The Bloggers
Den meeting plans, adventure requirements, merit badge helps and Cub Scout ideas.
Showing 1–50 of 1,124 · page 1 of 23. Each title opens the post in a new tab.
This video is a good introduction to maps and cartography for youth. How did maps develop? How were early maps used? Have you ever heard of the Anaximander map? Who are some people and cultures from around the world who helped improve maps throughout the ages?
A reader asks: My boys just joined or local pack in our area last August. This pack has like 60 kids. The 1st thing I noticed was that everything was very very unorganized, but I didn't want to be one of those parents that gripes and does nothing.
Tuesday, October 15 October 15 is Global Handwashing Day. On this day, all are encouraged to remember that washing hands with soap is a good way to prevent diseases. Another goal is to increase the awareness of the importance of the availability of hand washing facilities.
A mom sent in this question Our crew wants to stop the scouts from serving as President in the crew and Sr patrol leader at the same time. Does anyone else have this rule? I've never heard that rule before.
Sara asked this question: I'm trying to gain advice. We have only about 8 female Cub between the grades of 1-5. I'm fairly certain that even after recruitment we will still have ot at least be divided 1-2, 3-4, and 5.
Our pack was in need of a Cubmaster. I waited because I didn't want to take the position from one of the parents if they wanted it,. But since school is right around the corner and nobody had volunteered yet, I said that I would love to be Cubmaster.
Mary Beth sent in this question: We are planning my son's Eagle COH and he also recently earned his Venturing Ranger Award. The Crew Leader has agreed to award this during his COH but I can not find any type of "script" for the Ranger Award for the Crew Leader to use.
How well do you know the basics? Answer some questions about the Scout Oath, Law, Slogan, Motto, the meaning of the Scout Badge and more. And then find out if your answers are correct. Use this to help with the requirements for the Scouting Adventure for Arrow of Light or for the Scouts BSA Scout…
Saturday, July 20 July 20 is Moon Day. It commemorates the day the first man walked on the lunar surface. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon. Michael Collins, the pilot for the mission, stayed in the command module.
The Animal Kingdom adventure introduces Lions to the concepts of service, responsibility, and citizenship. Here are a few ideas to help you with this achievement. First, remember the fun. Here are a couple of ideas 911 Song Elbow Balloon Pass Game (to teach cooperation) Red Light Green Light 1.
Thursday, August 1 On World Scout Scarf Day, all former Scouts and current Scouts are asked to wear their neckerchief (scarf) to promote the Spirit of Scouting. August 1 was the date of the very first Scout camp on Brownsea Island in 1907.
Thursday, November 28 Thanksgiving is a good opportunity for Scouts to thing about gratitude and good manners. Here are some songs and activities for your Thanksgiving Scout meeting. Graces and reflections: Thanksgiving Scoutmaster (or Cubmaster) minute Gratitude Scoutmaster (or Cubmaster) minute Addams Family Grace (song) Johnny Appleseed Grace (song) Philmont Grace S bar F Scout…
Thursday, October 31 Add some pizzazz to your October program with some Halloween themed ideas. Find recipes, games, songs, and activities for your Halloween Scout program here. Recipes: Edible Spiders Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Jack O Lantern Creamsicles Candy Corn Mix Games Bobbling for Worms Activities Trunk or Treat Costume Party Fake Wounds Songs: Carve the…
Saturday, August 10 Observe National Lazy Day by taking it easy. Sleep in. Rest up. Watch a movie. Read a book. I have only one suggestion for this day. Take your Nap On Safely training. How are you observing #LazyDay? Add your ideas to the comments below.
Saturday, January 4, 2020 January 4 is National Trivia Day. It celebrates all of those little bits of knowledge. This can be a fun one to celebrate with Scouts of all ages. Here are some ideas. Brush up on your Scouting trivia or work on an advancement which will help you learn more about Scouting.
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…
Scout spirit is mentioned in several of the requirements for Boy Scout ranks. But what is Scout spirit and how does a Boy Scout go about demonstrating it? For the Boy Scout ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle Scout and for Eagle Palms, a Scout must "Demonstrate Scout spirit by…
Tracey sent in this form which can be used to keep track of counselors for merit badges. Space is included for the counselor's name, phone number, and email address. Badges required for the rank of Eagle Scout are highlighted in yellow.
Rube Goldberg was a cartoonist and engineer who drew elaborate contraptions which accomplished simple tasks. This article from TinkerLab gives step-by-step details for creating a unique Rube Goldberg machine. Follow the link below to read the article.
Kix cereal has an article which gives step-by-step instructions to make a rainstick from an empty paper towel roll, aluminum foil, paper, plastic wrap, popcorn or dry beans, and tape. A rainstick is an instrument which sounds like rain when you turn it over. Follow the link below to see the instructions.
TakeMeFishing.org has an interactive map which will help you to locate the places to fish closest to you. Just enter your zip code and then look at the map. If there is nothing available in your immediate area then zoom out to find the closest fishing spot.
Does your unit want to send a care package to our troops? The United Service Organizations (USO) has some tips to help you do this. This article will help you locate a USO center to get started and has some ideas for what to put in the perfect care package for our military men and…
This short video from Leap Frog shows the different parts of a map including the compass rose, legend, and scale. It describes how these parts are used to read the map.
Hand Speak provides an American Sign Language Translator. Just type in a word and you will see a video of the sign for the word. Follow the link below to try it out.
This article from Metals Wired includes simple explanations for obverse (heads), reverse (tails), field, relief, rim, edge, legend, motto, date, and mint marks. The definitions are simple and with coins in hand, any Scout should be able to use them to identify the different parts. Follow the link below to read the complete article.
