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Do your boys know their way around a campsite? How are they in a canoe, on a horse, or climbing a mountain? If their outdoor skills have been heightened through the Scouting program, they'll soon have a new award to show for it: the National Outdoor Award badges.
0 Vote On Idea We need to create a new magazine that is coed based. The name Boys' Life immediately excludes girls from reading the magazine. Boys' Life has great content and well written articles, which that age group can relate too, but we need to refocus a version to be coed and expand the…
We will not lie, steal or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does." That is the USAir Force Academy's honor code. The Naval Academy and Military Academy have similar codes. Since I was accepted to the USAFA eons ago (but didn't attend), I've always respected their honor code.
Hey all, I want to thank you for all being loyal listeners and readers. I also want to mention how sorry that I am that I haven't updated or posted to my blog in so long. It seems that time really does fly when you are having fun, and right now, I am having a…
The Millerton News has a story about the hostage situation at Stissing Mountain Middle School, a twelve year-old who was in an adjacent office credited his dad and the Boy Scouts for his courage to act. Twelve-year-old Zack Pruner, a middle school student at Stissing Mountain, was in the adjacent guidance counselor's office calling home…
The Press-Enterprise has a story about a Scout's Eagle Scout Project to assist in replacing an Elementary Schools book collection that was ruined last year. Boy Scout Steven Pulsipher hopes a book drive will help Jacob Wiens Elementary School librarian Denise Beingessner replenish some 1,500 books ruined last summer in an indoor flood.
This past weekend the Central New York Orienteering Group (aka cnyo) held there 16th annual Scout-O Orienteering competition. This event was divided into two days, the training part and the competition part. On Saturday the training takes place with a map hike guided by club members and a practice course.
WDAF-TV out of Kansas City , Missouri, featured a story about an Eagle Scout who noticed the signs of Carbon Monoxide poisoning and was able to get his family out of his house and to safety.
The Simon Kenton Council Buckeye District roundtable packet for December 2009 is now available. Buckeye District puts together a great roundtable packet each month. This one has games, cooking ideas, crafts, songs, skits, ceremonies , and more for the December "Works of Art" theme. Link (pdf) Posted in Art Projects, CUB SCOUTS, Works of Art
Here is the December 2009 ( Works of Art ) monthly theme emblem. It is $1.29 from BSA Supply Group. Link Posted in CUB SCOUTS, Patches, Works of Art
While it hasn't been officially announced on bsajamboree.org yet, the 2010 National Jamboree Staff Training is now available in MyScouting . The training which is consistent with other BSA online trainings consists of a video, flash based presentation, checks on learning, and additional information that can be downloaded.
Does your troop go to summer camp? Is the Wood Carving merit badge offered there? How about Leatherwork or Basketry? If so, there's a real good chance your scouts have used materials and tools supplied by Whittler Bob from Pennsylvania.
Like many units around the country we had our annual scouting for food drive today. We were supposed to meet at our meeting place at 10:00 am to start sorting food at 10:20. Unfortunately we hit a little snag when the girl scout meeting that we thought was to end at 10 was actually starting…
BSA National and the U.S. Postal Service have announced a commemorative stamp for the 100th anniversary of Scouting . The new stamp should be available in July 2010 . In conjunction with the new stamp, a campaign has been announced to encourage Americans to send letters and care packages to members of the U.S.
Scout units often assist first responders during large scale drills; however this is the first article I've seen where Boy Scouts helped a hospital staff prepare for the opening of a hospital. The Cumberland Times reported on Boy Scouts participating as patients during the dry run at the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center.
This week's video is from the Melrose Scouting Podcast Productions videos and features buttons, the radical boy scout. Enjoy!
The November 2009 Cubcast from BSA National is available (free). Part 1 has ideas for den meetings and more utilizing the December " Works of Art " theme. Part 2 has suggestions on doing chartered organization service projects . Part 1 mp3 file Part 2 mp3 file [ Photo: FreeDigitalPhotos.net ] Posted in Art Projects, Artist, CUB SCOUTS, Service Projects…
New Activity for All scouts
Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer for your water-loving Boy Scout? Here's one: the Scuba Diving merit badge pamphlet, hot off the presses. The merit badge, the first new one in three years, will officially be released on Dec. 1 when it will be available in Scout Shops and online at scoutstuff.org .
