Cause I'm Shameless
Hey all… this may put you over the edge with my blog.. but I refuse to keep asking till I get what Scouting needs.. Money! A few weeks back I asked for donations for our Council's fundraiser "OVER THE EDGE".
The Bloggers
The Scoutmaster Minute
- Active 2008–2017
- Posts 1,066
- Words 522,832
Original site: thescoutmasterminute.net (opens in a new tab) ↗
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Showing 451–500 of 1,066 · page 10 of 22. Each title opens the post in a new tab.
Captain Obvious (opens in a new tab)
Earlier today I received an email from a "fan of the blog and podcast".. his email is certainly appreciated and I am glad that he took the time to express his thoughts, but… I will not post the email here, but let me share with you the part that got me to write this post.
Methods – Outdoor Program (opens in a new tab)
A long time ago a Scouting mentor of mine told me that the secret to success in a Troop is PROGRAM, PROGRAM, PROGRAM. When you have a strong program you have Scouts that stay in Scouting, you have good advancement, you have Trained leaders, you have active Scouts and Scout parents.
From the Founder (opens in a new tab)
Just a little follow up on the Patrol Method.. It serves us all well to know what, why, and how we are deliver the promise of Scouting. "[F]irst and foremost: The Patrol is the character school for the individual. To the Patrol Leader it gives practise in Responsibility and in the qualities of Leadership.
Methods- Patrols
The Patrol is, like the ideals, the foundation of the Troop. The Patrol is where the Scout learns citizenship, it is where they practice democracy, leadership, and teamwork. It is where they find companionship, life long friendships, and a place where they belong.
Methods
Over the last couple of weeks Scouter friends and I have had numerous discussions about Scouting in our District. After the last Scoutmaster training session it became pretty clear that many Scouters have heard about the methods of Scouting, but do not really put them into practice in their units.
"NOT WORTHY" (opens in a new tab)
Last night we had another Webelos Scout cross over into our Troop. He started in his last year of Cub Scouts a little late and wanted to complete his Arrow of Light, so rather than cross with the rest of his Den, he waited, finished his AOL, and crossed last night in a ceremony with…
SMMPodcast # 104
Welcome back to the SMMPodcast, we dusted off the mic and got back to talking Scouting! We are trying out a new segment.. "The Mobile Thought".. In this show, we talk about Reverence, Troop Elections, and Youth Leadership. Hope you enjoy the show.
Delivering the Promise
At last nights Roundtable I was pleased to see a great turn out in the Boy Scout break out. Last nights attraction was Camporee and what units can do to get ready for it. We had about a half hour left so I thought it would be worth our while to talk a little District…
Esbit Alcohol Stove
OK.. I tried to get this post out yesterday.. not sure if it was the computer or the operator.. but lets try it again… I have been playing with a new stove the last couple months. Taken it out on the last three outings and I am in love with it.
Protecting your online identity? (opens in a new tab)
Awhile back there was some discussion on separating your Scouting life with your "Normal" life. I argued that given the Scout oath and law there is no real way that (at least I) could separate the two. As we have negotiated our way through this online maze and many of us have developed an online…
We are Scouts
Good Video… thought I'd share! Have a Great Scouting Day!
Tenderfoot and Porn
So if you are reading this.. you are either on the blog or got it via email and you are looking at this post electronically.. it was brought to you from the wonderful world of the internet. The world-wide web.
Gear tip of the week
Many Scouts, especially the younger ones have trouble getting everything into their backpacks. Now this problem is caused by a couple of factors. First, they try to carry too much. Remember that your target weight is 25% of your body weight.
…And Conservation Minded (opens in a new tab)
Last weekend I sat down with a rather large group of brand new Scouts. Most of them came from the ranks of Cub Scouts, but some had not and so getting into the habit of saying oaths and pledges for the most part is something to get used to.
Going over the Edge!!
I NEED YOUR HELP!! I do not want a penny from you for personal use. I have never used this blog as a fundraising tool.. but the time is NOW to help Scouts and help me do something real cool.
