There’s no better way to convey the positive difference Scouting makes on youth than hearing a family’s firsthand account of the program. That’s why the BSA sat down with families across the country to hear how Scouting has transformed their families in the “Families Like Mine” video series.
September is National Preparedness Month , an appropriate time for all of us to take stock of our own emergency readiness. To drive home the importance of doing so, I’d like to share a life-changing experience for one Scout that can help us all remember why we should live up to our motto of “Be Prepared.”
Building confidence in youth is no small feat. As an organization that works to empower young people, we at the BSA know this as well as anyone. That’s why I was particularly interested in a recent Twitter chat on the topic co-hosted by two organizations that reach parents of young children — Mom.me , an online source…
Are you getting questions about what Scoutbook can offer parents, Scouts, and volunteers? Here’s a chance to help your team understand what you gain with this revolutionary Scouting web application. From the first knot tied to final hours of service performed, the Scouting experience is a journey like no other.
Did you know the BSA posts monthly podcasts, full of how-to’s, tips, and best practices for your role in Scouting? That’s right! ScoutCast and CubCast podcasts are audio goldmines, covering topics to help you best serve youth in Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts.
Back to school season is in full swing this fall and we aren’t just talking about for Scouts! Volunteers and Scouters are prepping for a unique learning experience via the new online “BSA Learn Center” and Cub Scout leadership training is now in session!
Women have a tremendous history in the Boy Scouts of America. Whether leading from the front or supporting the movement in less visible roles, the organization would not exist as we know it without the steadfast dedication of countless exceptional women.
For more than a century the BSA has used the great outdoors as a classroom to teach character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. And now families with Scouts in the fourth grade have a great opportunity to explore federally managed lands and waters for free.
Regional directors Ponce Duran, Tom Harrington, Al Lambert, and Don McChesney have a special message for you. Read on to learn more about how to boost your professional development in a few easy steps. Completing your talent profile is critical for filling vacancies and identifying candidates for Scout Executive pools.
As you know, chartered organizations are the backbone of Scouting. There has never been a more important time for all of us to engage with current and potential chartered organizations. Over the next few days, your council will be receiving a shipment of kits designed to help your staff in these conversations.
Technically the BSA isn’t in the business of anything. We don’t manufacture goods. We don’t sell products or services. Rather, we’re a mission-driven, non-profit organization focused on serving America’s youth by inspiring great leaders, providing life-changing adventures and helping young people grow according to the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
As part of our “Families Like Mine” video series, this new video features Juan, a Scout dad, who grew up in Mexico and came to the U.S. when he was 19 years old. Far from his home, he found a home in the camaraderie of Scouting.
From the life-saving Scout stories you hear in the news to the firsthand Scouting testimonials parents share about their kids, we all believe that Scouting builds leaders and shapes character in its members. But, remember, the mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over…
With the completion of the 100 th anniversary of NOAC, the 2015 World Scout Jamboree and The Summit Bechtel Reserve’s second summer season, a very exciting summer is one for the history books. Now, it’s time focus on the 2017 National Scout Jamboree.
Congratulations to Grey Rolland who will begin serving the Longhouse Council of Syracuse, NY, as Scout executive on October 1, 2015. Grey began his Scouting career as an associate district executive in the Queens Council of the Greater New York Councils in New York, NY.
The 2015 Top Hands closing ceremony gathered Scouting professionals from across the Scouting nation for a memorable dinner in true Scouting fashion – around the familiar glow of the campfire. Scouting’s professional leadership including Chief Scout Executive Wayne Brock and incoming Chief Scout Executive Mike Surbaugh, along with Eagle Scout climber Matt Moniz and National OA…
What do The Boy Scouts of America and Harley-Davidson – two iconic American brands – have in common? More than you might think – as incoming Chief Scout Executive Mike Surbaugh explained last Friday at the a nnual meeting of Scouting professionals, Top Hands .
