, Mike helped establish programs during the early years of the Sea Base.
Story by Danny Bell of the Summit Bechtel Reserve THANK YOU VETERANS! With today being Veterans Day, we wanted to show our appreciation for the men and women of the United States Armed Forces by announcing our third annual Veterans Appreciation Day!
Want to introduce your Scouts to the fascinating world of STEM with fun, hands-on experiments? Of course you do! Do you always have time to set up lab equipment or clean up a mess of materials and “creations” afterwards? We didn’t think so.
Northeast Georgia Council’s 2017 Winterfest celebration promises to be one of the best and largest yet –dozens of events have been added and revised to keep the program fresh. In fact, the event has so many activities to choose from, you couldn’t even do them all in one weekend!
Join us in congratulating Adrian A. Hackett as the new Scout executive of the West Tennessee Area Council in Jackson, TN, effective December 1. Adrian began his Scouting career as a program director at the Colonial Virginia Council in Newport News, VA.
The completion of any journey toward Eagle is commendable, but when a young man overcomes additional challenges to become an Eagle Scout, it transcends even the extraordinary and becomes truly inspiring. Such is the case for Scout Jack S., who managed to finish his Eagle Scout project and Eagle journey while battling cancer.
Scouts and Venturers are breaking world records and accomplishing incredible feats in the outdoors almost everyday – so why not honor those stand-out kids in a big way? Starting now through Wednesday, November 16, you can give inspiring Scouts and Venturers the major kudos they deserve by nominating them for the 2017 Outdoor Inspiration Awards .
Congratulations to Matthew Thornton who will begin serving as Scout executive of the Western Los Angeles County Council in Van Nuys, California, effective December 1. Matt began his Scouting career as a district executive at the Chief Okemos Council in Lansing, Michigan.
Story contributed by Taylor Olmstead, Marketing Coordinator at the Atlanta Area Council David S. is an Eagle Scout from Johns Creek, Georgia. But you probably know him as the dancing Equipment Manager cheering on the Clemson Tigers from the sidelines.
Story by Tom Redington , Professional Bass Fisherman It’s a classic catch-22. Most boys and their families sign up for Cub Scouts with the expectation of fishing being part of the experience. And most leaders, districts, and councils know that a first fish or a fun fishing experience is a big positive for Cubs and helpful…
Over the past year, you’ve learned that I’m a big fan of STEM – science, technology, engineering and math. Not only do these fields provide pathways for success for young people, but STEM also represents a bright future for Scouting. So as a fan of STEM, I loved hearing that 80 percent of U.S.
Please join us in celebrating the selection of Charles Howard-Gibbon as Scout executive of the Redwood Empire Council in Santa Rosa, CA, effective December 1. Charlie began his Scouting career in October 1983 as a district executive at the San Francisco Bay Area Council in Oakland, CA, and served nine years there in succeeding roles…
Last year, mom blogger Emily of Busy Mommy discovered firsthand how much fun Scouting can be for the whole family when she and her son were introduced to Scouting for the first time through a local Cub Scout Fun Day day camp.
Calling all commissioners! Annual unit charter renewals are upon us and now is the time to take action to ensure that 100% of renewals are completed on time, with no lapsed or dropped units. Charter partner organizations must renew their unit charters annually.
What does Boys’ Life have in common with Fast Company , The New Yorker and Sports Illustrated ? All are high-quality magazines regularly singled out as the best in their class. The latest honor for Boys’ Life is the magazine’s nomination in the 2016 Adweek Hot List Readers’ Choice Awards.
Story by Jane Parikh of the Michigan Crossroads Council Photo credit: Jane Parikh/ Michigan Crossroads Council Record crowds turned out in downtown Grand Rapids last month to participate in the 14 th annual 9-11 Community Day of Remembrance and Scout Salute to honor the victims of the 2001 attack and the first responders who rushed…
Please join us in celebrating the selection of Rebecca Fields as Scout executive of the Northern New Jersey Council in Oakland, New Jersey, effective November 28, 2016. Rebecca began her Scouting career as a district executive at the Chicago Area Council.
The BSA has a proven track record of shaping youth into people of outstanding character – people who understand the meaning of accountability and the importance of servant leadership. On #GivingTuesday, November 29, 2016, we’re continuing that record by helping Scouts become the leaders of the future.
Story contributed by Taylor Olmstead, Marketing Coordinator at the Atlanta Area Council The Scouts in pack 420 really get energized about popcorn sales when they are out in public. This was especially true at our booth at the Duluth Fall Festival.
As they consider Eagle project ideas during the planning stages for an Eagle Scout project, many Scouts run through a series of thoughts about what might work. Indeed, part of the process requires a Scout to weigh a number of options concerning feasibility and logistics for any particular project.
Letter by Ray Capp, longtime Scouting volunteer To the parents of boys: If you are like most people, you know that Boy Scouts go camping…and maybe fishing, hiking, or swimming, too. You know that Boy Scouts are supposed to be nice and do good deeds.
Please join us in celebrating the selection of Marc J. Ryan as Scout executive of the Greater Cleveland Council , Cleveland, OH, effective November 1. Marc began his Scouting career as a program executive in the Narragansett Council in Providence, RI.
The Boy Scouts of America Brings Hands-On Learning to New Audiences through Innovative Collaboration Pilot The Boy Scouts of America’s Exploring program is teaming up with Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) and Maker Ed to bring the popular maker movement to more youth across the country by introducing Maker Exploring posts.
Staving off the dreaded “mom, I’m bored!” calls mothers often hear from their sons can be frustrating, especially when your boys are begging for their electronic devices for entertainment. But Scout mom and blogger Jonna of A Mom’s Take doesn’t give in when her boys are restless for their electronics.
When Scout mom and blogger Penelope of Penelope’s Oasis heard from her son that he was interested in joining Scouting, she jumped at the opportunity to sign-up her first grader for the organization she always admired. Her son loved his new friends and Penelope loved watching him grow in the pack.
October 26 marks the official opening of the 2018 Philmont lottery! Philmont Scout Ranch offers thrilling treks through the New Mexico wilderness accompanied by incredible views and Scouting stories you’ll be sharing for years to come. Inarguably, this is a hiking experience unlike any other.
There is a time and place for everything, including technology in Scouting. “The smartphone doesn’t detract from the Scouting experience; it enhances it,” according to a recent Bryan on Scouting blog post “Where in the past there was a debate over whether smartphone use is appropriate in Scouting, these days most Scouters see the devices…
Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA) and Jamboree-on-the-Internet (JOTI) is coming up soon! Did you already add JOTA and JOTI to your unit, district, and/or council calendars? If not, don’t forget to mark Oct. 14 – 16, 2016 as JOTA and JOTI weekend. Other than an opportunity to meet Scouts from around the world, complete requirements in Cub Scouts, and…
Grapefruit juice isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Take your average Canada goose, for instance. When it comes to grapefruit juice, these geese aren’t big fans. Luckily for the community of Elkhart, Indiana, which was overrun with geese, it was an ingenious Scout looking for a unique Eagle Scout project who came up with a grapefruit…
Last October, I shared a Chief’s Corner blog post that detailed our “Game Plan” for growing Scouting. A key focus of that plan was on growing our Exploring program. Nearly one year later, the program continues to expand through a unique partnership.
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