Posts in May 2011

Day 93 (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

Stopped in to help with an Eagle Service Project for just a little while. The scout is running the show just fine and in fact ahead of schedule. It wraps up on Saturday. This guy worked with the local library to redesign how they collect, categorize, store, and sell used books for their bi-annual book…

Day 93: Camporee Prep (opens in a new tab)

A Scouter's Journey ·

This weekend is the District Camporee. I'm hoping it's just the absence of needing a Tour Permit that is the source of the "I can't help but feel like I'm forgetting something" feeling I have. Called the Committee Chair to confirm if he (and trailer towing van) were attending – no; made arrangements to pick

Jason Pettit's 'Be Prepared' Box

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Jason Pettis is Scoutmaster of Troop 130 in Golden, Colorado. He wrote in to say: I've got a tote I bring with a bunch of extra gear that I loan out to adults (and occasionally scouts) that I call my "Be Prepared" box.

Backcountry Boiler

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Devin Montgomery has designed a new take on an old wood fueled water boiler generically known as the chimney kettle. The Backcountry Boiler is toted to be just a bit heavier than a standard Nalgene bottle and is approximately the same size.

Scout Executive Retires After 40 Years (opens in a new tab)

Scouting News · archived copy

After 40 years as a professional Scouter, Lloyd Roitstein will retire on June 30, 2011. Roitstein smiles when he says, "Now I can be a volunteer again." Roitstein is an Eagle Scout. He graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1971, and then he began his career with the Boy Scouts of America.

Domesday (opens in a new tab)

Nick's Ramblings UK ·

Back in 1986, the BBC set out to make a modern version of the Domesday Book . They got the public to submit articles and photos and they used, for the time, the cutting edge BBC Master computers and analogue laser discs to allow people to store and access the information.

Models of Learning and Leadership

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Our perception of learning shapes the way we instruct and lead. Here are four common models of learning and the corresponding methods applied: Learning Model – EMPTY VESSEL - BLANK STATE Students are empty vessels that are filled by learning new things.

The PTC Media Royal Couple (opens in a new tab)

A Scoutmaster's Blog ·

It has been a long time in the making, but it looks like it has finally happened. Cubmaster Chris of the An Hour A Week podcast and father of the PTC Media network of Scouting related podcasts has released this photo of Miss Liberty of the MISS Show and Buttons of the Around The Scouting…

Day 94: Troop Shopping (opens in a new tab)

A Scouter's Journey ·

A busy Troop meeting night. A couple days ago I found out that (one?) of the Scouts had invited the Music MB counselor back for this week's meeting. When I heard I let the Scouts know they would have to reschedule with the counselor. For one, the night's activities were already full with the planned

Day 95 (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

An ASM stopped by this afternoon and grabbed the adult patrol box, tents, dutch ovens, ropes, and other gear from my garage for this weekend's campout. Since I'm presenting Scoutmaster Specific training tomorrow, I can't be two places at once so I'm missing camp tonight and tomorrow.

Beach Jam Bring Scouts to the Beach (opens in a new tab)

Scouting News · archived copy

The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America provide an educational program that builds character, confidence and teaches the responsibilities of citizenship. For seventeen years, Morey's Piers has been proud to support the mission and goals of these organizations by providing them an extraordinary opportunity to participate in unique scouting adventures.

Day 96: Camporee (opens in a new tab)

A Scouter's Journey ·

Today was the main day of Camporee. The weather held nicely with a few light showers – just enough to remind us (or me at least) how much worse it could have been if the forecast was accurate. The Scouts all had a good time. It was a full day with rifle, archery, tomahawk throwing,

Skills of Leadership: The Art of Communication (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Maniac ·

The art of communication also known as the acting of getting, retrieving, and giving information is the process by which a person in a position of leaderships acts to receive, process, and give information. Each one of these parts are equally important because without all three components effective and accurate communication would not be possible.

Boys Life Pedro Spotted at Dane County Regional Airport

Scouting News ·

Pedro from Boys' Life Magazine arrived in Madison, Wisconsin. Pedro is in town for the 25th Annual Baraboo Circus Heritage held at the Sauk County Fair Grounds in Baraboo, WI. More information on how your Pack, Troop, or Crew can sign up to attend this great event May 20 – 22, 2011 can be found at…

Day 97: Home Again (opens in a new tab)

A Scouter's Journey ·

The inclement weather held off all weekend – that is til an hour before dawn today when the heavens opened. By pack up time the rain had let up a bunch but at that point there was no alternative but to bag the tents wet and dry them at home. We were actually out of

Don't sabotage the boys, or yourself

Bobwhite's Blather ·

A recent article by reinvention guru Jim Mathis got me to thinking about how often we sabotage ourselves and those we lead by a tendency to be a control freak. You all know what I'm talking about. You find it …

An Hour A Week? #260

An Hour A Week? Podcast ·

May Roundtable and Day Camp are on tap for this show. Links: Parent/Family Talent Survey Sheet- http://bit.ly/jl7l9x Tonight's show sponsored by The Boy Scout Store Join the forum discussion on this post Share with Others:

Gilwell a place in the heart

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

Home from the most emotionally charged Scouting event I have every seen. Wood Badge course W1-492-11 has left Gilwell and are now working their tickets. The ax has been pulled from the log and the staff is either home or on their way home.

