Celebrate volunteers (opens in a new tab)
It's Volunteers' Week so there's no better time for you to join our team of exceptional volunteers and make a real difference to young people's lives.
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June 2011
269 posts, oldest first.
Posts in June 2011
Making Scouting inclusive - practically (opens in a new tab)
Another varied week for Wayne with plenty of administration, meetings and conference calls before a fun and action packed weekend visiting camps including successfully inclusive Scouting in Bradford.
Cultivating New Leaders
Where do new leaders come from? We have answers to that age-old question from Chris Smith, who has joined us before in sharing the continuing success of the ScoutParents program. This month, he lets us in on the secrets of cultivating leaders slowly but effectively.
Courage
Winston Churchill once said, "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen." Joining us is Angela Elliott, a Cub Scouting volunteer for over 18 years who also happens to be part of the Youth Development Team at the national office in Irving…
What a Scoutmaster Takes to Scout Camp (opens in a new tab)
Adult Leader Summer Camp Equipment List Stuff Personal Gear Tools/etc. First Aid Kit Pillow Hammer Paper Towels Hanging Kit(4) Pliers TP Shower Sandals Nails Hanging Light(1) Hangers(5) Tarp D Batteries Coffee Cup/Mug Rope AA Batteries Water Bottle String Liquid Hand Soap Notepad Duct Tape Hose Pencil/Pen Shovel Broom Knife Saw Clothespins(2) Snacks Tacks Clorox Wipes…
Trekking Poles Review (opens in a new tab)
My hiking stick evolution goes something like this: - A number of ones found in the wild; some with natural twists, ones I carved, sanded and varnished. - A number of bamboo sticks like my backpacking hero Colin Fletcher. - A few I machined from hardwood (oak, mahogany, etc.)
SMMPodcast #87 Annual Meetings
Welcome back to this weeks SMMPodcast. This week I share some thoughts about the 2011 Annual Meetings of the Boy Scouts of America. It was a fantastic experience. This weeks Podcast is sponsored by The Other Scoutmaster's Handbook . A couple take home points from the meetings.
SMMPodcast # 87 – Annual Meetings
Welcome back to this weeks SMMPodcast. This week I share some thoughts about the 2011 Annual Meetings of the Boy Scouts of America. It was a fantastic experience. This weeks Podcast is sponsored by The Other Scoutmaster's Handbook . A couple take home points from the meetings.
Boy Scout Training
I just took a peek at the current results of the Poll on Training… and I think it is right where I thought it would be. "Leaving us wanting More". We talked a lot about training at the annual meetings and just how bad it needs to be upgraded and changed.
Retention: Six reasons Scouts drop out and how you can prevent it (opens in a new tab)
Scouters say that getting Scouts outdoors is a sure-fire way to keep them in the program. (Photo by Roger Morgan, BSA) What's the one thing the Scouting program can't live without? Scouts. The Boy Scouts of America offers the premier program for youth, but Scouts need both the means and the desire to stick around.
Endeavour Delivers Payload of Boy Scout Patches
It's no longer breaking news that space shuttle Endeavour returned this morning this morning from a successful 15 day trip, delivering the final U.S. components for the International Space Station and taking its last flight. All in all, Endeavour has 299 days, 4,671 orbits and 122,853,151 miles logged in space.
Burgled (opens in a new tab)
I was saddened and annoyed to hear that one of the Groups in our District had their Scout hut broken into just before the weekend and had some tents and lamps stolen. Luckily for the Group, this is more of an inconvenience than anything else, but that is not point.
AFN Two Minute Report: Cub Scouts in South Korea
Check out this AFN Korea story about a Cub Scout Day Camp in South Korea. This edition features a story on the Boy Scouts Yongsan Activities day in Korea. Hosted by Pfc. Joon Sang Yoon.
Transforming a Skull Full of Mush (opens in a new tab)
The Paper Chase" started as a novel, was made into a movie and, finally, a TV series in the 1970′s. The story follows a law student in his first year at Harvard. Professor Kingsfield, the student's nemesis, has a reputation for a brilliant, dispassionate relentlessness.
