Posts in May 2009

South Jordan, Utah Teen Named The American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year

Scouting News ·

Brad P. Jencks, 18, a senior at Bingham High School, earned the award and a college scholarship worth $10,000. The award was announced during The American Legion's board of directors meeting here. The award recognizes Jencks' practical citizenship at school, scouting, and his passion and commitment to community service.

National directory - include email addresses

BSA Innovation Engine ·

0 Vote On Idea It would be helpful if the National Council Telephone Directory (in MyBSA/Resources) included email addresses. Also, include email addresses on all forms sent to local councils, allowing councils to save postage, paper, and time by scanning and returning forms electronically. Comments (0) Internal

$20 Membership - include Boys' Life

BSA Innovation Engine ·

0 Vote On Idea Boys' Life magazine reinforces a feeling of membership and delivers Scouting ideals to families...but only when it arrives in mailboxes. What if membership were $15-20 per year, and automatically included the appropriate magazine (leaders receive Scouting, Scouts receive Boys' Life, etc) for everyone?

holding address

BSA Innovation Engine ·

0 Vote On Idea Can the "hold" feature also include the phone number? When several people are added w/the same address the hold is great but the phone number still has to be added each time. Comments (0) Applications & Registration

Youth Email Collection

BSA Innovation Engine ·

2 Vote On Idea The addition of the mass email feature through MyBSA is a bold step forward and long overdue. As more and more communications move to the internet we need to keep up. For years councils have direct mailed various marketing pieces to our youth members; camp brochures, popcorn, Scout-O-Rama info, program events…

Scouting Alumni In Action: Arrowhead Journey

Scouting News ·

Follow Erik Simula (and his dog Kitigan) on a 1,000+ mile, 4-month solo journey in his 14-foot birch bark canoes. His route (the "Arrowhead Journey") is from the mouth of the Pigeon River on Lake Superior to Duluth, up the St.

Spring Recruitment Drive (opens in a new tab)

A Scoutmaster's Blog · archived copy

Melrose Boy Scout Troop 68 held a recruitment drive in the city park last Saturday, May 9th. We had a model campsite set up, dutch oven deserts prepared, and the council's bouldering wall for the boys to climb. Seven of our nine Boy Scouts where on hand to assist.

message board for myscouting login page

BSA Innovation Engine ·

1 Vote On Idea We need to have some kind of message board, banner, or some kind of way; that we can communicate with the volunteers that have myscouting accounts. Not only would this cut down on some volunteer frustrations; but it might also cut down on the volume of phone calls and emails from…

MSPP #66: Ripley Rendezvous 2009 (opens in a new tab)

A Scoutmaster's Blog · archived copy

You may have read the previous three-part posting of Boy Scout Troop 68's adventure at the Central Minnesota Council's Ripley Rendezvous this year. Yes, we had a few problems, but to tell the truth, we also had a pretty good time, and that is why I have chosen to post this video to the Melrose…

Police Explorers and Terrorists (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

The BSA has quite a broad scope of programming, from Scouts and Soccer to Law Enforcement Exploring with ages ranging from 6 to 21 years old. I'm just doing my best to keep up with the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts programs with which I am active, but there's a whole lot more than that…

2009 Sports Emblem (opens in a new tab)

KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting ·

Here is a new (2009) Sports emblem ($1.19) from BSA Supply Group. Boys love to get patches, and this could be a cool one to use to encourage participation when your den or pack works on sports belt loops . Link Posted in Academics and Sports Program, Be a Sport, CUB SCOUTS, Patches

The Reply (opens in a new tab)

Nick's Ramblings UK ·

Well, my union have apologised over their dodgy cartoon! It reads - Your complaint about the cartoon in the most recent issue of UNISON Labour Link has been passed to me - I am very sorry that you found the cartoon offensive, and I can assure you that there was no intention to denigrate the Scout movement.

Upload excel files into GL

BSA Innovation Engine ·

0 Vote On Idea Another application to consider when developing the new Fiscals system - how about a way to upload an excel or data file into GL to create journal entries. Comments (0) Technology

Webelos Uniform change

BSA Innovation Engine ·

1 Vote On Idea Remove the plaid from the Webelos uniform. Follow the lead of the Centennial Boy Scout uniform and go for a more subtle and muted look. The uniform should be something that a 4th or 5th grade boy wants to wear to emulate older boys.

Tour Permits/MyScouting

BSA Innovation Engine ·

1 Vote On Idea It would be great to have an edit window available for "Not Approved" Tour Permits so the reason(s)for non-approval could be e-mailed to the creator. Comments (0) Technology

Have all training manuals available in PDF format online for professionals

BSA Innovation Engine ·

10 Vote On Idea I can't believe that in this day and age we dont have all the training manuals in PDF format available online for the professionals, They have to be in electronic format somewhere since they are printed.

