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FAQs about Cooking and Sustainability merit badges
When I announced that Cooking merit badge and the new Sustainability merit badge would join the Eagle-required list in 2013 and 2014, a lot of you had questions. You asked about rollout plans, what happens with Scouts nearing the end of the Eagle... From Aaron on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago |
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The Ultimate List of Scouting Apps
Once upon a time, we used maps printed on paper to find our way. We studied laminated sky charts to identify constellations. We counted seconds after thunder strikes to locate storms. What were we thinking? Today, thanks to... From Aaron on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago |
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New Guide to Advancement
The 2011 Guide to Advancement is ready. It has a few significant changes and gives individual units more room to define their own expectations: Active Participation requirements updated. Units can set their own 'active' expectations. Position of... From Scoutmaster Musings 1 decade ago |
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New 2011 Guide to Advancement â" First Thoughts
The 2011 Guide to Advancement  has been released: The Guide to Advancement is the official source for administering advancement in all Boy Scouts of America programs: Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, Venturing, and Sea Scouts. It... From Scoutmaster Clarke Green 1 decade ago |
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The New Boy Scout Handbook â" Review
So with the BSA's 100th aniversary we have a new handbook that will bring us well into the 21st century. This new handbook has alot of great information and it is a great resource that every scout and scouter should have on their bookshelves. With... From A Boy Scout's Blog 1 decade ago |
Guide to Advancement updated
The BSA's Advancement Team has completed its biennial review and revision of the Guide to Advancement. The complete document can be downloaded here. As usual, there are several significant changes and clarifications, and most of the changes pertain... From Bobwhite's Blather 9 years ago |
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Five big takeaways from today's release of the 2013 Guide to Advancement
Here's one for your browser's bookmarks bar: The newest edition of the Boy Scouts of America Guide to Advancement released today. The PDF version  contains answers to pretty much any advancement question that might come up, and it's essential... From Aaron on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago |
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What Makes an Eagle Scout?
Here's what makes an Eagle Scout; A Scout completes the requirements as issued by the B.S.A. and is approved by a duly constituted board of review. That's it. So what about those oft discussed and argued qualities like maturity and leadership... From Scoutmaster Clarke Green 1 decade ago |
Improving Access to Scouting Publications
It is heartening to see that the BSA is increasing the number of publications offered in digital form. I am particularly appreciative of having the Guide To Safe Scouting , Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures , Insignia Guide ,... From Scoutmaster Clarke Green 1 decade ago |
Guide to Advancement Mandated Procedures and Recommended Practices
In my work with our local planning commission we  are charged with interpreting and applying standards in the Zoning code. These interpretations often turn on little words; in fact one becomes adept at finding the little words because they usually... From Scoutmaster Clarke Green 1 decade ago |
Guide to Advancement 2011 Online Version
The Guide to Advancement 2011 is now available online with helpful internal links. There's also a PDF version of the guide. Related resources at ScoutmasterCG First thoughts about the new guide  and a Podcast on the subject Mandated... From Scoutmaster Clarke Green 1 decade ago |
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Merit Badge Blue Card Infographic
The merit badge blue card serves many purposes: Certifying the unit leader has helped the Scout locate an approved counselor. Tracking requirements completed Checking that the badge was recorded and presented Serving as a record for the Scout,... From Scoutmaster Clarke Green 1 decade ago |
New Boy Scout Handbook Is 21st Century Guide for Life
The Centennial Edition of the Boy Scout Handbook unveiled by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) prepares the 21st century Scout for new technology while celebrating the organization's rich heritage. The 475-page paperback features nostalgic... From Scouting News 1 decade ago |
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The Patrol Method in Practice â" Making It Happen
The first post in this series about the patrol method paints a picture of the patrol as the central unit of Scouting, next we discussed the adult role  followed by discussing the usual objections that arise when we put the patrol method into... From Scoutmaster Clarke Green 1 decade ago |
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Another Look at Friends of Scouting
I don't give Friends of Scouting much thought throughout the year. In fact, I don't really ever think about it until the campaign comes around and forces me to wonder what everyone else wonders. The bad news is that I still don't have a clear... From My Scout Stuff - A Scoutmaster's Blog 1 decade ago |
Why Life to Eagle Guides?
