New Blog & Show
OK, so I have been lax in the posts and to an extent, the shows...and I apologize for that. Unfortunately, life and work called on me, and have taken quite a bit of my time that I wanted to dedicate to my online life.
Browse by year
August 2009
291 posts, oldest first.
Posts in August 2009
New Home (opens in a new tab)
And here you are....if you are reading this, then you have found my new home on the internet. I am glad to have made the move, and it was something that I was contemplating for the longest time, and with a new scouting attitude, I figured that I may have to do a few more…
Old Newspapers (opens in a new tab)
As those of you who stop by here on a regular basis will know, I'm interested (obsessed?) in finding out the history of my Group. When you've got over 100 years to go at there is a lot interesting stuff out there!
Heading North (opens in a new tab)
Red Pine at Sunrise C.A. Green Friday morning we'll load up our vans and head north for a week of paddling in Ontario's Algonquin Provincial Park. Getting things in line for three crews has been taking most of my free time this week so the blog has been quiet.
An Hour A Week? #191
#191-Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood Are you ready for the school year? Some cool Innovation Engine ideas, den discipline, ghost stories, how they do it in Nigeria, what to do for the Blue & Gold, when do we get a break?, a request for help with ScoutPlanner.com, pen pals and water bottles are on tap for…
An Hour A Week? #191
#191-Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood Are you ready for the school year? Some cool Innovation Engine ideas, den discipline, ghost stories, how they do it in Nigeria, what to do for the Blue & Gold, when do we get a break?, a request for help with ScoutPlanner.com, pen pals and water bottles are on tap for…
Foil Dinners (opens in a new tab)
Tasty stuff...
Campfire Opening (opens in a new tab)
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It's morning all ready (opens in a new tab)
The boys are up and have been for an hour...it looks like it will be time later on today for that time honored tradition of the "Scoutmaster's Nap"...
End of the third day... (opens in a new tab)
Another awesome day, I will be home tomorrow with a full report...probably a show about it... We could be in for a storm tonight, gonna batten down the hatches...
Breakfast!!! (opens in a new tab)
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It's morning (opens in a new tab)
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First Day of Camp (opens in a new tab)
Wow, that is all I can say. My scouts did awesome...this is why I do this...so content right now, I can't describe it...I love this job!!! G'nite, world...
End of the day... (opens in a new tab)
It's 11:30, end of another great day...the boys really came together as a patrol, I am so lovin' this job! One downside...had an adult leader from another unit try to over-ride my authority of the boys...the boys were fine, he decided that it was his call to step in...needless to say, I don't think that…
Pre-dinner march? (opens in a new tab)
So, I haven't had to mention how unsafe this is....sorry for the lack of posts...
Packed and ready... (opens in a new tab)
I am on the road now...
Cleary's Corner Show 9 (opens in a new tab)
Here is Show 9, more new troop talk, a bit about a chatroom discussion one night, and a recipe for a Dutch Oven classic...you can download it HERE
Cleary's Corner Show 8 (opens in a new tab)
Here is show 8, about my experience at camp with the current Webelos, soon to be the first members of my new troop...you can download it HERE
Cleary's Corner Show 7 (opens in a new tab)
So I decided to burn the midnight oil and get this show recorded before I go camping with Ethan. See you all soon, and have a great week, and I will try to update from camp, via Twitter or the blog...you can download it HERE
ClassB Summer 2009 Photo Sweepstakes (opens in a new tab)
ClassB.com an official licensee of the Boy Scouts of America for printed t-shirts is hosting a huge Summer Photo Sweepstakes. Visit the ClassB Summer 2009 Photo Sweepstakes Website for all the information you need to enter. Here are a few highlights: Prizes: July 24th (One winner) – Scouting® Coin Knife July 31st (Two winners) – Your choice…
Knot of the Week: Venturing Silver Award (opens in a new tab)
The Venturing program gives young women and men new opportunities they can't find in other programs. And with those new opportunities comes a new set of awards they can earn. The highest of these is the Venturing Silver Award , this week's Knot of the Week.