C.O.P.E and Scouting
Spending time with your Scouts on C.O.P.E courses is a wonderful experience. Scouts are challenged to step away from what they know is comfortable. The team building exercises and challenging tasks push Scouts to push themselves, not only for the sake of pushing themselves, but for the sake of the team.
Trust and Confidence
Man oh man, its been a while since I was on the blog posting. Sorry about that, no excuses, just lots going on especially with all the new scouts that we have in the troop. This post I want to share a little about the last camp out.
"Do unto others…"
Bare with me as I rant on humanity. I have been around the world and seen a lot of things… some good, some bad. Today I had a day which caused me to ask What the hell is wrong with people?
Test of Three
In ancient Greece (469 – 399 BC), Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom. One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance, who ran up to him excitedly and said, "Socrates, I need to tell you what I just heard about one of your students!"
SMMPodcast # 103 – Talking with Bob
In this show I have a lengthy chat with a fellow Scoutmaster and great Friend Bob Pierce. Join us as we talk a little bit about everything. Jamboree, Dutch oven cooking, Troop Guides, JLT, Anuual planning, Parents and Philmont just to cover some of the bases.
New Tour and Activity Plan to Be Unveiled
From our Friends at the BSA Internal Communications via Scout Wire: Dateline February 29, 2012 The new online tour and activity plan has been developed and will soon be ready for use. When compared to the former tour permit process, the new plan will no longer require signatures or approvals.
SMMPodcast #102
Join me on a hike with a new Eagle Scout Mom, and my best Friend (my Wife). We talk about advice for new Scout parents, Parents of Scouts closing on their Eagle Award and Fitness. It was a great hike and I am glad that I got a chance to get Teresa on the podcast…
1 extra Degree (opens in a new tab)
I always talk with the Scouts about Good not being good enough. There are many examples of how good will only get you good.. and on the other hand.. there are great examples of how doing your absolute best will get you Best results.
Fat or Fit
There is a big push in the BSA, and our Country right now to get fit. Why? Because it makes sense. Fitness leads to longer, happier lives. This has been at the fore front of our Troop now for a few months as we are preparing for our first trip to Philmont.
Devils Half Acre
Here is a short video of our Troops last adventure. We loaded up and headed to the intersection of the Historic Barlow Trail and the PCT. From there we packed up the Pulk Sleds and hiked down to Devils Half Acre and set up camp.
SMM101 – Founders Day Podcast
Today is Founders Day. In this show we talk a bit about founders day and hear a word from the Scouting's Secretary General, Luc Panissod. We also talk about vision and why Scouting is important to me. Plus a cool song I picked up along the way.
Founders Day 2012
When we teach our Scouts about setting goals and accomplishing tasks, we always start with their vision. We ask them to take the time in their mind's eye and see what the outcome is going to look like. What do they want to see in the end.
…and Morally Straight. (opens in a new tab)
What do we mean when we talk about "Morally Straight"? How do we explain that to our Scouts when our Scouts come from many different backgrounds, family dynamics, and religious beliefs? Simply put, a Scout is clean in thought, word, and deed.
Scouting- A Way of Life
Picked this up along the way.. it still rings true today. The Scout Oath and Law are a system of principles, and the program of Scouting is the method of making these principles work in the lives of boys. Let your boys know that the Oath and Law are the rules of the Troop.
2-11-12
Listen Lord, oh listen Lord, As I whisper soft and low. Bless my Mom and Bless my Dad, For these are things that they should know. I have kept my Honor bright, The Oath and Law have been my guide.
Preaching to the Choir (opens in a new tab)
During this last years recharter we had an extremely disappointing turn in of the Journey to Excellence form. As a District committee we chalked this up to a couple of things.. perhaps it was that many people were not aware of the change in program.
Larry says it well (opens in a new tab)
On the heels of a great JLT weekend and Troop elections, it is fitting that Clarke Green, fellow blogger and podcaster posted an article today that nailed my thoughts. The article was written by Larry Geiger, a contributor to Clarke's blog and regular commenter here on the Scoutmaster Minute Blog.
