Day 5 - Considering World Scout Events and the work of conference (opens in a new tab)
James Boyle gives his view on the World Scout Conference, and his role on the resolutions committee.
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James Boyle gives his view on the World Scout Conference, and his role on the resolutions committee.
Usually I try to make my Scoutmaster Minutes something...thoughtful, meaningful...as one old SPL said...drop some knowledge. But we need to remember the fun and that should include the Scoutmaster Minute...here is one from a campfire at Summer Camp last year...
Scouts from Canada, Mexico, and the United States will welcome more than 35,000 from around the world CURITIBA, Brazil, Jan. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Scouts from every corner of the world will soon have the experience of a lifetime at The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia [http://www.facebook.com/TheBechtelSummit].
I was going through my book shelf of books I've read and books I haven't quite finished yet and stubbled upon "let my people go surfing" by Yvon Chouinard. I flipped through the worn pages and noticed a page I marked a while ago.
We are coming up on some prime hiking season. In the spring the temperatures are mild and it isn't buggy yet. So I am reviewing my favorite hiking book - 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles. Hopefully there is one available in your area.
You better be ready for a challenge if you hope to name the council that wore this patch. That's right, wore . The council in question no longer exists because it merged with another council in summer 2008, meaning the patch seen above is out of print.
Since Monday, we've been talking about the American Spirit Award , an honor given to "one or more individuals who demonstrate extraordinary skill, professionalism, and a spirit of excellence in a challenging situation." You've already met three of the four finalists for this award, T.J.
Last night at Round table I was asked to give the Scoutmaster Minute, go figure. Anyway, I had not really prepared as it was a last minute thing, but as the evening progressed a central theme hit me. We were talking about training.
Being one of the best troops around, your troop camps rain or shine, hot or cold. Depending on where you are, the 'cold' might be 40 degrees or -40 degrees. Here in Minnesota, our council has a Zero Hero award for scouts that camp out in below 0F temps, but many councils have an award…
New Dutch Oven Recipe for Boy Scouts
Troop News, TLT results, and Links of the Week This week's show is sponsored by Badge Magic Join the forum discussion on this post Share with Others:
As we inch closer to this year's 100 Days of Scouting , let's make an effort to get the most out of it. I learned so much last year, and stayed motivated, by reading the 100 Days of Scouting efforts made by others--Scouts and Scouters both.
For the most part, I like the new BSA Program helps. Sometimes the helps are a little light on specifics or you have to hunt around in another publication or online for some additional resources. So I've included some additional information I think would be helpful.
Dozens of Boy Scouts took part in an annual competition in Liverpool to show off their first aid skills Thursday night.
A few years back we had a Cubmaster who really enjoyed audience participation segments. The cornier the better! This is a classic along those lines. This would also work to help demonstrate the importance of clear communication when giving instructions.
I never realized where my time spent in scouting would ever take me, in fact when I was I scout, I thought that the program was just camping, merit badges, advancement, and achieving the highly coveted Eagle Scout Rank. Little did I know that later in life, when my son asked to join scouts, that…
This past weekend the Troop had their January campout. We booked one of the cabins at our council's Scout camps. A little friendly flak was received as to why we weren't tent camping but one of the intentions was to …
More than four thousand Scouts and Scouters from around the Midwest recreated life this weekend as mountain men and trappers of the early 1800s. Participants brought trading goods like furs, antlers, beads, handmade items, and other trinkets to the 34th annual Trappers' Rendezvous.
David Morton gives us the low down on the final day of the 39th World Scout Conference.....
Every year or so, the Scout Association updates the rules by which the organisation is run. These rules, Policy, Organisation & Rules (PO&R) have just been updated. There are many changes reflecting the the way Scouting needs to be run in 2011.
In November, some changes were made to the BSA medical form requirements. In case you haven't heard, the one BSA medical form can now be used at all BSA high adventure bases, according to scouting.org information. The one form is also used by everyone, regardless of age.