Citizenship Mobile (opens in a new tab)
New Activity for Webelos scouts
Bomb the Flame (opens in a new tab)
New Activity for All scouts
Scout Handbook Thoughts (opens in a new tab)
Picked up the 12th edition this week. Here's some observations having skimmed through it. Negatives : The book is 1/2 inch shorter than the previous. This just means I've got a floppy black book cover on it now. The back cover used to have three words - Character, Citizenship, Fitness - and I'd often use that when talking…
The Leader's Campfire #69 (opens in a new tab)
#69-Webelos To Scout Part 1 Tonight we will be talking about Webelos and the process they take to become Boy Scouts. Webelos is unique in Cub Scouts because it not only gives the Scouts more change for adventure but also encourages them to take on more responsibilities.
Podcast 1
In this inaugural podcast: Background about me Camping tip – Camp showers Leader's tip – Teaching others how to camp Favorite Cub Scout memory – "Capture the Flag" Scouting topic – Adult leader mentorship You can listen to the show here: Or download it here: The Trainer's Corner Podcast #1 – Episode Notes: Scoutmaster Cleary's blog: True North Scouting
Need correction to ScoutNet when assigning Unit Commissioners
1 Vote On Idea There is a problem when there are two or more unit commissioners in a Council with the same first and last name. When the district executive goes in to assign the unit commissioner and the above situation exists, the drop down box which comes up for the district executivce shows only…
Talking to Oman (opens in a new tab)
I did something today that I've never done before. I spoke to Scouts in Oman , Jordan and Bali ! All this was courtesy of the International Rover Scout Net Moot. I first mentioned this last month, when I received an email about it.
The Leader's Campfire #69
#69-Webelos To Scout Part 1 Tonight we will be talking about Webelos and the process they take to become Boy Scouts. Webelos is unique in Cub Scouts because it not only gives the Scouts more change for adventure but also encourages them to take on more responsibilities.
The BSA Handbook goes digital
Last week we told you about the new Boy Scout Handbook , available now online or at your local Scout Shop. We detailed the new book's firm embrace of the Internet to provide Scouts with extra resources and interactivity beyond what's in the 480-page book.
New Cub Scout Belts (opens in a new tab)
BSA Supply Group now has available new Cub Scout web belts and buckles . The redesigned silver buckles have a mechanical friction closure mechanism . The price range is $7.99 to $9.99. Link Posted in CUB SCOUTS, Uniforms
Scout Podcast Number 1
Hello fellow Scouters, Since I love to talk about Scouting, I have decided to add a podcast to this site. In this inaugural podcast, we look at: Background about me Camping tip – Camp showers Leader's tip – Teaching others how to camp Favorite Cub Scout memory – "Capture the Flag" Scouting topic – Adult leader mentorship – Here is…
New Merit Badges for 2009 & 2010 (opens in a new tab)
The National Council has been putting out the word to Councils about some new Merit Badges coming soon! Rumors of the majority of these being in developed starting surfacing back in March, but now they have been approved. So far we've heard about the following merit badges: – Robotics merit badge approved.
Two Coracles (1953 Article) (opens in a new tab)
Coracles are lightweight, dish-shaped boats, that have been used in Britain since Roman times. John Sweet's article from the Scout magazine in 1953 describes the construction of 2 different types of coracle. To make an ancient British coracle you require a tarpaulin or outsize groundsheet with eyelets round the edges.
Developing Relationships with Your Units
0 Vote On Idea Unit Immersion Emphasis - Submitted by Glen R. Steenberger, Director of Field Service Any success that we are to have in developing young people is dependant upon our ability to develop, foster, and capitalize upon relationships that we establish.
PayPal
0 Vote On Idea Is anyone using Paypal for online payments? Is it working for you? Any pitfalls or success stories? Comments (0) Miscellaneous
Donation success!
