Cleary's Corner #8
Here is show 8, about my experience at camp with the current Webelos, soon to be the first members of my new troop...
Browse by year
July 2009
286 posts, oldest first.
Posts in July 2009
Waiting is the hardest part
We at Cracker Barrel can't wait for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree, and we've literally been counting down the seconds till it gets here. For those of you who haven't been watching the clock as diligently as we, it's time to start.
Southeast Wisconsin Council Distinguished Citizen Dinner
The Distinguished Citizen Dinner was held on Monday, June 1, 2009 to benefit the Southeast Wisconsin Council, Boy Scouts of America. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of two Distinguished Citizen Awards, presented to individuals who best exemplify the values which are the cornerstone of the Scouting movement.
I get it.
My last two podcast on gear have been a hit. And the emails are pouring in about the shows. So I will get more backpacking information, tips, and reviews out here on the Scoutmaster minute. One request that has been popping up is a permeant link to the podcasts on gear.
A Transition (opens in a new tab)
A personal note. I have been Cubmaster of Pack 19 for 4 years . This week, I am stepping back from being Cubmaster. I will continue to be a pack committee member and coordinate and help lead our monthly pack hikes and campouts .
The Scout Oath
...
How Would You Manage Rapid Growth in Your Troop?
Scouting magazine: Front Line Stuff How Would You Manage Rapid Growth in Your Troop? Over the past few years our troop has doubled in size due to good programming and good promotion by our committee chair. Although this is a great problem to have, it's hard to keep youth and adult leaders in step with…
Christmas in July makes me sad
...
Advancement Dashboard on Mybsa.org
1 Vote On Idea It would be helpful to have an advancement dashboard on mybsa.org much like we currently have a membership dashboard. This would enable us to track unit level advancements without having to go into scoutnet and print a report. Comments (0) Technology , advancenemt , mybsa.org
Month to Month tracking of membership on dashboard (opens in a new tab)
0 Vote On Idea On display options, would it be possible to add a month to month tracking of each unit's membership. We have a spreadsheet (sometimes refered to the measels sheet) that tracks the membership of a unit month to month. Comments (0) Technology
National Scouting Museum (opens in a new tab)
Just received an email that the National Scouting Museum has joined the blogosphere . Glancing at the various programs they are offering, like Summer Advancement Trails and Museum U 's merit badge courses (American Cultures, Communications, Citizenship in the World, Computers and Personal Management merit badges), make me wish I lived a lot closer to Texas!
Strange Things Can Be Seen at Scout Camp (opens in a new tab)
I remember not to long ago, at a Mom and Son camp, I witnessed a group of cub scouts grouped in a circle near the old chow hall staring at the ground when one of the young cub's mother joined the group.
MSPP #70: The Radio Skit
Have you ever been traveling in your car listening to the radio when you suddenly reach an area in which stations begin overlapping each other's signals? The is the premiss of this skit performed by the Boy Scouts of Troop 68 during their 2006 Laughs For Lunch Show.
The Out in Scouting (opens in a new tab)
I have been involved with various scouting programs throughout the world and the common denominator with each scout program is getting today's youth outdoors. This has been one of the founding principles within the scouting movement. It is the draw that brings children from all walks of life into the program.
New Name, Same Posts, Kinda (opens in a new tab)
Well, after starting the cool gear series a few weeks ago and quickly running out of ideas I've decided to rename it to Gear Head Fridays. This new series will still have gear reviews but it will also have informative posts on stoves, backpacks and other gear and outdoors related things.
Name That Council: July 24, 2009
We've got a special council for you this week. It's the home council of a VIS (very important Scouter). We can't tell you who it is, because we know you'd click over to Google and find the answer in a few seconds.
Cohen & Grigsby Attorney Elected to Board of Directors for Greater Pittsburgh Council
Cohen & Grigsby, a business law firm with headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pa., and offices in Naples and Bonita Springs, Fla., is pleased to announce that W. Scott Hardy, Esq., a director and deputy group head of the Labor & Employment and Employment Litigation Groups, has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the Greater…
professionals magazine
0 Vote On Idea It would be nice is if national started a professionals magazine that came out once a month or quarterly in it would be helpful tips for that time of year like Round up season . The publication could include a section where other professionals could tell you about what strategy worked for…
Creation of Position Profiles for Improved Professional Placement
0 Vote On Idea Our new talent management model aimed at placing people in the right position based on their skills and passions is a terrific model. But how does a Scouting professional today find out what positions are out there that match their passion and what skills are necessary to fill those roles?