Leave No Trace in the air (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

On a recent flight to D.C. I noticed Leave No Trace-ish information in an airplane lavatory of all places. I've seen this many times before but for some reason it just jumped out at me that, in essence, this is Leave No Trace. Where have you seen this kind of thing...?

Scoutmaster Podcast 69 – Story of a Scout Dad

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Advice about being a District Commissioner. The Story of a Scouting dad. Subscribe to the Scoutmaster Newsletter Call and leave a voice mail comment or question at (484) 734-0002 Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes Podcast Music null

Meet Eva Hogan, your 2011-2012 National Sea Scout Boatswain

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Eva Hogan, from Houston, is a student at the University of North Texas, where she's double-majoring in history and English, with a minor in German. Eva Hogan enjoyed her time in the Girl Scouts, but it didn't offer enough of one activity she craved: sailing.

Mount Rainier Trainer Course (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Mount Rainier National Park, WA. Mount Rainier was designated as the 5th National Park on March 2nd, 1899. The mountain's majestic allure beckons nearly 12,000 people yearly to attempt summiting the 14,410 foot peak. Of all who venture up the rugged glacial terrain, only half experience the exhilaration of success.

Day 98: I'm a Tenderfoot (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

Patrol meetings and boards of review this evening. Waiting outside with a scout's father, he came out of his board of review and said, "I'm a Tenderfoot!" with a huge grin on his face. It will be quite awhile before I forget that smile and the hug his dad gave him.

The Camporee Season is Upon Us (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Lebanon, PA - This past weekend, we attended our first Boy Scout Camporee of the season at Union Canal Tunnel Park. Over 600 Boys Scouts, Cubs, leaders and parents were in attendance for a day of activities that included an archery range, a BB gun range, a trapping exhibit, fun games, and of course the Leave…

The Leader's Campfire #85

The Leader's Campfire Podcast ·

#85-Just catching up… Tonight, we talk about Chris' kids' progress in Boy Scouting and Steve's initiation into Cub Scouting. Tonight's show sponsored by ClassB.com Join the forum discussion on this post Share with Others:

Spanish Peaks Scout Ranch (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

PROGRAM OVERVIEW Some people have called our High Adventure Program at SPSR a "Little Philmont". We think our program has as much to offer in a smaller, more secluded setting. One of the big differences is that you won't be hiking on trails that are more than knee-deep or running into many crowds in the…

Day 99: Beginnings End (opens in a new tab)

A Scouter's Journey ·

I'll be honest there's a part of me that's sad the 100 days is almost over. Of course there's nothing to force me to stop my daily Scouting and for the most part it won't. It's like reaching the parking area after a good hike of many miles in the woods. It's the part that

Second 100

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

Today marks the last day of the second 100 days of Scouting blog campaign. But as I thought about it, I remembered back to what my good friend Mike Walton who at the beginning of the #100daysofscouting blog campaign wrote about the first one.

Repost on a great blog

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

I am shooting you this link to a great post on another Scouting Blog. He hits the nail on the head with this one and its worth sharing. I would love to repost the whole blog.. but go visit this site. Bobwhites Blather Have a Great Scouting Day!

Ready, set, FLEDGE! (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

What a beautiful country we live in! Watching fields of greenery, bursting Spring colors, bounding deer, curious raccoons, and stoic raptors is giving us plenty of time to contemplate what an amazing opportunity you have granted us. Yes, YOU! We are able to bring the important messages of responsible recreation and stewardship to youth around…

Five Years of Blogging (opens in a new tab)

A Scoutmaster's Blog ·

I had thought about starting one for awhile before I took the plunge. I had some thoughts and stories I thought others may enjoy reading. There were not that many about Scouting related topics. So, on May 18, 2006, I posted the first article to " A Scoutmaster's Blog ."

DAY 100! (opens in a new tab)

A Scouter's Journey ·

So here I am at the end of my 2nd 100 Days of Scouting blogging marathon. As with last year I've made a number of new friends and have learned a lot. I hope that some of what I've shared has helped others as they have helped me. Once again a special thanks to Scoutsigns

Memorial Day Excursions Anyone? (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Red Lodge, MT . Memorial Day is the holiday that is responsible for unofficially kicking off the summer season. Already five months into 2011, it is evident that time moves quickly, but it is challenging not to revel in the idea of longer days, more sunshine, camping, and grilling out with friends and family.

Day 100 (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

On this last day of the 100 Days of Scouting, I learned we have a new Eagle in the troop I learned a terrific scout is moving away I hiked 10 miles I gave advice to a scout planning next month's campout I finished carving an Eagle gift I helped the next scoutmaster with Troopmaster…

Reflections SMMPodcast # 86

The Scoutmaster Minute Podcast ·

In this show I share some reflections on the past Wood Badge Course and of a young man that is being presented his Eagle Award. This weeks Blog Roll is Bobwhites Blather . I really enjoy this blog and encourage you to check it out!