Great news! As I wrote in my post on fundraising last month, we recently purchased a new garage tent and I was requesting a donation from my employers to cover the cost. And I have had good news – they have given us a donation of £600!
Summer is Winding Down and Scouts are Revving Up! (opens in a new tab)
It's been a long hot, very hot, summer in Houston. It's coming to a quick end and the kids are starting to show the awareness that, soon, they will be back in school. True, they have to go back into the concrete walls defining their educational experience, but we can remind them that they can…
Thanks and Pockets (opens in a new tab)
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Name That Council: August 14, 2009 (opens in a new tab)
Let's hope you remembered to put all your food and other smellables in a bear-proof container away from your tent before going to bed last night. If not, you might find yourself face-to-face with the image seen in this week's Name That Council patch.
Downloadable Files on Online Training
1 Vote On Idea As more and more trainings are put on the internet for leader training, we need a quick and easy method for staff to be able to download these for use on a laptop without internet connections.
Count Up Scavenger Hunt (opens in a new tab)
New Activity for All scouts
Glissading the Volcano (opens in a new tab)
There was an episode of 'Happy Days' where Fonzie jumped over a shark. Now, ' Jumping the Shark ' means a show does absurd or over-the-top episodes to boost ratings. I guess we jumped the shark this summer on our Sea2Sky trip when we 'Glissaded the Volcano'.
Reflecting (opens in a new tab)
Today, I have decided to take a look back at some of the things that make me do this scouting thing. Later on tonight, I am going to be enjoying some skits and songs at Cub Scout Camp, at the last session of the summer.
Scouter Jeff Speaks! (opens in a new tab)
I was chatting to Scouter Jeff the other night (or afternoon in his part of the world – California) and he mentioned that he's started a podcast. So I checked it out. And very good it is too. He talks about about himself, gives a camping tip, a Leader's tip, his Favourite (ok I've used English…
Rewards for Great Ideas
5 Vote On Idea The Innovation Engine is a great tool to collect and evaluate new ideas. I see it as a crucial element for change and progress in the BSA. I suggest that when an idea makes it from a random posting, through the vetting process, and becomes a real thing that's been adopted…
2010 National Jamboree Leader's Guide Released (opens in a new tab)
The 2010 National Scout Jamboree website now includes a copy of the 2010 National Jamboree Leader's Guide (pdf). According to various sources, the guide was going to be posted by the end of June, however it appeared on the site early today.
Memories Of 1980: Part 2
Boy Scout Troop 68 really did not have a regular meeting place during its first year in 1980, so we would sometimes have our meetings in the clubroom of our sponsor, VFW Post 7050. It worked out fairly well but the boys could not play any rough and tumble games there.
NOAC Power Tags
One of the extra activities at the National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) were the exchanging of "Power Tags". Each participant and staff member recieved a sheet of 15 "Power Tags". There were five different colors of tags that corresponded to the four regions and another for staff members.
Scouting For Food Memorandum
The national office of the Boy Scouts of America has encouraged its troops and packs to participate in an annual Scouting For Food drive for nearly twenty years. These drives have helped tens of thousands of people over the years, and have became a necessity to many of the food banks around the country.
Portable Bouldering Wall
With a new project pending that I have been talking about the last few years is getting closer to reality. With help from the Lions Club, another crew, Crew 483 will start building a bouldering wall. We plan on using the wall at WTSE, Scout Fair, Troop meetings,district events and the Church Festival to promote…
BSA Help Desk
6 Vote On Idea Wouldn't it be great (and easy) if the number for the BSA Help Desk would be 1-800-BSA-HELP? Comments (0) Other
It is Round up Time! (opens in a new tab)
Coming around the bend is the most exciting time for boys that are about to join the world's oldest youth program. We are about to roundup new scouts and prospective scout leaders through the use of boy talks and open houses.
2010 National Jamboree Personalized Medical Forms Delayed
The National Jamboree Medical Team has notified participants and staff members that the personalized, bar-coded medical records for the Jamboree have been delayed. (It was unclear if participants recieved an email directly, or if the Council's were notified. All staff members should have recieved, or will be shortly, the below message.