Put Registration history in chronological order
0 Vote On Idea When searching an individual's prior registration record they aren't listed in chronological order in ScoutNet. Doing so would save quite a bit of time when we need to check on this for a volunteer, especially if they've been registered since ScoutNet went live. Comments (0) Applications & Registration
Leadership (opens in a new tab)
Leadership is the keynote to sucess-but leadership is difficult to define and leaders are difficult to find. I have frequently stated that "any ass can be a commander and a trained man may often make an instructor; but a leader is more like the poet-born, not manufactured".
An Hour A Week? #188
#188-Hot Blooded Apparently someone forgot to remind someone else to put the show out this week. Tonight, we talk about some redesigned websites, Made In America, healthy living, dog tags, splitting big Dens, no more flaming neckerchiefs, Tiger Cub Go See It ideas, and some GREAT feedback.
An Hour A Week? #188
#188-Hot Blooded Apparently someone forgot to remind someone else to put the show out this week. Tonight, we talk about some redesigned websites, Made In America, healthy living, dog tags, splitting big Dens, no more flaming neckerchiefs, Tiger Cub Go See It ideas, and some GREAT feedback.
On Line Tour Permits
1 Vote On Idea Since I have taken over doing the on line tour permits I have come up with a few changes that would benefit all of us using this system - I think all new tour permits should be shown on page one that way none of the employees processing them would have to…
12th Edition Handbook Versions Cleared Up (opens in a new tab)
After some speculation about the new 12th Edition handbook and its various versions , a helpful comment has cleared up the questions. Nathan, a BSA national scout shop employee, who has seen the "shrink wrapped" books, left a comment on the original Scouting News post .
2009-2010 Program Helps Full Download (opens in a new tab)
Cub Scout Program Helps (apparently in its final year ) is a great resource for Cub Scout leaders. It has features a month-by-month breakdown of suggestions for den (Tiger, Wolf, or Bear) and pack games, songs, advancement ceremonies, crafts, and other activities to go along with the Cub Scout Monthly Themes .
Summer Camp Weather
A lot comes to mind when I think about spending a week at summer camp. Scoutcraft, beach activities, and friendships are just a few, but there are a lot more. The weather always adds something to the memories of camp.
Our Old Pack and Troop Flags (opens in a new tab)
Last year for our centenary we finally got ourselves a new Troop flag . After the new one was dedicated in Church the old one was taken away and my Mum said she's do some repairs on it so it wouldn't deteriorate any more.
Arrowmen in Action (opens in a new tab)
Most people have heard of a harmonica. Many Arrowmen have probably even played them while hiking or passing time at camp. But few are familiar with the type of harmonica that Arrowman Aidan Dougherty plays. Aidan, a member of Moswetuset Lodge from Cambridge, Massachusetts plays the glass harmonica to demonstrate the relationship of music and…
Twas the Night before Summer Camp... (opens in a new tab)
T'was the night before summer camp and the Commissioner was frantically packing for the week's long retreat and once again I vowed to never wait until the last minute to pack for camp. Where's my flashlight? Where's my mess kit?
World Scout Lunar Landing (opens in a new tab)
Did you know that on July 20, 2009 was the 40th anniversary of the World Scouting Lunar Landing. During the 11th Apollo Mission that landed on the moon Neil Armstrong brought with him a World Scout badge. Here is the full story: July 20, 2009 marks the 40th Anniversary of the successful Apollo 11 moon…
Quote of the Week (opens in a new tab)
I must leave it as beautiful as I found it. Nothing must ever happen there that might detract in the slightest from what it now had. I would enjoy it and discover all that was to be found there and learn as time went on that here perhaps was all I ever.
ISCA Membership Changes Coming Soon
Mr. Craig Leighty, President of the International Scouting Collectors Association (ISCA), posted a heads up to Patch-L of a membership change that is coming soon to ISCA. According to Mr. Leighty, the official notification will be in the September Journal.
Digital Brochure for Cub Packs
6 Vote On Idea Click the Link www.packsignup.digbro.com This form enables your council to signup and take advantage of an exciting new system to help your troops and packs recruit and communicate all the great things happening with your local units.
Cloverleaf Hourglass Tower (opens in a new tab)
Hawk from Australia sent some photos of an hourglass tower with 4 legs, that was built as part of a Ropes and Spars training course, run by West Australian Scout Pioneering, a team formed to help train Scout leaders in pioneering skills.
