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0 Vote On Idea Boy Scout and Varsity Scout leaders are required to attend an Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS) course in order to earn their "Trained" patch. IOLS is a terrific resource for Boy Scout leaders, particularly Assistant Scoutmasters working with New Scout Patrols, helping them earn "First Class-First Year".
The Boy Scouts of America turns 100 years old on February 8, 2010. What can your Cubs do to celebrate this historic occasion, you ask? Well, we spoke to Bob Mersereau, the National Council's 100th Anniversary Project Director with the Marketing Media Services and Public Relations Department.
Scoutstuff.org has a wonderful series of four YouTube videos that capture a century of Scouting in the United States. The fully narrated series of videos is awesome. To view these videos visit http://www.scoutstuff.org/bsasupply/info.aspx?page=video . If you like the video, you may also want to think about getting Boy Scouts of America: A Centennial History Book for…
Knowledge is power so get ready for the January theme of Power Up! In part 1 of the December Cubcast, we spoke with John Carlton, Cubmaster for Pack 66 in Austin, Texas who tells us Power Up is more than just science and energy; it's teaching your Cubs how to use their physical and spiritual…
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The new Baloo's Bugle is out. Baloo's Bugle is a great monthly unofficial publication with games, activities, ceremonies, puzzles, crafts, and other ideas for den and pack meetings. This one covers the January " Power Up! " theme. For Webelos Scout den meetings, this Bugle also has activities for the Fitness and Scientist Webelos activity badges.
The Standard Times has an article about a man who was able to be awarded his Eagle Scout award, 36 years later, after delivering a package to a Concho Valley Council Office Manager: Saturday morning, Boy Scout Troop 20, sponsored by Trinity Lutheran Church, named San Angelo's five newest Eagle Scouts.
Didn't get all your holiday gifts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday? Don't worry, Tooth of Time Traders has your back with a special Tooth of Time Tuesday Sale for December 1st, 2009 (that's today so hurry!). http://www.toothoftimetraders.com/ Get 15% off your entire order!!!
In addition to the December ( Works of Art ) Program Helps pages, BSA National has released a 100th Anniversary Program Helps supplement for this month. It contains additional theme-related activities and projects which promote the 100th Anniversary Celebration . Link (pdf) Posted in 100th Anniversary, Art Projects, CUB SCOUTS, Works of Art
This is an email message I sent to a Scout who's parents have been corresponding with me over the all-to-common problem of a Scoutmaster who is making an Eagle Candidate's life miserable for no good reason. I'm not going to go into all the particulars here.
November had a number of interesting topics, including "THE" stamp for the BSA Centennial. November's Top 10 : ScoutSigns: 100th Anniversary Postage Stamp to be Announced! http://ow.ly/zQkO #scouts New Post: Weekend Patrol Box #26 http://ow.ly/15ZTqe Assorted BSA forms to tuck away for a rainy day...
In our last Scouter Spotlight, we introduced you to an excellent Scouter from Puerto Rico. This time, we're traveling nearly 2,000 miles away to Maine to show off another fine Scout volunteer. Meet Mike L'Abbé , Scoutmaster of Troop 648 in Brunswick, a town about a half hour up the coast from Portland, Me.
1 Vote On Idea Make the adult background check disclosure statement part of the main body of the application. As it is now, many pass it by, thinking it's only the application cover, and they fill out the application. The current form gets detached and separated, and is often missing from the submitted application.
-1 Vote On Idea How about an option to set a default billing date for a prospect? Examples: ABC Company makes their pledge early in the year, but always wants to be billed November 1. For whatever reason, that preference is not relayed.
When doing your Christmas cards this year, take one card and send it to : A Recovering American Soldier, c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20307-5001 If you like this idea, re-post it. Merry Christmas!!!
6 Vote On Idea ((submitted by Jack Getkin Jr., Venturing Chairman, Greater Pittsburgh Council)) As a 10-1/2 year old Webelos Scout in the mid 1960's, I remember looking forward to joining a Boy Scout troop and doing Boy Scout activities.