Car Designs are Only Limited by Your Imagination. (via Flickr) Pinewood Derby season is upon us and we wanted to share some helpful blog posts to get you and your car ready for the big race. In the first post of our 4 part Pinewood Derby series, we discussed how to build your car for…
A lot of packs have their Pinewood Derby in January, so this is a good time to think about how this fun event can fit in with advancement.
Today we cover online camping guides, more Boy Scout transition fears, asking how to get more parent involvement, a Pack falling apart, flag retirement, other Cub Scout podcasts, Scout dirt, our first contest winner and some new show format announcements.
All four Boy Scouts nominated for the American Spirit Award are deserving of the honor, but only one can win. And you get a say in who that will be. Last week, you met each of the four young men right here on our blog: On Monday, we told you about the award itself .
So, what do you do when someone runs their car into yours while you're driving your mom around? Well, if you're Justin Jackson of Troop 797 in Florida, you follow the Scout Oath and "help other people at all times" and in the process earn the BSA's highest lifesaving award - the Honor Medal with Crossed…
Responding to Initiative, Patrols (again) Scoutmaster Podcast 52 Feel free to send your questions and comments (you can rate the podcast on iTunes). Use the email link above left or the comments feature of the blog. Subscribe on iTunes Scoutmaster Podcast Music Amazon.com Widgets
Boulder, CO is the location of the national headquarters for the Leave No Trace Center For Outdoor Ethics. January marks an exciting time of year for The Center, as the Traveling Trainers are in Colorado preparing for the upcoming season on the road.
Paul Lewis, President of Northeast Iowa Council, has announced that Scott Seibert ( @scott_w_seibert ) has been hired to replace Dustin Farris as Scout Executive of the Northeast Iowa Council. Mr. Seibert joined Scouting professionally in May of 2002 as a District Executive for a rural, 4-county district in the Mid America Council.
Besides being a Scout my son is on the town wrestling team. It's his second year, and while he's started later than most, so far the sport suits him and he enjoys it. The team practices three times a week …
At the end of the 39th World Scout Conference, and with a few days in Rio to recover, Wayne shares his reflection on World Scouting....
Boy Scout troops are "boy run", so what is the role of the Scoutmaster?
Hello Dear Reader Phew we are back hopefully the things you will notice are we now have a cleaner theme, with an amended logo ( it is a work in...
While sight-seeing in Salt Lake City we ran into Bigfoot who was preparing for the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market that starts on Thursday, January 20th and runs through Sunday, January 23rd. Bigfoot will be available to take pictures with and to answer questions on how to best Leave No Trace.
The January edition of the Scoutmaster Newsletter was published yesterday. This month's newsletter focuses on special needs Scouting. Next month's newsletter will feature Scouting history including some new program resources. There's also a great giveaway - a $50.00 gift certificate to the theclymb.com!
New Minute for All scouts
The BSA Scout Law contains 12 points in which a Scout should practice everyday: Trustworthy Loyal Helpful Friendly Courteous Kind Obedient Cheerful Thrifty Clean Reverent Television star and Eagle Scout Mike Rowe disputes that a scout cannot be "clean" and must get dirty to be a scout.
It's still January, but if you're already thinking about your summer vacation, you're not alone. We hear ya! Now's the time to start planning your family's summer getaway, and many Scouters are heading to Philmont for a week at the Philmont Training Center, the BSA's national training facility since 1950.
I don't think anyone in our troop has come close to doing this much hiking, but we do have a group currently training for Philmont, so maybe they will make these goals.
Hello dear reader Scouting Magazine I want the follow for the post by Elis Matthews of Scouting Magazine, on how to write for the magazine by asking the question do...
This week at the SMMPodcast we talk about planning your next Adventure, I talk about the great experience that I am having being a Wood Badge Staffer… The next adventure stuff.. real good information. This show is sponsored by the Boy Scout Store .
Here's the latest question posed by Scouting Magazine's 'What Would You Do ' column: Commanding Respect Our troop has just seven Scouts who are 14 or older, including me, and then 15 to 20 younger Scouts. On camp-outs, the younger Scouts don't listen to us, and they give us attitude when we ask them to do…
In this episode of WBtv, I discuss two of the BSA's six operating principles that I introduced last month: Impact youth as one family, one BSA. Think and act in the greater interest of the BSA. Assume the best in each other.