Stephen Bechtel, Jr. received his Eagle Scout rank in 1940. Since then, he's received the Distinguished Eagle Scout award and the Silver Buffalo award. His uncle received the Silver Buffalo in 1950 and served as National President of the BSA from 1956–1959.
0 Vote On Idea It would be very helpful to have an Advancement Percentage instead of just the raw number of advancement on the District Advancement report. If a pack has 10 advancements in a year is that good or bad?
On our backpacking trip this weekend we adults were reminiscing around the campfire. Three of six of us had either not been scouts or had been scouts only briefly. The two who had been scouts for a brief time said that they left Scouting because they were being hazed.
6 Vote On Idea Our Scouts would love to see a Spelunking Merit Badge. They have gone caving twice with professional spelunkers and Loved it! They have asked me about a caving badge and I have not even found a 'fun patch' for them.
The Morning Call has an article about an Eagle Scout project that has caused some problems with a local union: In pursuit of an Eagle Scout badge, Kevin Anderson, 17, has toiled for more than 200 hours hours over several weeks to clear a walking path in an east Allentown park.
12 Vote On Idea I noticed in working with my volunteers on the Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster Specific Training that the First Class-First Year tracking sheet is out of date. It is missing several updated requirements that have been added in the last few years.
Here is a new Pinewood Derby participation patch ($1.19) available from BSA Supply Group. Boys usually love to get patches. Link Posted in CUB SCOUTS, Patches, Pinewood Derby
#202-The Sound of Silence Our Pack's campout, flag retirement, our November Roundtable, Cub Scout 2010 Program Helps, new Webelos Den Leaders, Pinewood derby tracks, and snacks at meetings are online tonight. Links: http://ww2.scouting.org/100years/100years/CubScouts.aspx - http://ww2.scouting.org/100years/100years/CubScouts.aspx Den 5 Meeting Plan- http://www.ptcmedia.net/files/Den5mtgplan%20(2009).doc PATROL EMBLEM SUBMISSION FORM- http://www.ptcmedia.net/files/PATROL%20EMBLEM%20SUBMISSION%20FORM.doc How It's Done- http://www.pbjadvertising.com/howitsdone/ Tonight's show sponsored by Badge Magic Join…
#73-759: Boy Scouts of Harlem This is an interview with Justin Szlasa – Co-Director and Producer of 759: Boy Scouts of Harlem. Links: Facebook Fan Page- http://www.facebook.com/group.php Movie Home Page- http://www.harlemscouts.com Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts Share and Enjoy:
Ever began a sentence with these words: "If I ran the Boy Scouts of America, I would..."? The BSA is betting that you have. If you're an opinionated Scouting volunteer looking for a sounding board for sharing feedback about the program, you're in luck.
Much is said by older generation about the inadequacies of the younger generation. So it goes. I cautiously concede that the ratio of controlled-programed activities and free play seems to be increasing. This may be that parents, teachers, coaches and scout leaders feel guilty of neglecting their charges if they do not supply them with…
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Looks like the guys really did a great job! The Troop placed 32nd out of 63 Troops. The older Scouts (First Class or above) placed 40th out of 122 teams, and the younger Scouts (not yet First Class rank) placed 26th out of 120 teams.
In alliance with the Boy Scouts of America, eKnowledge is offering SAT and ACT test prep programs valued at $200, free to Boy Scout families. The eKnowledge Sponsorship Alliance is made up of educationally focused foundations, as well as a group of professional athletes from the National Football League and Major League Baseball that includes…
At the Troop meeting tonight I didn't actually get to do much with the Scouts themselves (although there were a lot there and we seem to have a lot of Cubs joining the Troop at the moment!). Once I'd taken in the subs, I had a chat with a parent who is going to become…
Now you can get KISMIF.org delivered to your email box thanks to Google Feedburner . Just follow this link . You can also find out when KISMIF.org is updated via Twitter , RSS , or HalfEagle.com . Posted in CUB SCOUTS, Tech
This post is not a news release or story, it is my personal opinion… I have for the past few months, after seeing a promotion for it on the National Eagle Scout Association website , been excited for the release of myNESA.org .
There is an on going debate about electronics used in Scouting. While "Traditional" Scouters shun the new technologies and do not embrace what is the future, others seems to grab ahold and run with the new ways to "DO" Scouting.
For the first time in history, the Boy Scout Handbook will be translated into another language. By the end of the year, the BSA plans to release a Spanish-language version of the official guide for Boy Scouts. It's the perfect time, too, as the organization approaches its 100th Anniversary celebration.