Here are the top 10 most viewed posts for October 2009 (other than those solely about monthly theme items): 2009 New Belt Loops List New Cub Scout Belt Loops Coming 2009-2010 Program Helps Full Download Video Games Belt Loop Requirements Hiking Belt Loop Requirements Abilities Awareness Belt Loop Requirements Good Manners Belt Loop Requirements Family…
The December 2009 Cubcast from BSA National is now available. Part 1 has ideas for den meetings and more utilizing the January " Power Up! " theme. Part 2 has information about the 100th anniversary of Scouting celebration . Part 1 mp3 file Part 2 mp3 file [ Photo: FreeDigitalPhotos.net ] Posted in 100th Anniversary, CUB SCOUTS, Power Up!, Science
The Muskegon Chronicle has reminded us that the long battle over Owasippe Scout Reservation is not over yet. Officials on both sides hope the long battle over Owasippe Scout Reservation zoning is nearing an end. More than a year after the Chicago Boy Scouts filed an appeal of a Circuit Court ruling on the zoning…
In my a recent post I shared my advice to a Scout who is having difficulties with his Scoutmaster. It got me to thinking about how we maintain discipline, require accountability and promote responsibility without resorting to shame or allowing our anger to take over.
Picked the November give-away winners yesterday. Max H. of Troop 248 in Oakdale, PA won a Fire Piston . Chris L. of Troop 265 in Bartlett, TN won a $25 ScoutStuff.org gift card. Bill S. of Pack 671 in St. Louis, MO won a $50 coupon for ClassB.com Enter on BoyScoutTrail.com for the December give-aways.
Connect with like-minded Scouting magazine readers from across the country-easier than ever before. Check us out now on Facebook! Click here to find Scouting 's new Facebook page, and become a fan today. If you aren't already one of the 300 million active Facebook users, you're missing out on the hottest, easiest, and most-exciting way…
Recently, I have run across what I term as "scouting disconnect," with unit leader. Scouting disconnect is what I describe as someone that is showing early signs of burn out which is usually caused but a series of set backs within their program they are providing to their scouts.
0 Vote On Idea How about a 'new board member' recruiting packet along the lines of a new unit packet. A slick folder with inserts; all nationally branded and templates for council specific pages. Just a thought as I struggle to put something together locally that I'm sure 1000 other SE have already done.
0 Vote On Idea Many of you now have seen the marketing guidelines produced by the national council. I believe that this piece is a tremendous resource and definitely helps local councils to better communicate the "brand" of Scouting in a unified way.
11 Vote On Idea Recognizing they are about to release new Cub Scout Leader material/guides it would have been nice to continue to make available through Supply the Cub Scout Leader How-To Book, Cub Scout Leader Book, Cub Scout Academics & Sports Program Guide and Cub Scout Ceremonies for Dens and Packs until the debut of…
27 Vote On Idea From a volunteer: Is there any way National BSA can color code the applications to tell parents (or applicants) fill out everything highlighted in yellow (or something) and unit leaders fill out the information highlighted in blue (or whatever color) ?
It's nice to be able to mention a couple of items of good news from my Group this week. First of all, one of our Scouts has just completed all the requirements to gain his Chief Scouts Gold Award . This is our first Scout to gain this award since we restarted the Troop in March…
In tonight's show, I talk about social networking, troop-talk, choices and other topics I touch on social networking, more troop news, my last Cub Scout event, why I started the troop, and a couple of good sites that are in my bookmarks Those links are Meritbadge.org Cubdad.com ALPS Mountaineering Thanks for listening, be sure to…
Following an extensive review and trials, InTouch has now been launched as the replacement to the Home Contact system.
This was the main picture on e Scouter. Sam Houston Area Council's e mail news letter. So what is so special about this pic? The Scout is in our troop rappelling off the tower at CIMA, and that is his father standing below. Not to mention I took the photo.
