Jeff's Scouting Blog
I recently learned of a new Scouting blog authored by Jeff Freeman: So I've thought about a blog for a long time. Either as a representative of my pack, or now of the troop I'm in. Or even for my daughters Daisies.
The Bloggers
Scoutmaster Clarke Green
- By Clarke Green
- Active 2005–2020
- Posts 1,800
- Words 642,273
Every post, newest first
Showing 351–400 of 1,800 · page 8 of 36. Each title opens the post in a new tab.
Lucky? Not Really.
Saw this comment today: "He's got a bunch of older Scouts who run his troop for him, he's lucky!" Lucky? Not at all, that's how Scouting works. "He's got a bunch of older Scouts…" Yes, we have a bunch of older Scouts, when I think "older" I think about any Scout over thirteen.
The Secret Laws of Adolescence (opens in a new tab)
It's been some years since most of us lived under the regime of the secret laws of adolescence. Our Scouts know them pretty well and obey them most of the time. Here's one section Scouters should review: SECTION I TALKING TO ADULTS 1.
Podcast 235 – Patrol Method 1
Sponsored By ScoutmasterCG.com Backers What, exactly, is the Patrol Method? Why did our founder emphasize the importance of the patrol method over all else in Scouting? In this week's podcast I'll begin a series of four installments that establishes the patrol method as the character school for our Scouts and relate a story about how…
B.P.'s Blog – The Patrol Spirit (opens in a new tab)
During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Each Sunday I'll publish a selection from his writings in the hope that you'll draw inspiration and understanding from his timeless ideas.
Two Scout Pioneering Techniques (opens in a new tab)
Here's two relatively little-known Scout pioneering methods that are well worth investigating. CatDrill This new (to me at least!) Scout pioneering technique originated with the Italian Scout Group Trento1 . CatDrill combines classic pioneering and froissartage (see below). This technique uses smaller diameter wooden poles or branches and lighter cordage to make sturdy joints that can…
Scout's Energy, Eagerness, & Anticipation
Boys can hardly wait to go on hikes, sleep in tents, and cook meals in the open. They are eager to master the skills of Scouting and to put into practice what they are learning. They want to share experiences with their friends.
Podcast 234 – Assume Goodwill (opens in a new tab)
Sponsored By ScoutmasterCG.com Backers Getting along has more to do with us than others… I get plenty of email from folks who are having problems getting along with their fellow volunteers or Scouts. Is there a simple answer that would resolve most conflicts and difficulties in Scouting?
B.P.'s Blog – Patrol Reports (opens in a new tab)
During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Each Sunday I'll publish a selection from his writings in the hope that you'll draw inspiration and understanding from his timeless ideas.
Little League and Scouting
Contributor Dave Klein lives in Southern California with his wife and two Boy Scout sons. He has been involved in numerous adult leader positions within both Cub and Boy Scouts for 11 years. Dave is Woodbadge trained and has served as Assistant Scoutmaster for eight years.
Keep Your Camping Gear Dry
If you think the advice in this infographic is nutty, heretical, or (to be charitable) merely inadvisable; so did I until I tried it. I first read about this in Cliff Jacobson's book Camping's Top Secrets . Jacobson is an author, wilderness guide, Distinguished Eagle Scout, and a regular contributor to Scouting Magazine .
Scoutmaster Podcast 233 (opens in a new tab)
Sponsored By ScoutmasterCG.com Backers Working with the patrol leaders's council is a Scoutmaster's single greatest responsibility… …listen in to a recording of my patrol leader's council at camp this summer. I answer emails about motivating older Scouts, dealing with interference from parents, and helping define Scout camping for new parents.
B.P.'s Blog – Education: Debts and Credits (opens in a new tab)
During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Each Sunday I'll publish a selection from his writings in the hope that you'll draw inspiration and understanding from his timeless ideas.
Take Your Scouts to Kandersteg in 2015 (opens in a new tab)
The natural beauty of Switzerland's Bernese Oberland, along with the fellowship of a mini world jamboree awaits you and your Scouts in Kandersteg next summer. I've successfully provided the opportunity for my Scouts to take advantage this incredible experience ( see the videos of our 2014 trip here ), and I'd like to host your group in…
Six First Class Knots
Here's a handy one-page reference that shows six First Class Knots – the square knot, taught-line hitch, two half hitches, timber hitch, clove hitch and bowline. Here's more knot infographics Six First Class Knots and over 40 more infographics and helpful PDF documents Are included in the GET IT NOW BEFORE YOU CLICK THE DOWNLOAD BUTTON…
Scout Spirit as First Aid (opens in a new tab)
Scouters encourage and assess Scout Spirit in Scouts, but how often do we apply that same scrutiny to examine our own attitudes and actions? Speaking for myself; I don't always live up to what I'd consider an ideal expression of Scout spirit; but I doubt anyone does either.