Baloo's Bugle for COURAGE is on-line (opens in a new tab)
Come check out the latest from Dave, Alice, Wendy, Jim, Felicia, Roxanne, Jay, and Joe!! Baloo's Bugle for COURAGE - June RT and July Core Value on-line Lots of OUTDOORS, FIRE SAFETY, and PERSEVERANCE ideas. There is only one edition this month (and next) - It is listed as the Pack Edition but contains Den and Pack…
Guest blog: How to (safely) add tomahawk throwing to your next Scouting event (opens in a new tab)
Throwing tomahawks can add some fun to your next Boy Scout, Varsity, or Venturing outing. (Photo by Chris Watkins) NOTE FROM BRYAN: This guest blog post was written by Eagle Scout Chris Watkins , who owns a site that sells tomahawks and hatchets .
Boy Scout Abbreviations (opens in a new tab)
So, you are new to the Boy Scout program. Maybe you crossed over this spring with your son who was a Webelos Scout, or maybe you joined with your son as he joined the program. Either way, you may be hearing terms you are unfamiliar with and abbreviations that confuse you.
When nature calls... in a canyon (opens in a new tab)
Dear Education Department, I just went canyoneering for the first time a couple weeks ago. While we were in there, we were wondering just how exactly one goes to the bathroom in a canyon. Is there any other answer besides a WAG Bag or Restop?
Recreating and Relaxing Responsibly at Topnotch Resort and Spa (opens in a new tab)
Stowe, VT -- We left the muddy trails of the Adirondacks on Monday afternoon, drove the Subaru onto the Lake Champlain ferry and were greeted by Camel's Hump as we headed over to Vermont. It could not have been more of a picture perfect summer day in New England as we made our way to Topnotch…
Scout Nation Fit Club (opens in a new tab)
Wow, it's been a couple weeks since the end of the 100 Days of Scouting, and the beginning of 100 Days Strong. I have been doing pretty well, and I am pleased to say that I am 1/5th on my way to my goal…only 79 more pounds to go and I can make Philmont weight…it's…
Virginia Heights (opens in a new tab)
Compton Overlook Last week after a short hike in Shenandoah National Park, the e-tour had an amazing evening and delicious bbq dinner with our Virginia State Advocate Laurie Harmon and her husband Randy. The following morning we had the opportunity to introduce the Leave No Trace principles to her Outdoor Education and Leadership class at…
Starting Off on the Right Foot
Our Troop Committee Chairman has stepped down and another parent has volunteered. This is fine and I look forward to working with her. The problem is with her husband is a military man used to having people answer to him.
On National Trails Day, show some love for our country's great outdoors
Where would the Boy Scouts of America be without trails? Well, there'd be no Philmont treks. The 50-miler award wouldn't make much sense. And that big hike your troop is planning would require some serious bushwhacking to get to your destination.
Standing on the shoulders of Giants
When I became a new Scoutmaster a good friend took me aside and gave me some great advice. He told me that its all about the Troop program. We were building a Troop from scratch and so he assured me that if we built a great program, the Scouts would come and we would have…
The Ripley Rendezvous (opens in a new tab)
I was probably a 13 year old Boy Scout when I attended my first Ripley Rendezvous. This annual event was sponsored by the Central Minnesota Council, BSA, and the Camp Ripley National Guard Base, located north of Little Falls, Minnesota.
Leader: a title or an attitude?
I frequently sit on rank advancement boards of review in our troop. Because it's so important to me, I usually ask the scouts we interview about leadership in one aspect or another. I ask whether the scout holds a position …
May Photo Contest Finalists Announced! (opens in a new tab)
Here are the finalists for last month's photo contest. All the entrants had to do to participate was upload a Scouting pic to flickr and tag it "ClassBPhoto2011″. The winner, receives a $100 Gift Card that they can use to get custom screen printed t-shirts from us We hold a Scouting photo contest every month…
Scouts and Other extra curricular activities (opens in a new tab)
Lately I have been hearing from multiple different sources that I work with that it keeps getting harder and harder to attend Scouts on a regular basis. This lack of attendance can be attributed to many different causes and should not automatically lead the leaders to believe the Troop is putting on a boring program.
