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Hello fellow Scouters, Several Scouting bloggers were fortunate to receive an advanced copy of Alvin Townley's second book on Eagle Scouts - "Spirit of Adventure - Eagle Scouts and the Making of America's Future". This book is scheduled for publication this May.
#178-Communication Breakdown Innovation Council update, the New Leader Essentials replacement course finally goes online, Spring Popcorn begins, more Blue & Gold feedback, atheists in the Pack and a lot more. Apologies for this show coming out so late. Links: Spring Popcorn Sale Kicked Off- http://www.scoutingnews.org/2009/03/17/spring-popcorn-sale-kicked-off/ Atheist in the Pack - Cub Scouts- http://www.scouter.com/forums/viewThread.asp?threadID=227967
I subscribe to a free service called google alerts that monitor news or new items on pretty much which every subject you want from apples to zoology. In today's e-mail from google I received a interesting article about a scout who completed his eagle project by hosting three weekened workshops to create a 3D map…
For those of you who don't know the BSA is linked to a organization called the WOSM or world organization of the Scouting Movement and on March 21 the World Scout Committee a governing body in the WOSM appointed Luca Panissod as Secretary General of the WOSM.
March 2009 Bulletin There is room for you! As of the end of February 2009, we now have more than 18,500 youth members who have signed up online for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. That number was just 10,000 in December of 2008.
18 scouts of our troop are expecting to raise enough funds this June to completely support the troop's program for the next 8 to 12 years. What started as a week-long camping trip, has turned into the best fundraiser ever.
Here are the top 10 most viewed posts for March 2009 (other than those solely about monthly theme items): 2008-2009 Program Helps 2008-2009 Program Helps Full Download Cub Scout Program Helps Online New Centennial Uniform Webelos Activity Badge Worksheets New (2008) Uniform Inspection Sheets Example Schedule Flyer Helping Kids Choose a Career Path BALOO Training…
It doesn't matter whether you've been a Scouting volunteer for five months or 50 years-your role in the lives of youth has equal importance. Still, you've got to be inspired by volunteers who have given decades of their lives to the program.
Learn helpful tactics for the critical Cub Scout spring recruiting effort as we visit with Darlene Sprague, Area 3 commissioner for the Northeast Region and the 100th Anniversary vice president for the Greater Niagara Frontier Council. This is part two of a two-part podcast.
With spring upon us, Cubcast takes to the outdoors as Eric Hiser, chair of the BSA's Leave No Trace Task Force, provides some great examples of how to make May's theme of "Leave Nothing But Footprints" fun and rewarding. Help your Cub Scouts treat the environment responsibly, and learn how the "Impact Monster" skit can…
I have been very lax in blogging recently. I am trying to wrap up my Wood Badge ticket. I have been relatively active on the scouting community. I recently had a request for my address from the Project manager Linda Flemming.
Last weekend, the Troop made its way to Shipman, VA, which is between Charlottesville and Lynchburg on US 29. It was sort of an introduction to basic backpacking and primitive camping for the newest members of the Troop. They backpacked in about a mile and then set up camp around a small lake.
Arrowmen in Action: Stepping Up To Help When No One Else Did The twists and turns that come with driving up a mountain road can often be unnerving. So can coming upon an injured motorcyclist on your way to a Scouting event.
The weekend's almost here. That means that you can start daydreaming about another great trip with your Scouting unit. If you close your eyes, your office transforms… That's not microwave popcorn you hear down the hall-that's a crackling campfire. The icy draft you feel isn't the always-too-cold air conditioner-it's a crisp mountain breeze.
OK, so there I stand… blankly staring at an arsenal of cooking gear in the middle of REI. I know I talked about going to stores who have nature friendly staff, but you never know when a fellow shopper can be a huge attribute.
11 Vote On Idea I am writing this to suggest that the Boy Scouts may wish to consider a new set of emblems for the adult leaders that have special medical training. These emblems would be worn on the left shirt pocket of the leader thus saving time in identifying them in any emergency situation.
This afternoon I went to the funeral of my friend's baby daughter. She was carried into the Church by her 3 brothers in a small pink coffin which wasn't much bigger than a shoe box. The service was very simple and music was played in Church that was played as she was born.