Let Units Print Their Own Membership Cards

BSA Innovation Engine ·

2 Vote On Idea This was mentioned in the comments of an earlier idea, but I felt it needed its own entry to be considered independently. The Online Advancement System has a feature that allows units to print out "temporary" membership cards.

Kevin Rose - Eagle Scout?

A Scoutmaster's Blog ·

We have all heard of famous Eagle Scouts like Neil Armstrong, Steve Spielberg, and Ross Perot. But today's Boy Scout may have a little trouble identifying with these gentlemen. After all, they are (dare I say it?) old. How about someone younger, someone 20, 30, or 40 years closer to the age of today's Boy…

Training (opens in a new tab)

Commissioner Keith Comments ·

Yesterday I helped with the BALOO training session, which was held at Camp Rokilio , and I am aways amazed at the number of people now jumping at the chance to take advantage of training made available by Bay-Lakes Council. Although the class size was one of the smaller classes, the attitude has recently changed from…

Boy Scouts to Invade Riverwalk Stadium

Scouting News ·

The Montgomery Biscuits will host the fifth annual Boy Scouts Camporee at Riverwalk Stadium on Saturday night following the Biscuits series opener against the Mississippi Braves. The team will host approximately 1,200 scouts who will "rough it" on the outfield at Riverwalk Stadium.

Scouts of the World Award Story (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Maniac ·

© The Guides and Scouts of Finland Friday 15 May 2009 First Scouts of the World Discovery in Finland The very first Scouts of the World Discovery in Finland took place in Helsinki from 8 to 11 May 2009, with 23 enthusiastic Rover Scouts from all across the country willing to face our common global challenges…

Its Official (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Maniac ·

It is finally officially after completing the paperwork hurdle I have finally become a assistant scoutmaster. Becoming a assistant scoutmaster in my Troop is very important for two very different reasons. The first reason is to be able to continue to serve my Troop in a official leadership position capacity which will allow me to…

Volunteer ethics (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Maniac ·

Code Of Ethics For Volunteers Heart of America Council As a volunteer, I realize that I am subject to a code of ethics similar to that which binds the professionals in the field in which I work. Like them, I assume certain responsibilities and expect to account for what I do in terms of what…

Name That Council: May 15, 2009 solution

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Last Friday, we showed you this patch (above) and asked you to identify the council whose members wear this shoulder strip. Did the mountain scene look familiar? Follow the jump to find out if you were correct. If you chose the Yucca Council , give yourself a pat on the back.

Camporee 2009 Video

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

He a quick video of a group of Scouts I am extremely proud of. Going into Camporee this year our goal was simply to have fun. With as many new Scouts as we have, the expectation of Top Troop was unrealistic, and that's ok.

ClassB on Facebook and Twitter (opens in a new tab)

Official ClassB Blog · archived copy

We're excited to announce the official launch of the ClassB™ Facebook page and ClassB™ Twitter profile . On each we post neat stuff that we're doing and the awesome stuff that Scouts are doing. Plus, we'll be posting occasional promotions on each service that are exclusively available to people who are fans/followers.

Correct "Trained" status needs to be corrected

BSA Innovation Engine ·

12 Vote On Idea It is my understanding that a volunteers "trained" status in reports is based upon the most recent three trainings they have taken. So as they take more and more courses online and they are added to a persons training record in their profile on ScoutNet, when they take that fourth course…

Eagle Scout application

BSA Innovation Engine ·

5 Vote On Idea After a recent Eagle board of review, a Troop committee chair asked who had signed the application because he had never seen it. upon inspection of the application after the board of review passed the scout the signatures of the Scoutmaster and Committee Chair were from the previous two people and…

Arrowmen in Action (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Maniac ·

Arrowmen in Action: Hitting a Home Run for the Community What would happen if you could hit a baseball as far as you dreamed? Brant Taylor could hit a grand slam, and then some. When Brant was 14, he dreamed of a ball park that would be accessible to everyone, especially those with special needs.

Health and Medical record

BSA Innovation Engine ·

5 Vote On Idea The new Annual Health and Medical Record required in 2010 has a potential problem. the word Annual. Around my district I am hearing rumblings about having the boys obtaining a physical every year. The old Class 1 and 2 required one every 36 months.

Achieve Scouting goals in your community

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Did you ever have to make up your mind-between Scouting and sports? You're not alone. Get input from fellow volunteers in Front Line Stuff from the current issue of Scouting magazine. Some great advice there. But here's another option: Soccer and Scouting.

