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Why change a great thing? To make it better, of course! We spoke to Bob Scott, innovation specialist for the Innovation and Strategy Group at the national office in Irving, Texas. Bob explains to us how a currently great Cub Scouting program is now better than ever!
Spring Into Action is not just activity for activity's sake. Join us as we speak to Steve Bartholomew, the Cubmaster for Pack 713 in Farmers Branch, Texas. Steve shares with us some creative and fun ways to get involved in the community and ready for summer-so spring into action yourself by clicking the 'download' icon!
The March 2010 Issue of Baloo's Bugle for April's Theme, "Spring into Action" is delayed. Too much Scouting the last two weeks!! If you need a copy now, e-mail me at [email protected] and I will send you what is done and a few Pow Wow Book files I have not yet incorporated.
Oh Canada, my home and native land... OK, not native but I live in upstate NY for almost 20 years and watched Hockey Night in Canada and Curling on Saturday mornings so I've always had a place in my heart for our Neighbors to the North...congrats on Hockey Gold and a great Winter Olympics!
This week's video has been makes it's way around the scouting world and it sure is a great one!
From an opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal; Boy, the Scout Handbook Keeps Changing by Tony Woodleif ' A succinct and thoughtful evaluation of what Scouting means to a Scout and his family I suppose a handbook won't determine whether my sons have an enriching Scout experience.
The venerable quiz show "Jeopardy!" paid tribute to the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America last week with a special category about Scouting. The "Jeopardy!" Clue Crew took a special field trip to California's Camp Winton for footage to complement the category.
What is a Scoutmaster?, Moccasin Telegraph, Moving from Adult to Youth Leadership, A Scout is Cheerful Scoutmaster Podcast 6 Thanks for all the emails and comments! Most of you know that us blogging podcasters or podcasting bloggers (your choice) thrive on conversation with our readers and/or listeners.
0 Vote On Idea We need a square-knot recognition for those volunteers who are veterans of the United States Armed Forces. They sacrificed a part of their lives to serve our country, and to defend the principles that we strive to teach our Scouts.
8 Vote On Idea We recently got new computers for our office, and most of the computers they make these days work off of a 64 bit operating system. We need to update Scoutnet so that it will work off of these computers.
Today I: Coached our Senior Patrol Leader to find a speaker for the Court of Honor...Wednesday. Updated the troop's YahooGroup page with the March theme information (Physical Fitness). Updated the pack's YahooGroup page with the March theme information (Take Flight!).
Here are the top 10 most viewed posts for February 2010 (other than those solely about monthly theme items): 2009 New Belt Loops List New 2009 Cub Scout Belt Loops Coming Video Games Belt Loop Requirements 2009-2010 Program Helps Full Download Kindergarten Lions: Pilot Description Good Manners Belt Loop Requirements 2009-2010 Program Helps Hiking Belt…
There is probably a bigger post to be made about transitioning your unit to the next leader, but this isn't that post. This is just a quick thought, and more of a question: if something happened to you tomorrow, what would happen to your units?
Continuing with the 100 Days of Scouting: Aside the dozen or so things I did for the Troop today I attended a meeting for the new Crossroads of America Scout Education Center. The Council is moving to a new building which they designed from the ground up.
#216-There Be Pirates It's all about my Blue & Gold and the Pirate theme we used. I cover all of the ceremonies and events for this Scouting celebration. Links: The Pirate Voyage- http://www.scoutingbear.com/AUDIENCE/pirate1.htm Spongebob Song- http://www.usscouts.org/bbugle/bb0309/bbsg.html Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts Share and Enjoy:
Eagle Scout Candidate Forrest Bernhardt, age 14, received the go-ahead from Whitehall City Council on January 12, 2010 to locate a Liberty Swing in Goodrich Park. The Liberty Swing, a world-first Australian innovation, has enabled many Australian children who use wheelchairs to experience the joy of having a swing in a park and it will…
Permit me a moment of self aggrandizement - two mentions in the March-April 2010 Scouting Magazine My answer made the current What Would You Do Won first place in the photo contest; see the online edition page 31.
The April 2010 Cub Scout Monthly Theme is " Spring Into Action ." Here is the official BSA theme description: "This month is a good time to spring into action with outdoor activities such as hikes , sports and games , cleaning up litter along ponds, parks or roadsides, or planting some trees for improved habitat.