#62-Trivia II We liked it so much, we did it again with more Scouting trivia fun. And you can join in on the prizes! Just listen to the show for all of the details (oh, and don?t post the answers in the forums, just e-mail any answers to [email protected]) Guests: Jerry Schleining, Host – The Scoutmaster…
Today I have the luxury of riding to the site where our District is holding the pinewood derby event and I met some interesting people...non scouters or not currently involved in scouting. One was a manager of a fast food sub/pizza chain and he is allowing the scouts to sell subs and pizza at the…
Just before going to bed tonight, I decided to check a few sites online, including the "Kids and Family" section for podcasts on the iTunes Music Store. I like checking it once in awhile to see how the three podcasts I am involved with are doing.
With great Scouting stories from across the country, just waiting to be told, newspapers and other media outlets are catching on. Here are some recent highlights: So much for resting on his laurels. Instead of polishing his many Scouting awards from a 50-year career, this Connecticut man has rejoined Scouting -at age 89.
1 Vote On Idea It would be great to assemble a team to develop a wellness program that facilitates a regular fitness regimen for interested BSA employees. This would allow BSA to lead by example as well as reap the benefits of lower health insurance costs and improved worker performance.
0 Vote On Idea Revise the numbering system for the National Camp Standards volumes so that the numbers don't change every year. Currently, all of the camp standards are listed in order from 1 to N (2009 Cub Scout / Boy Scout / Venturing resident camps are 1 to 110).
0 Vote On Idea If it is not something that the average unit leader can access without someone manually calculating for them, then it should not be a centennial quality item. Either make it available to commissioners and units leaders through MyScouting or come up with alternative requirements.
There are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot… Like winds and sunsets, wild things were taken for granted until progress began to do away with them. Now we face the question whether a still higher "standard of living" is worth its cost in things natural, wild, and free.
The April 2009 Baloo's Bugle (by Commissioner Dave) is available for free download. Baloo's Bugle is a monthly unofficial publication with games, activities, ceremonies, puzzles, crafts, and other ideas for den and pack meetings. This one covers the May " Leave Nothing But Footprints " theme.
The Rampage host Boy Scout Night tomorrow at the AT&T Center when they take on the Iowa Chops at 7 p.m. More than 1,200 Boy Scouts from the San Antonio community will watch the game from the stands, and then take to the ice for a post-game sleepover to earn a special Polar Bear merit…
Another District derby and rain gutter regatta is officially in the books and it is time for the ships and cars to ride off into the 2009 sunset. The event was a huge success in spite of some of the parents attempting to severely bend the rules to their favor (to no avail).
AT&T has committed to be a major sponsorship of the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. As part of their commitment, they plan to place numerous portable cellular phone towers featuring both closed and open systems. The Jamboree Director, John Alline, also announced that cell phone recharging will not be allowed in the medical tents.
The "Leave Nothing But Footprints" edition of Baloo's Bugle is now on-line in Word.doc and Adobe.pdf and soon in HTML, too May is a perfect time for Den and Pack Hikes and to enjoy the great outdoors. Respect for the outdoors is an important concept for everyone.
Unfortunately, I'm not a person that's always capable of living up to the Boy Scout philosophy. Stanley Crouch We must depend upon the Boy Scout Movement to produce the MEN of the future. Daniel Carter Beard See things from the boy's point of view.
New Content for All scouts
On a recent campout, the Eagles patrol tried out the Volcano II stove for their meals. They really enjoyed testing this stove while fulfilling their Second Class 'cook over an open fire' requirement. Since the temperature was 10F to 20F below zero the entire weekend, cooking on propane stoves was a real challenge.
It appears that there will be a new movie making its way around the country this year. It is about spending a week at a Boy Scout summer camp and is called, oddly enough, Scout Camp. From the preview it looks to have some humor and some serious moments.
The June 2009 Cub Scout Monthly Theme is " A Camping We Will Go ." Here is the official BSA theme description: "This month Cub Scouts go camping! Have a backyard campout with your family. Pitch a tent or sleep out under the stars!
What a Weekend!" That three-word exclamation, usually uttered with a sigh on a Sunday evening, seems to be as much a part of the Scouting program as the Dutch oven. If you've found yourself saying it after another great trip with your unit, check out the end of this blog post to learn how to…
Well hiking boots actually! We took the Scouts hiking for the first time this weekend. This was the first time they'd been on a serious hike and they also had to carry all their kit with them. Because this was the case, we split them up into two groups.
1 Vote On Idea Publish electronic versions of the merit badge pamplets to cut down on paper usage. Comments (0) Category/Tags : Technology (72)
0 Vote On Idea While it is important to recognize the achievements of our Scouts, I know some paper certificates go to the trash instead of being saved. I'd like to find an environmentally friendly way to show our appreciation to these distinguished Scouts.