Summertime Inventory

Commissioner's Corner ·

As we move into the summer months, now may be a time to take an inventory of what has transpired in the last "Scouting" year. I will take a personal inventory, and see what went well, what was OK, and what was not so good.

Bin Item Ordering

BSA Innovation Engine ·

22 Vote On Idea There should be a standardized process for ordering BIN items as well as a comprehensive list of all BIN items available to be ordered in order to facilitate easier ordering for councils. Comments (2) Internal , supply

Rover Scouting

BSA Innovation Engine ·

6 Vote On Idea Rover scouting http://www.scout.org/roverscouts is a world-wide program for mostly older kids/young adults. The USA dropped this program in the early 1950's. We have so much talnet we kick out the door when they turn 21 we do not get access to again until and only if they have kids and they…

Fishing Campouts (opens in a new tab)

Lone Star Scouter ·

One of the most relaxing campouts I believe we have is the fishing campout. Weather or not the boys or even adults catch anything, they still have a good time. This last weekend the Troop went to Lake Livingston SP.

Pride and Community (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

Ok... so based on the title.. where is he going with this? Pride in the Community? Pride for ones Community? Proud to be a part of the Community? None of the above. Or all of the above. This week is a proud week for me, there are a lot of events and gathering that foster…

BSA Centennial Tree (opens in a new tab)

KISMIF - Awesome Cub Scouting ·

You can celebrate the 100th anniversary of scouting by purchasing a BSA Centennial Tree from the Arbor Day Foundation . The two- to four-foot-tall Centennial Trees are $20, and for each tree purchased, the Arbor Day Foundation will plant a tree in the Flathead National Forest which has been devastated from recent wildfires .

Expanding Cooking (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

Let's play Jeopardy... I'll take Scout Cooking for $200, Alex. And the answer is: Hotdogs BZZZZZ... "What is the simplest way to get Second Class requirement 2g signed off?" I'll take Scout Cooking for $400, Alex. And the answer is: Poptarts BZZZZZ...

Print Repository

BSA Innovation Engine ·

19 Vote On Idea In the print repository, it would be nice to have a button that lets you "delete all". When reports stack up, it's a pain to delete them individually. Comments (0) Technology , scoutnet

Bill Webber (opens in a new tab)

Nick's Ramblings UK ·

It is with great sadness that I have heard of the death of Bill Webber. Bill was for many years the Divisional Secretary and held many positions within our old District, Burslem. He also wrote a regular column in the our local newspaper, which promoted Scouting to the people of North Staffordshire.

BSA Selects RoyaltyZone to Automate Trademark Licensing Compliance (opens in a new tab)

Scouting News · archived copy

Austin, Texas (May 18, 2009) RoyaltyZone today announced that it has entered into an agreement with the Boy Scouts of America to provide a web-based software solution for the BSA's trademark licensing program. RoyaltyZone automates license agreement compliance processes, enabling intellectual property licensors to share license agreement terms, payment schedules, and compliance tasks with their…

To be so Honored

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

In my life time, I have had the opportunity to be honored for many achievements. Not tooting my horn, but it is fair to say that in 21 years in the Army and many years a Scouter, accolades and recognition comes your way.

BOGO at Scoutstuff.org (opens in a new tab)

ScoutSigns ·

Just received this ad in my email--it doesn't give the expiration date for the sale, but looks like a good deal. I may have to pick up one for a Scout in need, and the BOGO (buy one, get one) will go to the "experienced" uniform closet.

Weekend Patrol Box #16 (opens in a new tab)

ScoutSigns ·

National Honor Patrol Award , cloth, No. 00367, Boy Scout, beneath patrol emblem of patrol that has met the standard.--Scouting.org Great way to begin the weekend! One of our patrols has earned the National Honor Patrol Award, which they will receive at our Court of Honor next weekend.

Cell Phone numbers on pledge cards

BSA Innovation Engine ·

17 Vote On Idea With so many people using cell phones as their primary, or ONLY number, we need to have the option to include that number on pledge cards. The only alternative at this time is to incorrectly identify it as a home or work number. Comments (0) Fundraising & Sponsorships

Save frequently used comments for printed materials

BSA Innovation Engine ·

9 Vote On Idea Almost every time we print billing statements or pledge cards, we add the same message or comment. It would be nice to be able to save a selection of frequently used comments so it doesn't have to be retyped each time. Comments (0) Fundraising & Sponsorships

Prospect print selection by date pledged/paid

BSA Innovation Engine ·

9 Vote On Idea I would like to pull a report based on pledges or payments made within a certain date range Comments (0) Fundraising & Sponsorships