Thoughts about the Blog (opens in a new tab)
I have a few questions in regards to the running and operation of this blog 1) Is the information interesting or relevant to struggles your unit faces? If not, why and what should I be including? 2) What other areas would you like me to cover that I have not covered?
Smoke Signals (opens in a new tab)
New Skit for All scouts
Picture of the Week 6.4.11 (opens in a new tab)
Sunrise over the Chesapeake Bay. Better than coffee:)
Campfire Question: Courts of Honor (opens in a new tab)
One of the things I've enjoyed most about this blog is the feedback from the readers. To know that it's more than just me babbling into the interwebs and that there's people around the country and even world that are contributing to mine and my Scouts experience is both appreciated and humbling.I've decided to start
Merryland (opens in a new tab)
The e-tour team has been spending some time in the fine state of Maryland. Two of those events were in conjunction with Maryland State Parks. At Rocky Gap State Park we joined in the training of over sixty exuberant interpretive staff members, who will be entering their busy summer season with an aim to incorporate…
Bear donates his birthday to Scouts (opens in a new tab)
On 7 June, Chief Scout Bear Grylls is donating his birthday in support of our campaign to raise £30,000 for a new climbing tower and safety equipment at Woodhouse Park National Activity Centre.
Within my Power
Everyone that is a volunteer or has ever volunteered has heard the quote "One hundred years from now, it will not matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, how much money I had in my bank account, nor what my clothes looked like, but the world may be…
Prepared For Life
Here is a video I dug up that I think speaks to the core of where we are heading for the next 100 years of Scouting! Have a Great Scouting Day!
It's OK to be a Scout and be gay!
I am pleased that the Scout Association has launched an initative to make it clear that being gay is no bar to being involved in Scouting, as a Young Person or as a Leader. There was never the case – despite popular perception and resistance from religious groups.
Caption Contest 2 Winner -Joe Pelletier (opens in a new tab)
SKIING: So easy, even a Scoutmaster can do it! Winner Joe Pelletier is a Webelos Den Leader for Pack 48 and an ASM for Troop 48 in Moreland, GA, Flint River Council. Joe has earned the coveted Kyber Pass granting him the privilege of moving to the front of any line at any camp trading…
Caption Contest 3 – Canoe do this?
What the heck is going on here? What's this Scout thinking? Share your best caption idea below (one entry per person please!) and most importantly: VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE CAPTION! Can you vote for yourself? Sure, but one vote per person please.
This weeks Poll
View This Poll online survey...
Sea to Summit Trowels on Sale! (opens in a new tab)
These cleverly designed trowels' compact, lightweight design allows them to collapse down to fit inside your pocket, and have storage space for toilet paper inside the hollow handle. They are 25% off for the month of June, and come in either nylon or aluminum. You can find them in our online store .
Picture of the Week 6/6/11 (opens in a new tab)
Urban Paddleboarding in Seattle!...
2011 Ripley Rendezvous Review (opens in a new tab)
Five Boy Scouts and two adult leaders of Melrose Troop 68 joined nearly 3200 other Scouts and leaders for the 2011 Ripley Rendezvous. The event was held at the Camp Ripley National Guard Base in central Minnesota. Boy Scouts from all over Minnesota attended, along with some Boy Scouts from neighboring States and even Canada.
