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read a bit from the Wilderness Survival merit badge book; > found a good site for materials on teaching the Patrol Method and found a few good sites with lots of references for Wilderness Survival merit badge; > asked the District Advancement Chair about adding to merit badges I'm registered for and current forms
On Sunday 6 March, hundreds of leaders and young people flocked through the doors of Active8 in Kent for a day packed full of information and surprises.
This post on Doug Stowe’s The Wisdom of the Hands blog discusses the hand-brain connection: “The way to the brain, goes through the hand” This isn’t a new thought, but it is particularly relevant to Scouting. (If you take the time to look at Doug’s writings you’ll soon discover that this isn’t just a saying…
Realized that none of the boys have completed the BSA swimmer test. What does this mean? No boating No canoeing I think that I better get prepared for "Shawn? Can you call over to the high school pool and help us out with that?"
Yet another Scout Tuesday. I will save the list for tomorrow on my 100 Days of Scouting Post...but I wanted to say how great the meeting went tonight. I was busy with the new Parents in the new parent meeting.
This post on Doug Stowe's The Wisdom of the Hands blog discusses a saying I find particularly compelling: "The way to the brain, goes through the hand" This isn't a new thought, but it is particularly relevant to Scouting. (If you take the time to look at Doug's writings you'll soon discover that this isn't…
Day 29: Had a conference with a scout for second class. Loaded info for the last new scout into TroopKit.com for events. Had a scout volunteer to plan a 50-Miler trek for July - now he and I can start the fun of figuring out what all is needed.
This award is for Boy Scouts who can't get enough time on the water.
It is the fifth week of 100 Days of Scouting, 2011. Time to dig out that 1984 Boy Scout Handbook for another ten questions from the Scout Mania trivia book. Today's subject is General Trivia. (Keep in mind that these questions were based on the 1984 edition of the Boy Scout Handbook.
Scout Tuesday! The Scoutingest Day of the week!!!! - scheduled several 'meetings' with Scouts during the Troop Meeting - went to the Troop Meeting where I: - talked to New Parents about me, Scouting and the Troop - got my part for this weekend's Eagle Court of Honor - gave a Scout his Eagle Book, fresh from National...congrats Kyle!
In this show we talk about Den Chiefs and the asset they are to your Troop! This show is sponsored by ClassB.com Let us Feedback by shooting us an email , dropping a note on the Blog or using our new SMMVoicemail..
The week on the SMMPodcast we talk about Den Chiefs and what an amazing asset they can be for your Troop. I am not going to blog a bunch about it.. listen to the show ! I will tease it just a bit to say that when your Troop uses Den Chiefs you have better developed…
So a Patrol Leader came up to me last night and told me his patrol wanted to change their name. He then told me what they voted on. My first reaction was "You need a patch for that" as we are more of an traditional patrol name type of Troop with patches from the Scout…
Ever wondered if you can adapt Leave No Trace principles to high traffic, tourist type settings? You sure can!! Check it! Hammocks Beach State Park in North Carolina has recently received the 2010 Group Project Sustainability Award. The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources Sustainability Conference awarded the park for it's efforts in designating…
I've done a few iPhone app posts before. As times change so do the apps. Here's my current top 20: BSA Handbook Troop Badges (Premier Ed.) Good Turn Flashlight Knot Guide SAS Survival Guide – Lite Pocket Universe: Virtual Sky Astronomy Pocket First Aid & CPR from the American Heart Association Coleman® Campfire Tales Classic
Computers Merit Badge What a great day to work from home! My daughter is home from college, and it is good to see her. She graduates in May and has been accepted to the grad school of her choice--all before turning 21!
Two students prepare their Wooley Pockets East Palo Alto, CA. As Traveling Trainers, we try to participate in community events as often as possible. We have enjoyed countless river clean ups, participated in National Public Lands Day, and have worked to improve our trails because, after all, it is all about leaving a place better…
Tonight, I got together with the Cubmaster of the pack, and another CM from a pack in a city about 30 miles to the south of Green Bay. I helped this CM awhile back in using Google Apps to make a pack website, and he repaid the debt with bringing his pack's PWD track and…
Houston, TX - A little over a week ago, Team East joined Texas State Advocate, Griff Danheim , to organize the second Backyard Session of the year. Eleven community members, representing a wide variety of local organizations, came out for the event at the Houston-Galleria REI and participated in a PEAK training and a brainstorming session resulting…
The Venturing program offers a flexible recognition program to meet the interests of its members. The first award Venturers work on is the Bronze award.