Scoutmaster Podcast 232
Sponsored By ScoutmasterCG.com Backers Hello! Back home and lots of catching up to do! I answer emails about signing requirements, Troop Planning, Eagle projects, and advancement. Plus an announcement for those of you interested in going to Kandersteg, Switzerland! Listen to Scoutmaster Podcast 232 Get The SCOUTMASTERCG APP Podcast Archive
B.P.'s Blog – Real Attraction of Camping (opens in a new tab)
During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Each Sunday I'll publish a selection from his writings in the hope that you'll draw inspiration and understanding from his timeless ideas.
Kandersteg Dispatches – Day Eight
We're Home! Here's Day Eight in Bern, our final installment! I'll be sending you dispatches from Kandersteg International Scout Center August 9-18.
Kandersteg Dispatches – Day Seven
We're Home! Here's Day Seven in Kandersteg, look for our final installment, Day Eight, tomorrow! I'll be sending you dispatches from Kandersteg International Scout Center August 9-18.
B.P.'s Blog – Uniform for Scout Officals (opens in a new tab)
During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Each Sunday I'll publish a selection from his writings in the hope that you'll draw inspiration and understanding from his timeless ideas.
Kandersteg Dispatches – Day Six
Here's day five and six (sort of). We recorded this late the other night, some very tired, yet happy Scouts! I'll be sending you dispatches from Kandersteg International Scout Center August 9-18. Get in touch with me and I'll mention you in one of the dispatches!
Kandersteg Dispatches – Day Five
This is actually day four, a little out of sequence! We've been happily very busy, and I haven't had the time to put together more as of yet, I do have a lot of videos to show you soon! I'll be sending you dispatches from Kandersteg International Scout Center August 9-18.
Kandersteg Dispatches – Day Four
Day Four's video will publish tomorrow! My apologies for the delay but our schedule for the next couple of days is very demanding! I'll be sending you dispatches from Kandersteg International Scout Center August 9-18. Get in touch with me and I'll mention you in one of the dispatches!
Kandersteg Dispatches – Day Three
I'll be sending you dispatches from Kandersteg International Scout Center August 9-18. Get in touch with me and I'll mention you in one of the dispatches!
Kandersteg Dispatches – Day Two
I'll be sending you dispatches from Kandersteg International Scout Center August 9-18. Get in touch with me and I'll mention you in one of the dispatches!
B.P's Blog – A Picture of Bad Scouting (opens in a new tab)
During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Each Sunday I'll publish a selection from his writings in the hope that you'll draw inspiration and understanding from his timeless ideas.
Kandersteg Dispatches – Day One
I'll be sending you dispatches from Kandersteg International Scout Center August 9-18. Get in touch with me and I'll mention you in one of the dispatches!
Ball in Cage Neckerchief Slide
An old whittler's puzzle the ball in a cage can be adapted to make an interesting neckerchief slide. Here's pictures of one I carved many years ago: Here's some whittling resources that will help you get started. The Ball in Cage Neckerchief Slide and over 40 more infographics and helpful PDF documents Are included in…
New Tools in Guide to Safe Scouting
Keeping Scouts safe is a key responsibility of any Scouter, and Safe scouting requires we understand and mange the risks involved in our activities. Scouter Walter Underwood has posted an excellent overview of recent changes to the Guide to Safe Scouting that include a Campout Safety Checklist (PDF) , Event Safety Checklist (PDF) , Incident Information Report…
Scoutmaster Podcast
Sponsored By ScoutmasterCG.com Backers I'll be on vacation August 1-8th and at Kandersteg International Scout Center From August 9-18th. The 232nd edition of the Scoutmaster Podcast will be published on August 25th. Until then you can listen to podcasts in the archive and be sure to tune in for Dispatches from Kandersteg starting on August…
B.P.'s Blog – On Camping (opens in a new tab)
During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Each Sunday I'll publish a selection from his writings in the hope that you'll draw inspiration and understanding from his timeless ideas.
Letters From Camp – Day Seven (opens in a new tab)
Letters from camp day seven is a montage of the weekend at Camp Horseshoe – Paul Bunyan Field Day, OA call-out at Saturday retreat, and Sunday lunch. I am on vacation from August 1-9th and at KISC until August 18! I'll reply to email and ship Backer Premiums when I return! Coming August 9th!
