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The Centennial Quality Award is now a thing of the past, but don't despair-your den and pack can still be recognized for their performance. Listen in as Stan Willey, organization specialist with the Council Management Solutions Department at the national office, shares with us everything we need to know to fulfill our Journey to Excellence!
How are you doing? Is there anything we can do for you? We're here to help. In other words, the value of compassion cannot be overemphasized, and to help us emphasize its importance is Amy Von Culin, a second-term Webelos leader and Cub Scout day camp program director in Plymouth, Connecticut.
The time has come to display the winning photo from our January Scouting® Photo Contest. You can view all of the submissions and leave comments on your favorites here . There were many fantastic entries, but after our judges carefully looked through every one, they narrowed it down to these finalists.
The instructor helps Scouts learn and demonstrate skills. He enlists the help of other experienced Scouts from the troop to help him.
Several years ago, the patrol leader council included a winter troop activity in their yearly program plan that became know as the overnighter. It was an all night outing that would begin at 6:00 Saturday evening and end at 7:00 Sunday morning.
Twenty-one days in the beautiful Philmont backcountry? That's the kind of vacation that us working folk daydream about. You'll have to forgive me for being jealous of the lucky 16- to 20-year-olds who will spend three weeks this summer at ROCS, Philmont's Roving Outdoor Conservation School .
Waking in the mountains outside of Boulder, Colorado this morning, we were greeted by temperatures well south of zero degrees Fahrenheit. Fortunately for the Subaru/Leave No Trace traveling trainers we are well equipped for such an occasion with apparel from head to toe!
It's often the goal of a scout (and/or his parents) that he "get his Eagle". That's the way I most often hear it phrased - "getting" his Eagle. Earning, achieving, and completing aren't used much - it's "getting". When it comes up in conversation, I usually offer my view of advancement as, "a method we use to…
A fairly recent development in first aid the emergency medical bandage combines a sterile dressing, elastic wrap, pressure bar and closure that maintains direct pressure on bleeding wounds. Originally developed by the Israelis for military use it comes highly recommended from military medics and civilian paramedics: I was first introduced to the Israeli emergency bandage…
Trail's End released its list of top online popcorn sellers for 2010. The top seller was Nicholas O. from Troop 64 in Northeast Illinois Council and sold $8,382! Check out the top ten online sellers and units below. Top 2010 Online Sellers - Scouts 1.
The Operations sub-committee is one of those groups delegated particular responsibility by the Board of Trustees to support local Scouting and shape future policy – it was one of a number of meetings taking place last weekend, but not the first in a long day…..
Do you have anyone in your Pack who plays hockey? If so, have them check out the Hockey Belt Loop from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program
It is a gadget I would like to get, but I do not have one yet. Even my mother would like to have one after playing with the one my sister-in-law owns. I am sure many of you would like one if you do not already own one.
For those of us working at the BSA National Office, this would've been the only way to make it to work this morning. With roads that look more like skating rinks all across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I'm glad that the BSA National Office is closed today.
Last week we met up with Team East, the Education Department, and the Outreach Department (yes, we now have an Outreach Department!) in El Jebel, CO, a small town outside of Aspen, for three days of Strategic Planning for the upcoming 2011 Traveling Trainer season.
Wearing a uniform identifies youth as Boy Scouts. It give them a sense of belonging to a group. The Boy Scout uniform is associated with the ideals of Scouting.
Cub Scouts like BB guns. Boy Scouts like rifles and shotguns. Check out the shooting ranges at Scout camps if you do not believe me. They are usually very busy places. Boys enjoy shooting at targets. If you are a registered Cub Scout or Boy Scout leader you receive Scouting Magazine , an official magazine of…
Sometimes we get so involved and so closely identified with Scouting that we bruise easily. Perhaps the sharpest criticism is when our Scouts seem disinterested or uninvolved. Boys are Scouts because they like the idea of Scouting yet battle with some of the things that Scouts do.
Sometimes we get so involved and so closely identified with Scouting that we bruise easily. Perhaps the sharpest criticism is when our Scouts seem disinterested or uninvolved. Boys are Scouts because they like the idea of Scouting yet battle with some of the things that Scouts do.
Just three clues adorn this patch, and one of them (the fleur-de-lis) isn't much help for those of you hoping to Name That Council. So you had to focus on that biplane, which might have tipped you off to the area's affiliation with the Wright Brothers.
