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-1 Vote On Idea I've been seeking "the answers" in scouting as a leader. I've always wanted a large manual explaining every nook and cranny of scouting. That's why I'm suggesting the publication of this manual - or several smaller divisions through a series such as For Dummies or The Complete Idiot's Guide.
Lionel, a leading manufacturer of electronic model train sets and accessories, is set to introduce an 0-8-0 Steam Freight Collectors Set commemorating the Boy Scouts of America 100th Anniversary. This first time offering incorporates the Boy Scouts' ethos into the Lionel tradition, giving collectors a chance to play and learn with the classic work train…
4 Vote On Idea The organization of new units is one of the greatest legacies that a professional Scouter and/or a volunteer can give to a neighborhood or community. To do right, organizing a new unit is also a very challenging task to complete.
I've noticed that there are a lot of Scouters on Twitter. You can already follow @ halfeaglebot on Twitter and get updates whenever new posts show up on the HalfEagle home page. But I wanted to do even more. The first step to that would be to let folks integrate their Twitter account with HalfEagle.com, and…
Our troop met with a shock a few weeks ago. We met as usual at our charter church, only to find out that it was going to be renovated… beginning in two days. It meant a couple of things to our troop.
The Eagle Project is one of the biggest challenges to attaining the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. For many Scouts it is probably the first time they have ever had to plan, prepare, and conduct such an activity.
William Hooker is a KISMIF.org guest blogger from Concord, North Carolina. He is a Wolf Den Leader in the Central North Carolina Council and is a first-year Cub Scouter. One of the challenges for any den leader is encouraging good behavior among the Cub Scouts.
I recently saw this video posted at the Scouting News blog and felt I had to share it with all of you. According to the Youtube site: D oug "Satchmo" Stone performs his unique Boy Scouts themed take on Louis Armstrong's classic "What a Wonderful World."
This week's video is another commercial that was made by the BSA to feature the points of the scout law in a comical way, this video features the scout law Trustworthy. Enjoy!
Well, here's something that would sure be interesting. What if your troop got $5,200 worth of free groceries next year? Check out New World Pasta's contest . Of course, you could just keep it yourself, but wouldn't it be cool to see what the scouts would cook when the sky's the limit? Scout On
Coveroo has become an official Boy Scouts of America licensee. They offer consumers the ability to personalize their phones and other devices with a licenesed BSA logo, or one of over 1,000 of their other designs, or a custom design.
After watching a couple of episodes of Man Versus Wild, I couldn't resist looking to see if Bear Grylls had any scouting experience. To my shock, he did, and currently holds the position of Chief Scout in Britian. Not only was he was a Cub Scout, as an older youth, he participated as a Venturer.
VLSC-VLST_registration_form.doc Sam Houston Area Council BSA is participating in a TWO Council-wide Venturing Training session. Venturing Leadership Skills Course (for youth) Venturing Leader Specific Training (for adults) When? Saturday, October 24, 2009 – 8:30 am to 3 pm (Registration 8 am) Where?
Faye Wattleton: The only safe ship in a storm is leadership. James Callaghan: A leader must have the courage to act against an expert's advice. James Kouzes and Barry Posner: There's nothing more demoralizing than a leader who can't clearly articulate why we're doing what we're doing.
Here is a update from the Boy Scouts of America, this information only pertains to Western Region. The Information came to me in a e-mail. The information was about interviews for staff and adult leadership for the Western Region. Here is the e-mail: Thank you for your interest in serving in a staff or leadership…
June-July 2009 Bulletin Should Be Done: Start monthly committee meetings. Complete selection of troop leaders (include in monthly committee meetings). Confirm transportation and tour arrangements. Jamboree troop leaders promote and conduct district jamboree promotion rallies. Design council shoulder insignia. Develop promotion for summer camp.
I know that many different bloggers have already written about the new 12th edition of the BOy Scout Handbook but I would like to say a few things about the handbook. First off lets take about the organization of the handbook.