Every Litter Bit Hurts! (opens in a new tab)
Whitehall, MT. At a recent evening campfire program in Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, we met an on-site volunteer that proudly shared his grand-daughter's slogan for protecting the environment. He wasn't sure how she came up with it, but after a rousing game of How Long Does It Last, a game in which participants…
Philmont's summer season has officially begun (opens in a new tab)
No Philmont landmark is more identifiable than the rugged Tooth of Time. (Photo by Phil Romans on Flickr) The calendar says summer doesn't begin for a couple of weeks, but don't tell that to the folks at Philmont. Summer has arrived at the New Mexico high-adventure base.
Podcast 72- The Scoutmaster's Other Handbook
Interview with Mark Ray; author of the Scoutmaster's Other Handbook and The Eagle Court of Honor Book. The Scoutmaster's Other Handbook on Amazon The Eagle Court of Honor Book on Amazon Mark Ray's Website Eagle Court of Honor Backdater Mark's Parenting and Scouting in free PDF format Subscribe to the Scoutmaster Newsletter Call and leave…
The Ripley Aerial Photo: Where's Scoutmaster Steve? (opens in a new tab)
Hundreds of Boy Scouts, troop leaders, and staff meet at a special location during this weekend's Ripley Rendezvous to form a huge human outlined fleur-de-lis, the universal Scouting symbol. The Camp Ripley Public Affairs Office had their staff take this photo from a helicopter.
Hello? Anyone still here?
May is a tough month for those in the TV industry. It is May Sweeps and the ratings are based on out performance this month. Being in the TV industry in Indianapolis in May also adds the Indy 500, Mini-Marathon, Indy 500 Parade and tons of other 'extras'.
A Monkey Emails (opens in a new tab)
Seriously! Last night I got an email from Augustus Clibbon who is a monkey and the mascot of the 3rd Ware Scout Group from Hertfordshire. This is the Group whose Scouts produced the video on how to tie a friendship knot which is very popular on my Group's site.
Happy Birthday Bear (opens in a new tab)
Firstly a quick post to wish our Chief Scout a Very Happy Birthday and to let you all know about Bear donates his birthday to Scouts 06/06/2011 On 7 June,...
Cub Scouts Pack into Parliament as MPs become leaders for the day (opens in a new tab)
A group of Cub Scouts held the first ever Pack meeting in Parliament to promote National Volunteers' Week.
Cub Scouts Pack into Parliament (opens in a new tab)
A group of Cub Scouts held the first ever Pack meeting in Parliament to promote Volunteers' Week.
INDYCAR Partners With Boy Scouts
INDYCAR proudly announces today that the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is now an official sponsor of the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights. The BSA was introduced to motorsports in 2010 through an association with Dale Coyne Racing - an experience that convinced the 101-year-old organization that INDYCAR was an ideal partner with whom…
Tradeshow of Scouting featuring ShelterBox (opens in a new tab)
Last night our council held their annual Tradeshow of Scouting. I had the opportunity to run a table on behalf of ShelterBox USA. Technically this is my first official speaking engagement for ShelterBox and I got to give my presentation (a condensed version) 60-100 times. There was a lot of positive feedback about ShelterBox and
Giving it all away
Character is something that I talk about a lot with the Scouts of my Troop. It is a subject worth discussion often with these young men that are influenced by popular culture, peers, and sports figures. Now, if you have read this blog for any period of time, you know that I am a huge…
Tahosa High Adventure Base
PROGRAM OVERVIEW Tahosa Alpine Adventure is true back country mountaineering. Backpack thirty to fifty miles in the Indian Peaks Wilderness with a trained guide while learning all about mountaineering skills and practices. Rock climb in a true back country environment, glissade down snow fields in July, learn about weather patterns, summit peaks of over 13,000…
A Grateful Father and Scoutmaster (opens in a new tab)
The following is the speech I gave at my son's Eagle Court of Honor this weekend. As much as I can remember preparing it. The delivered version many have differed slightly as I was suffering from 'allergies' and my eyes might have watered up....
11 Scouters join prestigious list of Silver Buffalo Award recipients
The Silver Buffalo Award square knot and medal. What do Robert Baden-Powell, Jimmy Stewart, Neil Armstrong, and Bill Gates have in common? All are recipients of the Silver Buffalo Award , Scouting's highest honor for adults. Late last month, 11 more joined the prestigious list.
