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Last spring, Chris Smith, the program specialist for the Council Operations Group at the national office in Irving, Texas, introduced us to this initiative, and now he's back to share the continuing success story of the ScoutParents program.
Now's the time get outside and hoop it up! Linda Vaughn, the Cub Scout training chairman for the Great Salt Lake Council, tells us the June theme is about much more than learning and playing basketball. Tune in as she reveals her secrets to a successful "Hoop-De-Doo" theme for your den or pack.
You're only over-equipped if you never do anything
Today I: Made six deposits for different things for the pack, troop and crew--WHEW! Glad to have that off my desk! Helped a Scout take care of a Painting merit badge requirement. Just had to provide the opportunity...and the paint.
Mid April 2010 Time to carve: 0 hours Other work: 1 Finishing: 1 hour After spending some time in Mystic CT and seeing one of the largest Sailor's Rosette I had ever seen, I was reminded of a Whittlin Jim slide pattern.
Late April 2010 Time to carve: 1 hours Finishing: 1.5 hour Next in my list was Pedro's Lucky shoe was the next slide in line and after doing the Pedro - His Mark slide it was an easy one to visualize.
Late April 2010 Time to carve: .5 hours Other work: 1 Finishing: 1.5 hour Made from some very thin birch plywood, the OA and the arrow were cut out and sanded. The W's were made from brass, basically cut out using tin snips, and filed to a finish.
Late April 2010 Time to carve: 1.5 hours Finishing: 1.5 hour I thought about this slide ever since deciding to take Wood Badge training. The hardest part was finding the right "log" for the slide. I wanted a birch "log" but to cut a live branch I would need to wait it to dry out.
Today I: Collected a couple of late summer camp payments. Listened to the crew's adventure at the Orioles-Red Sox game. 95 degrees today, and gardening was king. More Scouting tomorrow--promise!
Today I got to see 4 more Scouts receive their Eagle Scout Rank. These four had been together since Tiger Scouts. Over the past 10+ years they have had many adventures together. Camping stories, summer camp, service projects, Boundary Waters, etc.
Today I was able to help a fellow scouter by answering some questions he had on international scouting and I was, fortunately, able to help answer the questions he posed and was also able to direct him to 2 other contacts that are very willing to assit him in his quest to create a scouting…
Mid April 2010 (End Jan. 2010) Time to carve: 3 hours Finishing: 1.5 hour OK, so why the two different months? Well back when I was starting the Pueblo Indian Pottery, I started to create this from memory. My memory failed me in this case because when I took a look at the pattern I…
-13 Vote On Idea A way to show scouts and scouters you have completed youth protection training. This knot could only be puchased through your local scout shop and only with your training cirtificate in hand. Comments (1) Other
#223-I Never Cry Expensive Day Camps, Learning For Life, new BSA websites, National Jamboree visitor information, and training feedback are some of the topics on the show tonight. Links: Local Cub Scout receives Certificate of Merit | press-citizen.com | Iowa City Press Citizen- http://bit.ly/9hc9hE 2010 National Scout Jamboree visitor information released- http://bit.ly/a7sMyR Cub Scout Logo Tees- http://bit.ly/czqlFN…
Although Scouting magazine told you in its January-February 2010 issue that a Video Games belt loop and pin were on the way, the news media and blogosphere have just now caught on. The announcement has created an whirlwind of misinformation, including many news outlets reporting that the new award is a merit badge for Boy…
Ok here we go 4/22 Thursday: - Eagle Boards of Review for District 4/23 Friday: - left with Troop for Spring Camporee at Camp Ransburg...a Medieval Theme - brought 43 Scouts and 16 Adults...be prepared for rain 4/24 Saturday: - poured last night, camp is one huge mudpit - spirits not dampened (but clothes and Scouts are) - volunteered to be…
Today I: Deposited more overdue summer camp fees--not a problem though, folks are just so busy now. Purchased a new 3-man tent and a new sleeping bag. Scouting related? Yep. Bag is for me, tent is one I hope the Scouts will adopt for our excursions.
Kindness and Compassion, A camping story, Eagle Scout Drama 4 Scoutmaster Podcast Number 15 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.
Hello fellow Scouters, It's so important to have a game anytime you have a den meeting. When I was a Cub Scout den leader, I loved relay games. You can make almost anything a relay game. A balloon that doesn't touch the ground, an oversized shirt pulled from one Scout to the other (with both…
The end is near. Each day that passes, the 100 Days project draws closer to the end. I keep waiting for someone to offer me a small fortune to live on so that I can do Scouting full time. You have to have dreams.