Please tell me what you think of the new template. I think that after 1.5 years of blogging a new blog template was in order. I still have not decided to create my own template but sometime sooner rather than later I will work on creating a new template for upload to the site.
I consider myself pretty lucky. I received an email today from the mother of one of my Scouts. I appears that her son was to write an essay at School. She forwarded the essay to me. I would like to share it with you.
In this show Scoutmaster Jerry tackles a couple great topics. First, we talk about when Scouting Manifests itself in our Scouts. Then we talk about Podcasting and Social Media, we wrap it up with where the heck has Scoutmaster Jerry been?
In this show Scoutmaster Jerry tackles a couple great topics. First, we talk about when Scouting Manifests itself in our Scouts. Then we talk about Podcasting and Social Media, we wrap it up with where the heck has Scoutmaster Jerry been?
Your Troop goes backpacking doesn't it? Backpacking is a definitive Scouting activity that requires stamina, skill, preparation yielding adventure and a great sense of accomplishment. What backpackers carry and why is a subject of endless fascination and study. Here's a couple of narratives from two Scouters as to what they choose to carry.
On September 11, 2009, Illowa Council held a building dedication and open house for their new Boy Scout service center. In addition to the open house, the Council encouraged Scouting Families, supporters, and community members to participate in an on-site blood drive.
Hear that? That's the sweet sound of the ukulele, barely audible above the crashing surf outside your lanai. Imagining a scene this tranquil almost isn't fair on a Monday morning at the office, but it's not our fault. Friday's Name That Council patch deserves the blame.
0 Vote On Idea Everyone agrees that greater retention is critical to sustained membership growth. I would propose a national level scholarship account for every Scout where they earn money towards secondary education with each advancement. It would provide a tangible and economic reason for remaining in Scouting and incentivize parents to encourage their children…
Hello fellow Scouters, Since the theme for October is "Jungle Safari", what goes better with a jungle theme than jungle animal kerchief slides? You can make kerchief slides that you construct yourself, such as foam animals, or you can buy toy jungle animals and hot glue them to a cut section of 1/2″ PVC sprinkler…
1 Vote On Idea Submitted by Life Scout of Troop 170, Sumner, WA I've been seeking "the answers" in scouting as a leader. I've always wanted a large manual explaining every nook and cranny of scouting. That's why I'm suggesting the publication of this manual - or several smaller divisions through a series such as For…
8 Vote On Idea This idea came from a Director of Field Service that promoted 5 Executives/Directors in a period of six months. As far as he/we know there is no template for an executive leaving the position. Will the CPD or the appropriate department put together a template for Council's/Manager's to use Comments (1)…
The Scouts have come back from a weekends camping at Consall with 12th Golden Hill Scouts. I couldn't go out for the full weekend, so I went to see them on the Saturday. Typically it was a lovely weekend and didn't rain once!
Here's an exchange from Ask Andy (an online column from a long-time Scouter and Unit Commissioner) about Eagle Projects. There's a couple of levels of information going on in this exchange. First of all Andy does a good job of clarifying what actual policy is regarding Eagle Projects.
Ready to meet another great Scouter who has given her time and effort to the program we love? This week, we're spotlighting Elaine Francis , a committee chairperson for Pack 75 and Troop 527 in the Detroit Area Council. Elaine is on the council's executive board and serves as the vice president in charge of programs.
We are trying some new stuff here at the Scoutmaster Minute. A couple short tips for you to enjoy. This tip is on Maps. Let me know if this is something I should keep doing… I really want to know.
6 Vote On Idea The opportunity to have a dynamic nationally recognized keynote speaker can really improve the quality of a special event and sometimes the attendance. It would be helpful if we used our combined buying power and relationships to get some negotiated deep discount rates for council's to use in booking a well…
Yesterday, I was asked by a nice fellow in Irving to let you know about ScoutCast - a series of podcasts for Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Commissioners. The 'Value of Scouting' ones are very inspirational and interesting. The 2,000,000th Eagle from Minnesota and the 2008 Conservation Hero from New York are my favorites.