0 Vote On Idea At summer camp, camporees and other campsites we go to throughout the year, I have not seen any recycling programs. Comments (0) Category/Tags : Other (51)
Another Boy Scout Troop 68 spring breakfast fundraiser has come and gone. The troop has held a spring and a fall breakfast for over 20 years. The two breakfasts are the main source of income for our operating funds and individual Scout credit accounts.
0 Vote On Idea Philmont Scout Ranch was the best experience, but one of the first things I noticed when on the trail was the inefficiency of the packaging for the meals and the excess waste this generated. I believe this is a complex problem, but I would be thrilled to work on a solution…
-1 Vote On Idea I think it is worth exploring uniforms and gear could be reused on a regional basis. Comments (0) Category/Tags : Other (53)
Got happy feet? Then you'll never notice them during rugged outdoor travels, and that's good. A couple of blisters, though, and the sad state of your heels and toes can suck the joy right out of your day. Preventing blisters is easy with a little planning ahead of time and some common sense while you're…
One of the coolest parts of Scouting is that every volunteer across the country shares similar values and experiences. It doesn't matter if you talk to a Scouter from Montana or Maine-the way volunteers talk and think about the BSA varies only slightly.
I received an email from Todd at http://latterdayscout.blogspot.com asking for a few more details about our troop's breakfast fundraisers. His troop has been thinking about conducting a breakfast of their own and are looking for some tips and advice. Okay, here are a few more details.
New Skit for Cub Scouts, Webelos scouts
New Grace for All scouts
New Dessert Recipe for Boy Scouts
New Project for Webelos scouts
Eymard Orth, assistant scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 68 in Melrose Minnesota, was recently recognized by the Minnesota House for his twenty years of service to the troop. The local newspaper, the Melrose Beacon Beacon, reports: "State Rep. Paul Anderson (left), R-Starbuck, presents Eymard Orth, Melrose, with a certificate of recognition for Orth's 20 years…
0 Vote On Idea Add a new merit badge for mathematics. Many current merit badges use mathematical concepts (Science, Chemistry, Model Rockets, Orienteering, etc.) yet none addresses the foundational nature of mathematics. A merit badge could help turn Scouts on to the value and fun of mathematics. Comments (0) Category/Tags : Boy Scouting (26)
-2 Vote On Idea Like the existing Marbles and Frisbee belt loops, yo-yos is a long existing activity that allows for education of physics, collecting, skill advancement and or course fun. Comments (0) Category/Tags : Boy Scouting (26)
0 Vote On Idea Recognizing the aging of the US population, this merit badge would increase a Scout's empathy and understanding of elderly citizen's needs, provide increased opportunities for Scouts to offer their service to others, and better prepare Scouts for the future. Comments (0) Category/Tags : Boy Scouting (26)
-3 Vote On Idea Learn to safely play any number of disc sport disciplines (Disc golf, Ultimate, Double Disc Court, etc.), learn the physics involved in disc performance, learn about the early history of the sport and how it contributes to a healthy lifestyle. Comments (0) Category/Tags : Boy Scouting (26)
-3 Vote On Idea Merit badge focused on the importance of inventing and problem solving in creating sustainable development. Scouts will learn to observe, identify problems and develop solutions around practical scouting needs and then to extend those skills to other inventing areas.
0 Vote On Idea I am our Venturing Crew's Committee Chairman. I would like to know how I can lobby the Executive Committee to make a change to the Guide to Safe Scouting under the Youth Protection & Adult Leadership section.
1 Vote On Idea We have a youth with a disability that was held back in school making her older than her classmates. Due to the rule of needing to be out of 8th grade and 14 years of age she is unable to participate.
6 Vote On Idea We need to stop trying to fill a bucket full of holes and plug those holes. Our Cubs are leaving between the Bear and Webelos II years. We need to create the environment for quality 12 month program with clear differences between what Tigers, Cubs and Webelos do (in the real…
13 Vote On Idea Create a National Supply Group category where things related to Supply can be addressed. I.E. New product ideas and/or improving existing products, Scout Shop/scoutstuff.org ideas, etc.. Comments (0) Other (55)
I have finally had it with reminding the Senior Patrol Leader that he is expected to plan and execute the meetings. If he is not there then he needs someone else to run the meeting. I am not trying to be negative or derogatory towards my SPL but I really need to do something else…
As this world gets more and more technologically inclined we a scouts and scout leaders need to truthfully consider what the purpose of cellphones should be in Scouting. Yes I believe that cell phone use should be allowed in scouting.
