Safe Swim Defense (opens in a new tab)
Safe Swim Defense provides the steps which a BSA unit must take to safely participate in an activity which involves swimming.
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June 2011
269 posts, oldest first.
Posts in June 2011
Scouting commended in government report (opens in a new tab)
The education select committee published its findings on services for young people on Thursday. The committee gathered evidence from a range of national and local organisations that work with young people.
Beavers and Cubs have a splish-splash time at Fundays (opens in a new tab)
Around 5,6000 young people turned up at Gilwell Park last weekend for our annual Beaver and Cub Fundays
Scouts in Germany Raise Money for Camp Freedom
Check out this Air Force Report about how Scouts in Germany raise money for summer camp. This edition features a story on Boy Scouts raising money for Camp Freedom. Hosted by Staff Sgt. Chris Pyles.
NAYLE OPPORTUNITY "WINDOWS" CLOSING! (opens in a new tab)
At the battle of San Juan Hill over a hundred years ago, Colonel Theodore Roosevelt (later the first and only Chief Scout Citizen) didn't shout "Charge," or "Go Get 'em" to his Rough Riders! He shouted, "FOLLOW ME!" NAYLE is the BSA's premiere Outdoor Leadership Training for Scouts, Venturers and Sea Scouts-both young men and…
Journey to Excellence Pt. 2 (opens in a new tab)
Ok.. so the first post on JTE has been met with some resistance. Let me just say this, then I will move on. As a Scoutmaster or Committee Chair, you need to have a way to measure the success of your unit.
Kids Need to do Less (opens in a new tab)
Anne-Marie Slaughter is the mother of two adolescent children and a Professor of Politics and International Affairs at Princeton University. She's concerned that we may be killing the skills required for innovation by over-programming our children: … The jam packed, highly structured days of elite children are carefully calculated to create Ivy League-worthy resumes.
JTE.. More
The balanced Score care approach is nothing new, it has been floating around organizations for some time now and provides a balanced view for organizational performance. Who looks at this? Well really you do. As much as some would like t0 think that Councils and District level leadership are actively engaged in what goes on…
Book Review Part 3: 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. Today I am reviewing part 3 of the book - Programs and Activities.
500 Year Flood In Bismarck! (opens in a new tab)
Bismarck, ND. This week, we spent two full days educating local boy and girl scouts and leaders on the importance practicing leave no trace on their outings. Along with leave no trace, the brownies, juniors, and cadets of Camp Okancusa are learning many other skills including campfire building, meal planning and preparation, and first aid.
Apply for Session 3 of the Naturally Slim Program
Applications for the third session of Naturally Slim-which is available to all employees and benefits-eligible spouses-will be accepted starting Monday, Aug. 8, and run through Friday, Aug. 26. If you are accepted, the program will begin on Monday, Sept. 12.
BSA to Be Featured on 'Only in America With Larry the Cable Guy'
Scouts and Venturers from the Heart of America Council and the Theodore Naish Scout Reservation will take center stage in the July 12 episode of "Only in America With Larry the Cable Guy" on the History Channel. In the program, the comedian and actor known as Larry the Cable Guy crisscrosses the nation "to find…
Astronaut Speaks to Scouts From Space
Distinguished Eagle Scout and NASA astronaut Mike Fossum is embarking on another incredible journey as he spends nearly six months aboard the International Space Station as part of Expeditions 28 and 29. Fossum launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on June 7 aboard Russia's Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft.
Heading to the 2013 National Jamboree? Time to Get Fit!
National Commissioner Tico Perez is featured in a video on the Summit's website regarding fitness requirements for the 2013 National Jamboree:
PTC to Hold Multicultural Markets Conference in August
A multicultural markets (Scoutreach) conference is being planned for Aug. 7-13 at Philmont Training Center. This course helps participants understand the changing demographics in their communities and also explores the many cultures currently living in our communities. The discussion will include the commonalities that exist between us, teach us to learn to communicate with respect…
New Blog Provides Inside Glimpse at the Summit (opens in a new tab)
A new Summit blog has been launched to provide news, videos, and exclusive content surrounding the BSA's newest high-adventure base and its grand opening at the 2013 National Jamboree. The focus of the blog will be on action sports and high adventure, while giving a unique perspective on what is happening out at the Summit…
New ScoutStuff.org Unveiled
ScoutStuff.org has been completely revamped from top to bottom, with a fresh new look, more intuitive navigation, and a one-stop account dashboard. In addition to the new retail site, the Supply Line newsletter has resumed publication. The June issue , as well as the previous month's issue, is available under the "BSA Newsletters" header on Scout…
June FID eLetter: Direct Support Achievers to Be Recognized at Top Hands (opens in a new tab)
Councils that have shown growth in total direct support (FOS, including re-class and less provision for uncollectable; project sales; special fundraising events [net]; foundations and trusts; and other direct support) on June 30, 2011, over June 30, 2010, will be recognized as Direct Support Achievers.