The Patrol Leader Council planned it. The committee approved it. The parents and troop members were told about it, and liked it. The Boy Scout Troop 68 program for 2009-2010 is now official. The theme for September is campsite safety, with Totin Chip and fire safety being the key points.
Ever wonder what it is like working at Philmont? Check out this video by the National Council about the different opportunities at Philmont
The September 2009 ( Cub Scout Pockets ) Program Helps pages from BSA National are available (free) for download. Cub Scout Program Helps is a great resource for crafts, games, activities, and more for pack meetings and activities and Tiger, Wolf, and Bear den meetings.
I've had my copy of the 12th Edition of the new Scout Handbook for a couple of weeks now and I recently added the Scout Handbook to my Ipod touch. I have also looked over the website bsahandbook.org . As the way we use and manipulate information changes I applaud the BSA in attempting to keep…
The November 2009 Cub Scout Monthly Theme is " Cub Scout Salute ." Here is the official BSA theme description: "This month Cub Scouts salute those heroes who help keep us safe and secure each and every day. Can only adults be heroes?
Last week we chronicled the first five days of Troop 229's journey from Winamac, Ind., to Texas. We took you along for for some adventures of the historic, culinary, and medical variety as the troop visited the NASA Space Center in Houston, ate alligator in Louisiana, and spent some unexpected time in an emergency room…
Green Bay Decking, LLC, The Composite Solutions Company, has joined local Springfield, Pennsylvania individuals, clubs, and businesses to help support the construction of a handicapped-accessible fishing pier at Stanley Snyder Wildlife Park. Representatives from Green Bay Decking and local GeoDeck contractors will be in attendance at a special pier-building and dedication event to take place…
4 Vote On Idea It would be helpful to be able to print a report for a specific unit that lists every registered adult and the training courses they have completed. Comments (0) District and Council Operations , training unit list
Last year, my wife got me the world's most useless Christmas present - a BSA Branding Iron (which, if you read the page, has a warning that it is not intended for children under 3 years due to choking hazard, but no mention of burn hazard ???)
3 Vote On Idea Please update the training completed and the training incomplete report. It would be helpful if these reports were available by unit for Youth Protection Training with the date of completion. Presently we have a church sponsor that wants to verify that each adult volunteer is youth protection trained.
New Active Game for Boy Scouts
We are now currently underway in the 2009-2010 scouting year and boys talks and open houses are in full swing. Cub Packs and Troops are busy addressing questions from potential scout families and doing their best to highlight their unit in the best possible light.
I notice a couple interesting conversations in the world of Scouting podcasts that took place this week. First, was this blog post over at Boy Scout Trail : Yesterday, I was asked by a nice fellow in Irving to let you know about ScoutCast – a series of podcasts for Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Commissioners.
In today's paper there was a disturbing article about 5 Coaches from a High School in Portland that seem to forgotten that they have a certain level of responsibility when it comes to their behavior. One of the men was the Basketball coach, it seems that he has an affliction for drinking and driving, and…
Hoping to not be accused of being "The Jerk", in my fourth Scouting podcast I discuss: Feedback from previous podcasts Favorite Cub Scout memory – A special-needs Scout that was once in our pack Camping tip – Protecting your tent floor using furniture leg coasters Leader's tip – Tissue paper in fall colors (O.K., there's more to it…
Hello fellow Scouters, Hoping to not be accused of being "The Jerk", in my fourth Scouting podcast I discuss: Feedback from previous podcasts Favorite Cub Scout memory – A special-needs Scout that was once in our pack Camping tip – Protecting your tent floor using furniture leg coasters Leader's tip – Tissue paper in fall colors (O.K., there's…
The October ( Jungle Safari ) Program Helps pages from BSA National are available (free) for download. Cub Scout Program Helps is a great resource for crafts, games, activities, and more for pack meetings and activities and Tiger, Wolf, and Bear den meetings.