The March 2010 ( Take Flight ) monthly theme emblem can now be ordered from BSA Supply Group. Each patch is $1.29. Link
-3 Vote On Idea As part of our Alumni outreach, an Eagle Scout Reunion Lunch in Jan-Feb in Florida could get a great turnout from Eagle Scouts who winter in Florida. I know of two groups of Scouting Alumni from the Northeast who hold reunions in Florida in the winter and up here in the…
Good morning Vietnam!" blared through the speakers as the Boy Scouts of Troop 68 were awakened Sunday morning. As Robin Williams continued to do his "radio show" the Scouts quietly crawled out of their sleeping bags and began packing their gear for the trip home.
Today I: Completed the advancement form for our troop's Court of Honor tomorrow. Made copies of the paperwork for each eligible Webelos Scout to attend our council's Webelos Crossover . Brought up an uncomfortable post: Succession Planning What would happen to your units if you came to an abrupt end?
If you haven't caught on yet, I like Twitter . Especially Hootsuite , which is a great manager for Twitter. I have found a lot of great Scouters out there, many of whom blog or are otherwise very active in the Scouting world.
What a great day for Scouting! - spend lunch break re-organizing my Scoutmaster Binder in preps for the new year! - went to Scout Shop, got adult apps, bought new Patrol Patches (Lightning) and a Scout Shirt for a Scout in need - Troop Meeting tonight: in 3 parts: - Part 1: Supported SPL/PLC with their needs for running…
This is Show number 51 and the first part in a multipart discussion with Mike Walton, the Black Eagle. Many of you know him from his activity in Scouts L and the USSSP . He also has his own site which you can find at: www.settummanque.com .
With the publishing of the book 'A Complete Guide to Scouting Skills' happening this week, Chris over at Jabbering has been able to launch a competition so that 2 lucky people can get their hands on a copy! Take a look at his page here , check out the rules and then enter by answering a…
The Simon Kenton Council Buckeye District roundtable packet for April 2010 is available. The Buckeye District assembles a great roundtable packet each month which they make available to anyone with an internet connection. This one has games, cooking ideas, crafts, songs, skits, ceremonies , and more for the April "Spring Into Action" theme. Link (pdf)
New Active Game for All scouts
Tonight our new Scouts start an incredible journey, the first Scouts of the next 100 years! A new beginning for Scouting. And for each of you, every day is an opportunity for a new beginning. You can redefine yourself, decide to make changes in your life today that will lead to a better future.
The January-February edition of our popular "Where Am I?" reader contest turned out to be the toughest yet. It's our own fault. All the facts about the mystery location were true, but some of them might have thrown you off the scent.
Today I: Confirmed all troop Scout accounts. Whew! Moved the summer camp deposits to the bank. Processed a Venture crew adult application. Picked up Hornaday award information for my interested Scout. Reviewing Arrow of Light requirements with a Webelos Scout tonight.
Another day another dollar: - finished with fixing TroopMaster and Recharter - talked with SPL about new Quartermaster ideas the PLC came up with, preps for next weeks meeting and OA Elections - emailed several committee members about getting new tents as we will be several short with 35 new Scouts added to the Troop last night - talked…
I've been thinking about it, and I have a concern with this new requirement #6 for Life rank: While a Star Scout, use the EDGE method to teach a younger Scout the skills from ONE of the following six choices, so that he is prepared to pass those requirements to his unit leader's satisfaction.
A BSA Licensee, Hyprid Apparel , is launching a BSA ® T-Shirt in select Target stores later this month. The design features "SCOUTS HONOR" and a hand formed in the Scout Sign. Let us know in the comments if you spot one of these T-Shirts in a store near you! Source: BSA Licensing Newsletter
A couple guys at Baylor are getting almost $1,000,000 to find out. In two years, we'll hear if Scouting makes a difference in mens' lives and if Eagle Scout rank matters or not. Sounds like a fun job!
1 Vote On Idea As a rural DE with a smartphone, I'm able to receive / read and send emails using my non BSA mail accounts like google and yahoo. I can use my phone to sync with my outlook calendar, but not email.
4 Vote On Idea Ok, I know this has been posted a bunch of times but no one seems to be listning. I saw the response that leagally the "Disclosure Statement" has to be on a seperate piece of paper.
Greg, our ranger, left our crew today, August 7, 1986. Before he left he had us sit along the ridge line that overlooked the valley and talked to us about how Philmont is able to stay beautiful and bountiful. He described some of the ways the camp staff preserves the wilderness for future crews to…
Today will be Day 25 of the 100 Days of Scouting challenge. Each day, I log in a few items that I have done to promote Scouting--it might be a big thing or a small thing, rushed or well-thought out, good for one Scout or (I hope) all Scouts.