Why i.SCOUT: Part 1
As it's summer, and Scouts has stopped until September, I have an opportunity to sit back and take a break. But where's the fun in that? What the summer break does give me the opportunity to do is reflect on the reasons why i.SCOUT.
Summer Camp (opens in a new tab)
I'm off to camp this week so the blog will probably be pretty quiet.
Gone Home: Scout Collapses While Hiking at Philmont Scout Ranch (opens in a new tab)
The Northern Star Council and Philmont Scout Ranch Scouting Communities are morning the death of a member of our Scouting family. Timothy Nunn, a fourteen-year-old Scout from Troop 123 in Northern Star Council collapsed while hiking at Philmont Scout Ranch on Friday, July 24, 2009.
Name That Council: July 24, 2009 solution
We told you that Friday's Name That Council patch belongs to the home council of a VIS-very important Scouter-and that was no exaggeration. In fact, none other than Chief Scout Executive Robert Mazzuca himself calls this council home. Read on to Name That Council.
July 2009 Cubcast (Fun in the Sun Theme/Fall Recruiting) (opens in a new tab)
The July 2009 Cubcast from BSA National is available (free). Part 1 has ideas for den meetings and more utilizing the August " Fun in the Sun " theme. Part 2 has information on Cub Scout fall recruiting . Part 1 Part 2 [ Photo: Flicker/nattu ] Posted in CUB SCOUTS, Fun in the Sun, Recruiting
Made in America
-2 Vote On Idea I would like to support the idea of a history channel show on Scouting over the last 100 years. It could be titled Made in America, and it could highlight some of the Harris pole outcomes as well as highlight contributions Scouting has made to America over the years.
New Required Merit Badge- Cooking Merit Badge
1 Vote On Idea Cooking is substantial skill that is needed everyday. Cooking Merit Badge should be required for Eagle. What do you think? Comments (0) Boy Scouting
New Merit Badge- Real Estate and Economic Development
-1 Vote On Idea More and more colleges in the Baltimore Area (I assume nation wide as well) are creating majors for this topic so shouldn't our Scouts get an early jump on this education? What do you think? Comments (0) Boy Scouting
The Scoutmaster Minute Show #38 – Unit Discipline
In this show we discuss Unit discipline. ?What it is, and how we go about maintaining it. ?Join Scoutmaster Jerry and his guest Shawn Cleary from? Cleary's Corner ?and fellow podcaster. This show is sponsored by? Boy Scout Store.com ?proud new sponsor of?
Email Addresses on MyBSA
1 Vote On Idea Why don't we have email on the Person Profile on MyBSA. I can pull up home address, phone, but not email, why is that? Comments (0) Internal
Huntress Venison Stew
1 lb deer steak, cut into 1 inch cubes 1 cup red table wine, preferably a Texas wine 1 – 6″ sprig of fresh rosemary or 1 tsp dried 2 bay leaves, fresh or dried 1/4 tsp pepper 1 tsp salt 3 strips thick, smoked bacon cut into 1″ pieces 1 – 16 oz can beef consomme…
You can lead a horse to water....
But you need to motivate him to drink. Recently we had a fantastic camp out on the gorgeous Oregon Coast. During that camp out we held a contest or competition on cooking a backpacking dinner. The Scouts were judged on planning, preparation, presentation and cooking, and clean up.
Close Call Lightning (opens in a new tab)
In the last article I wrote about the weather during this summer's week-long outing at Many Point Scout Camp, and the Tuesday storm in which lightning hit a tree near the administration building located less then a mile from our campsite.
An Hour A Week? #189
#189-Homebound Train A shorter show tonight talking about a heroic Scout save, funding issues, planning the Blue & Gold, more massage opinions and Tiger Achievement help, American Heritage Girls, indoor Summer activities, and a check-in from West Africa. Links: Scouts tell of dramatic river rescue- http://www.ajc.com/news/gwinnett/scouts-tell-of-dramatic-95350.html Youth organizations paddling upstream- http://www.charlotteobserver.com/local/story/843211.html Universal Emblem Business Card Case…
An Hour A Week? #189
#189-Homebound Train A shorter show tonight talking about a heroic Scout save, funding issues, planning the Blue & Gold, more massage opinions and Tiger Achievement help, American Heritage Girls, indoor Summer activities, and a check-in from West Africa. Links: Scouts tell of dramatic river rescue- http://www.ajc.com/news/gwinnett/scouts-tell-of-dramatic-95350.html Youth organizations paddling upstream- http://www.charlotteobserver.com/local/story/843211.html Universal Emblem Business Card Case…
Cleary's Corner #9
Here is Show 9, more new troop talk, a bit about a chatroom discussion one night, and a recipe for a Dutch Oven classic...