The Internet has done amazing things for the Scouting community.. well no duh.. you are on it reading this or got it through the RSS feed.. But seriously.. the Internet has done amazing things to bring the World Brotherhood of Scouting into our homes.
OK Scout Nation...what a Wednesday! It started fine with 2 emails from Scouts...their Eagle Project Workbook. To help them along I have them email me their workbook after we first meet so I can see how they are progressing and offer any assistance they might need.
John, Patrick, David, and William Goodspeed. (Photo by Phil Grout, Howard County Times) Having quadruplets is rare enough. A woman's odds of having four babies at once is estimated at somewhere between 1 in 550,000 and 1 in 800,000. But quadruplets who are also Eagle Scouts?
Here is something you do not see everyday, or even more then once in a lifetime. It is something special when four brothers in one family each receive Boy Scouting's highest award, the rank of Eagle Scout. When the four brothers are quadruplets, well, that adds a whole new meaning to special.
Forget white-noise simulators or special pillows. For the best sleep of your life, find a campsite and a tent. Then slip into a comfortable sleeping bag, like this week's prize, the REI Zen sleeping bag , rated to 25 degrees. The Zen bag, which the company no longer sells, went for $159 when our gear expert…
In 2011, the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics introduces a new social activism and environmental stewardship program called the Backyard Sessions . Backyard Sessions bring together and activate local communities to find ways to incorporate Leave No Trace into all of the ways we live and play.
Cooking Merit Badge Cooking merit badge is perfect for the day after Ash Wednesday! The smell of meat is wafting up the stairs now... Anyway, today marches forward. Most of my Scouting will happen tonight in the company of other fine Scouters.
Wayne reflects on a week of mixed emotions ending with great visits to â
Wayne reflects on a week of mixed emotions ending with great visits to 'real Scouting' in Warwickshire, Buckinghamshire and the London Borough of Southgate.
Cub Scout Pack 68 of Melrose will be holding its Blue and Gold Banquet later this month. To provide a little entertainment during the evening I have volunteered to produce a slideshow of the pictures I have taken when I attended their den meetings and the Pinewood Derby.
I'd swear I stand six inches taller when I wear the Scoutmaster patch on my arm. Tonight was Troop meeting night and it was a good one. > Did the opening colors for our COs monthly meeting and introduced the Phoenix Patrol to the VFW. Everyone seemed pleased to see the next generation of the
St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner. Here is a fun recipe to make with your Cub Scouts to celebrate.
Doesn't this patch just make you want to saddle up a horse and go for a long, peaceful ride into the sunset? O.K., maybe it's just me. Anyway, this week's Name That Council patch takes you to the desert. But where?
Thursday is an odd day. One more step towards the weekend (and a Scout Campout if it's the 3rd weekend of the month) but sometimes it is a busy Scout night. Our District Committee Meetings are the 1st Thursday of the Month, Roundtable 2nd, and Eagle Boards 3rd.
Last night at Round table we got into an interesting discussion about many of the Scouts in our Troops and the jest of the conversation was how neat it was to watch these boys become men. You see our district is huge but many of our Troops are close enough together, and many of us…
For February's Bigfoot Challenge we asked people to share their challenge ideas with us. We received so many creative and fun challenge ideas! Upon winning, we asked our three challenge winners such as Rudy, to share their Leave No Trace story with us.
Over time, processes that seek to decrease entropy and create order are valued, but improving them gets more difficult as well. If you're seeking to make the organized more organized, it's a tough row to hoe. Far easier and more productive to create productive chaos, to interrupt, re-create, produce, invent and redefine.
Day 31: Showing up for the first scoutmaster conference, not sure what to expect, or how mean the old guy will be, or how hard it will be to remember everything, or if this is the right troop to be in.
Crime Prevention Merit Badge Finally a break in the weather! Some warm air is promised for tomorrow, and maybe a little sunshine. The ground is soaked and we could use a little drying out. My oldest daughter is having a baby shower tomorrow.
This post brought to you by Victor Pest . All opinions are 100% mine. Occasionally, a troop trailer will be stolen or equipment will be broken but, every year, troops and scouts run a greater risk of losing gear to mice and rodents.