Alternate "billing" address

BSA Innovation Engine ·

11 Vote On Idea Some prospects have a local contact address, but need to have the bill sent elsewhere for payment. An "alternate billing address" option would be helpful. Comments (0) Fundraising & Sponsorships

identify new prospect vs long-time non-giver

BSA Innovation Engine ·

8 Vote On Idea It would be nice to be able to identify in reports whether a prospect was a recent add, or if they've been around awhile but haven't given recently. It is impossible to identify this difference in a Prospect File Listing (either printed or exported), and it is important information during prospect…

Auditor required data - Donor giving totals

BSA Innovation Engine ·

7 Vote On Idea Our auditors require a list of all donors that give $5,000 or more during the year. At this time, I must pull all prospects from all campaigns into one list, sort it and scrutinize it. I would like to be able to pull a report based on a person's total giving…

Auditor required data - Board members

BSA Innovation Engine ·

9 Vote On Idea Our auditors require a list of all Council Officers/Executive Board members and their giving totals, regardless of campaign. This currently requires an extensive amount of data gathering and analyzing. A user code that can be assigned to a person or organization record, rather than just the prospect record, and accessed through…

Jamboree Fee Payment Transaction Report

BSA Innovation Engine ·

5 Vote On Idea It would be very helpful to have the "Jamboree Fee Payment Transaction Report" print out alphabetically. Can you please change the format of this report to alphabetical. Thank you for your consideration! Comments (0) Jamboree

2008 BSA Annual Report (opens in a new tab)

Scouting News · archived copy

Back in February Scouting News reported about two of the youth selected to give the annual BSA Report to the Nation . Now you can read the Boy Scouts of America 2008 Annual Report online. Boy Scouts of America: 2008 Annual Report The introduction of the Annual Report is a letter to the Speaker of the…

100,000 Visits and Counting

A Scoutmaster's Blog ·

T his note is more for myself then anyone, but " A Scoutmaster's Blog " reached a total of 100,000 visits this morning (since the counter began in June 2007). It has been a little under four months since it reached 75,000 visits.

Winner Announced: Spirit of Adventure Contest

Scouting News ·

Ten days ago Scouting News launched a contest to win a copy of the book, Spirit of Adventure . In order to enter, folks had to visit BoyandGirlScouts.com , and then leave a comment with their favorite post. The goal of the contest was to get readers excited about Alvin Townley's newest book, Spirit of Adventure, and…

Heroes

Commissioner's Corner ·

Who influences the decisions that you make? Or are you a free thinker who needs little help or advice from anyone? I would say that I am one who uses guidance where needed, giving credit where credit is due. Today is one of those days, not because it's Memorial Day weekend or anything like that…

Around The Scouting Campfire #6 (opens in a new tab)

A Scoutmaster's Blog · archived copy

The sixth episode of Around The Scouting Campfire is now available. It is time to join Scoutmaster Steve and Buttons, the radical Boy Scout, for another 20 minutes of fun and reflection on Scouting. During this show we discover what advancement rank Buttons holds in Scouting as he and Scoutmaster Steve talk about his upcoming…

A short Video to say thanks

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

Tomorrow is Memorial Day. A day to say Thanks to all of those men and women that selflessly serve our Nation. Thursday evening the Scouts of Troop 664 joined the rest of the Thunderbird District at Willamette National Cemetery to participate in the Flag placement Ceremony and then place an small American Flag on the…

Around The Scouting Campfire #6

Around The Scouting Campfire Podcast ·

Scoutmaster Steve and Buttons, the radical Boy Scout, talk about Buttons' upcoming scoutmaster conference. Steve talks abut how to conduct a conference. Buttons tells us about ten nutrition myths. And Steve wraps things up with another Scout Leader Minute. Share and Enjoy:

Fun Orienteering For All (opens in a new tab)

Lone Star Scouter ·

We're all tasked with how to keep the older scouts interested in training that they've done repeatedly. We're thinking of having a little competition. The younger scouts need to learn and master orienteering, but it's hard to get the older boys to come and teach it sometimes.

Speak up! (opens in a new tab)

ScoutSigns ·

Recently I posted about becoming a BSA Speaker . Nice picture of the knot. Lots of rah-rah. So this is kind of a part 2, but more details to entice you to give it a try. Especially you bloggers or regular forum commenters out there who have a lot to say and share with the non-Scouting…

Today is Memorial Day ! On this Memorial…

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

Today is Memorial Day ! On this Memorial day I would like to share with you a speech. This speech was delivered by MG (Ret) Robert H. Scales at Gettysburg on Memorial Day 2007. I present this to you as one of the people he is speaking to and of in the speech.