Retirement
You gotta have a cake! I am more interested in the bigger ideas of Scouting rather than writing about my own Troop or my individual experiences. Bear with me today as I share what's been going on recently. Short of two years ago I delivered this letter to our Troop Committee: Tuesday, October 09, 2012…
Scoutmaster Podcast 231 (opens in a new tab)
Sponsored By ScoutmasterCG.com Backers What kind of an internal standard is the aim of our work? I answer email questions about positions of responsibility and other subjects , plus (of course) your messages in the mailbag! Listen to Scoutmaster Podcast 231 Get The SCOUTMASTERCG APP Podcast Archive
B.P.'s Blog – Overseas Scouts (opens in a new tab)
During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Each Sunday I'll publish a selection from his writings in the hope that you'll draw inspiration and understanding from his timeless ideas.
Letters From Camp – Day Six (opens in a new tab)
Hello from Camp Horseshoe! You can check out the live webcam too. Here's more information about Camp Horseshoe
Letters From Camp – Day Five (opens in a new tab)
Hello from Camp Horseshoe! Send me an email me via Troop 24 Kennett Square … and I'll reply via one of the video Letters from Summer Camp this week. You can check out the live webcam too. Here's more information about Camp Horseshoe
Letters From Camp – Day Four (opens in a new tab)
Hello from Camp Horseshoe! Thanks for all the email, today we try to catch up! I'll post reflections on the older and younger Scout experience tomorrow. Send me an email me via Troop 24 Kennett Square … and I'll reply via one of the video Letters from Summer Camp this week.
Letters From Camp – Day Three (opens in a new tab)
Hello from Camp Horseshoe! Send me an email me via Troop 24 Kennett Square … and I'll reply via one of the video Letters from Summer Camp this week. You can check out the live webcam too. Here's more information about Camp Horseshoe
Letters From Camp – Day Two
Hello from Camp Horseshoe! Send me an email me via Troop 24 Kennett Square and I'll reply via one of the video Letters from Summer Camp this week. You can check out the live webcam too. Here's more information about Camp Horseshoe
Letters From Camp – Day One (opens in a new tab)
DAY ONE Hello from Camp Horseshoe! Just checking for a couple of minutes (the first day or so at camp is always busy!) Be sure to email me! Camp Webcam and Email Send me an email me via Troop 24 Kennett Square and I'll reply via one of the video Letters from Summer Camp this…
B.P.'s Blog – The Need for a Refresher (opens in a new tab)
During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Each Sunday I'll publish a selection from his writings in the hope that you'll draw inspiration and understanding from his timeless ideas.
Choosing a Patrol Name (opens in a new tab)
I remember very clearly the time I first sat down with my new Patrol to choose a Patrol name. We had some suggestions from the Boy Scout Handbook and an old printed list of a couple-dozen creative names. We didn't think much about what should go into choosing a good Patrol name; we just decided…
Turk's Head Knot Neckerchief Slide (opens in a new tab)
The "Turk's head" knot (named for its resemblance to a turban) is a familiar traditional neckerchief slide or woggle . Elaborate Turk's head knots can be made with additional passes and leads (see Ashley's Book of Knots for a thorough education in this versatile, decorative knot).
Scout Video – Flintstones & Flash Mobs
My Scout video picks for this week include Flintstones, a flash mob, and futuristic publications. Flintstones Jamboree Fred and Barney lead a rousing rendition of "Old MacDonald" at a World Jamboree. Scout video of Flash Mob in Turin, Italy A tremendous display of Scout Spirit and excitement; Scouting's universal language!
Transformative Travel (opens in a new tab)
David Gilmour ( the entrepreneur who founded FIJI Water ; not the Pink Floyd musician ), was asked "Where's the best place to prepare for leadership: MBA school or on the job?" by Monocle Magazine . He chose neither. His answer: "Travel. How can you be knowledgeable on any subject if you aren't well traveled?"
Podcast 230- The Internal Standard (opens in a new tab)
Sponsored By ScoutmasterCG.com Backers What kind of an internal standard is the aim of our work? We want our Scouts to form resilient character that they can call on as they move forward in life, we have some ofttimes overlooked opportunities to build an internal standard that will be a valuable asset.
B.P.'s Blog – The Other Fellow's Point of View
During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Each Sunday I'll publish a selection from his writings in the hope that you'll draw inspiration and understanding from his timeless ideas.
Do You Know Your Stars? (opens in a new tab)
How well do you know your way around the stars in the night sky? Here's a quiz on the circumpolar constellations and stars seen from the Northern hemisphere you'll want to know to find the North Star. Before starting this star quiz you may want to study this Sky Tour Infographic .