The Showman activity badge offers a lot of choices, so this is less of a step by step den meeting plan and more a set of suggestions.
ShelterBox is an international disaster relief charity that delivers emergency shelter, warmth and dignity to people affected by disaster worldwide. Shelter Box responds instantly to natural and manmade disasters by delivering boxes of aid to those who are most in need. Each box supplies an extended family of up to 10 people with a tent
It was a long long day! Scout wise, I just talked with a few volunteers about upcoming events. Held the first Scout Nation Chat last night. Several Scouters showed up (and a Scout or two) and we asked questions, found solutions and had a great time.
Today we delivered the first installment of mulch for our big annual fundraiser. The proceeds of this sale are used to replace Troop equipment and to subsidize camping and other activities throughout the year. We'll do another, bigger delivery on the 26th of March.
Today was the Union County St. Patrick's Day parade. The boys looked sharp and did a great job marching. I made a comment about not being able to ask for nicer weather and not a minute later got "bird-bombed." Luckily I was able to get cleaned up before march time. My wife insists it's good
Wayne was unable to join Sea Scout Leaders in the South East for their conference last weekend, but sent a message outlining some thoughts on Sea Scouting and the challenges we all face.
Cycling Merit Badge Man, 5:50AM comes early on a Saturday. I slogged downstairs and woke my Life Scout. We needed to be at our church for install our new American flag. The old one was removed by the Cub Scouts a couple of weeks ago, and we needed to get new hardware for the new…
My Webelos den has been working on their Showman activity badge. For requirement 2, they wrote their own puppet play.
Dentistry Merit Badge A fantastic, gorgeous day today, and it will be largely spent on family. Next two weekends are for troop camping and then Wood Badge. I'll keep it brief so you can get back to yours, too. Today I: Helped my Life Scout get his paperwork in order for his work permit, even…
Day 34: Yet Another Cold Campout - another weekend camping with snow and cold. About 15 degrees colder than forecast. Tying knots and lashings when it's 15 degrees isn't all that much fun so I'm now officially looking forward to Spring and the thaw.
I was a Boy Scout for about three and one half years. While I had fun as a Scout, and even learned a few things, I did not get very far in the advancement program. Advancement was not pushed much in my troop.
I am back from the Wauna La'Montay Lodge Rendezvous of the Order, an annual event our lodge hosts to celebrate its accomplishments, recognize the fantastic arrowmen of the lodge, and of course..have a lot of fun. Friday was an interesting day as most of you that are no longer living in caves knows..
Out of the past 34 100 Days of Scouting today was probably the least "Scouty". I kept up on the blogs and posted a few pictures to the Troop website and that was it. For the past couple days I've really been trying to dig in to Shelter Box work. There's now a permanent page
Wayne's travels last week took him from Guernsey to Scotland, London, Somerset and back to Gilwell - but will you spot the difference in a few months?
Finishing the Trail! The Scouting Day started at 6:30am when the son and I headed out to his Eagle Project. We were met by 2 Scouts and their parents who helped with the Project. My son has been working on this project for some time.
Today is 3-14. Happy Pi Day! In honor of this special occasion, let's take a look at the Mathematics belt loop from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program.
It's Monday! The start of another workweek. The day of blogging about Scouting Memorabilia. This time I go back to the 1940′s and the Boy Scout of America handbook. I have been lucky enough to add two of these to my book collection.
Sunday was an incredible days that has been years in the making, my son's Eagle Project. The biggest problem with an Eagle Project is that the Scout is given the chance to lead and not overpowered by the participating adults, especially when your Dad is the Scoutmaster.
Robert Abernethy, 17, and Zachary Holland, 16 (Photo from Hickory Daily Record) The earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on Friday was devastating beyond description. I speak for all of us at Scouting magazine when I express our sorrow for the lives lost and our hopes for success in rescue and recovery efforts.
Now you can look your best, and promote your favorite cause at the same time. Great for the casual days in the office, or presenting Leave No Trace when a t-shirt isn't appropriate. These super comfortable Polo shirts are made by Econscious out of 100% organic cotton, and are durable, comfortable, and great looking!