Have you been searching for an answer to a Scouting-related question? Ask the Expert is here to help. Send us your question, and Cracker Barrel will seek out the answer. Today's question comes from Arlene Freeman , a Scouter in Austin, Tex.
Today I: Broadcasted the new 100 Days of Scouting blogs so more folks can enjoy them! Looks like at least 400 days are going to happen. Registered to take training this month for being an inspector of BSA camps. Hope to turn it into long weekends with my wife traveling around Virginia and North Carolina.
-3 Vote On Idea We all know the story of how the Unknown Scout was the inspiration for The Boy Scouts of America. If the Unknown Scout didn't help W.D. Boyce find his way in the London fog, we may have never known about General Baden-Powell and his youth program for boys.
What a GREAT Scouting Day!!!! - Started with approving the New Scout Photo Roster and having the ASM send it out ASAP - got an email from the SPL, some things he wants to try, responded YES - bought 23 Scout Handbooks for the new Scouts that did not get one from his Pack at Crossover - talked with…
Today is the start of Kontiki 2010. With a bit of luck, I'll be posting some photographs of the rafts and campsites over the course of the weekend (if I can get my phone to work).
100 Days of Scouting reached the 25% milestone yesterday! Much dancing in the street, at least at my house. We've had a rash of new bloggers join in the challenge, and I'm grateful for that. No matter if you just heard about it and want to start, or you've been following all along, today is…
Construction began at 17:00 (about 3 1/2 hours ago). Most rafts are progressing well, with barrels and decking being attached. Just after I took this photo, it started to rain. In the past 25 years, we have only had three years without rain- as the Kontiki rulebook says: "Kontiki will run even if it doesn't…
The last couple of weeks have been pretty weird. Snow not only cancelled our troop's backpacking trip (roads to the site were unpassable) but our council's winter camporee was cancelled due to too much of the fluffy stuff. The 30th edition of the Weekend Patrol Box brings you a lot of items that hopefully will…
Today I: Added a 100 Days of Scouting blogger that I missed yesterday . Coached a 13 year-old Scout to rethink his merit badge choices for summer camp. He wants to take all Eagle badges (like Citizenship family and Communications) while his cohorts are swamping canoes and shooting at things.
In a grueling 500-mile race, who would win: a NASCAR champion or a Cub Scout? No contest. Besides, the BSA's Health and Safety team would surely frown on hearing about an unlicensed 11-year-old driving a racecar. But who would win if you brought the NASCAR champion onto the Cub Scouts' turf?
The end of the work week is usually the start of the Scout Weekend! - designed 2 forms for the SPL to approve/amend to his liking - signed 35 temp Scout IDs for the new Scouts - helped a few Scouts sign up for Merit Badge University - talked with a college age Eagle Scout out on break about…
Opening ceremony- rafts launch in 30 minutes...
Adiero troop's gateway- a cloverleaf octopod. A drawing of the construction process will follow.
The rafts have launched, and are making there way around the dam completing the navigation and mobility challenge.
One of the competitions for the supporters who are not on the raft is the STA or spare time activity. This year there were 5 different activities related to the legend of El Dorado, the theme for this year. One of them was to build a catapult.
Akela Joy, who runs our cub pack, has some great photos from today over on Akela's Cubs - http://akelascubs.blogspot.com/2010/03/kontiki-murray-park-springs-6th-march.html
My last post for the night - the opening of the campfire for the supporters campsite.
Well.. not absent minded... but at least absent, and not for a lack of creativity or idea, it's perhaps the worst excuse of all.. time. I ranted and raved over people that use the time excuse some time ago. At issue was people that say that they don't have time for this or that..
Today I spent the better part of it assisting with New Scoutmaster training. On the training team, it is my job to lead the discussion on the role of the Scoutmaster. As we wrapped up today's session, I thought it would be a good idea to discuss on the blog some of the basics of…
This year, we decided to to an "earlybird" delivery for those who wanted to get a head start on spreading mulch. We will deliver the remaining mulch on the 27th of March.
Baloo's Bugle for "Spring Into Action" April's Theme, March RTs is ON-LINE Get ready to spring into action - litter pick ups, conservation, service projects and more when you set out o enjoy the warm months ahead. Lots of hints for "Spring Into Action" - games, openings, closings, ceremonies, jokes, and more Bill Smith, the Roundtable guy…
Recently, I had a discussion with a couple of scouting moms that were complaining about the economy and how they could afford to send their sons to camp and still be able to allow them to have a souvenir keepsake from that camp without spending more funds than they could afford.
