Posts in January 2011

Remember the Fun... (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster · archived copy

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...

North American Scout Associations to Host 24th World Scout Jamboree (opens in a new tab)

U.S. Scouting Service Project ·

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].

60 Hikes Within 60 Miles Book Series

Scouter Mom ·

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.

Win a free patch if you can Name That Council (Jan. 14, 2011)

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

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.

Meet the American Spirit Award finalists: Day 4 of 4

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

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.

Every Scout deserves a Trained Leader

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

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.

True North Show 34

True North Scouting ·

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:

BSA Tiger Den Meeting 1 – Bobcat and Making My Family Special

Scouter Mom ·

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.

BSA Medical Requirements (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

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.

Bear Achievement 21 (Build a Model) and Pinewood Derby

Scouter Mom ·

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.

An Hour A Week? #249

An Hour A Week? Podcast ·

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.

You've met the American Spirit Award finalists. Now vote!

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

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 .

A Hero (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

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…

Scoutmaster Podcast 52

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

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

Sports vs. Scouts (opens in a new tab)

A Scouter's Journey ·

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 …

And……. We're Back…..

Jabbering All Day Long ·

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...

Scoutmaster Newsletter January 2011

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

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!

The 13th Scout Law (opens in a new tab)

Commissioner Keith Comments ·

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.

Secure your spot for a summer session at Philmont Training Center

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

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.

Scouting Magazine

Jabbering All Day Long ·

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...

Planning your next Adventure- SMM #75

The Scoutmaster Minute Podcast ·

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 .

What Would You Do? - Commanding Respect (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

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…

Assume the Best in Others, Act as One

Wayne Brock TV ·

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.

Name That Council: Jan. 14, 2011 solution

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

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.

Send us pictures of your favorite pieces of Scouting memorabilia

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

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.

Pinewood Derby® History (opens in a new tab)

Official ClassB Blog ·

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…

What Would You Do? (opens in a new tab)

True North Scouting ·

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…

Be Prepared… For Everything! (opens in a new tab)

A Scoutmaster's Blog ·

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?"

Toss that Disc! (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

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.

Sweet 16 of BSA Safety | Equipment Selection and Maintenance

Scouter Mom ·

Equipment selection and maintenance covers a lot of different things - intended use, fit, checking operation regularly ...

Capture The Flag (opens in a new tab)

A Scoutmaster's Blog ·

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.

Is There a Blanket Ban?

Jabbering All Day Long ·

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...

Games in the Dark (opens in a new tab)

Nick's Ramblings UK ·

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…

Win a free patch if you can Name That Council (Jan. 21, 2011)

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

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 (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

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…

Tuck It In! Rap by Troop 1136 (opens in a new tab)

Scouting News · archived copy

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 .

Purpose, Direction...

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

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…

Den Meeting Plan – Marbles Belt Loop

Scouter Mom ·

This meeting plan covers all of the requirements for the Marbles belt loop for the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program.

Printable Menu Planner for Wolf Requirement 8b

Scouter Mom ·

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.

Round up of Items

Jabbering All Day Long ·

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.

An Hour A Week? #250

An Hour A Week? Podcast ·

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.

scoutmaster Podcast 53 (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

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.

Epic trek (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

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…

Bigfoot Madness at Outdoor Retailer (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

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.

Life to Eagle Reports (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom ·

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…

Three Alternatives for Helping Scouts

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

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…

When Webelos come to call

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

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...

Top 10 Benefits of Small Troops (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

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 F Word (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

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.

In Response to a great Scout Blog.... (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster · archived copy

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...

Gloves and Leadership SMMPodcast # 76

The Scoutmaster Minute Podcast ·

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..

Snow Fun (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

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.

Ice Skating Belt Loop

Scouter Mom ·

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.

Thank you (opens in a new tab)

Commissioner Keith Comments ·

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

January Scoutmaster Newsletter Winner! (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

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.

Soothing the worried parents heart

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

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.