In this Podcast: Webelos crossover advice, Scoutmaster's Minute Links in this Podcast: Cliff Jacobsen's Expedition Canoeing School Podcast Music
Share your ideas about Leave No Trace and ways to increase community action and volunteerism at the REI Missoula store on Thursday, March 24th from 6pm-7:30pm . Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics Education Director, Ben Lawhon from Boulder, CO will be hosting this Backyard Session along with Bob Hoverson, Program Manager for the Ninemile…
Webelos crossover advice, Scoutmaster's Minute Scoutmaster Podcast 60 Links in this Podcast Cliff Jacobsen's Expedition Canoeing School You can participate in the podcast by calling (484) 734-0002 and recording a voicemail message . Tell me your favorite scouting joke! Keep in touch READ the Scoutmaster Blog - LISTEN to the Scoutmaster Podcast on iTunes SUBSCRIBE to the…
I was reading this post by Scouter Doug in which he talks about donating to Shelterbox . This is an organisation that "provides emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies for families around the world who are affected by disasters at the time when they need it the most".
Disabilities Awareness Merit Badge Vacations are not my thing. I have a hard time stepping away from work, Scouting and the other things I do. But I'm determined to burn off a little time (we have a "use it or lose it" policy at work).
A message of support has been sent to the International Commissioner of the Scout Association of Japan following the earthquake and tsunami which devastated the country.
? Answered some questions about this weekend's campout & rough checked the directions; ? Cashed in the trailstop.com gift certificate courtesy of the fine podcasters at PTC Media. If it sounds like a suckup there's a 2nd drawing for $50 at ClassB! Seriously though I'm grateful. I've gotten a lot of guidance over the past
Day 35: I got to visit Troop 342 in Ashland, WI tonight. I'm visiting my nephews and one of them just joined that troop this month. It's good to check out other troops when you can. You get to see what you're doing right, pick up ideas, and see that generally all troops are chaotic.
BSA requires discussion of personal safety throughout it's programs
I enjoy a good campfire program. You can easily tell when a camp staff has rehearsed the skits and songs, and when they themselves are having a good time. That good time spreads to the campers and makes for a great evening.
Yesterday was a fantastic Scouting Day! First and foremost it was Monday, so we had our weekly Troop meeting. The Troop meeting started like most others but then took a turn for the better, a Scout camp running through the door about 5 minutes late.
Another Monday in the books... The Scouting Laundry List: data entry on Troopmaster Posted pictures on the Troop website Worked on some new things with the Outdoor Chair Submitted dates for our Troop Swim Gave a State of the Troop with the CC to our Charter Organization YIS Bryan Permalink | Leave a comment »
In honor of Earth Day 2011 and its 25 years of sustainability initiatives, Fetzer Vineyards is donating up to $10,000 to the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. A commitment to environmental stewardship prompted an innovative partnership between the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and Fetzer Vineyards.
It's Webelos Season! Now What? The troop visits have come and gone, you've had a camp out or two where Webelos participated, they've made their decisions and they are coming to join your Troop!Maybe you have a tidal wave of twenty or thirty (gulp!)
A couple of weeks ago I went to do the CEOP Ambassador training as a follow on to the Think U Know internet safety training I did in January . Over lunch, we had the usual time to 'network' and I got chatting to a lady from the mobile phone and broadband company O2 (quite what…
Dawsonville, Georgia - Today, Team East visited with 3rd graders at Robinson Elementary School, which is nestled into north Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains. On a rainy Tuesday, we were in the company of over 100 students across the day who had never heard of Leave No Trace but were able to learn the PEAK principles in…
Sent a note to ASM to confirm he's all set to tow the trailer for this weekend's campout – all good; Printed maps and hiking trails info for campsite and backed up copies to Dropbox (offline access); Looked into renting Friday the 13th for our campout but since it's rated R and it's all young
Dog Care Merit Badge Vacation is going better. I've decided to work on my shed and workshop to get them ready for Spring. First, I have to get some work done for the Knights of Columbus. Then, I have some Scouting that needs doing.
Green Tunnel from Kevin Gallagher on Vimeo . Here's a through hike of the Appalachian trail condensed into a few minutes of video. Watch the seasons and terrain change over 2000 miles of hiking.
This shortened version of the tale is appropriate for Bear Scouts working on Bear Achievement 4 – Tall Tales
Last night my son and I attended the "Touchdown Club" meeting at the High School. The Touchdown club is sort of like the boosters, but focuses 100% of its energy to the Football program. This is brand new at the School and is in its formation stages.
Scout Tuesday is always a busy day. Starts early with my making sure I have everything I need for the meeting. Advancement Sheets, Scoutmaster Minute, various things I promised Scouts/Scouters the week(s) before. - left early to go to Scout Shop.