BSA Supply Group's Facebook page yesterday announced that the new Cub Scout Belt Loops should be in scout shops by the end of November : "New Cub Scouting program belt loops are expected to be in Scout Shops next week. Here's a list of what's coming: Disabilities Awareness, Family Travel, Good Manners, Hiking, Hockey, Horseback Riding…
There has been a message that has been going around the internet for a few years already. Last week it appears as a column in the local newspaper. You may have already seen this, but I wanted to post it anyway because I grow up during this time period and can relate to it.
Recently, having had a few set backs in my life, I have found that being in a strong circle of friends can and will help one re-orient his compass in life and that everything can and does happen for a reason.
In a room filled with hundreds of supporters and local leaders, the Boy Scouts of America today unveiled its plans for a world-class, national center of scouting excellence in the New River Gorge region of West Virginia. The site will serve as a premier Scouting destination, offering a new high-adventure base and national leadership programs…
I've decided to start another post series (I know another series for me to forget and neglect, just kidding). So this new series is going to be a weekly merit badge corner were I'll talk about a random merit badge, some eagle required some electives.
The land is purchased, development funding is ready, and the plans are started for The Summit - the official name for the new national BSA site on the New River Gorge in West Virginia. Pretty exciting times for the BSA. Development should start next year and the site be ready in three years.
5 Vote On Idea Switch is a pilot program created to focus on the health and wellness of Cub Scout families. The program focuses on changing the scout's behavior by reducing their screen time (computer and TV); increasing physical activity; and increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables eaten.
New Active Game for Cub Scouts
While reading Lotta's blog about the District Training weekend she'd just been on, it dawned on me how much thought we give to food and drink within Scouting. It could be the good food that Lotta and her colleagues have at their training sessions, Scoutmaster Jerry's quest to come up with great, but light and…
Fayette County West Virgina will be the new home of the B.S.A's newest high adventure-jamboree base. Supported by a 50 million dollar pledge from the Bechtel Foundation plans are to create a major destination for Scouts from all over the country.
You've hiked through Philmont, sailed through the Florida Sea Base, and paddled around Northern Tier. You've done it all, right? Not anymore. Coming in 2013 is the BSA's fourth high-adventure base, called The Summit: Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve . The 10,600-acre property will host rappelling, mountain biking, and-a first for a BSA high-adventure base-whitewater rafting.
Yesterday's meeting went okay. We worked on the Heritage Belt Loop, this went fairly well and we ended up completing three requirements. We did this as a pack wide activity because we only have 10 boys. I think we need to work on doing Activities in Dens or at least partial dens, maybe we could…
Been working on achieving a higher level of fitness for the Jamboree. Even without losing weight I would still qualify for the Jamboree but I personally believe that I need to lose weight and achieve a higher level of fitness for the Jamboree, in order to be prepared for the event and set the example…
It is official the BSA, has released a Press Release about a 50 million dollar endowment to develop and build a National High Adventure Base in West Virginia. This facility is expected to be the home of future National Jamborees after the year 2010.
Here is a picture of the Scouting Stamp that is going to used by the USPS to help the BSA Celebrate 100 years: I am not totally impressed by this Stamp because it does not clearly show that it is supposed to be promoting the BSA.
0 Vote On Idea I am not sure if this functionality is available, so please comment on how to access it if it is! I think we could empower families to "take action" when there is a problem within a unit if we were able to send a template email to each email address entered…
5 Vote On Idea Can you imagine would it would be like for all employed in BSA longer than 10 years to receive in appreciation for their time, service and committment, to be given one extra week for every ten years of service?
U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton of Missouri told about 500 people from Boy Scouts' National Capital Area Council that the values of Boy Scouts and the military are constant and that both organizations seek to serve something greater than themselves. This was the first Scout dinner saluting the military.
An update to the story about the City of Allentown, and the union eyeing up an Eagle Project that took place in a city park. Fox News has an update about the situation: Nick Balzano, president of the Service Employees International Union's Allentown chapter, said last week that the union might file a grievance against…
1 Vote On Idea My guess is this may already be in the works, but it would be great if a new updated version of the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Specific Training was created. It could even be distributed in an electronic format.