After spending the night on the water, the raft crews prepare for a naval review at 10:00 this morning
Today I: Reminded the Scouts to contact their patrol leaders if they had any ideas for the PLC to review. Dropped off my Venturer for a travel and adventure expo, followed by an overnighter (all girl crew). We just can't seem to shake all of the sickness in the house this week.
What was supposed to be a Scout Free days turned into the following: - emailed ASM about new Den Chiefs - exchanged emails with AdChair about upcoming Summer Camp. I was AdChair last time we ran our own summer camp so gave him my old paperwork and timeline as well as some helpful hints and pitfalls that…
Today I: Printed out the monthly theme information for the PLC (March). Yeah, they had to rescheduled the one from 2 weeks ago. Printed out the monthly theme information for the PLC (April). Emailed out the monthly theme information for both months to the entire troop to set expectations.
Sorry for missing the Last couple of Weeks in Regards to Adventure Base 100 Announcements, regular posts, and communications with my regular readers, it has been a very rough time for me. I have been experiencing some medical problems which made me miss a whole week of college.
I had an interesting email from a Polish Scout the other day, and one of the things they asked was what kind of games do we play. I thought about it and put down the following – Elephant Hunt All the Scouts stand at one end of the hall and two leaders stand at either side…
Great Scouting Day today! - chatted with like minded Scoutmaster on Skype - prepped Gettysburg trip - prepped Charter Organization meeting for tomorrow - finalized new PLC forms per the Scouts changes - studied Photo Roster of new Scouts so I can learn all 35 names by Tuesday - finished up Friends of Scouting paperwork It's Only an Hour A Week…
#217-I've Seen That Movie Too Blue & Gold reviews, Pinewood Derby rules and planning, mason jars and fake fires round out this Oscar-night show. Links: Cub Scout Receives Heroism Award | The Resident- http://bit.ly/bpitL6 FAQs to Pilot Councils of Required Training- http://bit.ly/ciorzo Eagle Scout Matthew Miller offers a gift of food- http://bit.ly/d88sSH Tonight's show sponsored by ClassB.com…
We Have all heard of the earthquake that shook Chile last weekend. The Scouts and Guides Association of Chile are making significant contributions of time to aid the relief of their country. If access to the world through the internet is more than an entertainment or source of information it is also real link with…
5 Vote On Idea What's one thing that almost every Scouter wears on the uniform that is not a patch?... A nameplate. Our staff is thinking about ways to recognize James E. West fellows while creating some awareness and energy behind the endowment opportunity.
Troop Manuals, Contracts and the like, Retreat with George, Moving from Adult to Youth Leadership 2, A Scout is Helpful Soutmaster Podcast Number 7 Thanks for all the emails and comments! Most of you know that us blogging podcasters or podcasting bloggers (your choice) thrive on conversation with our readers and/or listeners.
3 Vote On Idea Since registration fees went up to $15 per annum in December of 2009, BSA should update their applications with proper amounts & pro-rate info. I was surprised to see that the most up-to-date applications online were still showing a $10 annual registration fee. Comments (0) Applications & Registration
Today I: Worked with our SPL to get a pack inspection set up for Wednesday night. Many of our younger Scouts have never been on a backpacking trip with us and this gentle 16 mile weekend will be a first for them.
Here are the Adventure Base 100 Videos from Tupelo, Mississippi San Antonio, Texas, and New Orleans, Louisiana. The first video is from San Antonio, TX. The Second Video is From New Orleans, LA. The third video is from Tupelo, MS.
On Saturday March 6, 2010 I had a Jamboree Meeting with about half of the staff for 50% for Sub camp 7. Sub camp 7 covers the Pacific Northwest. It Primarily Includes the States of Alaska, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.
- Started my To Keep Myself Physically Strong project: live up to the Oath and get myself into shape that I can be proud of and be a good example to the Scouts - talked to SPL about tomorrows meeting - Talked to Adult Leader about cancelled SeaBase Trip - gave presentation to Charter Organization about State of the…
On March 6, 2010, a handful of Scouts and leaders from Troop 412 in Corydon, Indiana participated in a Polar Plunge. They dove into the freezing water at Buffalo Trace Park to benefit the Special Olympics. Other Scouts from the Troop volunteerred at the event doing such tasks as parking, color guard, and setting up…
The National Capital Area Council Scout Executive Selection Committee has announced that it has chosen Les Baron as the new National Capital Area Council (NCAC) Scout Executive. Mr. Baron is currently the Orange County Council Scout Executive. He will begin his assignment with NCAC on April 16, 2010.