For many Scouting units, this Sunday is Scout Sunday, a chance for faith-based chartered organizations to celebrate and recognize the Scouting organization. I think I read somewhere that there's a football game on Sunday, too, but that doesn't stop Scout units across the country from taking time to remember that a Scout is Reverent.
So I was reading back on the Scouting Magazine blog and came across the post on great campfire stories . I had one pop into my head that I heard when I was a Boy Scout (or possibly a Webelos), told around the campfire by Mr.
In 1997, Melrose Boy Scout Troop 68 spent a weekend at Eagle Cave in Wisconsin. The boys had a great time exploring every nook and cranny within the cave, as you saw in the last video. Saturday evening, the staff invited everyone to the dining hall for a slideshow and a fun filled program.
by John sweet, from page 81 of Scout Smiles, edited by EGW Wood, published in 1950 and long out of print (but possibly available second hand on Amazon.com)
Although this recipe has "minestrone" in the name, it is more like a stew than a soup. So if you are looking for a traditional minestrone recipe, keep searching. If you are looking for an easy to put together camp meal, then try this.
San Diego REI Leave No Trace Community Event Thursday February 10th from 6-7:30PM Share your ideas about Leave No Trace and ways to increase community action and volunteerism at the REI San Diego store on Thursday, February 10th from 6pm-7:30pm.
I was contacted by Dave Lavell as he was creating a video for a new song he had written. He wanted to make a video using the song and photographs found on Flicker. One of the photos he chose to use was a picture from summer camp that I had taken many years ago.
When we were working on the Engineer activity badge, I told my Webelos that engineering is all about looking at a problem, considering the resources at your disposal, and then finding a solution.
Have you ever had a campout where you knew you were forgetting something? Through the first night your mind runs wild laying in your tent as you try to remember what it was but it doesn't click until the morning …
I like patches, and I got inspired for a new idea. I have seen pictures of different Council Shoulder Patches on Twitter and Facebook. It's one thing that all scouters share...they are all the same shape, but there are many different CSPs...I know that I have 3 different CSPs...
Sindy DeNamur , Voyageur District's District Commissioner, Forest Kenworthy , and yours truly have been selected as three of nine scouters that will receive the highly coveted Silver Beaver Award- the highest award a council can give to an individual. Sindy DeNamur is the District Commissioner and has designed and helped create a boy scout themed quilt…
Today I am posting another den meeting plan for Webelos Engineer activity badge. This meeting plan, along with the first meeting plan, completes all of the requirements.
The yearly census of all Scouts in the UK is now complete and while the national results don't get released for a while yet, locally the figures are looking good. For my Group we actually have one less member than last year, but I'm not too worried for a couple of reasons.
"…Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. -Matthew 5:16
It's been a busy week in my neck of the woods, but a great Scouting week that ended with a Scout in my Troop participating in his Board of Review for the Rank of Eagle Scout. I had the pleasure of sitting in on his board and remaining relatively quiet.
Today is Scout Sunday .. yes there is also a big Football Game on today.. but before kick off.. just remember that a Scout is Reverent. "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.
Dawn of my second year as Scoutmaster for Troop 1363 has passed and I am in the beginning of a new day as a Scoutmaster. Last week, our troop grew...yes, I know that I have been tweeting about the new scouts attending meetings, but now I consider them a true part.
When I volunteered to become an assistant scoutmaster for my local troop way back in 1980, the main competition we had for boy's time was the school sport programs. Some boys were just too busy playing football, basketball, or baseball to join the Scout troop.
If you volunteer for Scouting, you may have noted recent media reports regarding the Vetting and Barring scheme. The Scout Association has issued the following response.
So, there was an event on Sunday night, where 2 teams, with storied histories, who met on the field to discuss who would be taking home a silver award for the evening. At the end, the team with the most heart ended up taking home that award.
A strong, involved Committee Chair really makes a difference to the Pack leaders and to the Pack program.
Most Scouters enjoy their cup of coffee in the morning. I never started drinking coffee. Hot chocolate was more my thing. I do, like many Scout Leaders, have a collection of Scouting themed coffee mugs. It seems that every Scout Leader I know has a collection of Scouting mugs.