This week marked the 10 year anniversary of the Texas A&M Bonfire tragedy. The bonfire was an Aggie tradition since 1909, and was a symbol of the burning desire of Texas A&M to beat the University of Texas longhorns. On November 18th, 1999, at 2:42am the stack of logs collapsed killing eleven students and one…
It's time to bring out the Scouter Spotlight again to show off some of the best volunteers in the Scouting program. This week we're heading to Puerto Rico to meet an impressive volunteer, Santos Ortiz Perez . He's been involved in Scouting since 1999 and serves as the committee chair for Troop 720.
We sat on the snow and looked at the country far below us … we nibbled Kendal Mint Cake.' wrote Edmund Hillary recalling the first successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953. Another member of the expedition noted 'It was easily the most popular item on our high altitude ration – our only criticism was that we…
2 Vote On Idea Idea from Shaun Reeves, Den 4 Leader, Pack 776 Quivira Council, Woodbadge C-39-09 Bobwhite We should create an award for military appreciation, meaning a pin, knot, or something that signifies that a person served. I feel that this is should be an important award that shows someone's service to our great…
0 Vote On Idea The internet rechartering system allows units using Pack/Troop Master to upload the information from their program into ours. Most units will use nicknames and shortened names for their members. We, at the council level do not.
0 Vote On Idea Currently the requirements for a District Executive to receive a Trained strip require approximately three years of service and completion of PD-L1, PD-L2, and PD-L3. Often DE's leave the profession before ever earning their "Trained" status.
In Boy Scouts character is built, so maybe we need bright yellow caution signs with Character Under Construction in big bold letters on them. Character is built by guiding the boys to live by the scout oath and scout law.
So, a scout leader in Illinois is on his way to the monthly Roundtable meeting, stops at Mickey D's to get a tea and wins $25K in their Monopoly game. See this news page . If he hadn't been volunteering with Scouts, he wouldn't have been there to win.
The Daily Journal has the perfect story for promoting your District's Roundtable training: Kregor, a leader of Boy Scout Troop 300 in Kankakee, and fellow leader Ryan Barrie, stopped at the McDonald's on Oct. 8 before a monthly Scout leaders' roundtable meeting at Wilmington.
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Fourth Boy Scout high-adventure base set to open in 2013 You've hiked through Philmont, set sail at Florida Sea Base, and paddled around Northern Tier. You've done it all, right? Not anymore. Coming in 2013 is the BSA's fourth high-adventure base, called The Summit: Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve .
from KTUL.com Tulsa - A local man was honored Saturday for decades of service to a Tulsa Boy Scout troop.When Scoutmaster Bill Shaffer first became a part Troop 26, he was just a boy himself. His life has revolved around mentoring young boys ever since.Shaffer began leading the group in 1969, and 40 years later, more…
Yesterday I went to the GSL Support Day run by the County. This was kind of a follow up to the one I went to last year and also to cover some of the topics for the GSLs who couldn't make it to the previous session.
This is another OA video done by Coosa Show. This is one of my favorites and I hope you will like it too.
The December ( Works of Art ) 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. Link (pdf) Posted in Art Projects, CUB SCOUTS, Works of Art
Scouting shares that paradoxical combination of simplicity and complexity found in a round of golf or a game of baseball. The goal is simple, the means direct, yet the process is complex. Scoutmastership, like properly swinging a golf club or baseball bat, takes a few minutes to learn and a lifetime to master.
Scouting shares that paradoxical combination of simplicity and complexity found in a round of golf or a game of baseball. The goal is simple, the means direct, yet the process is complex. Scoutmastership, like properly swinging a golf club or baseball bat, takes a few minutes to learn and a lifetime to master.
With Thanksgiving just a few days away, we at Cracker Barrel want to know: What are you doing with your Scout unit this Thanksgiving weekend? Share your plans in the comments section below. The BSA is coming up on its 100th Anniversary, and throughout those 100 years, the organization has established a strong foundation of…
Clear your calendar for Dec. 10. That evening you'll want to cozy up to your computer for the National 100th Anniversary Kick-Off Rally. If you aren't already pumped up for 2010's yearlong celebration of Scouting, this 30-minute live audiocast is guaranteed to get your heart racing.
No matter if you are an Arrowmen or not.. Dr. E. Urner Goodman really gets it. Enjoy. Have a Great Scouting Day!