The latest episode in the Adventure Base 100 series is special for two reasons. First, viewers will meet Jason Bragdon, Scoutmaster of Louisville-based Troop 56. His troop was canoeing in the Boundary Waters when a sudden lightning storm demanded quick thinking and Wilderness Survival skills from the guys.
Scouting uses its 125 different merit badges to shine a light on topics that engage and inspire young minds. But with merit badge No. 126, the BSA intends to turn the light on itself. The new Scouting Heritage merit badge , available now, introduces boys to the history of the Boy Scouts of America.
Today I: Helped a Scout with his summer camp merit badge selection. Reminded other Scouts that the deadline for their summer camp merit badge selections are overdue. Set up a plan for a Webelos Scout who wants to get his Arrow of Light and cross over to the troop the day he is 10.5 years…
Another Eagle was recognized last month. I took his fire piston gift along on spring break so I'd get some more whittling done on it. When I got home, it was nowhere to be found. Oh great, it's sitting someplace between here and Switzerland!
A jump around show… Redemption… Special Needs…. Asperger's Syndrome…. Pay it Forward….. This show brought to you by Badge Magic Share with Others:
If you want a piece of really special Scouting memorabilia, tomorrow you have the chance to buy, at auction , Baden Powell's Scout hat! According to an article on the BBC , Gilwell sold the hat some time ago and now its owner wishes to sell it on.
You can purchase Lord Baden-Powell's scout hat tomorrow only. It's being auctioned in England. Something nice to go with that Centennial dollar you bought last month. Click Here Sure wish the dude would stop rubbing the hat so much if he's expecting someone to buy it. :-) Scout On
That ringing sound you heard this morning wasn't in your head. It was on Wall Street, where the Opening Bell was sounded by representatives from the Greater New York Councils of the Boy Scouts of America. The New York Stock Exchange Web site has posted a video of the occasion.
6 Vote On Idea Has there been any discussion on changing the Billing Statements wording? We have donors that get upset over the phrases "Billing" Date and "Amount Due". They look at it as a donation and there is nothing due.
Tuesday is the biggest Scout Day of the week! Meeting Night (either Troop or PLC) for every Tuesday of the year BUT the one between Christmas and New Years...yes 51 Tuesdays are all booked, every year for the foreseeable future...
Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers from throughout the five New York boroughs visited the New York Stock Exchange on May 5th, 2010. Eagle Scout Thomas Colasanto rang The Opening Bell SM , he was joined by Tony Fiori, 100th Anniversary Chariman, Greater New York, BSA, and Charlie Rosser, Scout Executive, Greater New York, BSA.
Today I: Publicized the BSA's Immunization Exemption Form as best as I could. This is to be used, where applicable, with the new medical form for camp. Reviewed logistics with the C&O Canal Trust for the upcoming work day. Finalized the logistics with the troop for the upcoming work day.
The new Den and Pack Meeting Resource Guide is now available on-line and in stores. Check it out on line at http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/content/Home/CubScouts/Leaders/DenLeaderResources/DenandPackMeetingResourceGuide.aspx (Link is also in the title of this post) This Guide has the complete meeting plans for all levels (Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos Badge , and Arrow of light) Plus, Pack Meeting plans for…
Webinars: New Cub Scout Delivery Method National is rolling out the NEW Cub Scout Delivery Method and is inviting CS Leaders to attend one of 22 webinar sessions to learn how to use the new method and resources. Beginning Monday, May 3rd and ending on Friday, May 14th, National is hosting webinars that will detail…
LOVE LIFE: The Tale of Steve Fugate from Erin Henning on Vimeo . HAVE A GREAT SCOUTING DAY!
Eagle Scout and author Paul Theroux writes about his experiences as a Scout in this New York Times Editorial : ... I can still recite the Scout Oath ("On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty..."), and the 12 points of the Scout Law ("A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful ..."); but I equivocate…
#76-BSA100 Part 2 More BSA 100 celebrations, including a parade, a train, a car, a coin, and some new badges. Links: Boy Scout Centennial Parade- http://bit.ly/9QptVb Coin Report- http://bit.ly/benwlu Train Webpage- http://bit.ly/cz9s1Y Geocaching Merit Badge PDF- http://bit.ly/cSfTFJ Historical Merit Badges- http://bit.ly/cNAYx6 Train Story- http://bit.ly/anmDT0 Union Pacific Press Release- http://bit.ly/by4y9z Historical Merit Badges- http://bit.ly/9u9yGU Geocaching Merit…
For thirteen years the Boy Scouts of Troop 68 held an annual show they called Laughs For Lunch. It was a campfire-style show featuring various songs, skits, and stories. The shows made the new Scouts nervous because, for most of them, it was their first time on stage in front of an audience.