It is the sixth week of 100 Days of Scouting. Time for another Scout Trivia quiz. Today's theme is outdoor skills. These ten questions come from the Scout Mania trivia book, and are based on the 1984 Boy Scout Handbook.
I just couldn't get to writing anything…not that nothing has been happening, but it's been one of those weird weeks. OK, let's recap. Day #30 – Pinewood Derby – overall, success. My night? bad, details to follow in additional post Day #31 – Fallout from the Pinewood Derby, not all good, not all bad Day #32 – Not a…
I just couldn't get to writing anything...not that nothing has been happening, but it's been one of those weird weeks. OK, let's recap. Day #30 - Pinewood Derby - overall, success. My night? bad, details to follow in additional post Day #31 - Fallout from the Pinewood Derby, not all good, not all bad Day #32 - Not a…
There is no protocol for Eagle Scout ceremony gifts, but here are some good ideas and helpful tips to remember if someone you know achieves Eagle. First, if at all possible, attend the ceremony in person. This is the best act of gratitude you can extend to the Scout.
A Scout is Helpful, and the people of Japan need our help. Several options exist for individuals who wish to make a financial contribution toward general disaster relief. The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army let donors designate their funds for tsunami recovery efforts.
San Francisco, CA On Monday and Tuesday, Team West provided two four hour trainings for Bay Area Wilderness Training (BAWT ). BAWT, a program of the Earth Island Institute, began with the idea that California's bountiful wilderness areas are a vast, yet untapped, resource for local youth-serving organizations.
Episode #5 of WBtv is dedicated to another hot topic: internal communications. For the first time in our history, we're building a team that is dedicated to communicating with all employees in a consistent, coordinated fashion, using a range of vehicles and techniques.
Drafting Merit Badge Even on vacation, Scout night rocks! My wife and I had a great day working on homeschooling decisions and a long, leisurely lunch. Then home to get ready for a busy night! Today I: Reviewed Bobcat requirements with 2 new Cub Scouts.
Our new campaign to protect Groups from unreasonable rent increases has received a fantastic response as Scouts and non-Scouts alike spread the message: Don't Raise Our Rents!
Putting together the work sheet for the Top Troop Award for our District has been an eye opener this year. The Troop is bigger and 2010 was an incredible year for all of us in Scouting. Now, I put this together a couple weeks ago, but finally got to email it to the committee tonight.
Looked up any public geocaches in proximity to this weekends campsite. >> Confirmed with the CC that he can bring the cooler to the Troop meeting tomorrow night; its the traditional grocery shopping before the campout; should be tons of fun with all the new Scouts. >> Registered the Troop for the NJ State
The Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers are conducting the following training events across the country in March. For more information about these or to attend, visit their calendars. Team East March Calendar http://tiny.cc/bkolx Team West March Calendar http://tiny.cc/aq9ya Arkansas: • Kipp Delta College Preparatory School – Helena California: • Tahoe Mountain Sports – Kings Beach • Bay Area Wilderness Training…
I recently started reading a book called A Scout Leader's Guide to Youth Leadership Training: Working the Patrol Method. I am really impressed by this book.
Day 37: The past two days have been just 'remote scouting' for me - only communicating remotely over the 'net to the scouts and adults back home, replying to emails from site visitors, and adding troop links to my Scouting Links page.
We are all in Scouting for one reason or another. Some of us have been in Scouts since we were in Cub Scouts, our parents and grandparents were in Scouts and we have just grown up with the program. For others, it was an invite at a join night that fell out of the lunch…
Every once in awhile it becomes a busy week of Scout stuff in this scoutmaster's schedule. This happens to be one of those weeks. Take a look… Monday, the 14th – The troop meeting. Most of the members of the Mel-TV board of directors stopped by for a photo with the Boy Scouts.
Day after Troop Meeting is always a blur to follow up on what was done at the meeting... However today I turned my house upside down. I have a Scout Bag...in it I carry applications, handbook, paperwork for Scouts, District stuff, etc and my Scoutmaster Binder.
Scouter Seth sat there, stumped. No matter how hard he searched for an answer to Friday's Name That Council contest , he couldn't solve the mystery. Frustrated as he was, his Scouting spirit was high when he sent me this e-mail: Bryan, I have no idea.