Reflections SMMPodcast # 86

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

In this show I share some reflections on the past Wood Badge Course and of a young man that is being presented his Eagle Award. This weeks Blog Roll is Bobwhites Blather . I really enjoy this blog and encourage you to check it out!

Red is the Colour (opens in a new tab)

Nick's Ramblings UK ·

What is one of the defining things about the look of a Scout? Their neckerchief / necker / scarf, call it what you will. It shows everyone what Troop / Group / Pack / District etc. we belong to. They can be a single colour or multiple colours, in fact there are many combinations available.

The Main Thing (opens in a new tab)

Wayne Brock TV · archived copy

In this episode of WBtv, I'm asking employees to always remember "the main thing." What is the main thing? Simple: providing a quality Scouting experience to an ever-increasing number of youth by focusing on both recruiting AND retention. When it comes to Scouting, the two are inseparable in delivering our mission.

New Poll

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

Thanks for participating in the last Poll… It looks like there are a lot more Eagles out there than the rest. Followed by Beavers and Bobwhites! This time we ask about your High Adventure favorites! Let us know what you think. Have a Great Scouting Day!

Scout Leadership is Not a To Do List (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

Scout leadership is not all about ticking things off the to do list – or even having the list in the first place. Leaders possess the initiative, sense of purpose and skill that motivates others. They are able to look beyond the task into the motivation behind it, they are able to see what needs to…

Expanded Polystyrene Foam (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Yesterday was my assigned blog day....and I forgot to post. So I'm making up for it today with a quick little post and call to action surrounding the issue of Expanded Polystyrene Foam (EPF), commonly known as Styrofoam. If you live in California, please help raise awareness for Senate Bill 568 banning the use of…

Badgetize (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

Northern Star Council had a facebook app created where you can take an image and recreate it with merit badges. See the promo video at YouTube . Make your own image at Badgetize Yourself on Facebook. I tried a few pictures, but didn't have much luck - please holler back here if you try it and like…

Experience - Scoutmaster's Minute (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

Here’s a Scoutmaster’s Minute on the subject of experience: You don’t lack intelligence, fortitude, motivation or common sense; you lack experience. You get experience from trying things out, from EXPER-imenting , from experiencing the results of your actions. How do you think the wild mushroom called the Death’s Cap got it’s name?

Leadership is Not a To Do List (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

Leadership is not all about ticking things off the ‘to do' list – or even having the list in the first place. Leaders possess the initiative, sense of purpose and skill that motivates others. They are able to look beyond the task into the motivation behind it, they are able to see what needs to happen…

Experience (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

You don't lack intelligence, fortitude, motivation or common sense; you lack experience. You get experience from trying things out, from EXPER-imenting , from experiencing the results of your actions. How do you think the wild mushroom called the Death's Cap got it's name?

#100DaysOfScouting, Day 99 (opens in a new tab)

True North Scouting ·

OK, so almost everyone else has finished up their #100 Days, but I started late, so I will finish a couple days after everyone else. Today, the #ScoutNationFitClub morphed into the #100DaysStrong…not that it matters, but it seems that some scouters from Twitter-land have decided that Dunlops should no longer be a part of the…

To Keep myself Physically Strong..

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

That point in the Scout Oath that is often over looked.. said real fast to get to "Mentally Awake.. Morally Straight". Yep, I'm calling you out! But just as the old adage says.. when you point a finger, three are pointing back at you.

Open for debate: Are boys who earn Eagle Scout at 13 or 14 too young?

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

How young is too young for a Scout to earn Eagle? Scouters' opinions vary. What difference exists between a 13-year-old boy who earns the Eagle Scout award and one who gets there at 17½? That was the subject of a fascinating discussion among your fellow Scouters on our Facebook page this week.

Lines of communication

Bobwhite's Blather ·

A lot of us work for fairly large companies where our coworkers number from a few dozen to a few thousand, and every now and then the top management holds an "all hands" meeting to pass along information that is …

An Hour A Week? #261

An Hour A Week? Podcast ·

Mostly talking about Day Camp on tonight's show Guests: MISS Liberty – Host, The MISS Show and District Membership Chair & Trainer Tonight's show sponsored by ClassB.com Join the forum discussion on this post Share with Others:

To Help other People…

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

Yesterday was a great day. The world did not come to end and I had a great time with a great group of kids. Yesterday I was shown just how special the kids of today are. My youngest son is on a Relay for Life team.

Helicopter pilot with the U.S. Navy credits her success to Sea Scouts

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Former Sea Scout Amy Hunt is a Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTjg) in the U.S. Navy. She is a designated helicopter pilot currently stationed in Florida. Before Sea Scouts, Amy Hunt knew one skill in the water: swimming. After Sea Scouts, she can pretty much do it all.