More information about the exciting 100th Anniversary Rally arrived today thanks to Julie Bulthaus. Big news about the Dec. 10 BSA virtual 100th Anniversary rally! During this rally by audiocast, BSA will get folks pumped up and energized for the 100th Anniversary celebration ...
2010 will see the biggest change to Cub Scouting since the introduction of Program Helps in the 50s – a new way of delivering the Cub Scout program that is handbook based, builds leader confidence (especially new ones), leverages the boy's fun with advancement activities and has demonstrated improved retention.
We just made a few corrections and updates to the blog item posted last week. The new Belt Loop and pin list was corrected to indicate the "Abilities Awareness" loop and pin will actually be named "Disabilities Awareness". The new name is in line with what the belt loop and pin really are and is…
What do we do with a Scout who can't or won't pass the First Class swimming test? He's a good Scout, but how do I give him First Class rank? The swimming test is the only thing holding him back.
8 Vote On Idea This was submitted to me by a volunteer. I am not sure who is the right person to contact, but I had a suggestion to improve the Online Tour Permit tool. As I believe that information should be managed and entered in one location only, such as Packmaster / Troopmaster, it would…
I recently received this question via email: I am a new Scoutmaster and I think I have a bit of background on Scouting. However, I have been reading your Eagle posts with some confusion and need some enlightenment. I have a Scout, who is a Life currently, and is 17 years 1 month old.
It looks like Hallmark did it again! There is another Scoutmaster Snoopy ornament to be found at your local Hallmark store. Or you can buy it online. This one features Scoutmaster Snoopy sitting at his tent reading a spooky story to Woodstock and his fellow Scouts.
The Simon Kenton Council Buckeye District roundtable packet for January 2010 is now available. The nice people of the Buckeye District put together a great roundtable packet each month. This one has games, cooking ideas, crafts, songs, skits, ceremonies , and more for the January "Power Up!"
via hallmark.com I get one ornament a year and this is the one I want! Permalink | Leave a comment »
The 18th Perfect Game As you know I love baseball and last week something very special happened in the Majors. Pitcher Mark Buerhle of the Chicago White Sox threw a Perfect Game. That means that he faced 27 batters and not a one made it on base.
via flickr.com Capture The Flag all weekend! Setting the schedule... Permalink | Leave a comment »
PTC Media Podcasts 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.
Unpredictable sometimes difficult Scout behavior is part of adolescence so it is a part of Scouting. Scouting responds with a program who’s intrinsic design is a response to this and the other vagaries of being a Scout-aged boy. Boys naturally form groups within groups and institute traditions and practices like initiations, pecking orders and all…
Thanks to Walter for launching this train of thought (read his comment to yesterday's A Question of Scout Spirit ) Unpredictable sometimes difficult behavior is part of adolescence so it is a part of Scouting. Scouting responds with a program who's intrinsic design is a response to this and the other vagaries of being a Scout-aged…
0 Vote On Idea Our units consider September the start of the Scouting year and the award would work better if goals were established in the August-mid/October time frame with awards presented in the May/June time frame. Often times we have a different leadership team that takes over during the summer and there is no…
Ever since the Eagle Scout Award was first presented in 1912, families have been creating Eagle Scout scrapbooks to make these precious boyhood memories last. Well, it's time to take that nearly century-old process into the next 100 years of Scouting.
Let me share with you a story about a High Performance team. I recently had the opportunity to help coach a football team. This team was made up from 14 year olds from all over the Portland/Metro area. 35 young men that came together on a football field with one thing in common...
Tis the season", it seems Christmas started early this year, like before Halloween! There are lights and trees and Christmas music and sales and Black Friday and Cyber Monday all happening right now like a whirlwind. Now I enjoy great light displays and Caroling and a 42in plasma TV for $399 but this all confuses…
The Boy Scouts of America is considering introducing a Boy Scout shirt made by Under Armour. Boy Scouts could wear the shirt while doing activities such as service projects, hiking, camping, and other troop activities.