National Trails Day (opens in a new tab)
Crawford Notch, NH -- On Saturday, we came back to New Hampshire to meet up with the Appalachian Mountain Club to help them celebrate National Trails Day , a nationwide celebration of trails sponsored by the American Hiking Society . About 80 volunteers turned out, on a beautiful sunny day, to participate in trail work on one of…
Bigging up the Movement (opens in a new tab)
Wayne highlights some benefits of a listening ear, and shares his thoughts on wwhy we should be "bigging up" the Movement.
Coming Up for Air
It is often said by bloggers that I just did not have the time to post. That was not my problem I was living my scouting life and gathering information to be able to come back and tell you all about it.
On A Voyage Through Voyageurs National Park (opens in a new tab)
International Falls, MN. In our opinion, National Parks are indeed, one of America's best ideas. Yesterday, we had the opportunity to work and play at Voyageurs National Park , just outside of International Falls, MN. In the morning, we presented an introduction to the Leave No Trace program to 70 park staff.
StoveTec Wood Burning Stoves for Camping
Should Scout troops use standard two burner propane stoves for camping? Half of the world's households and 80 percent of rural households in developing countries cook with solid fuels like wood, coal, crop residues and dung. Many of these households use traditional open fires or simple stoves that release smoke into the dwelling and do…
Register now for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree
You've never seen a jamboree like this. Each time the BSA hosts its signature event, the result is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the Scouts and Scouters who attend. But 2013′s edition promises to bring the jamboree experience to a new level.
Dolores, Colorado: Spreading River Love (opens in a new tab)
This past weekend, we had the honor of traveling down to provide outreach and Leave No Trace awareness to the good folks of Dolores, Colorado for the Dolores River Festival. The Dolores River Festival is a community celebration of the Dolores River and the many ways it connects us to each other, the environment, and…
Summer Activities (opens in a new tab)
The other day, @MNScoutmaster asked in a post if your scout unit meets during the summer or not as compared to Cub Scout Packs. The consensus on Twitter was that units of those providing a reply do meet year round.
The Mini-Twister (opens in a new tab)
It was a nice warm Saturday morning at the state-wide Ripley Rendezvous last weekend. The sun was shining, There was a nice breeze. It was turning out to be a great day for this Scouting event. Little did we realize that nature had a little surprise in store for us.
Term Limits for Scouters? (opens in a new tab)
This post is a bit of a bait and switch. You think this is about term limits for Scouters and it is – kind of. Thing is I don’t have a strong opinion one way or the other. I can see good arguments for and against the idea of a limited term of service for a…
Term Limits for Scout Leaders?
This post is a bit of a bait and switch. You think this is about term limits for Scout leaders and it is – kind of. Thing is I don't have a strong opinion one way or the other. I can see good arguments for and against the idea of a limited term of service for…
We've talked the talk, so follow us as we "Walk the Walk" toward an active lifestyle
Would you tell a Scout to wear his uniform while you show up in a T-shirt and jeans? Nope. Just like we wouldn't tell you about the importance of an active lifestyle while sitting in our La-Z-Boys. That's the thinking behind the Boy Scouts of America's new Walk the Walk challenge.
BLACK DESPAIR IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS - Guest Blog from Robert Stieve, editor-in-chief, Arizona Highways (opens in a new tab)
As editor-in-chief of Arizona Highways , I'm often asked about my favorite place in the state. It's an impossible question, because there are so many places, but when I'm pushed, I usually admit it's a tossup between the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and Hannagan Meadow in the White Mountains.