For a patch with plenty of visual clues on it, this one sure was tough. That's because the Pioneer Valley Council no longer exists. In June of 2008, the council merged with the Great Trails Council to form the new Western Massachusetts Council.
Whether it's tucked away in the attic or proudly displayed on your mantel, everyone who was in the Boy Scouts of America has a favorite piece of Scouting memorabilia. Eagle Scout and current Scouter Mark Truax sent us a picture of his favorite item, a Coca-Cola ad promoting the 1937 National Scout Jamboree.
In Part 3 of our blog series to help get you ready for the Pinewood Derby, we wanted to post some of the finer points of the Derby's history. Used by permission. Boy Scouts of America® All Rights Reserved. The Pinewood Derby was approved as an official Cub Scout Activity in 1955, but the first…
I was checking my normal Twitter feeds, and saw a link to Clarke's Blog which led me to a link on Scouting Magazine's site The question is about respect from fellow troop members. Here is the question: Our troop has just seven Scouts who are 14 or older, including me, and then 15 to 20…
The Boy Scout and the scoutmaster sit down by the campfire ring for a scoutmaster conference. The sun is shining brightly. The birds are singing. A squirrel watches them from his high perch in a nearby pine tree. During the conference the scoutmaster asks, "What is the Boy Scout Motto?"
Are you buried in snow? Blue skies up above? The beauty about FRISBEE season is that it NEVER ENDS! Check out these cool FRISBEEs made out of post-consumer recycled material and printed with the Leave No Trace logo. $10 gets you playing! https://store.lnt.org/buy Yep.. it's time to toss that disc.
A Warwickshire Scout Troop has been encouraging speeding motorists to change their ways by taking to the streets and catching them in the act.
Our December Court of Honor and ScoutBucks Auction had to be postponed due to snow. The "Blizzard" tag is sort of tongue-in-cheek … not a lot of snow, but here in our community, 1/2-inch will stop everything. We did get around 15 inches later, but that's another story .
Equipment selection and maintenance covers a lot of different things - intended use, fit, checking operation regularly ...
I would guess that Capture The Flag has been a popular game among Boy Scouts since the beginning of the Scouting program. I do not recall playing it as a youth so when I discovered the game in a Scouting game book I introduced it to the troop.
Here's another recipe for those who are looking for some variety when making foil packets. Pizza flavors come through in these beef and potato based hobo meals.
One of the best things about going on camp for me is getting the Scout Camp Blanket out, not only does it keep me warm at night or around a...
Since I wrote my 'Elf 'n' Safety post, the Scout Association have issued some guidelines about playing games in the dark (see the bit about the bloke who sued for a shoulder injury). The advice reads – Games advice 19/01/2011 A recent judgement on a Scouting accident which occurred in 2001 relates to a game run…
Take a trip down this valley and tell us the name of the council that wears the patch seen above. We've removed all of the words (except "BSA"), leaving behind only the colorful images. Good luck! Rules: Guess the name of the council whose members wear the patch shown.
Newness is the word to describe the last two weeks as a brand-new staff member with the Center. I'm new to Boulder, Colorado - my family and I just moved from Southern California. I'm new to the depth of knowledge here at the Center - even though I practice the principles as a hiker, camper and trail…
After 22 months, and nearly 400,000 page views, Cracker Barrel is no more. Scouting magazine's official blog is now Bryan on Scouting, written by me, Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout and the associate editor of Scouting magazine. Like you, I'm passionate about the Scouting program and am always looking for compelling stories, fascinating people, and…
Last year members of Troop 1136, from West Jordan Utah, spent three months putting together a little rap. The Scouts involved completed Cinematography merit badge requirements by planning and shooting the music video for the rap. Please wait for the video to load, or watch Tuck It In! on YouTube . Check out Troop 1136 Online .
A few years ago when I started this blog it was all about getting some of my Scouting ideas written down and maybe just maybe helping some one out with an idea or two. I blogged a lot that first year and the second year too, but then it tapered off a bit, I never…
This meeting plan covers all of the requirements for the Marbles belt loop for the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program.