Today's hottest tech toys eventually become tomorrow's electronic waste: E-waste. And it ends up in landfills all across the country-especially in California, which is home to Silicon Valley. That's where Scouting came in. Earlier this month, Sacramento-area Troops 640 and 217 organized an e-waste drive for their community, collecting 80,000 pounds of gadgets for proper…
If we are to focus on the success of our Scouts what evidence do we have that they have achieved success? There are a few simple questions in the introduction to the Scout Handbook that serve as excellent benchmarks for success; Are you ready to become an expert hiker and camper, to explore the natural…
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Have you checked out the PTC Media podcast site yet? ( http://www.ptcmedia.net ) The PTC Media network is a collection of seven Scouting related podcasts, six of them audio and one video. They are produced by four Scout leaders from across the United States.
#203-California Dreaming Vacation time, pinewood derby workshops, GeoScouting, Pack Meeting ideas, and more feedback are coming at you this week. And my list of what I'm thankful for. Links: Lowe's Dremel Derby- http://www.dremelderby.com/ GeoScouting- http://www.geoscouting.com/ Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts Share and Enjoy:
3 Vote On Idea I believe our professional staff should go through all of the training that the Volunteers do so that when a Volunteer ask's them a Scouting related question, they can actually get an answer! An added benefit would be that the Professional staff would understand how committed the Volunteers are to the…
In Show 44 we share some feedback and our 5 star rating on iTunes. We also talk about some Scouting Technology in the news and Cold Weather Camping. I even thow in a great tip for good eats on your next backpack adventure.
Cranberry benefits Posted using ShareThis...
Registration for the 2010 Philmont Training Center Courses will open January 4, 2010.
The BSA PR folks asked me to spread the word about this, so here you go... Clear your calendar for Dec. 10. That evening you'll want to cozy up to your computer for the National 100th Anniversary Kick-Off Rally. If you aren't already pumped up for 2010's yearlong celebration of Scouting, this 30-minute live audiocast…
In Show 44 we share some feedback and our 5 star rating on iTunes. We also talk about some Scouting Technology in the news and Cold Weather Camping. I even thow in a great tip for good eats on your next backpack adventure.
So for this week's merit badge corner I thought I'd talk about the Communications merit badge. Communication is arguably one of the most important things we do each day and being able to communicate effectively is a skill that a scout can use for the rest of there life.
9 Vote On Idea I like the new feature on MyBSA to be able to track the number of new youth, but would it be possible to drill down the data all the way to the unit or possibly for the Cub Scouts, the den level?
Cracker Barrel will return with fresh posts on Monday. We hope your holiday weekend is full of happiness.
BSA has announced the approved site for a new Eastern High Adventure Center in the New River Gorge area near Bechtel, West Virginia, to be named The Summit: Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve. The over 10,000 acre site will also serve, beginning in 2013, as the permanent home of the quadrennial National Boy Scout Jamborees.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of my readers! I am so very thankful to have such awesome and loyal readers. If I were to wrtie all the things I am thankful for, well I'd run out of space. But make sure to take a moment today to think of the many things you are thankful for.
Last week, the Scoutstuff Facebook page announced that the new Cub Scout belt loops should be in scout shops by the end of November . I have now heard from several sources that the new Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program Guide is not expected to arrive in scout shops until February or March 2010 .
The November-December 2009 issue of Scouting magazine is available at the magazine website. This issue has articles of interest to Cub Scouters on the following subjects: Building Purpose in Boys (Gurian Interview). Link Planning Cub Scout Service Projects. Link Teaching Honesty.
President Barack Obama's Thanksgiving Day proclamation, as released by the White House: What began as a harvest celebration between European settlers and indigenous communities nearly four centuries ago has become our cherished tradition of Thanksgiving. This day's roots are intertwined with those of our nation, and its history traces the American narrative.
13 Vote On Idea This year we not only provided yard signs to our packs, but we used Microsoft MapPoint software to plot where all our member families lived. (See Techsoup.org for a very inexpensive source of Microsoft software for 501-c-3 agencies.)
5 Vote On Idea Having been eclipsed by Venturing, few Scouters now understand how Varsity Scouting fits into the "family" of BSA programs. Terminology like "Team", "Coach", "Captain", etc all make it sound like more Little League than Scouting. Not really a "sports" program at all, Varsity Scouting is used almost exclusively by the LDS…
16 Vote On Idea There seems to be no single source to find out changes to the BSA overall. Scouting.org is adding new links, and MyScouting is adding new classes. There's the 100th Anniversary page which adds links and PSA's constantly and changes to the Cub Scout 2010 program are happening.