Pinewood Derby Awards, New Tour Permits?, new parent recruiting, lots of 'Resourcefulness' ideas, QOTW: (How did you celebrate Scout Sunday?), and Bears to Webelos transition are on tonight's Super Show. Links: George Washington Carver- http://bit.ly/TdA5n Balsa Bridge- http://bit.ly/fwf1Zd Vince's Arrows- http://bit.ly/dJ9tSC Tonight's show sponsored by Badge Magic Join the forum discussion on this post Share…
When movie stars and athletes pose for a glossy, colorful poster, it's routine. But when Bill Ward of Landenberg, Pa., was asked to star in a BSA national campaign, it was a life-changing moment. That's a 12-year-old Bill on the right in the poster seen here.
A question the education dept. frequently gets is: CAN I LEAVE BIODEGRADABLE WASTE (E.G. AN APPLE CORE OR BANANA PEEL) IN THE WOODS, AS LONG AS I HIDE OR BURY IT? The short answer: Most items though of as biodegradable, such as apples and apple cores, orange peels, banana peels, nuts, candy, etc., aren't native…
ClassB® celebrated Pinewood Derby® season this year by launching our own Pinewood Derby event last week. All staff were invited to design and build their own car, with prizes being awarded for "best design" and "fastest." Cars were built using official Pinewood Derby kits and had to weigh in at 5 oz.
Leadership and respect, Advancement question, A Scout asks for a raise. Scoutmaster Podcast 55 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.
Tomorrow is a big day. Scouts--and Scouters--all over America will celebrate the birthday of Scouting. 101 years strong and already taking on a new century. It is also the beginning of 100 Days of Scouting . Tomorrow is Day 1, where each and every day I will log in what I've done for Scouting that day.
February 8th, the honored birthday of Scouting in the United States. It was on this day in 1910 that The Boy Scouts of America was founded. 2010 was marked by Councils and Districts across the country celebrating 100 years of …
New Story for Cub Scouts
Have a question or comment you'd like to have included in the Scoutmaster Podcast? Now you can participate by calling 484.734.0002 and recording a voice-mail. Let me know what your name is, where you are from and what Troop you are involved in and it may be included on the next podcast.
A family outing, learning what makes a Network Unit succesful, splashing around by the sea and lots and lots of train miles....
A delegation of nine young people from across the country will represent the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) in Washington, D.C., this month to present the organization's annual Report to the Nation. This year's report, designated in the BSA's congressional charter, will highlight the BSA's achievements during its milestone 100th anniversary year in 2010, including…
Friday was spent with astute students from Red Rocks elementary school in Morrison, CO. We worked with kindergarten students that listened rather excitedly to "Trek and Tracks Great Adventure" as Trek and Track climbed their way up Misty Mountain, all the while learning about the 7 principles of Leave No Trace.
When you go on an orienteering course, you need to have some ways to measure things. Some of the methods used require you to have something of known length for comparison. A personal measurement log will help you with this.
On Saturday February 5, 2011 Team East was in Pratt, Kansas working with the Boy Scouts of America. The afternoon was focused on teaching general awareness around responsible outdoor recreation through the seven program principles of Leave No Trace. The discussions also addressed personal responsibility for our actions in nature and how to develop a…
#83-Philmont The Movie Tonight, we interview Larry McLaughlin, the director of The Philmont Documentary Collection. Links: Movie Website- http://www.philmontmovie.com Tonight's show sponsored by Badge Magic Join the forum discussion on this post Share with Others:
Happy Birthday to the Boy Scouts of America! Today, the organization is 101 years old. That is quite an accomplishment for any organization, but it is really something for a youth group to accomplish. It is awe inspiring when you sit and think for a moment about all the boys that have been a part…
Yes, this image was Photoshopped to say "101." I call it "recycling." Every Feb. 8 is special to those of us who are passionate about the Scouting program. Each year, the anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America's founding gives us a chance to reflect on the previous year while also looking ahead to the…
Today is February 8th, the birthday of the BSA. Today is also the official end of the 100th Anniversary Celebration. It was an incredible year filled with exciting things from the local to national to international level for me. I stood on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium with several hundred other Scouts at a…
Julus Pahl writes: Clarke I am wondering how to go about getting canoes for a troop? The troop I am working with only camps and the current SM is training me to take over. In the past the boys pretty much only camped and this has taken a toll on the older Scouts!