I have collected a lot of patches during thirty years as a Boy Scout leader. The council shoulder patches are alphabetically arranged in a three ring binder. So are the Order of the Arrow lodge patches and the patches from the 2001 National Jamboree.
The Philmont ® Scout Ranch Rifle celebrates the Boy Scouts of America's oldest high adventure base and the largest youth camp in the world by size and number of participants. This Henry Frontier Lever .22 is offered with the Philmont ® Black Bull logo embellished with an 18 kt.
Ever want to see those issues of Boys Life that were in print when you were a kid? Want to see the very first issues of Boys Life? You are in luck! Boys Life has set ups a new area on its site that will allow you to view nearly 100 years of Boys Life…
If you don't have a background in science, helping your Cub Scout out with this might seem a little intimidating. But the scientific method is really very basic and only involves a few simple concepts.
While I always have my phone on me, sometimes I prefer the real estate of a bigger screen. Fortunately a number of my ‘Scouting Apps' have iPad optimized versions. Troop Badges is one of my favorites. Think of it as …
It's Pinewood Derby season again and to let the good times roll, we've compiled a series of blog posts based on the popular Cub Scout activity of building and racing wooden cars. In this final post, we thought it would be fun to showcase some of the coolest cars we've encountered on the internet.
This worksheet is just a simple grid with a row for each meals. The basic food groups make each column. This makes it easy for the Wolves to see if they are really including items from three different food groups in their meals.
There are two Scouts from Australia who are currently cycling to the World Scout Jamboree they set off from their scout HQ in Adelaide 85 days ago and plan to go through 22 countries and complete approximately 22,000km. Now that is some challenge.
It's the 6th anniversary of An Hour A Week? and for this one, it's a short audio show and a special video podcast. This time we're talking about ceremonies for Dens and Packs. Thanks to everyone for another great year.
Last week, I asked you to dust off boxes, dig through storage closets, and scour your attic for pieces of Scouting memorabilia. But for some of you, I'll bet your BSA memories aren't stuffed in a box somewhere. I'm sure they're proudly displayed in your home.
Just a few months ago my Scouting magazine colleagues and I were taking the long walk down Thomas Road at Fort A.P. Hill. The 2010 National Scout Jamboree seems like it was yesterday, but somehow, we're already talking about the 2013 jamboree?
Venture Patrols, Scout Drivers? Scoutmaster Podcast 53 Feel free to send your questions and comments (you can rate the podcast on iTunes). Use the email link above left or the comments feature of the blog. Links on Podcast 53 Emblem for Venture Patrols.
Starting February 3rd, a group of wilderness enthusiasts are embarking on an epic adventure across the eastern seaboard of North America. The scope of the adventure may even blow away the revered Appalachian Trail. The conservation non-profit group, Wildlands Network is launching writer and explorer John Davis on a 4,500 mile journey from the southern…
I have been doing a lot of thinking about patch blankets since the last blog post. In fact, I took out my two Scouting blankets over the weekend to see if they would work. I received both blankets as gifts, one from my sister for Christmas, the other from a couple of Eagle Scouts at…
Salt Lake City becomes the outdoor mecca of outdoor retailers and enthusiasts every winter and summer as the Outdoor Retailer Market moves into the Salt Palace Convention Center. This past week we joined thousands of people to look at the hottest new gear and trends in the outdoor industry.
It was quickly back into the swing of Scouting following our return from Brazil and a rather hectic day in Guernsey before heading back to London for the now familiar pattern of a variety of meetings and the Greater London South County Conference on Saturday.
Hello fellow Leave No Trace fans my name is Mickelle and I'm another new face at The Center. You know how much of a fan I am because I traveled halfway across the country just to be apart of this thriving organization.
Bryan Wendell, the writer of the Bryan On Scouting blog (formally known as the Cracker Barrel) wrote an article today that I found to be quite interesting. He wrote about Memorabilia Monday. He encouraged readers to send in a picture of something from their Scouting collection along with a short description.
