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S'More Summer Fun is just around the corner! Download July's Cubcast to hear super ideas for August theme activities. Plus, hear an insightful overview on preparing for the fall recruiting season. Just click the Cubcast thumbnail picture to access the podcast. No mp3 player needed!
I post this only as a benchmark and to say thank you to all of you that keep returning to the Scoutmaster Minute. 1005 visitors as of this posting! Wow.. I would have never thought back in July of last year that I would see 10000 let alone keep the blog going.
I am a huge fan of Calvin and Hobbes. Did you know Calvin was a Cub Scout for a short time? It seems like it was only for one outing in Calvin's world. He really did not like being with the other Cub Scouts.
In this year of political debate , economic ups and downs, and politicians stump jumping to get your vote... Wouldn't be nice if we could see a politician that shared our values, our beliefs, our commitment. Wouldn't be nice if just one of the politicians demonstrated that he was Trustworthy, Loyal, helpful.
Here's on for those used to celebrating tomorrow with fireworks: 'Tekes Esh' is a ceremony in Israeli Scouting that I have blogged about , where Scouts write messages and draw pictures in flames- using fire-proof pioneered structures soaked in paraffin. Omer and the Shevet On group (sorry, Hebrew only website) in Kiryat Ono , Israel, had an…
The newest edition of Baloo's Bugle is now available in Word.doc, Adobe.pdf and HTML. It loaded with lots of OUTDOOR Games and Activities for the final month of Summer 2008. Learn about RECRUITING ADULT LEADERS from Bill Smith, the Roundtable Guy.
For over two years I have been placing Scouting related videos on Youtube. It has been interesting to see which videos have become somewhat popular, and which ones have not. Here is a list of the "ten most watched" videos I have placed on Youtube that were produced by the BSA and/or its councils: 1)…
It is hard to believe , but next week I will head out to attend a week of summer camp for the 25th time. That includes three weeks as a Boy Scout, and 22 times as an adult leader. That does not include the five trips to Philmont Scout Ranch, the trip to the BWCA, or…
Today the blog hit 40,000 visitors! Once again, I would like to thank all of you who have taken the time to read this blog over the last two years. I hope you continue to enjoy stopping by for a visit.
Our PLC has been having an on going discussion about the way that the Patrols interact. Not just interaction between the Patrols, but with the Scouts in the Patrols. What started out as a good idea at Summer Camp quickly turned into some Scouts that were left out or Scouts that were unhappy with the…
Show #149-The Good Things Connor makes his first full appearance talking about us lighting the house on fire a few times and other, more scout related stuff. I also talk about what you should be doing right now to get ready for the year, flag ceremonies and some odds & ends. Tonight’s show sponsored by ScoutData
The Boy Scouts of America is coming with with a new uniform in August! Oh, you have heard about that already? I thought you might have. I am probably the last Scouting blogger to write about the new uniform. I was not sure what to think about it so I did not really want to…
I know. I know. It has been awhile since Buttons, the radical Boy Scout, has made an appearance at the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast. Well, he is back, and he has something to tell you. One thing that we podcasters like is lots of statistics about our podcasts.
I know there are quite a few Calvin and Hobbes fans out there. Here is another strip from the Calvin, the Cub Scout, series. (I am glad real Scouts are a little better prepared then this.)
(thanks to AxelHH for the photograph) Theo Jansen is a Dutch artist who builds enormous, walking sculptures powered by the wind. He calls this type of creature a Strandbeest- 'beach animal'. I first saw these sculptures in a South African BMW advert (watch it here ).
July's KNOTS cartoon celebrates 10 years of venturing and high adventure. Have a look! Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com
I've got a ton to talk about, but need to spend some time with the boys. I'll be back next week.
I found this digging through some old Scoutmaster minutes, thought it was worth a share. Wish I knew the original author, so given to who ever wrote this. Aim so high you'll never be bored. The greatest waste of our natural resources is the number of people who never achieve their potential.