For several years, the National Order of the Arrow Committee has provided matching service award grants for a limited number of projects submitted by application to the national office. Matching grant money is given to lodges for camp or service center projects in their local council.
Let's say you're on the trail when you see a distant lightning strike. Or you're at your son's soccer game when thunder rumbles in the distance. Is it safe to continue? Knowing how far away a storm is and whether it is coming toward you or drifting away can be an important tool in keeping…
17 Vote On Idea Currently there are 3 Den Leader training courses offered: Tiger, Cub, and Webelos. There is really only about 10 – 20 minutes worth of different materials across these trainings. Why not consolidate these into "Den Leader Training" and cover all levels?
The Scout Shop has another new item I'm compelled to mention. For just $.99, the BSA Green Bag gives you a handy recyclable carrier made of recycled materials. I can hardly wait to see if it sparks any conversations at the check-out buying groceries.
3 Vote On Idea A Scout works on his advancement while participating on camping trips, troop meetings, etc. Why not consider giving credit to a Boy Scout Leader for the outdoor skill requirements while on Troop Campouts, Camporees, etc. A Troop Trainer can be the person like a Pack Trainer to coach this individual.
6 Vote On Idea The Give Every Kid a Chance gadget has been a useful tool for the last several years. One addition that would allow it to be more meaninful to Unit Serving Executives would be to let the gadget drill down to the district level.
3 Vote On Idea There are alot of boys out there that would love to be a Scouts, but CAN'T because they either only have one parent or a parent that has lost there job or have both parents, just can not afford a uniform for them to be in Scouting.
3 Vote On Idea Could we add the Prospect Generator feature to the WealthEngine search program? It was introduced in the WealthEngine 2009 Fall Newsletter. Comments (0) Revenue Generation
This tip is one of the winning recipes from the Scoutmaster Minute Trail Stop contest. It is called Taco Salad Rice and it is sure to satisfy on the trail.. or even at home! Enjoy! Have a Great Scouting Day! Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts
I have started a new Mini Podcast. These podcasts will be tips, recipes, and Scoutmaster Shorts. This podcast is not replacing the Scoutmaster Minute Podcast, but a way that I can get short tips and stuff out for people to enjoy.
This week's challenge features a patch that is more form than function. The strip is a true work of art that oozes Scout spirit, but it's somewhat short on clues for Cracker Barrelites trying to Name That Council. There is one clue that might help you out, however.
This is the second part of 3 in my interview with renowned outdoorsman, Cliff Jacobson. Keith picks up the questioning, asking about the UK Scouts and knives…. You can visit Cliff's site HERE and you can visit Keith's site HERE Click HERE to download True North Show 13 or listen on iTunes …please leave me…
This is the second part of 3 in my interview with renowned outdoorsman, Cliff Jacobson. Keith picks up the questioning, asking about the UK Scouts and knives.... You can visit Cliff's site HERE and you can visit Keith's site HERE Click HERE to download True North Show 12 or listen on iTunes ...please leave me…
This evening, I've been to the Beavers to talk to the parents about the forthcoming sleepover and also the family camp we're doing next year. They were all very interested, asked a lot of questions and the majority went away with Criminal Record Bureau forms so the can have their backgrounds checked, which will enable…
In the summer the Cubs wrote and starred in their own video for the Creative Challenge badge. They did it in the style of a news programme. I was a little delayed in being put together, but I got it on Thursday and put it on YouTube today, so enjoy!
Ahoy, Mateys! As ye may or may not now today is national talk like a pirate day, ye scurvey dog! This is a very fun holiday that ye can share with yer scouts and everyone else ye know. So make sure t' talk like a pirate today or ye may find yourself in th' dungeon…
A relative o' mine sent me somethin' very interestin' related t' th' BSA's Centennial, to be sure. It's a BSA One Hundredth anniversary bill. These bills have a picture o' Baden Powell on th' front and th' scout oath and law on th' back.