Making the Scouting experience the best it can possibly be is the reason we’re all here. Volunteers and professionals in the BSA funnel their energy and time into making sure youth get the programs they deserve. And a new face around the National Service Center – AJ Wilson – is working to make this mission easier than…
There’s a first time for everything, as the saying goes. We have a seemingly endless list of firsts throughout our lifetimes: First steps, first words, first day of school and the first day at a new job. Today, I add a new entry to my personal list of firsts by sharing my first-ever Chief’s Corner…
Professional and volunteer Scouters of all ages can rejoice because this year Top Hands delivered a clear message for all generations involved in Scouting: Let’s enjoy working together! If you didn’t attend the conference this year, fear not. We have the scoop on generational synergy recapped for you below.
As the National Park Service celebrates its 99th birthday today, we reflect on a century’s worth of Scouts and parks as a dynamic duo. Scouting in a park setting is timeless. That’s why national, state, and city parks make a tradition of hosting big events for Scouts.
You’ve read about the heroic fire-fighting efforts of Scouts who knew how to keep their cool during a blaze and understood the importance of fire safety on Scouting Newsroom. But did you know you can play a major role in teaching fire safety to Scouts like these?
The Boy Scouts of America reflects upon the legacy of former Chief Scout Executive Jere Ratcliffe, who passed away on Friday, August 21, 2015. Ratcliffe led the organization from February 1993 through May 2000 as the 9 th Chief Scout Executive.
As many of you know, one of my wishes for Scouting has been to create a culture where no one ever tells the story of not being thanked. My hope has been that we can recognize without fail that anyone who does anything for Scouting, especially our volunteers, will know how much they’re appreciated.
It’s back to school season in Scouting, folks! And no, we aren’t talking about dashing to your first class or memorizing your new schedule. Adult volunteers in Scouting are gearing up for a unique educational experience with Scouting University (Scouting U).
Popcorn sales, car washes and other traditional Scouting fundraisers provide significant support for local councils across the country, allowing countless kids the opportunity to take part in the adventures of Scouting. But some councils are thinking outside the box when it comes to local fundraising and the results are inspiring.
Citizenship. Perspective. Community involvement. Independence. Collaboration. These are the qualities and strengths Scout mom Catherine watches develop in her son as he participates in Scouting. As a Scouting volunteer or employee, you’ve probably witnessed countless similar stories of young men and women who have thrived within the BSA’s programs.
Since Mike Surbaugh was named as the BSA’s next Chief Scout Executive in May, I’ve had the opportunity to work with Mike as he prepares to transition to his new role. Behind the scenes, Mike has tenaciously been gathering facts and engaging countless volunteers and staff across our organization to listen to their thoughts and…
Bring the quality your Scouts deserve to outdoor programs by registering for the BSA’s National Outdoor Conference! We’re talking about Scouting’s biggest get‐together of professionals and volunteers charged with delivering the world’s greatest outdoor program for youth. The conference is Oct.
As a flock of Eagle Scouts prepare to take flight at universities all over the world, now is the time to start thinking about scholarship opportunities. Be sure the National Eagle Scout Association’s academic and merit-based scholarships are on your Eagle’s application list.
Ever wished you could relive the adventures and fun of camping through the rocky, high country trails of Philmont Scout Ranch? Or maybe you’ve never been to Philmont and want to see what all the excitement is about. Thanks to the Philmont Scout Ranch Photo Archive , you can do both!
When I think about the Scout law, it reminds me to meet my responsibilities and demonstrate to others that I care. Lately, I’ve been reflecting a lot on these principles and thought the “back to school” season would be a good time for us to give our young people a refresher on the Scout Law…
It’s hard for me to believe that most of the summer has already passed and school is starting in many of our councils — a sure sign that fall recruitment is underway. I really appreciate the many innovative approaches our councils and leaders are taking to reach new audiences in an effort to build their Cub…
The BSA Fund Development Department and ScoutingU have teamed up with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) to offer local council staff and volunteers an opportunity to earn CFRE International continuing education credits by participating in an AFP Fundamentals of Fundraising Course.