Discipline and Supervision
I recently posted my 38th Podcast . I was joined by Shawn from Wisconsin, we spent about 50 minutes talking about Unit discipline. The point of the show was to discuss how we maintain discipline in our units and what constitutes a disciplined unit.
Is this campsite a hotspot? (opens in a new tab)
Two weeks ago, we blogged about troops that ban or limit cell phone use by their Scouts. Several of you responded with your reasons for forbidding their use at camp-from the wall of isolation they create to the risk of losing or breaking the pricey gadgets.
Embroidered Centennial Ring Emblem (opens in a new tab)
A new emblem released for the 100th anniversary is flying off Scout Shop shelves! The emblem designed to be placed around the World Crest emblem, went on sale last week. The Embroidered Centennial Ring Emblem, is being sold for $1.49 and is available online at ScoutStuff.org and in Scout Shops around the country.
Website Counter
2 Vote On Idea We should put counters on the bottom of some of our websites, it would be awesome to track how many hits we get on them. To name a few, myscouting, jamboree, 100th anniversary, and scouting.org of course.
True North Show 9
Here is Show 9, more new troop talk, a bit about a chatroom discussion one night, and a recipe for a Dutch Oven classic. This is a show under the Cleary's Corner name… Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts Share and Enjoy:
Sunscreen Kerchief Slide (opens in a new tab)
Hello fellow Scouters, The Cub Scout theme for August is "Fun in the Sun". But who can have fun in the sun if you get sunburned? Since it's easy to forget to bring sunscreen or reapply it, here's a kerchief slide that will guarantee sunscreen is always close by (at least while your Scout is…
Smog. It's what's for dinner.
...
Video: Boy Scouts Explain How They Saved Leader (opens in a new tab)
Eight Houston Boy Scouts explain how they took care of their leader and carried him to safety after he became to sick to continue during their trek in Colorado.
Camping (Podcast) (opens in a new tab)
Podcast number 14. A bit of a chat about camping and the Nights Away Scheme.
New Patch
The BSA just rolled out a new patch for the Centennial celebration. I was down at the local Scout Shop and saw this new emblem. I was surprised that I had not heard much about this even though I am a Scoutmaster for the National Jamboree contingent.
Knot of the Week: Asian-American Spirit of Scouting Service Award (opens in a new tab)
Scouting's diversity helps boys learn what it means to be an American. And the BSA embraces that fact by encouraging the growth of the program in underserved communities. That commitment became even more noticeable in 2004 with the Asian-American Spirit of Scouting Service Award .
Dow Community Grant Awarded to Camp Karankawa (opens in a new tab)
Dow Chemical Co. announced on July 1, 2009 the awarding of a 2009 Community Grant to the Bay Area Council. The Grant proposal was submitted for the replacement of the drinking water pressure tank at Camp Karankawa. The pressure tank was in dire need of replacement and with the Grant Award the tank will now…
Good Scout / Bad Scout (opens in a new tab)
One of the joys of being a scoutmaster is watching the boys grow up and hopefully taking some of the things they learned in Scouting along with them on their life's journey. It is great when former Boy Scouts stop by for a visit and we talk about the fun they had while they were…
Summer Aquatics Safety (opens in a new tab)
...
Cub Scout Pockets – Official Theme Description (opens in a new tab)
The September 2009 Cub Scout Monthly Theme is " Cub Scout Pockets ." Here is the official BSA theme description: "What can possibly be in a Cub Scout's pocket ? What is in a boy's pocket can tell a lot about who he is and what he likes.
The Scoutmaster Minute #39 – Tinny Interview
In this show Scoutmaster Jerry invites Tinny from Minibull design into the Scoutmaster Minute for a discussion on Alcohol Stoves. Join us and learn more about ultra light backpacking stoves. ?An effecient, light, and unique way of cooking in the back country.
The Scoutmaster Minute Podcast
Show 39 is out and I am really excited about it. In this show Scoutmaster Jerry invites Tinny from Minibull design into the Scoutmaster Minute for a discussion on Alcohol Stoves. Join us and learn more about ultra light backpacking stoves.
Venturing on Facebook - August 1 (opens in a new tab)
Deb Keyes sent a message to the members of Celebrate Venturing's 11th anniversary. -------------------- Subject: Venturing's 11th Anniversary event There is some question to what this event is. Aug 1 is one of the key dates in Venturing history - it is one of our anniversaries.