Simon Kenton Council's Buckeye District roundtable packet for October 2009 is available at their 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 October "Jungle Safari" theme. Link (pdf) Posted in CUB SCOUTS, Jungle Safari
The Voyageur District will have the opportunity to host a wonderful speaker on camping, canoeing, and other great outdoor adventures at the upcoming November roundtable. Cliff Jacobson is the best person I know to talk about equipment, the experiences, and what you really need to know before going into the deepest, darkest wilds of the…
Today, Troop 483's largest supporter, the Houston Cy-Fair Lions presented the 10th Annual Lions Biking for Sight Century Bike Ride. The ride began at 8 AM at the Montgomery Athletic Complex. The riders cycled through some of the most beautiful Texas landscape in Montgomery and Grimes counties.
This week's video is another one from the BSA's commercials that emphasize the points of the scout law. This one is about the socut law helpful. Old lady's will never cross the road the same again. Enjoy!
In this Show we talk about the annual plan and setting your unit up for a Fantastic year of Scouting! Some of the resources talked about in this show are the Troop Program resource books available at your local Scout shop or at Scout stuff online .
Hello fellow Scouters, If you are looking for a fun and useful craft for your den, consider making a Scout bucket. You can use the bucket to store craft supplies, snacks, their Scout book, some basic tools, and anything you want to send home.
Losing a game is heartbreaking. Losing your sense of excellence or worth is a tragedy." - Joe Paterno I am a self proclaimed Football freak. I love to watch Football, especially when my son is on the field. This weekend I was blessed with watching some good football games, my son's team won in a shut…
Scoutmasters see a lot of adolescent angst in our role as Scouters and parents. We need all the help we can get You may recall the episode of the original Star Trek series entitled 'Amok Time'. It occurs to me that the story line has interesting parallels to how boys experience adolescence.
Tony Hooker is a KISMIF.org guest blogger from Concord, North Carolina. He is a Wolf Den Leader in the Central North Carolina Council and is a first-year Cub Scouter. A new patch is available from BSA National, celebrating the 100 year anniversary of Scouting.
If you had a tough time figuring out Friday's patch, we understand. It has a great design and looks slick on a Scout uniform, but it lacks any obvious clues about the council's location. If you looked closely, though, you might have seen the No.
-11 Vote On Idea I think it was a great success for the United Way Campaign this past week. I like the idea of being able to wear jeans! What a better way to so - a donation and a reward after (jeans).
September-October 2009 COUNCIL CHECKLIST: WHERE DO YOU STAND? Should Already Be Done Second national fee paid by July 31. Confirmed transportation and tour arrangements. Finalized council fee and payment schedule. Designed council shoulder insignia. In Progress Promote jamboree at roundtables.
8 Vote On Idea When a Boy becomes an Eagle Scout our local, county, state and federal representatives will have a proclamation passed macking that day Eagle Scout Jihn Doe Day. We should ask our various governments, local, county, state and federal, to make February 8, 2010, Boy Scouts of America Day.
12 Vote On Idea I think it would be a great idea for Scouts to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on the Anniversary of Scouting in 2010. I am not sure how far in advance they reserve this honor but if we could secure a date within the Scouting Anniversary…
It is a great privilege for our Board to be able to have local Scouts lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance," Board President Ned Carey said. "Their presence not only instills a great source of pride, but it reminds us that we do what we do because of them and all of the other…
Has your troop, patrol, or den ever had to develop a new skit or patrol for a campfire program? The Boy Scouts of Melrose Troop 68 created several new ones over the decades, mainly in the 1980's and 1990's. The Scouts would take a song, chance the words a bit (or a lot), add some…
Around The Scouting Campfire #9: Trekking Among The Stars Has your troop, patrol, or den ever had to develop a new skit or patrol for a campfire program? The Boy Scouts of Melrose Troop 68 created several new ones over the decades, mainly in the 1980's and 1990's.
We're excited to announce that Cracker Barrel has officially joined the rest of the world. Yeah, we've created a Twitter account. If you're already on Twitter, just follow @cbblog. If not, click here to get to our page and for instructions about how to sign up.