Boy's Life magazine has some tips and tricks for beginning your coin collection. Tips include finding a dealer, learning about coin grading, storing and protecting your collection, getting the supplies you need, and starting your collection. Follow the link below to read the article.
Every campfire program should have plenty of skits. They also make a great intermission in a meeting. Sometimes they teach a lesson, sometimes they don't, but they are always fun. Follow the link below to view the list of skits on this site.
A reader sent in this question: I am taking over as Den Leader for my son's Bear Den. The boys' behavior, 2 in particular, was not very good last year. (One whose parent was there and did nothing to help, just smiled at him like he was an angel.)
Raquel sent in this question: My Pack has moved to a new sponsor and we would like to retire the old pack flag that represents our old sponsor. Are there any ceremonies for retiring a sponsor pack flag? Thanks for the question Raquel.
Sean sent in this question: Hi! This site is so helpful, thank you for doing this! I'm planning on signing up my son for scouts this coming fall & was going to get started on the Bobcat requirements this summer. I was able to access the requirements through your site, & was hoping you could let me…
According to the Flag Code, when a flag has become to worn for service it should be retired with dignity. Holding a flag retirement ceremony is an excellent way to teach youth about how to care for a flag with respect.
Sometimes Scouts have trouble coming up with new ideas when planning meals for camp. Foil packs, hamburgers, hotdogs, repeat. This article from Boy's Life Magazine give some suggestions for cooking foods that boys enjoy at home. Recipes include: pizza Chinese takeout ice cream nachos fresh baked bread Use these tried and true recipes to add…
When teaching fire building skills, it can be fun to try some fire starting methods other than matches. This video shows how to start a fire with a lemon, copper brads, zinc nails, wire, and steel wool.
Shawn sent in this question: Is there a decent CD or iTunes album of Boy Scout songs? I find the Cub and Boy Scout Songbook CDs quite lacking. A search turns up several Girl Scout albums, and few things on YouTube.
When preparing for a campout, one of the most common questions from less experienced campers is "What should I bring?" This article from Boy's Life magazine is a good list of must haves for that campout. It covers the outdoor essentials you should always take on a campout or hike.
John M (Webelos Leader – Pack 21, ASPL W4-58-16, Crazy Owl, W4-40-14) sent in these certificates to use at your Webelos ceremonies. Thanks John! The first is the blank John made and the second is an example of how it can be used.
Nina sent in this question: Hi Scouter Mom! You have been my go to recourse guide for all things Cub Scouts, my Son just earned is AOL, and recently started Boy Scouts, I still have one more Son in Cub Scouts, he is a Wolf.
Lorraine sent in this question: What type of shirt do female den leaders wear? (yellow or tan)I want to get a shirt to wear so my Webelo Scouts understand and take pride in the uniform. (lead by example) I never had a shirt before, we are Webelo 1.
Jennifer sent in a Bobcat advancement ceremony to share with all of you: I recently helped put together a bobcat ceremony for our space derby. I couldn't find one I liked, so I incorporated a lot of different ideas I had found plus my own.
Marianna from Pack 377 in Fort Meade, MD sent in these two songs which she made up to help teach knots to her Wolves about square knots and overhand knots. She is an early childhood coach by day and a Den Leader by night so her den often learns with songs.
Julia asked this question: I have a question about some of the new program requirements. I'm the leader of a Bear den and have the following issue. We had our "Cub Scout Carnival" at the beginning of the year and all of our 6 scouts planned and executed it – it was a lot of fun…
Liz sent in this question: My son is a Weeblo first year. He will have completed all his requirements by December. I understand that I cant do his next advancements until after May graduation BUT can I keep doing electives and getting credit for them?
Megan sent in this question: Recently my husband who is the Scoutmaster had a father of a scout show up at our door and threaten my husbands safety. The father also went to the Boy Scout meeting looking for my husband who was not there and gave another threat to his safety to another leader.
Jason sent this question: Curious as to what others had done for the putting on a carnival (Bear Requirement for Grin & Bear It). Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! Good question! Here are a few simple ideas: Ring toss – Use glass soda bottles and shower curtain rings.
Here's a question from Marie: I've been asked to take over the Chaplain's Aide training for our council, but they have no training materials from the previous coordinator. Can someone please share with me how you run training for Chaplain's Aide?
Randi sent in this question Hello! I'm a wolf leader and I need some input. I was planning on starting duty to g*d footsteps and I have already informed our cub master that I wanted to bring the boys to a Buddhist temple.
Marci sent me this question: Hi, my son is up for an eagle BOR very soon, and I was wondering what type of questions they ask parents. I was informed the scout steps out of meeting while the reviewers ask parents questions.
Boy Scouts working on their Tenderfoot rank need to learn about poisonous plants. Being able to identify hazardous plants will help all Scouts who are in the outdoors, so this knowledge is not just for rank advancement. The link below will take you to a nice quiz on the Boy's Life website which will teach…
This is the fourth in a series about the BSA Hornaday Award Program . In this segment, examples are given for project categories which were not discussed in the previous articles.(...) Continue reading the article at http://scoutermom.com/17606/bsa-hornaday-award-program-other-hornaday-project-categories-2/
Sandie sent in this question: Where do I find the "Germ Song", the Mucus demonstration and the Sneeze demonstration? Thanks for the question. These are all requirements for the Wolf Germs Alive! adventure. The song and instructions for the demonstrations can be found in the Wolf Handbook.