Patience and fortitude conquer all things. – Ralph Waldo Emerson Scouters must be patient. Scouting can be frustrating, even irritating, but an adult who shouts at Scouts portrays a weakness of character. Yelling is almost always an irrational, impulsive reaction. Verbal explosions are no less inappropriate than physical ones, and can do as much harm.
One of my favorite web sites/blogs is the Ask Andy site . I love the Q&A format and I often agree with what Andy has to say. He answers the questions with clear and concise answers. What I like about Andy is his committment to the Boy Scout program as outlined by the BSA.
While we constantly talk about the Aims and Methods of Scouting, I think it is important never to forget FUN! Even though it is not listed as a specific Goal... if you are not having fun then you are not doing right.
There is currently a review of the Home Contact system taking place, which has put together a consultation document that you can find here. We would welcome thoughts and comments on this, from anyone who wishes to do so, by 31st October 2008.
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As we are beginning the process of the 2010 National Jamboree, I am learning a lot about more about just how much the BSA is concerned about Health and Safety. For obvious reasons, it is a good thing to be concerned about.
The National Council of the Boy Scouts of America is undergoing an organizational restructuring in order to build the BSA's brand and increase the capacity of our councils to be successful.
Scouting Magazine poses the following question on “How to Control Misuse of Cell Phones”; A few of our parents want their sons to be able to use their personal cell phones during meetings and camp-outs. What can we do to keep the technology from being disruptive, yet allow the parents the security they’re asking for?
Tonight I had the honor of attending the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Josh S. from Troop 533. Josh started out with our Troop, 483 and moved to 533 about two years ago. Josh is an amazing young man with all the service work he has done in OA, not to mention being the…
Like the breakfast machine , this device comes from John Sweet's weekly column in the 1950s (page 104 of the 1953 Scout annual). He writes: ... A rather more orthodox use for cast-off mousetraps is proposed by Patrol Leader Phillip Edwards of the 12th Stockport Mallory Patrol, but also breaks new ground by suggesting that we might…
Buttons, the radical Boy Scout, returns to the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast with a couple of new friends. Randall is a cousin of Buttons who is a bit more, shall we say, intellectual. Randall is more of a quiet bookworm and a bit of a geek, while Buttons is a bit more outgoing and seems…
The Development Grants Board has made funding available towards the cost of activity permit assessment courses and associated travel costs. County Assessors can also now get funding towards travel costs of their assessment courses in addition to the course costs that have been available for a number of years.
The age old story of the boy that cried wolf is timeless and speaks to us regarding credibility, it essentially goes like this: A young boy in a small village felt that he never received attention. So one day as he was tending to the sheep, he cried out that a wolf was nearing the…
Show #150-Good Vibrations Tonight - our Pack's Road Cleanup, July Roundtable part 1, Fast Tracks, giving awards to leaders, some calendar suggestions, and what to do during the rest of your Summer. Links: Scouts to have their own piece of ‘old Florida' BSA Legal Article about school access Tonight’s show sponsored by Badge Magic
What happens when you do not pay attention.. you miss something. I am not sure how significant it is, and I truly do not stay awake at night thinking of this, but on the 18th of July 2007, this Blog was started.
Well, we're off to summer camp at Camp Ottari in about a week and a half. We have a dozen Scouts and four adults going, myself included. Should be a great week in the mountains and hopefully a respite from the 100+ degree heat we've been blessed with this week.
Four Boy Scouts , and two adult leaders of Melrose Troop 68 attended a week of summer camp at Many Point Scout Camp near Pondsford, Minnesota, from July 13, 2008 to July 19, 2008. A typical day at camp includes working on merit badges and advancement in the morning, various troop activities in the afternoon, and…
There seems to be a craving for the Calvin and Hobbes Cub Scout comics out there in the internet world, so here is the third one for you. Keep in mind, only five strips were ever made with Calvin as a Cub Scout (that I know of) so that means there are only two more…
I received an e-mail this week asking for advice on the best simple project for people who have never done any pioneering before. I suggested an A-frame, because it is a simple, stable structure that is quick to build and can be used for many fun activities.