5 Vote On Idea Why not send all newly registered adult leaders a link to the On-line Learning Center to be able to complete training as soon as possible? It could possibly contain a welcome message from the Chief as well. Comments (0) Applications & Registration
Stadri's New Website for Boy Scout Patches here Stadri has officially launched our all-new Website for Boy Scout Patches, neckerchiefs, bolos, and all the other great BSA Officially Licensed Products we have always offered you! All of us at Stadri are very excited about this new site!
Wednesday is usually catch up day but I did a ton of stuff Tuesday after the meeting: - finished up attendance report in TroopMaster - wrote reference letter for Scout - got my Wood Badge gifts for Staff and my Buffalo Patrol - worked on annual Troop Physical That is all :) It's Only an Hour a week Bryan Permalink…
Today I: Helped a Scout get a job painting for an elderly neighbor...based on his performance with the Painting merit badge. Updated Scouts on the weather for the coming weekend campout and service project. Swapped comments with a new reader of the 100 Days of Scouting !
A good song to have going through your head during a hike.
(This is part 2 of an article about the Boy Scouts of Troop 68 and the role playing game of Dungeons and Dragons.) To many of the Boy Scouts who have played Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) in my fictional world of Tenne the countries of Givemea, Acirema, and Minta are almost as real as Brazil…
Today I: Helped a patrol get their shopping done for the campout tonight. Reconfigured the van to seat 15 now instead of 12--good turnout! Clarified the water, fire and latrine situation where we are headed (all is as planned). Picked up the guys...and hit the road!
The next time you are at church, or chatting with friends, or right now at work, ask a few people individually what they think of when you say "Boy Scouts". Then ask them how have they interacted with scouts - that is, when have they ever talked to, worked with, or engaged a scout?
With all of the off-the-wall world records out there (we're looking at you, "Heaviest Weight Lifted With Ear"), here's one that could save a life some day. The 43,000 Scouts and leaders in attendance at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree this July will be given the chance to break the World Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and…
Please bear with me while I give HalfEagle some much-needed attention. Expect some changes to appearance, functionality, and content based on the great feedback you've given me. I also have a backlog of new blog submissions that need to be reviewed and (hopefully!)
In case you missed it, NBC News recently did a piece on the new Cub Scout Video Games belt loop . It does a pretty good job of explaining some of the rationale behind the new award. Link
Camping is on the brain this week: campouts, service on campouts, Camping merit badge. There truly is so much to do and so little time. More days: Day 86 Day 87 Day 88 Day 89 Day 90 When in doubt, camp it out.
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 June 2010 " Hoop-De-Doo! " theme. This issue has another helpful Bill Smith article about annual planning and some of the changes coming up as…
If you haven't already listened to it, you should check out the April 2010 Cubcast . Cubcast is a monthly audio program for Cub Scouters from BSA National. (If your computer has speakers, you can probably listen by just clicking the links below.)
The June 2010 Cub Scout Monthly Theme is " Hoop-De-Doo! " Here is the official BSA theme description: "This is a good time to learn and play the game of basketball while you learn about sportsmanship. Have a member of the high school basketball team (preferably a Boy Scout) teach the boys the rules of basketball ; then…
Today I: Completed 3 hours of service on the C&O Canal with our troop. Great job guys! Hiked 2 miles to see the coolest tunnel, ever. 3000 feet long, hand dug in the1840s. Drove back to town, all tasks completed.
Stopped by the Scout Shop and registered a new transfer from Erie, PA Also bought some rank patches for some BoRs coming up Talked with a WB Participant about her ticket Set up Summer Camp for 2011...could be great! Wrote a letter of recommendation for a Scout to work at a Cub Camp...
New Active Game for All scouts
The May 2010 Cubcast is now available at the BSA National website. Cubcast is a monthly audio program for Cub Scouters from BSA National. (If your computer has speakers, you can probably listen by just clicking the links below.) Part 1 has ideas for den meetings and more utilizing the June " Hoop-De-Doo!
D is for the Delight you show us, for the popsicle art we made for you. E is for the extra smile you shared. N is for the Nestles in our milk. M is for the money that you gave me O is for the Oreos you fed us, when the den needed a snack.