Boys ever delight in being occupied in something for the youthful blood does not allow them to be at rest. Now as this is very useful, it ought not to be restrained, but provision made that they may always have something to do.
#195-I'm A Nut A review of our roundtable and roundtable training are on tap for tonight. Links: Camper Hat- http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/ItemDetail.aspx?cat=01CLO&ctgy=PRODUCTS&c2=CO_HATS&C3=&C4=&LV=2&item=951SC&prodid=951SC^8^01CLO& Why shouldn't my son join Cub Scouts?- http://www.examiner.com/x-22420-Arapahoe-County-Parenting-Examiner~y2009m9d10-Why-shouldnt-my-son-join-Cub-Scouts Why should my son join Cub Scouts?- http://www.examiner.com/x-22420-Arapahoe-County-Parenting-Examiner~y2009m9d10-Why-should-my-son-join-Cub-Scouts Tonight's show sponsored by Badge Magic Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts Share and Enjoy:
#195-I'm A Nut A review of our roundtable and roundtable training are on tap for tonight. Links: Camper Hat- http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/ItemDetail.aspx?cat=01CLO&ctgy=PRODUCTS&c2=CO_HATS&C3=&C4=&LV=2&item=951SC&prodid=951SC^8^01CLO& Why shouldn't my son join Cub Scouts?- http://www.examiner.com/x-22420-Arapahoe-County-Parenting-Examiner~y2009m9d10-Why-shouldnt-my-son-join-Cub-Scouts Why should my son join Cub Scouts?- http://www.examiner.com/x-22420-Arapahoe-County-Parenting-Examiner~y2009m9d10-Why-should-my-son-join-Cub-Scouts Tonight's show sponsored by Badge Magic
T h e President's Council on Service and Civic Participation (the Council) was established in 2003 to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our communities and encourage more people to serve. The Council created the President's Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment…
Over the past two Wednesdays, we've taken you along as Troop 229 made an 11-day road trip from Winamac, Ind., to Texas. (If you missed it, read Part 1 and Part 2 before continuing.) Well, the troop's leaders have spent some time reflecting on this exciting excursion, and Cracker Barrel wanted to find out what…
Here is a quick review of my new Pack. The Mountain Hardwear Koa 55. Have a Great Scouting Day!
Hello fellow Scouters, If you are a Tiger leader, you are taking on your first steps on a truly wonderful adventure. Your boys will be in the same den until sometime towards the end of the 5th grade (the exact time in the year depends on when your pack bridges to Boy Scouts).
1 Vote On Idea Would suggest that every big city in the U.S.A. should have a Boy Scouts Ave. A bill toward this goal should be introduced into each city council. Comments (0) Other
The company with the nation's fastest 3G network is not only improving wireless coverage in Orange County but is also helping to provide opportunities for Orange County's youth. AT&T* announced today a donation of more than $325,000 to the Orange County Council, Boy Scouts of America, which will be presented at an Angels Baseball game…
0 Vote On Idea When was the last time you saw a commercial during prime time on are regualar station about Boy Scouts? We need to advertise like Geico!! Use different aspects of Scouting during each commercial, Tigers, Cubs, Eagle, Venturing.
0 Vote On Idea Posted on behalf of Pack 277 Scotch Plains Adv Chair Domenick Iannaccone When using the Internet Advancement Program there should be an error report generated for advancements not accepted by the system. This is common practice with other such programs.
The troop took a week-long trip this summer, having a great time exploring the Pacific Northwest. We ran into lots of different people, some just wanting to exchange money for a campsite and that's all, others enjoying life and sharing their little part of the world with visitors.
2 Vote On Idea Could you please upload/post the Marketing Award winners booklet for 2006, 2007 and 2009. I would be great to see the innovative ideas councils are using to market BSA. Comments (0) Internal
Here is a story from popular mechanics about Surviving and facing disaster. It has a interesting scouting twist and I think that all scouts need to read it. Here is the link to the full article: Click here for full article.