The 3rd Interamerican Region Youth Forum will be hosted by the Scout and Guide Association of Costa Rica. This event will be held from July 6 to 12 2009. The purpose of this event is to present share and learn from sustainable experiences of youth participation in order to enchace and consolidate youth networks and…
Last night, as it's the Easter Holidays, the Scout Leader decided to have a Patrol Leader's meeting with the PLs and Assistant Patrol Leaders. It was a shame that only half were able to attend as the rest were away.
We're on a roll for recognizing great BSA volunteers each week in our Scouter Spotlight, and we're not stopping any time soon-not with hundreds of thousands of you out there. If you know someone who deserves to be featured in this space, let us know .
Scouting magazine now has its own blog . Cracker Barrel is a " daily dose of news, information, and inspiration for you, the volunteer Scouter ." Ongoing categories on Cracker Barrel include: Scouting in the News , What's New , Scouter Spotlight , and What a Weekend . Check it out. Link Posted in CUB SCOUTS, Tech
On April 1, 2009 Michael Marchese was selected as the new Scout Executive for the Trapper Trails Council. Mike describes himself as an enthusiastic Scout, husband and father. He became a Boy Scout in Sacramento, California in 1978. He then moved to and grew up on the Oregon Coast in Brookings, Oregon with his family.
-11 Vote On Idea Develop a new scouting program ("Versity Scouts") for any adults 22 years of age and older (no upward age limit). The program would include a new uniform, a handbook and advancement with ranks and merit badges. Comments (1) Other (55)
#179-Mama Said DMIAB Phaseout, Spring popcorn sales, new beltloops, financing and budgets are all on the list for tonight's show. Links: Lance Armstrong's Son- http://twitpic.com/2l2mg New Belt Loops- http://kismif.org/2009/03/30/new-belt-loops/ Boy Scouts today work with iPods and Twitter- http://ow.ly/1beV Cub Scout Honored for Saving Sister- http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/090327_cub_scout_honored What items are in your budget?
This Seminar is planned to give a detailed presentation of the chracteristics, objectives and forms of operation of the Scouts of the World Award that is designed for use in the Venturing Section of the BSA> The BSA has currently not adopted the Scouts of the World Recognition program.
The 2009 Pan American Jamboree will take place from December 26, 2009 to January 3 2010. It will be held in the city of Toluca, capital of Mexico. Here is a brief description of the theme and what the Jamboree is going to be about: The name of this 13 Pan Jamboree is "The Adventure…
The boys in your Scout unit can tie several knots with their eyes closed. They can set up a tent in mere minutes, and their first-aid skills are first-rate. But for all of the great life lessons they've learned in Scouting, they probably don't know much about how the program is funded.
The Occoneechee Council of the Boy Scouts of America will welcome Chief Scout Executive Robert "Bob" Mazzuca North Carolina for the opening of the new Grand Lodge at Camp Durant in Carthage, North Carolina on April 16. The Lodge opening is the culmination of an $8.7 Million Capital Campaign chaired by O.
0 Vote On Idea The desire for our volunteers to go to the internet for their literature needs is inevitable -- and in many ways, is already occurring. Putting all the simple, one-page two page forms, in PDF in easy to find function categories (like advancement, camping, finance, membership, etc.)
-2 Vote On Idea to be deleted Comments (1) 100th Anniversary (20)
0 Vote On Idea Since the Chief cannot make an apperance at every 100th Anniversary funtion held by councils, how about producing a short 5-6 minute video of a message from the Chief. The video could be shown at Scout Recognition Banquets, Scout Expos, any event where we want to celebrate the 100 years of…
2 Vote On Idea After speaking to a newly selected district training chair, we decided we should submit the following ideas: Guide to Safe Scouting: A separate training that takes them through the GTSS and quizzes them on certain things.
1 Vote On Idea Create a camouflage pattern that is made up of the fleur de lis. This "pattern" could then be used to make pants, shirts, etc. Please see the attached images to help convey the concept. This idea was submitted by J.
-1 Vote On Idea How about rescinding the decision to award Wood Badge beads to qualifying NYLT Scoutmasters and Asst. Scoutmasters (see the syllabus)? Perhaps Baden Powell did award the beads to trainers of other courses, but he doesn't have to deal with the furor of many of our Wood Badge volunteers.