Why would anyone need a "Life to Eagle Guide"? We already have a Scout Handbook and an Eagle Project Workbook - any Scout can understand and work their way through the trail to Eagle with these resources alone. Yet every Council and... From Scoutmaster Clarke Green 1 decade ago |
The new definition of "active"
The BSA raised our eyebrows recently with the publication of the new Guide to Advancement, which replaces the Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures book that had been in use for several years. There are thirteen significant changes in the... From Bobwhite's Blather 1 decade ago |
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Advancement Changes
The more things change the more they stay the sameââ¬Â¦ 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... From The Scoutmaster Minute 1 decade ago |
100 Days of Scouting: Day 71 - 82...yikes!
Ok here we go 4/22 Thursday: - Eagle Boards of Review for District 4/23 Friday: - left with Troop for Spring Camporee at Camp Ransburg...a Medieval Theme - brought 43 Scouts and 16 Adults...be prepared for rain 4/24 Saturday: - poured last night,... From The Scoutmaster 1 decade ago |
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Merit Badge Blue Card Change
The old merit badge blue card; The new merit badge blue card; This announcement from the latest Advancement News is self explanatory: Merit Badge Blue Card Revised A new version of the "Application for Merit Badge," No. 34124, commonly referred to... From Scoutmaster Clarke Green 1 decade ago |
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Patrol Method in Practice â" The Adult Role
Imagine a bus tour of some important city where, seated in the air-conditioned comfort of a motor coach, we listen to the guide explain each landmark in detail so we won't miss anything. The guide sticks to the script, we sit behind the tinted... From Scoutmaster Clarke Green 1 decade ago |
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New Den and Pack Meeting Resource Guide available on-line and in stores
The new Den and Pack Meeting Resource Guide is now available on-line and in stores. Check it out on line at http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/content/Home/CubScouts/Leaders/DenLeaderResources/DenandPackMeetingResourceGuide.aspx (Link is also in the... From U.S. Scouting Service Project 1 decade ago |
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NAtional Hosting Webinars on Cub Scouts 2010
Webinars: New Cub Scout Delivery Method National is rolling out the NEW Cub Scout Delivery Method and is inviting CS Leaders to attend one of 22 webinar sessions to learn how to use the new method and resources. Beginning Monday, May 3rd and ending... From U.S. Scouting Service Project 1 decade ago |
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Which positions of responsibility work for Star, Life, and Eagle?
To earn the Boy Scout ranks of Star, Life, and Eagle, a boy has to serve in a position of responsibility for six months (four months for Star rank). But not every position of responsibility applies. Assistant patrol leader, for example, is not... From Aaron on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago |
A Little Weird, But Fun
I received a call this morning from a father of one the Boy Scouts, who is also a troop committee member, asking if I was going to attend the troop meeting tonight. He and his family would be gone on vacation next week and his son would not be able... From A Scoutmaster's Blog 1 decade ago |
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Back to the Basics - DO
OK.. we know what we must BE , we know what we must KNOW and now it is time to DO ... The Scoutmaster gives direction.. but understand this direction comes from many angles. Unlike a conductor, the Scoutmaster is not standing in front directing the... From The Scoutmaster Minute 1 decade ago |
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Historic Merit Badge: Pathfinding
As we stated in Historic Merit Badge Program A Go (for real this time!) , we are going to be taking an in-depth look at each of the four Historic Merit Badges in the next few days. First up was Carpentry Merit Badge , then Signaling Merit Badge ,... From Scouting News 1 decade ago |
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Hard Work Pays off for Trapper Trails Council Venturer
Marcus Dean Cooper, Jr. has earned his the Venturing Gold Award and Venturing Silver Award. Marcus is the son of Marcus and Pieper Cooper of Kaysville and is currently serving as Crew Guide of Crew 438, Kaysville Crestwood LDS. Marcus worked at... From Scouting News 1 decade ago |
Avoiding Eagle Scout Drama - part 4 -The Eagle Project
Open the Eagle Scout Project Workbook (opens PDF file) and you will find about 2 1/2 half pages of instructions about conducting the project written in less than 1000 words (966 to be exact). Google the words "Eagle Scout Project" and... From Scoutmaster Clarke Green 1 decade ago |
The 2013 Guide to Advancement, part 2
In last week's article, we listed some of the changes incorporated in the 2013Â Guide to Advancement, the current revision to the comprehensive 2011 edition. Many policies have been tweaked and clarified, and since most of us have become familiar... From Bobwhite's Blather 1 decade ago |
Reasonable Expectations for Scouts
Years ago there was some question as to whether one of my Scouts who was a candidate for Eagle had satisfied the ââ¬Ëactive' requirement. He had not attended many meetings or outings in the last six months. He was a high school senior and a... From Scoutmaster Clarke Green 1 decade ago |
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Avoiding Advancement Clinkers
I heard somewhere that a Unit Commissioner read the new Guide to Advancement and said: Â 'Council and National expect us to set requirements for being active and if they eventually find them too strict OR too lax they will step in and start setting... From Scoutmaster Clarke Green 1 decade ago |
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Troop Leadership Training: Troop Positions of Responsibility