Find The Lost Civil War Cannon In The New River GorgeSummit Blog! (opens in a new tab)
Headphones, wallets, socks — all things easily lost. But 150 years ago, a young Confederate captain lost something a little bulkier: his cannon. Yes, a cannon. One of those big guns with wheels. If you'd like to see a canon like the one above (OK, it's just a *bit* bigger) fire live rounds, share this story…
Gingrich Foundation Recognizes BSA as Charity of the Month
The Gingrich Foundation has selected the Boy Scouts of America as Charity of the Month for June in commemoration of President Woodrow Wilson's signing into law a national charter for the Boy Scouts of America on June 15, 1916. Originally incorporated in February 1910 by W.
Grandma always told me… (opens in a new tab)
You are either part of the problem or part of the solution…" a great approach to being a part of an organization. You truly are either part of the problem or part of the solution. When we teach our Scouts how to lead, being part of the solution is the driving force that they need…
MSPP #108: 2011 Open House (opens in a new tab)
The Cub Scouts of Pack 68 and the Boy Scout of Troop 68 held an Open House on Monday, April 18, 2011. The fire department even brought their ladder truck to the event. What do you do for your open houses?
Troop Bank
When a Scout arrives at summer camp with our troop he deposits all of his money in the troop bank. He's been told to bring his money in one dollar bills to keep things simple. The troop scribe collects all the money and records deposits in a small notebook.
Book Review Part 2: Developing Teen Leadership
I was recently asked to review a book on teen leadership. The book is called Developing Teen Leadership: A Practical Guide for Youth Group Advisors, Teachers and Parents. It is written by Dan Appleman who has 20 years of experience working with youth.
CSP Swap…PT II (opens in a new tab)
It looks as though the Twitter CSP Swap is starting to gain a little steam. I have received 3 patches from around the country…one from JTHoppe , one from OKCScouter and one from SM_Phil . I know that there are more coming, and I am really happy to see that we are still able to do something…
BSA Wolf Den Meeting 1 – Bobcat and Your Flag
BSA provides den meeting plans for den leader on the Scouting.org website. Today, I am going to go through the first Wolf plan. This plan covers Bobcat and part of Wolf Achievement 2 - Your Flag. If you don't have any new Cub Scouts in your den, then nobody needs to earn Bobcat, but it doesn't…
Leave No Trace Volunteers in Action (opens in a new tab)
Leave No Trace Partner Highlight: Saco River Recreational Council Today is the... 5th annual Saco River Spring cleanup Saturday. We have about 60 volunteers including two scout groups from Upton, Ma and Milton, NH along with the National/Subaru Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers from Bouldor, CO.
Follow the No. 19 BSA IndyCar with Bryan's live race reports from Texas Motor Speedway
Hey folks, I'm live at Texas Motor Speedway for tonight's Firestone Twin 275s race, featuring driver Alex Lloyd and the No. 19 Boy Scouts of America IndyCar. Coverage of the race is available on Versus and begins at 8 p.m.
Pinewood Derby Racer (opens in a new tab)
Mid April 2011 Time to carve: none Finishing: Unknown It was pleasure to be presented with this Pinewood Derby racer at a recent race during Pack 8's Pinewood derby. I love the details of the slide and marvel at it's simplicity of its construction.
When the time is right...
Back in November, I began to feel like my quest was becoming a bit too automatic and I had become machine like producing the slides. I took a break for the holidays thinking I would start up again in January and find my grove again.
The Bold Knight (opens in a new tab)
Early Feb./Mid May 2011 Time to carve: 2 hour Metal work: .5 Finishing: .5 hours This slide was half done back in February when I put down my knifes for a while but when I picked it up in May all I could think of was Sir Robin.
Mexican Zapotec Mask (opens in a new tab)
Early Feb./End May 2011 Time to carve: 10 hour Finishing: .5 hours While many have heard of the Aztec and Maya civilizations, there was another civilization in South America called the Zapotecs who were also highly developed. They had developed a calendar, a system of writing, and organized bureaucratic structure.
Crossed Skis
Early June 2011 Time to carve: 2.5 hours Finishing: 1 hour This past winter I had the opportunity to be in Lake Placid during the Empire States games. The place we were staying had old skis like these mounted on their wall.