The young brave wandered into the darkened forest. He never fathomed his bravery would be challenged by the mammoth bear. With all his strength, he braved his fears and screamed his mightiest warrior cry, sending the bear fleeing into the night.
0 Vote On Idea I am not sure what a solution is, other than for our leadership to keep it in mind. We need to realize and recognize the contributions of our spouses as we carry out our mission as professionals.
0 Vote On Idea I've had lots of leaders suggest that an updated version of the Introduction to Outdoor Leader Training be created. They have lots of ideas on how to improve it and add to it. Perhaps even an advanced outdoor leader training could be created.
After I wrote about last weekend’s hike and camp with the Scouts and mentioned that my boots rubbed and gave me a blister, up popped this post on the Troop 483 Blog on keeping your feet happy. Wow that’s timing!
We're taking the day off today, but we'll be back next week. In the meantime, check our archives to see if there are any posts you missed!
Simon Kenton Council's Buckeye District roundtable packet for May 2009 is now available on the SKC website. The Buckeye District puts together a great roundtable packet each month. This one has games, cooking ideas, crafts, songs, skits, ceremonies, and more for the Leave Nothing But Footprints theme including lots of hiking-related ideas.
National Public Radio has a series called StoryCorps that records the recollections of American history. This particular story is of a young Boy Scout in the early 1920s dealing with racism, in the Scout's own voice shortly before he died. Enjoy the audio !
Back in February we pointed out a great feature in the NOAC Update Newsletter , called "Arrowmen in Action". The first Arrowmen featured was involved with building houses in Mexico, the second serves in the New Hampshire House of Representatives , and the latest runs an EMS service.
[Flexing my Patrol Box opening muscles...ouch!] I think hibernation season is about over, and it is time to get the Patrol Box out again. In fact, we have a big Webelos Crossover this weekend, so there is a lot to do.
Ok is everyone up on their Chairman duties for this time of year. You should have recharter done or wrapping up. You should have moved on to planning the summer. We want to wrap this up soon. You should have the summer shcedule ready for the April Pack meeting.
A cool story about one of our service projects is posted up at fillacart.org ClassB FillACart.org Team Page! Two people took an afternoon and filled a cart full of much needed items for a local charity. They got a lot out of it and enjoyed the experience very much.
Summertime and the livin ' is easy....fish are jumpin '..." Summertime is my favorite time of year as the weather gets hot and the days are long. The perfect time for scouting events in the great outdoors. Camping is the number activity with most units but scouts can do so much more during the break from school.
For some it's a hiking stick that has set the pace for dozens of backpacking trips. For others it might be a special camp mug for that perfect cup of cocoa, or an old broad-brimmed hat with a hawk feather tucked under the band.
Hello everyone . As you can see by the dates on the blog, it has been a while since my last post. Call it what you will.. I needed a break... I took one, and now I am back. A few days at the beautiful Oregon Coast, some time to think and reflect and I am…
This notice appeared in the April National Events Information Email List email. During the upcoming 2009 National Order of the Arrow Conference many lodges are planning to take part in the various activities during the Founders Day events. In the past, lodges have decided to create a display or booth which represented specific items, traditions…
Though we all wish for the most obvious definition when reminding the scouts that A Scout Is Clean, I don't think it's the definition that the Scout Law is talking about. Besides, hoping for non-smelly, non-dirt covered, boys is like hoping to win the lottery two days in a row.
I am very proud to say that today marks the 25th anniversary of my Group's Cub Leader becoming an official, appointed Leader. She started helping out with the Pack when my Dad & Mum ran it and took out an official appointment as an Assistant Cub Leader when she was old enough.
Sorry, I should have mentioned this in my last post.. but thanks to all the great Scouting Friends out there that have sent emails and twits... (I think that's what you call them). Everything is fine, like I said, just needed a break.
A couple of days ago I talked about publishing a Senior Patrol Leader Standard Operating procedure. I have made tons of progress on this guide but unfortunately since tomorrow is my birthday and I have church stuff in the morning I probably will not finish this guide over the weekend.
In today's world where being fit is compared to how strong, ripped, and muscular you are, how are kids who are not star athletes suppose to compare. It can be really hard for those kids who are not athletic or really strong to even get a fair chance when it comes to physical activities or…
Realizing that people of many different faiths read this blog, I am going to write what reverent means to me as a Christian on this Easter morning. If it is not your belief, please know that I respect that you worship and pray in your own fashion.