Be sure to take a moment to thank your mother today for all she has done for you. She's helped to mold you into the man you are. If she was a scout leader…. Why are you here reading this?
oh Saturday! You start cold and early (4am in downtown Indianapolis) for Overtime at Work when I should be at OA Ordeal (I was nominated as an adult this year). Scouting wise it was a light day: - spent 4 hours in the dining room: took all scout related paperwork NOT in the office (covered the…
Today was a special day for many women, Mother's Day. Mom's are a very important part of Scouting. In the beginning Mom's were the lifeblood of Cub Scouting, Den Moms and Cubmasters were usually always moms in yellow blouses and blue pants or skirts.
Today I: Cleaned out the van from the campout and service project. Wow. Approved service hours for a Life Scout candidate. Chatted with a Scout about the requirements for the Reading merit badge--had to switch into the "merit badge counselor" hat first.
#224-Mama My mom comes on for a talk about my childhood, Scouting and training. Tonight's show sponsored by ClassB.com Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts Share with Others:
Sunday: A day of rest, Mother's Day, a day filled with Scouting! - Spent the morning with Mom and Wife and Sis...all incredible Moms! (dont want you to think I ignored them for Scouting) - Came home and Wife took Mom's Day nap...
Hello fellow Scouters, Games are a vital part of your Scouting program, and some of the best games are the ones that take very little setup or supplies to do. If you have enough Scouts, and a couple of rolls of new toilet paper, you have what you need for a fun game!
How's this for high adventure? This September, the Mid-America Council is hosting an urban rappelling money-earning event. For $1,000 per person, people from the community and surrounding area can rappel down the side of a 478-foot skyscraper in Omaha, Neb.
Next year will be the 22nd World Scout Jamboree and will be held in Rinkaby, Sweden. But, do you know where the 23rd and 24th Jambos will be held? In 2015, the 23rd World Scout Jamboree is scheduled for Kirarahama, Japan.
Motivating the PLC, A discussion with Tunisian Scouter Mohamed Fawzi Jemma Scoutmaster Podcast 16 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.
By now, you're surely aware of the impressive collection of 100th Anniversary gear the BSA is selling through its official online store . But did you know that the Order of the Arrow, Scouting's national honor society, has its own items celebrating the BSA's big year?
A couple of weeks ago the Scout Association released the figures from this year's census and the reported that the youth membership was up by 3.45% year on year. These figures are very promising and show the greatest year on year increase since 1972!
Den leaders should check out this " Helpful Hints for Den Leaders " page at the BSA National website. Among the useful suggestions are the following: Plan meetings in advance and with an emphasis on " the flow of activities ." At the beginning of the year, establish clear den rules .
Today I: Spoke to another Scout about the Reading merit badge. I detect a trend. Signed off on Camping merit badge for another Scout. He's working hard on Citizenship in the Nation now. He has a goal. Sent out reminder about Board of Review this week.
If you're thinking about den and/or pack meeting plans for this fall and would like to see what the official BSA Cub Scouts 2010 materials will look like, your wait is over. The new Cub Scout Den and Pack Meeting Resource Guide is available now at the BSA National website .
One hundred years ago, boy scouts communicated with each other via semiphore flags, morse code, the written letter, and maybe made the occassional telephone call. For today's scout, communication is available through emails, text messaging on cell phones, the telephone is still used, and some will even communicate via hand gestures.
We've added a page to our safety area with information about the Brown Recluse Spider. The page includes some graphic photos of the skin damage caused by bites from these spiders, so some caution should be used in showing them to younger Scouts.
A former Scout in London has scored the perfect job- Sleeping Bag Tester! Sleeping on the job is a criticism that can never be levelled at Phil Latham. The 27 year old freelance outdoor instructor has just learned that he has been awarded one of the most sought-after jobs in the country.
Alex Lloyd would gain valuable experience by finishing 19th in today's Road Runner Turbo Indy 300 here at the Kansas Speedway in the Boy Scouts of America #19 IndyCar. After starting 23rd for today's race, Alex and the team would make several changes to the car on each pit stop, steadily improving the performance of…
26 Vote On Idea Recently, a volunteer went online to update his youth protection training since it had been two years. Instead of taking the entire course again, he simply took the quiz thinking "if i can pass the quiz and show that I still have the knowledge that should be good enough."
Today I: Had a long conversation about our Order of the Arrow program. Not thrilled, but sounds like new direction is coming. Scheduled a visit in a couple of weeks with the OA to visit our troop for OA elections.
I came across this video of Scouts of the 2nd Kenton Scout Group, North West London, who set up a help bureau in 1939 at the beginning of the Second World War. It's really fascinating to watch. Enjoy!
As most of you know, this year I have the privilege of not only being the Scoutmaster of my home troop, but also a troop heading to the National Jamboree. Now I am not saying that money buys success, attitude, or enthusiasm, but I am have noticed that about $3000 makes a pretty big difference.