ScoutmasterCG (opens in a new tab)
Early June 2011 Time to carve: 3 hours Finishing: 3.5 hour Ssshhhhhh....If you know or correspond with Clarke Green don't let him know this is on the way to him...I want it to be a surprise. For those of you who have never heard of Clarke Green, his Scoutmaster blog , or the Scoutmaster podcast you…
Mom and Son Weekend (opens in a new tab)
Today is the conclusion of the Spring session of Mom and Son at Camp Bear Paw and although Friday night's rain soaked a few moms and sons who slept in tents, it did little to dampen the spirit of the event.
CD Fish Craft (opens in a new tab)
Instructions for a fish shaped craft made from old CDs. Make one or make several and put them together as a mobile.
Lights, Camera…Off to Camp (opens in a new tab)
Well, today is the first day of Twilight camp for our district. This will be the fourth (and last) time around for our oldest (the now second year Webelos scout) and the first time for our youngest (the Tiger Cub).
Photo of the Week 6.12.11 (opens in a new tab)
The e-tour took a morning stroll at Patapsco Valley State Park and found the "Swinging Bridge" to be a welcome respite from the hot, humid weather that Maryland has been having lately. The bridge was originally constructed to allow passage for the Orange Grove mill workers to pass between their settlement and the mill.
How Long Does it Last? 6/7/11. The e-tour… (opens in a new tab)
How Long Does it Last? 6/7/11. The e-tour spent a couple hours after school with students at Digital Harbor High School in Baltimore, MD. Many of the students at the workshop were gearing up and preparing for summer and fall adventures with Baltimore Inner City Outings (BICO) .
The antidote for self-centrism (opens in a new tab)
Last week, New York Times columnist David Brooks wrote an op-ed piece titled It's Not About You as a rebuttal to the countless college commencement addresses that implore our newly-minted Bachelors of Whatever to go and blaze a trail in …
The North Face Endurance Challenge: D.C. (opens in a new tab)
Bigfoot broke a sweat catching up with athletes at the latest installment of The North Face Endurance Challenge series. Just outside our nation's capitol along the banks of the Potomac River participants took to the trails at Algonkian Regional Park in races ranging from 5 km to 50 miles.
FREE National Park Day! (opens in a new tab)
In addition to marking the first day of Summer, June 21st should also be marked in your calendar as a play day. The National Park service is providing free entrance for all 394 National Park units ! That's right FREE. This is your chance to roll up to the splendid terrain that this beautiful country has…
Somewhere between a Rock and Hard Place
That's where you will find adventure and success. Life is hard enough for an 11 year old with out standing on the edge of a cliff. But that is where the Scouts of Troop 664 find themselves every year when we climb at Smith Rock State Park in Central Oregon.
The authors of "The Scout's Outdoor Cookbook" want your backpacking recipes (opens in a new tab)
You know your legendary backpacking recipe? The one the guys in your troop have been requesting on every trip for the past decade? It's about to become even more famous. Tim and Christine Conners , authors of The Scout's Outdoor Cookbook , are asking Scouts and Scouters to submit backpacking recipes for a new set of cookbooks…
BSA, Bass Pro Shops Form Partnership
Outdoor retailer Bass Pro Shops has selected the BSA as the primary promotional associate for its 2011 Family Summer Camp promotion. While at Family Summer Camp, which will run from June 4 to July 10, Scouts can complete requirements toward the Fishing or Rifle Shooting merit badges by attending classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
BSA to Offer NetSmartz Internet Safety Program
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is making available its Internet safety program, NetSmartz , to the BSA to teach Scouts and their families how to make responsible decisions both online and in real life. The BSA is asking all Scout leaders to incorporate the NetSmartz materials into their programs and to distribute information directly…
Guide to Safe Scouting Features New Policy on Lightning Safety Measures
Statistics from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration show that lightning killed 29 people and caused at least 300 injuries to others in the United States during 2010. At least 24 of the 29 deaths were to people involved in outdoor activities.