Strategy Map Illustrates Councils' Successes
The Strategy Map is based on a balanced scorecard format and describes the strategic story of a council's success in delivering value to youth, families, communities, and donors. The mapping helps councils to focus on the areas required for success and shows the relationship between these areas.
PDS Second Quarter Reviews Will Open July 1
Second quarter reviews for local councils and midyear reviews for the National Council will open in PDS on July 1. Employees are encouraged to complete their self-evaluations between July 1 and 15 and send them to their managers so they can get started on reviews.
Watch History channel's "Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy" to see Kansas Boy Scouts and Venturers
It's not every day you get to teach a comedian to tie a sheepshank," said Boy Scout Colin Goodman. True. But then again, it's not every day your Scout troop gets featured on national TV. Nothing was typical last December when the History channel stopped by Naish Scout Reservation to film a segment for its…
What is Success? #SCOUTNATION
I started to write a post in response to a conversation I've been having on Twitter about JTE/QU and percentages and numbers and such...but I found myself turning into a GOS on the topic. So I will just say I am hopeful that JTE will work well.
Webelos Scientists (opens in a new tab)
Our boys decided that they wanted to take on the Scientist activity badge over the summer this year. As busy as the boys have been this past year, they have five activity badges left to earn. I suggested to them that the summer would be a great chance to work on Family Member at home…
Ideas for July Pack Meeting – Courage (opens in a new tab)
The core value for Cub Scouts for the month of July is Courage. According to the program helps courage is being brave and doing what is right regardless of our fears, the difficulties, or the consequences.
Thirteen Proves Lucky For Lloyd In Iowa
Alex Lloyd, driver of the #19 Boy Scouts of America car, showed off his driving skills as the 26-year-old improved nine positions to finish thirteenth in the fifth running of the Iowa Corn 250 on the 1-mile Iowa Speedway oval Saturday night.
Sundae Funday (opens in a new tab)
Today we had the other of our June pack activities (the first being Twilight Camp last week). Taking from one of last summer’s monthly themes ( “Hoop-de-do” ), we decided to do another games day and add the ice cream element. Planning it for a Sunday made the title too easy The summer weather keeping with the…
Adventures NYC (opens in a new tab)
Yesterday the e-tour joined City of New York Parks and Recreation , Backpacker Magazine, and The North Face at Adventures NYC in Central Park. Beautiful weather and the Unified Bouldering Championships brought the crowds out in force. We challenged people to Dispose of Waste Properly while investigating how long common trash items last when left outside.
Boy Scouts and Uniforms (opens in a new tab)
Beth asked, "I realized once again that, as proud as he is to wear the uniform at a Scout function, he still feels uncomfortable wearing it in public. I have seen this with many other boys as well. Has anyone else noticed this trend, and what can be done?
The Promise of Scouting and the Journey to Excellence
I am often asked about the "Promise of Scouting". In the title of the Blog and Podcast I declare that I have just trying to help deliver the promise of Scouting. To help you understand what I am talking about when I say this let me show you where I got it.
Scouts Question Time gets young people and politicians talking (opens in a new tab)
Over 80 Scouts got the opportunity to grill a senior MP and member of the Shadow Cabinet at the first ever Scouts Question Time.
Photo of the Week 6.26.11 (opens in a new tab)
Buttermilk Falls, Ithaca, NY Mark and Tara 2011 e-tour team
An Hour A Week? #262
Day Camp, Part 1: I talk about the prep and first day of Day Camp. Tonight's show sponsored by The Boy Scout Store Join the forum discussion on this post Share with Others:
Get fit.. or get left out… (opens in a new tab)
So says the BSA… Now before I get hate mail.. Raise your right hand in the Scout sign and repeat after me.. "To keep myself physically Strong, Mentally Awake, and Morally Straight." In a minute I want you to watch this video.
Respect Wildlife: Food storage and easy steps for hanging a bear bag (opens in a new tab)
As we are in the midst of camping and hiking season, it's important to remember how we can minimize our impact on the wildlife that we encounter in the outdoors-particularly in regards to food and trash. At parks and natural areas where there are facilities, it's as simple as throwing away our trash and taking…
Fishing Merit Badge (opens in a new tab)
Fishing merit badge is a fun one for Boy Scout summer camp. Of the eleven Scouts who went to camp from our troop a couple of weeks ago, seven did this badge. My favorite part when I am with Scouts working on this badge - watching them cook the fish.