With winter weather affecting much of the US this past week, hope you are finding some time to enjoy the snow as much as these guys: Aside from braving the chill, going out for a winter walk, sled or ski can be very peaceful, relaxing and fun.
Our troop's PLC has planned a great campout for next weekend: The Flood You are camping at Wolf Gap when...a flash flood strikes! Most of your gear is swept away... Your adult leaders are downstream fishing...You can't make contact with them.
Today begins the 2nd Annual 100 Days of Scouting . Happy Birthday to us! I've already heard from Scouters who have kicked off their own blogs to participate in this year's event. Read them, offer comments, share the experience...and maybe even join us!
(Cake decorations by BSA licensee DecoPak through your local bakery) This time last year, we celebrated the 100th Anniversary of Scouting with the BSA by launching the 100 Days of Scouting program . The idea was to capture the big and little things we do every single day for Scouting--and maybe more importantly to make sure…
Tonight is our Blue and Gold dinner...I still have an active role in the pack, as the 2nd Assistant Cubmaster. I took on the role after seeing some issues with a couple of the younger dens, and asked the Cubmaster if he needed a hand.
In forty years of camping I've seen the canteen replaced by the plastic water bottle. Canteens (remember them?) were opaque, narrow mouthed, heavy and had a metallic taste with overtones of whatever drink mix one last used. Washing them out thoroughly was hit-or miss because you couldn't see inside.
Here is something I picked up from my Wood Badge course back in 2005. I stumbled on it again the other day as I was going through course material in preparation for the upcoming Wood Badge course... thought I'd share it.
“What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.” -T.S. Eliot Today marks the 101st birthday of the Boy Scouts of America! I know how we’ll be opening our pack meeting tonight, maybe with a little singing?
The voice of young people came to Westminster today as MPs discovered how Scouting empowers, challenges and develops the citizens of tomorrow.
Two UK Scout leaders track down their friends with the help of the Australian Scouts
And welcome back to 100 days of Scouting (I will be doing a bonus 101st day in honor of 101 years) What I did today: - our February Court of Honor was tonight. I spent an incredible evening with 100+ Scouts, Scouters and families.
Nope.. not a class at Scouting University.. its the 101st Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. Over the hump and into the future. I had such a great time celebrating the 100th Anniversary last year. Jamboree was terrific.. but now we are heading into the future with the BSA.
In this show we tackle the question "Are we the judge of Maturity?".. we also talk about Patrol meetings and announce the winner of the SMMPodcast pick in the Show Your Scout Spirit Contest! This show is sponsored by Badge Magic Join the forum discussion on this post Share with Others:
Here are the Scouters chasing the 2nd Annual 100 Days of Scouting on blogs: Scoutsigns ( @Scoutsigns ) The Scoutmaster ( @bryanspellman ) A Scouter's Journey ( @dwmetz ) A Scoutmaster's Blog ( @stevejb68 ) Scouteradam's Blog ( @ScouterAdam ) KevinDevin.com ( @kevinhdevin ) Arlen Ward dot com ( @arlenward ) Scouting in NKY ( @jthoppe ) ...and Scouters posting only on Twitter: @jzweiac I'll update as more folks check in…
Spring is around the corner and the seed catalogs have been arriving in the mail. So this is a good time to take a look at the plant science merit badge.
Hello Dear Reader. As the title says I am guessing you feeling a big neglected, first I shut the blog down for maintenance, then open it back up make two...
Its Wednesday, to many in my neighborhood all that means is it is garbage day, hump day, or just another day... But today is another opportunity for me to learn, grow, and live the Oath and Law. Its going to be tough, I know, but by tonight hopefully I will be able to lay my…
To honor our loyal Scouting supporters, customers and volunteers, we'd like to use the month of February to focus this blog on events related to Scouting's history. The first post having to do with the birthday of the BSA . The BSA was founded on February 8th, 1910, but its origins can be traced back a…
Most everyone is familiar with the Klondike Derby, where teams of Webelos, Boys Scouts or Venturers pull decent sized sleds through the (mud/slush/snow/ice) going to different cities and earning gold nuggets. But what about a version for Cub Scouts? Well, in Dan Beard Council, up until last year we had “Cub Winter Day.”
American Cultures Merit Badge Wednesday is still the most hectic Scouting day of my week. Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, email, calendar corrections, meeting plans, trips to the store, and merit badge counseling. Oh...and blogging, confirming appointments for other Scouting events, Blue and Gold updates...you get the idea.