Join the Nationwide 100th Anniversary Audiocast Kick-Off Rally on December 10. RSVP today for a chance to win once-in-a-lifetime prizes.
Cub Scouts 2010 is a piloted and successful method of delivering the existing Cub Scout program that is handbook-based and focuses on den activities leading to youth advancement and higher retention.
1 Vote On Idea There should be some identification insignia or something for Adult Leaders that are Veterans, like the knot insignias. Comments (0) Other
5 Vote On Idea For the New Cub Scouting program to be launched in 2010, I recommend we bring back the "Lion" rank for first year, fourth grade Webelos Scouts. This "King of the Jungle" rank is a fitting conclusion to a Cub Scout's "Kipling" adventure and career.
On December 11, 2008, my son completed his Eagle Board of Review. Oh, happy day! At that time, he was a little concerned that his paperwork would get done too soon and he would receive a congratulation letter from the current president rather than the incoming president.
Arthur R. Eldred received the very first Eagle Scout badge on Labor Day, 1912. Twenty-three Scouts received the Eagle merit badge award in 1912. Any first-class Scout qualifying for 21 merit badges were entitled to wear the highest Scout Merit Badge, the Eagle. Back in 1912 the Eagle Award was called a merit badge.
The Boy Scouts of America is considering introducing a Boy Scout shirt made by Under Armour. Boy Scouts could wear the shirt while doing activities such as service projects, hiking, camping, and other troop activities. This shirt is made of fabric similar to other Under Armour athletic wear. https://scoutnet.scouting.org/survey/cgi-bin/qwebcorporate.dll?idx=RZKJS6
A little over two weeks ago the BSA announced there plans to build a world-class high adventure center in New River Gorge region of West Virginia. The BSA's press release states: The BSA's selection of the 10,600-acre site near Beckley was chosen after an extensive, nationwide process that lasted more than 18 months aimed at…
‘I don't know why you say goodbye, I say hello!' This is a quick update and Christmas greetings.
On December 10, 2009 the BSA has put together a online live audiocast that will include presenters such as Randall Stephenson, AT&T President, CEO and Chairman and 100th Anniversary Chair, John Gottschalk, BSA National President, Tico Perez, BSA National Commissioner, and Bob Mazzuca, Chief Scout Executive.
Here is a link to the official first 2011 World Jamboree Bulletin: click here. Some of the highlights of this Bulletin include: Theme: the Jamboree THeme and the three areas that will help accomplish the Jamboree theme which is "Simply Scouting" BSA Contingent Emblem Who Qualifies for the Jamboree: Again here are the age ranges…
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My Christmas Lights I know this isn't really scouting related but I thought some of my readers might enjoy these pictures. It had just snowed while I was taking these pictures and It was still snowing as I took the pictures. Enjoy the pictures and Merry Christmas! Click here to download: My_Christmas_Lights.zip (455 KB)
A change was made to the list of new Belt Loops and Pins for CS Sports and Academics and Alice's stuff is there now. Be sure to read her popcorn activity. It is really great!!!!!!!!!! Plus as I said before - Lots of hints for Power Up - games, openings, closings, ceremonies, jokes, and more Ideas are…
http://www.fox2now.com has a story about a Boy Scout Christmas Tree Lot being robbed at Gun Point.
New Active Game for All scouts
Time is running out to RSVP for the 100th Anniversary Kick-Off Rally! See the below announcement from the BSA: To jump start the celebration, we're bringing together Scouting enthusiasts from coast-to-coast for a nationwide 100th Anniversary Kick-Off Rally. Hosted by AT and T CEO and Chairman and 100th Anniversary Chair Randall Stephenson, National President John…
This is the song/poem my Scouts are performing for the Group Christmas Carol Concert tomorrow evening. It is a bit old fashioned (it refers to a Scout as male the whole way through, but the first verse is being read by a girl and the gender will be changed to suit) and refers to Scout…
Last night at Spring Creek Park, very chilly by the way, at the big fire ring with a large bonfire we watched the Arrow of Light ceremony for about 6 packs and 50+ Webelos. The AOL teams did a great job.