No Special Postage Stamp for 100 Years of BSA
I hope many of my scouting friends will respond to this note! Thanks. USPS CURRENTLY PLANS TO IGNORE SCOUTING ANNIVERSARY According to the August 24th issue of Linn's Stamp Weekly, the US Postal Service currently plans to ignore the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America, the nation's largest and most successful youth organization…
Time is ticking
We are half way through the month.. Get your recipes and tips into the Scoutmaster minute for a shot at a fantastic prize. Remember.. you do not have to be a backpacker to enter.. any camping tip or recipe will be welcome.
100th Anniversary Plates, Napkins, Cups (opens in a new tab)
BSA Supply Group now has available these BSA 100th anniversary plates ($5.99 – $6.99 for 25), napkins ($4.99 – $5.99 for 50), and cups ($9.99 for 50). These would be neat to have for a pack picnic or Blue and Gold Banquet .
End of Summer (opens in a new tab)
Summer officially ends tomorrow. I pick up oldest son from his 3rd summer on staff at Many Point Scout Camp. He was a First Class Adventure Director this year and had a terrific time. That's a lot of responsibility and some managing of peers.
Summer Camp reflection
Back from a week at summer camp. The event of the year when everything comes together, a time to practice the patrol method. To live as a patrol, hanging out with friends, testing skills, learning new ones and just plain having fun.
Name That Council: August 14, 2009 solution
We hope that Friday's council patch challenge wasn't too much of a bear to figure out. After all, for the first time in Name That Council history, the patch actually had the flag of the council's home state pictured on it.
Webelos Outdoorsman Campout (opens in a new tab)
Hello fellow Scouters, Since the Webelos program allows you to camp as a den, why not consider working on your Outdoorsman activity badge at your own den campout? When I was a den leader, I would only work on the Outdoorsman pin at an outing – I just couldn't work on any of the requirements at…
Empowering Volunteers to be Responsible for Membership Growth
18 Vote On Idea Many of you may have heard the Chief Scout Executive tell the story about how in his first district he was not allowed to organize a unit until his membership chairman told his Scout executive he was ready.
Social Networking and Eagle Scouts
2 Vote On Idea A real Innovation idea... We have found 350,000 Eagle Scouts in 2 years...that's good. Let's find 350,000 more in 2 weeks!!! Contact FaceBook and ask them to create a place in their profile page to select Eagle Scout as an "Alumni Group".
Spirit of Adventure by Alvin Townley (opens in a new tab)
Alvin Townley's book Spirit of Adventure is a refreshing read that validates the values of Scouting and a book that ought to be in your Scouting library. Too often we hear about all the things gone wrong in the world around us.
Inflatable Dancing Scout for Your Scouting Event!
2 Vote On Idea Each and every one of us has turned our head in the direction of the inflatable guys dancing in front of the local movie store, cell phone store or other event. These whimsical characters are great attention-getters.
Like Tetris? (opens in a new tab)
I discovered a new blog today written by a gentleman who would like to be an Eagle Scout. But like me, he is beyond his teen years. What he has decided to do is to try to fulfill all the requirements from the joining requirements, through Tenderfoot and all the ranks, all the way to…
Webelos II year
0 Vote On Idea After working in four different councils, it seems to me that more Cub Scout Packs administer the second year of Webelos incorrectly than use it correctly. Packs continue to transfer the Webelos into the pack in May or later instead of February.
KISMIF.org Contributor (opens in a new tab)
Are you an experienced Cub Scouter ? Do you love seeing boys have active fun in Cub Scouts? Do you have good writing skills ? Do you like to help other Cub Scouters? If so, consider being a KISMIF.org volunteer contributor . KISMIF.org (the website you are reading right now) is a nonprofit blog dedicated to providing Cub…
Scouter Spotlight: Meet Sherri Moravec
Recognizing fine Scouters is a favorite pastime here at Cracker Barrel. In fact, we just can't get enough of it. So this week we'll share another Scouting volunteer with you. Meet Sherri Moravec , a Venturing crew advisor, assistant Scoutmaster, and district vice chairman from Houston, Tex.