100th Anniversary Ring Emblem (opens in a new tab)
BSA Supply Group has announced this cool-looking 100th-anniversary emblem ($1.49) which is designed to encircle the world scout emblem on the official uniform. Link [ Via Scoutingnews.org ] Posted in 100th Anniversary, CUB SCOUTS, Patches
Cub Scouts 2010 (opens in a new tab)
The development of materials to support the change in the delivery method for Cub Scouts (Cub Scouts 2010) continues. Teams of volunteers are working to make the necessary changes within publications and training. A full time line of deliverables will be rolled out at Top Hands in August.
Scouting in the News: July 30, 2009
Dedicated Scouting volunteers, such as yourself, get their BSA news and information from Scouting magazine and, we hope, right here at the Cracker Barrel blog. But for the uninitiated, the mainstream media often are the only sources of the Scouting story.
Stay Connected with NOAC Mobile! (opens in a new tab)
If you are attending the National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) which starts officially tomorrow, be sure to check out the NOAC Mobile Website. http://m.oa-bsa.org The NOAC Mobile website will allow Arrowmen to use their PDA and internet enabled phones to keep up with the latest NOAC news, happenings, schedule changes, and weather.
Core Values
As Parents we try to raise our children with a set of values. We derive those values from our families, our church, and the way in which we were raised. Important things like respecting our elders, being trustworthy, not stealing, and how we manage our money and things.
Self Review (opens in a new tab)
At the Group Scout Leader's conference I went to last year , one of the things talked about was a self review form that had been trialled and was likely to be rolled out across the country. I brought it back with me and thought it was a good idea.
Ask Andy (opens in a new tab)
My last post was 6/20... Since then, 8 new columns! Check 'em all out at http://netcommish.com! Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com
Pineapple Curry
I dug this one out of the Scoutmaster archives. I really like this meal out on the trail. Just enough pop to satisfy. Tasty, easy, and worth the prep. Give this one a try.. you will not be disappointed. Have a Great Scouting Day!
It's With Pride and Joy (opens in a new tab)
It was our distinct honor Tuesday night to honor Casey as he stood along side his fellow scouts, leaders and parents, to accept his Eagle Rank. I will say though that it was a little difficult at times to tell who was more proud between he and his parents.
Name That Council: July 31, 2009
Flying fish, a tree-lined shore, and a snow-capped mountain-what sounds like a scene from an L.L. Bean catalog is actually the content of this week's Name That Council challenge. We've altered the patch above to remove the council's name and location.
Scoutmaster Minute Contest
As you all know I am a huge fan of backpacking and camping in general! This month the Scoutmaster minute Visitors have a chance to win a $25 coupon code for TrailStop.com , which includes free FedEx Ground Shipping! About the Prize: The good folks over at TrailStop.com have offered up this month's prize which is…
Cub Scouts 2010 Early Info (opens in a new tab)
Early information is available on Cub Scouting 2010 , the upcoming changes to the Cub Scout program involving the end of monthly themes . The excerpt below is from a National Innovation Council update via the Cornhusker Council website. " Cub Scouts 2010.
Personal Watercraft Pilot Update (opens in a new tab)
Back in May, we informed readers about a Personal Watercraft Pilot program being held at Claytor Lake Adventure Base. The personal Watercraft Pilot at the Claytor Lake Adventure Base within the Blue Ridge Mountains Council in Roanoke, Virginia, has now completed three weeks of summer camp operations.
Revision of Internet Guidelines for Scouting Unit Web Sites
1 Vote On Idea Our current Internet Guidelines for Scouting Unit Web Sites was last updated 1/31/2006, well before the explosion of social medial tools. Given that the organization is actively involved in social media now, we should consider revising these guidelines to be more reflective of current technologies.
Gear Head Friday – Lights (opens in a new tab)
Welcome to this week's edition of Gear Head Friday! This week's topic is camp lighting, proper lighting is very important for any camping trip. Whether your light is a candle or a headlamp proper light is essential. So lets dive into the different types of lights, the costs, and the effectiveness.
Local Council Supplier List
0 Vote On Idea On myBSA, as a resource, add a listing of licensed local council suppliers by council number so local council employees can easily answer inquiries from volunteers, parents, etc. Comments (0) Volunteers
Baltimore Area Council to Pilot Alternative BSA Under Armour Field Uniform
Under Armour is collaborating with Baltimore Area Council, Boy Scouts of America to pilot a new field uniform, as an optional alternative to the current uniform. The initiative is an effort to appeal to kids who represent a diverse, varied cross-section of America youth.