Troop Leadership Training is happening in November for our troop (more here ). In a very timely email, this link appeared from the email ether: Troop Positions of Responsibility The following leadership positions count toward Boy Scout advancement... From ScoutSigns 1 decade ago |
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Issue 323 â" August 1, 2012
Rule No. 86: ⢠Keep your eye on the heavens and your feet close to the ground. ________________________________________ U.S. Army Captain John Green (photo above) is one of the most dedicated Soldier-Scouters it's become my honor to know. He's... From Ask Andy 1 decade ago |
Changes to the Eagle Process
My son passed his Eagle board of review in late September and I was invited to join the district advancement committee to review Eagle projects in mid-October. A few days later, the new advancement book was released, so I've been reviewing it in... From Scoutmaster Clarke Green 1 decade ago |
More advancement changes
Here are a few other advancement-related items that have been changed or clarified in the recent Guide to Advancement that affect the troop committee: If you've ever been caught short on a board of review night without enough committee members on... From Bobwhite's Blather 1 decade ago |
Issue 338 â" December 7, 2012
________________________________________ Dear Andy, A troop I'm the Unit Commissioner for went to camp this past summer and, while there, held several boards of review for advancing Scouts. The problem is that several of the reviews had older... From Ask Andy 1 decade ago |
Podcast 149 â" A Scout is Reviewed
IN THIS PODCAST Fourth in the series about the steps of Scout advancement ââ¬ËA Scout Is Reviewed'. We discuss the Scoutmaster conference and the board of review. Answer to an email question about keeping advancement records. Also your messages... From Scoutmaster Clarke Green 1 decade ago |
Patrol Method in Practice â" Objections
Our first post in this series establishes the patrol method as the character school  of Scouting, that real self-government makes the Scout Oath and law more relevant than a bunch of concepts preached by adults. That Scouts find meaning in the... From Scoutmaster Clarke Green 1 decade ago |
Advancement and Awards news of note
We've added a few new items in the past few days which may be of interest to Scouts and Scouters: Awards -- see http://usscouts.org/awards.asp for these items: We now have information and the requirements for the " 2010 - A Year of Celebration "... From U.S. Scouting Service Project 1 decade ago |
Active in Scouting is not a Zero-Sum Game
What does ââ¬Ëactive in Scouting' mean? Scouting, unlike many other activities, is not designed to monopolize our Scout's available time. Beyond that Scouting considers Scouts being involved and engaged in their communities, families and schools... From Scoutmaster Clarke Green 1 decade ago |
Ask the National Advancement Committee
I'll be interviewing three members of the National Advancement Committee this week about the Guide to Advancement   for Scoutmaster Podcast 97. Now's your chance to send me questions about the guide that you'd like to have answered. There was a... From Scoutmaster Clarke Green 1 decade ago |
Advancement, Parents and Pressure
I recevied this question recently via the website contact form. The email address given did not work so I am publishing the question and answer here. -Clarke I'm a assistant scoutmaster and was recently contacted by a dad of a scout that after one... From Scoutmaster Clarke Green 1 decade ago |
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'Alternative Cub Scout Lesson Plans: Year B' Introduced
Help deliver the promise with the new Alternative Cub Scout Lesson Plans Manual: Year B ( please note : huge PDF file, will take a while to download). This follow-up manual to Year A consists of the traditional Cub Scout program and can be... From Scout Wire 1 decade ago |
Day 2 of 100 days as a New Scoutmaster
So while I prepared yesterday, I ended up writing my thoughts and it evolved into my scoutmaster's vision statement. It will take a while but I hope to get the Scouts to come up with their own vision of our success. "If I may take just a few... From Chairman's Chat - A Pack Committee Blog 1 decade ago |
Issue 321 â" July 17, 2012
Rule No. 85: o Opinions are never substitutes for facts. ________________________________________ Dear Andy, I'm the Advisor for a Venturing crew. Our council us to start this crew with a group of 13 year-old girls, and we were told that they could... From Ask Andy 1 decade ago |
Fire-free Eagles
While redoing our Troop Guide guide with the 2010 advancement requirements, I noticed the Second Class cooking requirement (3g) no longer says "over an open fire". The Second Class rank does have a requirement (3f) to build a fire, but the fire does... From Scoutmaster Musings 1 decade ago |
The Pace of Advancement
A reader asks: "Our troop seems to think we should hold off the scouts until they are older (ie end of Junior Year) to do their Eagle Projects and try to control the pace of advancement in the troop because they want the scouts to be more... From Scoutmaster Clarke Green 1 decade ago |
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Check out the expanded Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program Web site
Whatever your Cub Scout-age boys love to do, there's probably a belt loop for it. Whether it's Geology or Golf, Music or Marbles, Science or Soccer-there's plenty for everyone in the 25 Academics and 26 Sports subjects available. We know that as a... From Aaron on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago |
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Boy Scout Recruiting
In three months, most Cub Scout Packs will have their Blue Gold dinners and cross Webelos over into Boy Scout troops. If your troop is hoping some of them will join you, you've already missed the boat! Waiting and hoping aren't going to keep your... From Scoutmaster Musings 1 decade ago |
Know of a blog post on this topic that I missed? Let me know.