I've heard of Scouts testing Jail accomodations and hospital procedures before they open, however this is a first. Over 300 Scouts gathered to test the plumbing, by simultaneously flushing all of the toilets, at the Intrust Bank Arena! The Wichita Eagle has a featured story about the event: "We're counting down to one minute," the…
#205-Girl Can't Help It My November Pack Meeting and Leader Meeting, a Pinewood Derby podcast, and lots of feedback. And a VERY special announcement are on tap for tonight. Links: Den Meeting In A Box SALE- http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/default.aspx?cat=01RTL&ctgy=PRODUCTS&C2=BOOKS_LIT&C3=DMIAB&C4=&LV=3& Pinewood Derby Podcast- http://www.justmyshow.com/Pinewood.html Tonight's show sponsored by The Boy Scout Store Join the forum discussion on this…
Our buddies at Three Coin Production s have posted a new video to their Youtube account. The new post is the music video to the theme song of Scout Camp: The Movie , "Born To Be A Scout", and features many scenes from the movie.
Today in Indiana is our Annual Governor's Luncheon for Scouting. I, unfortunately, am unable to get some time off work to attend. However I was able to get 3 of my Scouts to go as part of the Ceremony. They will be recreating the "Unknown Scout", complete with Lamppost and Smoke machine (which we will…
Hello fellow Scouters, As I've written about previously, I have a pith helmet and a sombrero in my district training gear (see this blog post here ). The pith helmet is to remind leaders that Cub Scouting needs to be an adventure.
Ok so this video is a day late but it is a good one. This is the music video of the popular song Born to Be a Scout from the movie Scout Camp the Movie. Enjoy!
Our newest scouts came for their first troop meeting last night. I must say that I was quite impressed with Brandon and Timothy and how quickly they warmed up to our 1st Year Emphasis leaders while all the older scouts worked away at their own rank advancements.
Let's face it: It isn't hard to knock out for a good night's sleep after a long day hiking the trails at Philmont. You're out like a light as soon as your feet slide into the sleeping bag. If only getting to sleep the rest of the year could be that simple.
The official BSA announcement below about the new (2009) Cub Scout belt loops has apparently been released to local councils for distribution. It indicates that the new Guide should be available around late January 2010. Also noteworthy is that the belt loop focusing on disabilities will apparently be called "Disabilities Awareness" rather than "Abilities Awareness."
Trust the Program Rely on 100 years of proven results Embrace changes when they are announced - stay current No short-cuts When you make things easier for adults you usually diminish the experience for Scouts Conduct activities that are age appropriate Understand how the Scouting program responds to the age group you are working with.
Amanda ClassB.com attended the 1st Annual Tampa Corporate Dodge ball Tournament. The tournament, accurately named Dodge, Duck, Dip, and Dive , was held on Saturday, November 14 at the Temple Terrace Family Recreation Complex. Registration was $400, and all of the proceeds benefitted the Boy Scouts of America and Learning for Life, Gulf Ridge Council .
5 Vote On Idea With the new update of Sellwise they broke a key function. With the new update when searching for names the F6 key no longer works unless you manually click it with the mouse. I know it does not seem like a lot but when you are receipting membership and you have…
6 Vote On Idea Scouting.org is full of useful information for Parents, Scouts, Scouters, Alumni and everyone else. The one thing that it needs is a "Contact Us" tab with the National Office's contact information. Parents, Scouts, Scouters, Alumni, contact the National Office on a daily basis, but have trouble finding the main number on…
Those fine folks at PTC Media have done it again and created a new podcast! The new one is 'Moms In Scouting Service' and is a podcast 'from the perspective of volunteering mothers'. Obviously, it has an American slant (odd that, as they are all Americans!), but it is still an interesting listen and puts…
1 Vote On Idea The big picture is about "Engaging Young Minds" (Scouts) by starting National (local) Boy Scout Engineering & Pioneering Competitions, much like Don Murphy did for the Cub Scouts by inventing the Derby Car Races. www.PioneeringCompetitions.com is a site with puzzle boards that create a foundation to help with five different Boy Scout…
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 .