Modeling the Expected Behavior
This weekend, our Troop conducted Junior Leader Training. Because we have so many young Scouts, we decided to do things a little different this year. This year, wanted to ensure that the leaders clearly understood what was to be expected as a leader.
Leadership Expectations
We have heard and practice that defined leadership is simply that Leaders provide Purpose, Direction, and Motivation. To accomplish those three things, leaders MUST clearly set and enforce expectations. They need to be able to clearly communicate those expectations to those they lead.
Fitness
Citizenship and Character are real easy to identify, teach, and train our Scouts, but what about this fitness thing? We are not just talking about physical fitness. We need to make sure and look at the emotional and mental fitness of our Scouts.
Be Prepared (opens in a new tab)
Last nights Troop meeting was like most Troop meetings following a camp out. A quick run through of lessons learned using the Start, Stop, and Continue program started things off. Our new Scouts learned a lot on their first camp out, but the lesson that they learned the most was to Be Prepared.
Where worlds meet (opens in a new tab)
For those of you that have followed the blog for any given time, you know that I am a fan of sports. I believe that sports do great things in the lives of youth and I also believe that there is room for sports, scouts, academics, and a normal life for our youth.
SHOW 100 (opens in a new tab)
Print these glasses.. you will be needing them for the SMMPodcast SHOW 100! IN 3D. Listen in as I am interviewed or at least have a great discussion with Scouting Friend and District Commissioner Gary. We talk about the 1st 99 shows and the future of the SMMPodcast, Journey to Excellence, and more.
1:32 of Respect
OK… this may seem like a rant.. and it probably will be.. so if you want.. stop reading right now. I could really care less what you all think about my opinion on this one. The other night I attended my oldest son's wrestling match at the High School.
The Scoutmaster Pay off (opens in a new tab)
Over the last quarter of the year last year (2011) we received a bunch of new Scouts into the Troop. They all seemed real gung ho about joining and could not wait for the adventure to begin. We are preparing for our first winter camp out with the new Scouts right now.
JTE revisited
As with many of us we wear multiple hats in Scouting. First and foremost we wear the Dad (or Mom) hat, then the hat appropriate to our unit, like Scoutmaster or Committee Chair. Then there often times is some District level hat, whether that is part of the District Training team, a District event, or…
Winter Camping Leader Tool box
As we get into serious winter camping again for this season, we reinforce with our Youth leaders and other adult leaders some of the principles that make for a successful outing. In developing Youth leaders we put a lot on their shoulders and give them responsibilty.
2011 in review (opens in a new tab)
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog. Here's an excerpt: The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 29,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 11 sold-out performances for that many…
Saying Goodbye to a Great year of Scouting
2010 ended on the heals of one of the most exciting things I had ever done in Scouting having gone to the National Jamboree. Making that super special was that I got to go with both of my sons. 2011 ends with some challenges, but looking back, it was a fantastic year of Scouting.
Advancement Changes
The more things change the more they stay the same… I am referring to the new Advancement guide of the BSA. You can download now at the Scouting.org or here is a direct link GUIDE TO ADVANCEMENT 2011 . In it you will find much of the same policies and practices that have governed the advancement…
The Pulk Project continued
I hope everyone had a great Christmas, along with spending some great time with family and friends, I did get some upgrades to my gear. I will be shooting some reviews on the new stuff in the near future. I did take advantage of some good weather and time off to finish my Pulk Sled…
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to all of you that share this blog with me. 2011 has been another great year and our Scout world has grown smaller as we have learned from one another and you have shared emails, comments, voicemail, your thoughts with me.
Feathers
There once was two young Indian braves that were best of friends. They grew together, hunting, playing, and learning to be men in the tribe. Over time, both of these men caught the eye of a young women in the tribe, and they both began to try to win her heart.
SMMPodcast #99
Welcome Back, In this show we talk about a new Charter, My Son's Eagle Award, and Christmas. The music at the end of the show is provided by the Reynolds High School Symphony and Winds Ensemble playing "What Child is this".