Personal recommendations pull a lot of clout when it comes to trusting a new product or program. In fact, m illennials trust brands and advertising less and less. They increasingly look to friends and other millenials who share their interests for input on buying decisions.
Between juggling full-time careers and raising kids, time is a single parent’s – or any parent’s – most precious commodity. So for councils and districts trying to reach these time-strapped parents for Cub Scout recruitment, connecting with them on a personal level is key.
Have you checked out beascout.org lately? Well stop what you’re doing and head over there now, because this site has undergone a facelift to help in your council’s recruitment strategy. The site received several major updates, helping in the process of signing up for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturing.
Find out someone’s an Eagle Scout and you can make a few assumptions about his character right off the bat. He’s probably a leader who can handle a challenge and has a passion for helping others. This kind of quick personality assessment extends into the realm of entertainment and fiction.
Join us in congratulating Doug Brown on his new position as the Scout executive for the East Carolina Council , Kinston, NC. He’ll assume the role on Sept. 1, 2015. Brown is currently a member of the Regional Operations office and began his professional Scouting career as an Exploring executive at the Crossroads of America Council…
You caught our coverage on what’s happening at the 2015 World Scout Jamboree , but as the fun wraps up in Japan, Scouting associations of North America accelerate toward the 2019 World Scout Jamboree! What’s more, the 24th World Scout Jamboree is landing at the BSA’s newest adventure base right here in the United States from…
Here’s a story of Scouting values that is reaching global proportions. There is a troop in Salt Lake City known as the “Jungle Refugee Troop,” or more formally as Troop 1262 . It was formed in 2006 under the direction of Scout leaders and sponsored by the Columbus Branch of the South Salt Lake LDS Stake…
Ask yourself: is my team built to have a winning recruitment season? Here’s one tool to make sure it is! There are just a few weeks to go before fall recruiting really kicks off. In the JTE Leadership Hour on Aug.
Grandfathers and dads have long shared the memories and experiences of their Scouting days, in hopes of continuing the tradition with their sons and grandsons. So when Priscilla Hedline of The Wheelchair Mommy heard of her husband’s memories and lifelong friendships from Scouting, she knew it would be the perfect program to introduce to her…
When Scouting’s honor society gets together, the camaraderie and collaboration don’t stop. This week Arrowmen are celebrating Order of the Arrow’s Centennial at the National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC). The conference is happening on Michigan State University’s campus, drawing 15,000 Arrowmen together for competition, recognition, and plenty of recreation (5Ks, scuba diving, and…
Remember this April when we announced the STEM Scout pilot program was expanding to 12 councils ? Well a lot has happened in the STEM Scouts world since then, and we want to keep you up to speed as the program prepares for recruitment season this fall.
Our Arrowmen have been on the road all summer spreading the word about Scouting as they celebrate 100 years since the Order of the Arrow was founded. What a great job they’re doing! Check out some of the photos and videos they’ve posted from their ArrowTour stops in 110 cities all over the country.
Eagle Scouts who want to stop by the National Scouting Museum in Irving, TX, Aug. 15-21, 2015, can get in for free, bond with fellow Scouters, and receive recognition for earning Scouting’s highest rank. The 13th Eagle Scout Heritage Celebration kicks off at the National Scouting Museum on Sat., Aug.
There’s big news for Cub Scouts — and future Cub Scouts — and everyone who works to ensure these children have a memorable and meaningful Scouting experience. That’s because this week we launched CubScouts.org , a new website that houses all of the resources needed to deliver a quality Scouting program that Cub Scouts and their parents will…
As Reading Rainbow: Volume 1 hits the figurative Netflix shelves Sat., Aug. 1, we have a trivia question for you. What do the show’s host LeVar Burton and Boys’ Life have in common? The answer is easy for the parents and Scouts who set up camp in front of the TV to check out the…
Imagine 33,000 Scouts from more than 150 countries pouring into one place at the same time, all for the sake of fun, service, and friendship. Pretty amazing, right? Well that’s exactly what’s happening at the 2015 World Scout Jamboree in Kirara-hama, Japan right now!