With its attention-grabbing colors, easy navigation, and useful information, there's a lot to love about the new Web site for The Summit . Scouts and Scouters will find that it's a great place for up-to-the-minute information about the BSA's fourth high-adventure base and the home of the 2013 National Scout Jamboree and 2019 World Jamboree.
My friend Emily recently visited Kathmandu, Nepal and the Khumbu Valley at the base of Mt. Everest as part of an expedition for The North Face. Herself, along with TNF athletes Matt Segal and Cedar Wright went to the Khumbu Climbing School to educate Sherpas in technical mountain skills.
Everyone that learns we are in New Mexico is excited that we have been able to migrate to warmer weather. With an arctic freeze covering nearly all of the country, we are here to tell you that not even the "seasonably warm" places are enjoying their usual 50-60 degree temperatures!
In case you hadn't noticed, I'm one of those annoyingly cheerful people for whom the glass is always half full and never half empty. But even my optimism was sorely tested last weekend when I joined a group of leaders from some Sea Scout Groups……
The Melrose Beacon, our local weekly newspaper, arrived in the mail today. I was pleasantly surprised to see a full page "ad" celebrating the anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America, along with pictures of the Melrose troop and pack.
I have been attending the BG dinner for our pack for the last 7 years, and each year, the day after the event, the emails pour in or the phone doesn't stop ringing, with complaints about how one person was slighted, or one person wasn't given proper thanks or worse yet..."my kid didn't get his…
100 Days of Scouting has started off very well… It's great to see the momentum it's started with and already it's led me to a number of new Scouters to engage with. worked with the patrol leader on planned instruction …
There are a group of Scouters out there that have real nice Blogs (and Podcasts).. they have individually yet collectively decided to keep a running log of their activity that celebrate the next 100 days of Scouting... after all, just because it's not the centennial anymore does not mean we should not kick off the…
Well the 100 Days of Scouting Project is off to a great start yet again. So far I've seen 6-8 Scouters joining the project. And I am sure several more will follow. I had a mountain top experience last night at our Troop's Court of Honor.
I'm starting a day late, but "100 Days of Scouting" wagon's moving slow enough I figure I can climb on. Day 1: Had two scoutmaster conferences in the afternoon. One was with a neighbor Webelos scout fulfilling his Arrow of Light requirements and thinking of joining our troop.
What we need is a few good taters… Song virus achieved? Anyway, goodness knows I love me some taters. Especially on campouts. And I have to say that the newest addition to Scouting Magazine over the last few issues has been the article on Dutch Oven cooking and it is great!
The leadership structure in a Venture Crew is much different than in a Boy Scout Troop. Venturing offices are President, Vice President - Administration, Vice President - Program, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Cubmaster Chris and I are co-hosts of a little audio podcast called The Leaders Campfire. We love having guests on our show to talk about Scouting. Last month, we were able to interview Larry McLaughlin, the producer and director of the recently released The Philmont Documentary Collection, which is available on both DVD and BluRay.
Patches have been a long lasting tradition in Scouting.. not only are they fun to trade, sew on a patch blanket, or wear on a jacket or uniform.. they are the colorful story of Scouting. Each patch designed to represent the area, the event, the flavor of a time.
Imagine you are 13 and have just been elected patrol leader. What resources do you have to call on to do the job? Well, maybe you've watched how all this works for a year or two and have at least some idea of what patrol leader does.
My cubicle used to be a lot bigger. You see, in my time here at Scouting magazine, my work space has become the storage room for the items we get in for the magazine's Gear section . We request product samples from the manufacturers, photograph them, and then have our resident gear expert, Stephen Regenold, review…
On our way through Kansas we had the opportunity to visit with students from the Kansas City public schools and talk about Leave No Trace. The students were very excited to learn about the programs common sense approach to enjoying nature in a responsible way!
Tonight is our PLC...it's really only the second one that we have had...the others haven't really materialized...mostly due to the scouts not being trained...my fault...I take full accountability for that. That has been rectified, by holding TLT last month, and now, with a new patrol, our PLC is shaping up rather nicely.
American Heritage Merit Badge I was looking for a little adventure today, and found this guy: @SamuelHGardner Think you have goals? 12500 mile hike in one year. Never been done. Think you have struggles? First 4600 miles is the North Country Trail .