One thing we have done in our troop which seems to motivate our Life Scouts a little is the Life to Eagle reports at every Court of Honor. Each Life Scout gets up in turn and tells what he has done since the last Court of Honor to try to advance and what he plans…
Seth Godin is a muti-talented entrepreneur, thinker and author. Here's my edit of his thoughts on three ways to help people (or Scouts) realize their potential: ... People can be pushed, but the minute you stop, they stop. If the habit you've taught is to achieve in order to avoid getting chewed out, once the chewing…
Last night at our Troop meeting we had two groups of Webelos Scouts pay the Troop a visit. When their leaders called to set up a "Good time" to do their Troop visit, I gave them my standard response... we meet on Monday's...
New Silly Song for Boy Scouts
When I was a scout and had attended many scout camps, one of my favorite games was called, "Top This." -A game that really was simple to play and we did so sitting around the campfire at night. The rules were simple.
The BSA says that the average Boy Scout troop size is 14 scouts. Lord Baden-Powell is attributed with stating the optimum troop size to be around 32 scouts. Depending on what other activities are available for boys in your area, I believe that number of 32 is close to optimum today.
The two Traveling Trainer teams worked together yesterday to visit six different classes at Churchill Junior High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. We all enjoyed the opportunity to connect with the students and staff and learn more together about responsible outdoor recreation.
We get a lot of heartfelt letters at Scouting magazine, but a recent one has really stuck out in my mind. A few weeks ago I received a large manilla envelope from Arthur Warrick of the Baden-Powell Council. Inside were photos, newspaper clippings, and a two-page, handwritten letter.
America is the fattest country in the world, and deciphering how public lands can support a solution to this sad and daunting statistic is the topic of Partners Outdoors 2011. Partners Outdoors is a collection of leaders from land management agencies such as the National Park Service, National Association of State Park Directors, U.S.
A fellow Scout Blogger posted about Benefits of a small Troop. Being a Scoutmaster of 118....I thought I would respond here. To be fair I kept the original post and replied in italics...visit Scoutmaster Musings...we might disagree here but he put out an excellent resource for many Scouts and Scouters: the original post follows...
Continuing with some winter camping tips, I talk a bit about gloves and just how important they are for your next winter camping adventure. Then we talk about developing young Patrol leaders. Gloves and Leaders.. they go hand in hand..
This was the perfect weekend for tons of snow fun! The snow pack has been building for the past month or so and we finally had plenty to build quinzees with snow to spare. The temperature ranged from 10F down to -15F during our campout.
Your Cub Scouts will have to put on some skates to earn their ice skating belt loop from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program.
I'm having a dilemma. I can't decide whether it's good or bad when there aren't very many correct answers for an edition of Name That Council. On the one hand, an easier mystery patch, like the Baden-Powell Council , means more people have a chance to win.
Click to view slideshow. You know the Scout Law, but you've never seen it like this. The 1913 Scout Law postcards seen above are a real treat. The cards, originally produced by The Henry Heininger Co., were reprinted by the Northern Star Council in Minnesota and sent to me.
Thank you to all who send their sympathies to my family. It is wonderful to know that the Brotherhood of Scouting truly is a brotherhood. My family appreciates the sentiments of one and all. Keith, Jean, Dane, and Amber Westergaard
The giveaway ($50.00 gift certificate to The Clymb ) is a Scouter with Troop 302 in Arlington, MA. Congratulations to Joe Macone! Joe was selcted randomly from all those who correctly answered our Scouting trivia question: Sir Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, rose to prominence as a national hero in Great Britain after the; 1.
Last night, Tuesday January 25th, Cub Scout Pack 68 held their Pinewood Derby. Six Cub Scouts competed in the event. Each of the Cub Scouts took home a trophy. Three Boy Scouts of Troop 68 also held separate races for the fun of it.
One of the biggest obstacles in winter camping with Boy Scouts are worried parents. The Scout is being placed in a "High Risk" situation, and parents get the willies when they are faced with the prospect of their little precious getting frost bite and having his cute little nose fall off.
Currently we have 3 Scouts in our Troop. These 3 have been members of the Phoenix patrol since September when the 2 new Scouts joined (1 scout joined troop last February after his own crossover). In February we have 5 …