Due to the comments contributed to my previous post, I'm curious what people mean when they say "Eagle Factory". So, what is it? I could find just a couple troops that refer to themselves as eagle factories on the 'net, with the general meaning that they have a focus of 'directing' scouts to eagle rank.
From BSA: One final reminder about the audiocast rally this Thursday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m. Central. Thanks to the ten-of-thousands who have signed-up already. We want this to be the largest virtual gathering in BSA history. We hope you will join us!
In this show we talk about Cold Weather First Aid/Injuries. Jerry discusses the major cold weather injuries, prevention, symptoms and treatment, that you may run into during your Cold weather camping adventures. Topics include; Dehydration, Hypothermia, and Frost Bite. To learn more about Cold Weather First Aid and Cold Weather Injuries check out these sites…
We at Cracker Barrel feel geographically blessed to be in the same building as most of the Boy Scouts of America's major decision-makers. So when one of you comes to us with a question about Scouting policy, we know how to find the answer.
Every culture has its right of passage to manhood, but there is an ancient Cherokee right of passage in which the father of a young man takes his son out into the forest, blindfolds him and sits him on a stump.
This post from Scouting Magazine's Cracker Barrel answers a question I sent in: We at Cracker Barrel feel geographically blessed to be in the same building as most of the Boy Scouts of America's major decision-makers. So when one of you comes to us with a question about Scouting policy, we know how to find…
6 Vote On Idea It has been a struggle to pull together all of the neccesary information for the Centennial Quality Unit Award. To verify that Unit goals have been met you need to pull many different reports; Direct Contact Leader Trained, Unit retention, New members, and Advancement).
As Boy Scouts we take it upon ourselves to be prepared for anything. Well for one troop being prepared for a cardiac emergency saved the life of one of there leaders. Boy Scout Troop 26 in Tulsa, Oklahoma had been given an automatic external defibrillator or AED by a local cardiologist.
So, have you seen it? How was it? Scout Camp the movie - from the trailer and videos looks like an interesing comedy about Boy Scout summer camp - another angle on the usual "underdog group vs. popular group" theme. There's a music video on YouTube with scenes from the show.
2 Vote On Idea I have noticed that the BSA has many wonderful and informative posters/poster sets at the Scout Shop that I visit. The problem is that unless I purchase the poster/poster set, I can't tell what information is contained on the poster as they are wrapped in plastic.
As of this writing, most but not all of the new (2009) Cub Scout belt loops can be ordered from BSA Supply Group at Scoutstuff.org . Here are the links: Cub Scout Sports Program Belt Loops Cub Scout Sports Program Pins Cub Scout Academics Program Belt Loops Cub Scout Academics Program Pins [ Via Angela/Cub Scout Talk…
This is a great article that was run in the December 6th, 2009 edition of the Houston Chronicle. Thanks go out to Michelle, who is the proud mom of one of our Eagles, Casey, for finding this gem. Learning Life's Lessons On Path To Eagle Scout by Chase Untermeyer One of Houston's leading citizens, bearing…
BSA Supply Group has available this new 2010 Blue & Gold Banquet participation patch ($1.19). This emblem could be a fun way to encourage attendance at your pack's 2010 Banquet. Link Posted in Blue and Gold Banquet, CUB SCOUTS, Patches
Is Scouting really competing with sports, clubs and similar activities? Aren't our goals somewhat similar to those of organized sports, preforming arts, debate, and the many other extra-curricular activities available to our Scouts? I've adopted the attitude that we cooperate with these other activities in offering our youth every advantage in learning something about the…
Tonight's the night for the National 100th Anniversary Audiocast Kick-Off Rally. Log in to your computer when the 30-minute, live audiocast begins at 8 p.m. (EST). We told you all about the big celebration in a blog post last week .