Walter Underwood has posted a great review of the Mountain Laurel Design's two pound Speedmid shelter: It is plenty roomy inside. I'm 6' 3" and my tent buddy is nearly as tall, and we both had room, with our gear inside.
The Boy Scouts of America has a membership of more than 2.9 million Scouts nationwide, but just 4.5 percent of those Scouts are Hispanic. Compare that to the demographics of the U.S. as a whole, where 15.4 percent of U.S.
At 11:00 on Sunday, the rafts come off the water, and are rapidly stripped down for the trip home. Congratulations to 1st Horison who were the overall winners. More Kontiki photographs will follow.
Some people have all the luck. Last weekend, in addition to racing pinewood derby cars against NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon , a group of Atlanta Cub Scouts met Steve Holcomb , driver of the gold medal-winning U.S. four-man bobsled team. Holcomb, an Eagle Scout, led his "Night Train" sled to the Americans' first gold medal in the…
Amazon Today I: Printed out the pdf workbook for Personal Fitness for my First Class Scout. Emailed reminder to the troop to bring their packed backpacks to the meeting tomorrow night. First backpacking trip for half of the troop. I love the stuff they think they need...
From Twitter @scoutfocus...
I guess since we I have been having some problems I had to skip stops number 8 and 9 but now that i am getting back on track I am able to write a post for stop number 10. This stop will be in Tampa, Florida.
1 Vote On Idea This is a individual unit tracking chart that was created in Capitol Area Council to help identify the min. needs to start a new unit. Hope this helps. Comments (0) District and Council Operations , units
Part 2 of my discussion with Mike Walton. In this addition we try to answer the question "Where have all the Black Kids gone?" We talk about money and the value of Scouting and much more. We will wrap this discussion up in Part 3 next week.
In our last post we talked about what a Scoutmaster must BE. An easy enough concept to grasp that a Scoutmaster must be an example of what right looks like, whether that is wearing the uniform correctly or pitching a tent, the Scoutmaster is not a Master of Scouts, rather a Master of Scouting and…
Tuesday is always the big Scouting Day! - Scout meeting! Worked with SPL where he needed me. Took some time to visit several Patrols during to just chat - worked with oldest patrol looking for some of them to 'step up' the Troop needs LEADERS!
Amazon The 100 Days of Scouting project is clearing the first mountain--a whole month or a third done, depending on how you look at it. And how are you looking at it? Have you gotten any ideas? Been inspired by some of the other bloggers ?
3 Vote On Idea My registrar just handed me my Membership "card" for 2010. I would be embarrassed to hand that to a youth, adult leader or a board member. The quality of it is little better than a slip of paper.
4 Vote On Idea if you look through the submittals here on the first page alone there are over 10 sumbissions with hundreds of up votes about Training Reports and the need to be able to run a Unit Training Detail Report that reports ALL the training EVERY REGISTERED LEADER in that unit just like…
Canadian canoeist and writer Kevin Callan shows how to rig a tarp - The quality of your tarp and the skill of erecting one is more crucial on a trip then a tent. Why? It's all about group dynamics. During foul weather the worst thing for a group of paddlers to do is to cram tight…
Today I: Shopped for items for our Tiger Den Leader for den meeting tonight. Removed a 3-seat bench and added a 4-seat bench to the big van so we can take 12 people backpacking this weekend! Yeah, I'm excited. Unpacked and repacked my backpack for tonight and for the weekend.
Several years ago, when Myspace was the social network that everyone seemed to belong to, I created a profile and decided to join the fun. I found some of my friends, started building up a network, and joined a few Myspace groups.
The new Baloo's Bugle is available. Baloo's Bugle is a helpful monthly unofficial newsletter with games, activities, ceremonies, puzzles, crafts, and other ideas for den and pack meetings. This one covers the April 2010 " Spring Into Action " theme. Also inside is some helpful suggestions for spring recruiting .
Well here we are at month number 2: - Sent out Scouting For Food email/flyer for the organizer - entered attendance for last meeting: 95 Scouts! :) - wrote up Gettysburg minutes to get to Scouts who will be organizing different parts - Troop Committee Meeting: went too long but got the job done.
I am back… I am back, and with a renewed vigor…I have missed you guys, and I can't let you guys "Jones" anymore…I have your True North "fix"… In tonight's show, I talk about a conflict with a leader [I used my commish-fu skills], talked about upcoming shows, troop news and more great links Cubmaster…
2 Vote On Idea an extensive module to cover the fundamentals of how the system works. Leaders should spend time learning to plan the unit's year, to budget for that plan, and to integrate the available fundraising. It would be great if they actually walked through the process.