Reorganization at National Office
10 Vote On Idea We would love to have a listing of all the new Division names, employees, exactly what they do, phone numbers and sum numbers at the National Office. We need to know what divisions were incorporated into the new Divisions.
Online Criminal Background checks for volunteers via a 3rd Party
0 Vote On Idea Council finding it increasingly difficult to get adult volunteers to give SS info for the background check on a paper application. Why not approach it like other youth entities do it: contract with a third party.
"Troop 123 meets here every Thursday, 7:00 PM" sign
5 Vote On Idea What ever happenned to those signs that were proudly displayed in church social halls and school auditoriums for so many years? Is there value in bringing these back? Is this something the supply division can carry for sale to units and Chartered Partners? Comments (0) Recruiting , marketing , retention
Naval Air Station Jacksonville Hosts Cub Scout Camp
The Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville Environmental Department hosted 73 Cub Scouts from the Great Muskogee District during a nature day camp at the Black Point Interpretive Center July 27-31. The five-day camp allowed Scouts to participate in nature-related activities, arts and crafts and sporting events.
CPSIA Labeling (opens in a new tab)
Customers receiving orders in the past few days will notice a small change to the t-shirts. The line identifying the manufacturer (us) now has a /12345 after it. The new text reads ClassB.com/12345 - The 12345 is the work order number.
The New Boy Scout Handbook – Review (opens in a new tab)
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.
Busy time is over - New Capacity (opens in a new tab)
Summer was an amazing time for us! Things have been so busy, its kind of nice to have it slow down to normal again. We are very sorry that we had to scale back 6 day rush and 9 day priority service during the busy season.
Payoff (opens in a new tab)
Last Friday night, I drove to Cub Scout World to visit the pack and see what Mrs. Cleary and the middle boy were doing, and to enjoy the last-night-of-camp festivities. Each theme-building has a campfire where they do skits, songs and stories...a really good time.
Death By Meetings (opens in a new tab)
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Scout Shop Canvas Bags
33 Vote On Idea Why are we still using the plastic bags at all of the National Scout Shops for merchandise sold in the stores. Can't the N.D.C. have some canvas bags made to sale to our customers at $0.99ea? We could even have our 2010 logo put on them. Comments (3) 100th Anniversary
Online Tour permit
23 Vote On Idea We need at least 2 more lines under the required training. i.e. hazardous weather, youth protection, safe swim. Comments (0) Applications & Registration
Training Leaders (opens in a new tab)
When a potential new Leader attends their initial interview one of the things that happens is that they are assigned a Training Assessor. The TA's job is to take the new Leader through the training modules and assess which ones they need to complete and by which methods.
Updating the MS Office suite at the stores to Office 2007
25 Vote On Idea Many of the files we are sent either from the higher-ups at National Supply, National Council, and the local councils we work with are using .docx, .pptx, .one, etc. It would be nice to be able to read these files with out having to bring my personal laptop into work with…
New popular page & better image handling! (opens in a new tab)
It's been quite a couple weeks for HalfEagle. Between Twitter's DoS attack crippling @halfeaglebot (and parts of the site itself) and the temporary outage of PostRank's service over the weekend, I've really felt like I was running around putting out fires almost constantly.
Woodbadge Square Knot
4 Vote On Idea Having a knot for those of us who have completed the training, and be able to distinguish the difference between two, three, and four bead recipients. This can be done a couple of ways: 1) Have a "base knot" for just compleating the course, and devices for staff and scoutmasters.