The Scouting Heritage Merit Badge is a new merit badge and a great way to allow Scouts to learn about the rich history and heritage of not only the Boy Scouts of America but the Scouting movement. Join Scoutmaster Jerry and his new co host Scott as they go through the requirements of the Scouting…
The Scouting Heritage Merit Badge is a new merit badge and a great way to allow Scouts to learn about the rich history and heritage of not only the Boy Scouts of America but the Scouting movement. Join Scoutmaster Jerry and his new co host Scott as they go through the requirements of the Scouting…
Perhaps you have been wondering what the official den meeting plans for Cub Scouts 2010 will look like. Wonder no more. You can now download Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light den meeting plans at the BSA National Cub Scouts 2010 website : Tiger Cub Den Meeting Plans Wolf Den Meeting Plans Bear Den…
When the boys of Troop 128 sat down to watch The Guardian , the Kevin Costner action flick about Coast Guard rescue swimmers, they had no idea what was in store for them. They didn't know that hours later they would be learning some of the thrilling lifesaving tactics employed in the movie.
It's getting to be that time again that we need to worry about those pests in the woods getting at your food. Racoons, Bear, and the worst of all Chipmunks... Here is a good video demonstrating the PCT method of hanging your "Bear" bag or Food bag. Have a Great Scouting Day!
Today I: Helped a Scout finish up Citizenship in the Nation--must have a Board of Review tonight...;-) Fielded a phone call about helping a den leader out. Could only offer encouragement, as the troop is swamped tonight. Conducted a scad of Scoutmaster conferences for Scout, Second Class, First Class, Star and Life ranks.
Now, as most of you know, I am a big fan of Alvin Townley Jr. the Author of Legacy of Honor and Spirit of Adventure. It is refreshing to see this advocate of the Scouting movement out there telling the Scouting story.
Jeremy Zweiacker is a KISMIF.org guest blogger from Oklahoma. He is a Tiger Cub Den Leader, an Eagle Scout, and a long time Scouter. A couple of weekends ago, our pack went camping in the great outdoors — the first Scout camping experience for some of our Cub Scout families.
New Active Game for Cub Scouts
Here's a sweet piece of news: Buddy Valastro, better known to millions of viewers as the "Cake Boss," created a one-of-a-kind Boy Scout-themed cake to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. The cake was one of many highlights in last night's star-studded 100th Anniversary Gala held on Ellis Island and hosted…
The BSA has been bringing families together for 100 years, and Adventure Base 100 is touring the country all year to honor that legacy and to give families another opportunity to get together and enjoy all that Scouting offers. "Scouting's a great way for fathers and sons to spend time together," Jesse Ceja told the…
3 Vote On Idea Many of my Scouts and leaders are having trouble with the .PDF format of the Eagle project workbook. Can we also have a .DOC (Word) or other formats available on-line. My District Eagle Project coordinator (approver) loves the getting the electronic documents but all are having trouble printing when certain sections…
Paperwork. Advancement forms, merit badge cards, new Scout applications, committee meetings. We are not always as "Leave No Trace" as we would like. But it all happens to make Scouting move along. More days: Day 91 Day 92 Day 93 Day 94 Day 95 Blogging could be considered a form of paperwork, too!
Today I: Attended the council's Centennial Committee meeting. Attended the council's Scout-A-Rama Committee meeting. Turned in two new Scout applications--one for the pack and one for the troop. Meetings and Scouting go together like shoes and socks. Today was a meeting day with other great Scouters. Do you help Scouting with adult-facing meetings?
In the United States, firefighters are generally held in high regard, considered heroes and protectors. In Iraq, firefighters do not have the same image as their U.S. counterparts. Someone had to do something. Two Soldiers assigned to the 414th Civil Affairs Battalion, U.S.
Take a peak around BSA Adventure Base 100 at its stop in Chicago, Illinois. Learn more about Adventure Base 100 at http://www.adventurebase100.org .
It is heartening to see that the BSA is increasing the number of publications offered in digital form. I am particularly appreciative of having the Guide To Safe Scouting , Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures , Insignia Guide , Advancement and Awards , and many other resources that I can easily search and reference.
Tomorrow, thousands of Scouts and Scouters across the country will join a nationwide clean-up effort for geocachers. The program, called "Cache In, Trash Out," gathers geocaching enthusiasts together to clean up parks, public places, and pretty much anywhere that might be home to a cache.
3 Vote On Idea The online tour permit system is gaining popularity among units as a few kinks have been worked out. Now the back-end is posing issues when handling large numbers of submissions. When a large number of submissions exits, the approver's back-end list covers many pages.