Since I have several deadly water bottles I decided to figure out a way to reuse them in other ways and found these sites. Here are a few interesting options. Mine would be a mini bear vault for my trail snacks.
I am not sure if you saw the article or not, but Chief Scout Executive Robert Mazzuca was recently interviewed for an article in the newspaper, USA Today. I thought it was a well done article, and I am glad to see that our Scout Executive is not afraid to speak to the media to…
OK. I'm back. It's been a hectic summer. Lots of stuff going on. I'm trying to catch up but its been tough. Troop 26 tried a new summer camp this summer. Camp Pioneer in Mena Arkansas. Everybody had a great time.
Our first morning at Many Point Scout Camp on July 14 was a sunny, cool morning. A jacket was needed, but we knew that within a couple of hours we would be shedding them as the temperature rose. This morning, the troop was in charge of the flag raising at the dining hall before breakfast.
Boy Scouts help revamp Pflugerville home Posted: July 26, 2008 10:32 PM CDT PFLUGERVILLE, TEXAS (KXAN) — With a little help from a local Boy Scout Troop a Pflugervile man has a life changing addition to his home. Troop 4277 lent their skill and time to build a ramp to bring Armando Flores' home up to…
Well, here it is. The fourth comic of Calvin as a Cub Scout. The guys are getting hungry as the Scout outing continues, and Calvin learns things are not quite the same in the outdoors as they are at home. Enjoy.
The newest edition of Baloo's Bugle is now available in Word.doc and Adobe.pdf It loaded with lots of good things to do to get your Pack off to a great start. Lots of activities for your Cubs to do with their Buddies (and maybe get some of their buddies to join your pack) Learn about…
Show #151-Wish You Were Here Good news - I found my brains! Tonight we spoke about the Scoutparents Unit Coordinator, July Roundtable, August Theme, an interview from the new Chief Scout Executive and how the iPhone saved a campout. And sorry about the echo during the Skype call. Tonight’s show sponsored by ScoutData
This last weekend we learned a little more about Trustworthy. Trustworthy often is interpreted as telling the truth and being able to be trusted in a truthful kind of way. Trustworthy is extended in ourselves also in trusting each other not only being truthful, but physically too.
Sunset at Willow Creek After a great day of Climbing, nothing can beat the view of Mt. Jefferson peaking over the campsite. This picture was taken by Debbie Miller, a parent of one of the Scouts in our Troop.
In 1920 , Baden Powell wrote in his book " Aids to Scoutmastership ": The Patrol System The Patrol System is the one essential feature in which Scout training differs from that of all other organisations, and where the System is properly applied, it is absolutely bound to bring success.
Last night I was listening to the live podcast An Hour A Week with Cubmaster Chris. Chris is a great guy and a partner of mine in the PTC media podcast. He brought up the topic of Scoutparents.org. Scoutparents.org is a program designed to engage Parents, especially those new to Scouting, getting them to be…
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#50-Getting Your Unit Online Tonight we talk about getting a website up for your unit. We cover the reasons to have a website, legal and safety considerations, hosts, and maintaining your site. Links: Advice for Websites Talent Release Form Copyright and Trademark Protection Boy Scouts of America Identity Components Organizational Identity Hosts: http://scoutwebservices.com/ http://www.scoutingpages.org/ http://www.scouter.com/hosting/…
Four Boy Scouts of Melrose Troop 68 attended a week of summer camp at Many Point Scout Camp near Pondsford, Minnesota, during the week of July 13-19, 2008. They worked on advancement during the morning hours, had various troop activities in the afternoon, and participated in open programs during the evening.
If you want to see Character.. or at least hear it... You MUST listen to this. This is Vice Admiral Richard H. Carmona, United States Surgeon General speaking at the National meetings of the Boy Scouts of America. CLICK HERE to Listen This is a great talk about success and drive.