Podcast 2
In the second podcast, you get to hear what you've always wanted to hear – Jeff talks sewing! In this podcast: Feedback from my first podcast My position in my son's troop Camping tip – Keeping food warm Leader's tip – Using easel presentation paper pads "Just Say No" – To pack meeting announcements Favorite Cub Scout memory – Sitting…
Summer Camp Wrap Up
I am officially cross eyed and my fingers are numb from signing blue cards and helping get the advancement requirements from summer camp into the Troopmaster program. So bragging for the boys, here is how it broke down: 59 merit badges earned (complete), 10 partials.
Scout Podcast Number 2
Hello fellow Scouters, In the second podcast, you get to hear what you've always wanted to hear – Jeff talks sewing! In this podcast: Feedback from my first podcast My position in my son's troop Camping tip – Keeping food warm Leader's tip – Using easel presentation paper pads "Just Say No" – To pack meeting announcements Favorite Cub…
Knot of the Week: Adult religious award
No matter which faith you choose, being Reverent is Law in Scouting. Leaders who practice what their religion preaches are eligible to earn the silver-and-purple adult religious emblem pictured above. Rather than a separate square knot for each of Scouting's 30-plus religious emblems, this knot represents them all.
Buckeye September 2009 Packet (Cub Scout Pockets) (opens in a new tab)
Simon Kenton Council's Buckeye District roundtable packet for September 2009 is available at their new website . The Buckeye District assembles a great roundtable packet each month. This one has games, cooking ideas, crafts, songs, skits, ceremonies , and more for the September "Cub Scout Pockets" theme. Link (pdf) Posted in Cub Scout Pockets, CUB SCOUTS
BSA Library
19 Vote On Idea I often go into antique stores looking for anything scouting. On my last visit I was directed to an old book that the owner had obtained which had the BSA seal on the cover. Upon opening the book I found a letter from James E.
Volunteering Awards (opens in a new tab)
I've had an email from vinspired which talks about the awards they are doing for young people who volunteer. So please read on – My name is Laurence from Cake Public Relations contacting you on behalf of Youth Volunteering Charity vinspired.
Winter Sports Safety -- Helmets
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Learn from the Handbook: Pace Yourself (opens in a new tab)
This week, we're introducing a new feature here at Cracker Barrel in honor of the recent release of the Boy Scout Handbook . We call it Learn from the Handbook . Yes, technically the handbook is meant for boys. But it's hard to resist cracking it open and taking a look for yourself.
Broad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation Permanently Preserved and Protected
The Baltimore Area Council, Boy Scouts of America (BAC) has put another significant portion of Broad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation (BCMSR) under a conservation easement that will preserve it in a wooded and undeveloped condition in perpetuity. BCMSR is the official camp of the Baltimore Area Council.
Girls and BBQs (Podcast) (opens in a new tab)
Podcast number 16. Talking about girls in Scouting and BBQs! The Scout Association's One Movement Pages here and here .
Weather Hazards or Planning and Preparing for Hazardous Weather?
0 Vote On Idea Why are there two different names for the Weather Hazards Training? Planning and Preparing for Hazardous Weather Training is quite a mouthful when working with our volunteers. Online its referred to as Weather Hazards, let's keep the shorter name. Comments (0) Other
Reduce patch sizes
0 Vote On Idea At the World Jamboree other Americans and I noticed how simplified other countries' uniforms were. Indeed, we do have many patches and large sizes. I even heard to other countries might have coined Americans as "Ego Scouts" in reference to all the badges on our uniforms.
BSA's Digital Scout Handbook (opens in a new tab)
I like being a part of the scouting movement because it is ever changing and evolving into a whole new program. For instance: Baden Powell never taught the original scouts about composite materials nor GPS systems but I am sure that he would have been prepared to teach a course on that.
Wood Badge
-1 Vote On Idea With the emphsis on Scout Leaders going to Wood Badge, especially Jamboree Leaders, please bring back the hiking stick medallions AND the Wood Badge Afghan. Comments (1) Volunteers
Post Slacking (opens in a new tab)
I know in august I am suppose to be having a good month and able to keep up with my goal of 20 posts a month will most definitely not be met. The primary reason is that I have left for college and this week getting ready for college has consumed the majority of my…