Boy Scouts of America Centennial Forest sprouts up in Montana
If 100,000 trees get planted in a forest, they make more than just a sound. They produce a roar, emanating from Montana and felt nationwide. That roar comes from the Boy Scouts of America Centennial Forest, a "living legacy" for the 100th Anniversary of the BSA that officially opened on Saturday at Flathead National Forest…
Education in Motion: Where to find the Traveling Trainers in JULY (opens in a new tab)
The Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers as well as The e-tour Team are conducting the following training events across the country in July. For more information about these or to attend, visit their calendars. Team East July Calendar – http://tinyurl.com/6aa2wu7 Team West July Calendar - http://tinyurl.com/6ywz5pa Leave No Trace e-tour Calendar – http://tinyurl.com/5r2w93j California: High Sierra Music Festival…
Podcast 75 – Preparing Parents for Scout Camp
Preparing parents for Scout camp; a few words on older Scout problems. 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 Eureka and Coleman Tents On Sale at Campmor!
Bear Force One in Avon (opens in a new tab)
Then suddenly there would seem to be a problem, there is a mix up with dates Bear in the Air is not the last weekend but the first weekend in May - errr Oh SH*T
You Shaped The Summit: Action SportsSummit Blog! (opens in a new tab)
We asked all of you to help shape the Summit. In response, we received more than 1,000 survey and Facebook comments from Scouts, Venturers, Scouters, volunteers and many more. Thanks to all of the participation, we are now better suited to build a world-class destination for action sports.
Boy Scouts of America Plans West Virginia Service Project
The Order of the Arrow (OA), which is the Boy Scouts of America's national honor society, in coordination with the National Park Service announced today that nearly 1,700 volunteers will conduct a four-week national service project at New River Gorge National River (NERI) through a program called SummitCorps 2011.
BSA FIT
I am not sure if you all are aware yet.. but there is a website to help you and your Scouts to get and stay Fit. I figured after my last post, that there should be some solutions offered as well.
The captain of the ship
Making my way through fellow Scouters' blogs, I've recently come across some interesting observations about Committee Chairs and their role in a unit. In some units (Troops and Packs), the Committee Chair is a figurehead position — a name filled …
Caption Contest 5 Winner Tim Aman
While Mr. Escher enjoyed his pioneering merit badge, his efforts never seemed to go anywhere. The winning caption was submitted by Tim Aman The next caption contest begins as soon as someone sends in a picture! Please send in pictures that you have permission to reproduce, that relates to Scouting in some way and isn't…
Jaws Song (opens in a new tab)
Here's a song to go with this months aquatics theme. This is a classic camp song. There are lots of variations. If you want to ham it up even more, change your voice when singing the different verses to sound like a mama, papa, lady, etc.
Understanding Boys
In the old Scoutmaster Handbooks, there was always at least a chapter on what makes up a boy and how that boy grows, learns, and develops. I think it is important to know these things as a Scoutmaster. We work with boys becoming young men and each is different.
Caption Contest 6 – Fire Away
Before you leave your entry this week be sure to use the link below to send in your photo for a future contest ! Post your best caption for this unlikely sight in the comments below (one per person please!) Spotted at the Grand Centennial Parade last year this photo sent in by Doni Grande who…
You Shaped The Summit: Action Sports
We asked all of you to help shape the Summit. In response, we received more than 1,000 survey and Facebook comments from Scouts, Venturers, Scouters, volunteers and many more. Thanks to all of the participation, we are now better suited to build a world-class destination for action sports.
Leave No Trace in Washington State (opens in a new tab)
Backyard Session at the Seattle Mountaineers June 27th Bigfoot made a visit to say hello to Washington Leave No Trace supporters! Last week in Seattle, volunteers, activists, partners and staff joined together for two Leave No Trace Backyard Sessions. Outreach Manager Dave Winter, Education Programs Manager Sarah Folzenlogen, and Washington State Advocate Jon Wilmot led…
Bigfoot Sightings in Seattle (opens in a new tab)
Greetings from Seattle! Both the Outreach and Education Departments are up in the Evergreen State this week taking part in Seattle Backyard Session s. The Sessions are aimed at increasing networking and volunteer opportunities amongst Leave No Trace community members, as well as highlighting our important work with Mt.
A week of centuries (opens in a new tab)
This week saw Wayne celebrating centenaries with the 3rd Ware Group, Bailiwick of Guernsey and Hertfordshire County, as well as finding time to catch up with six of his team and reading The Times editorial with interest.
SMMpodcast #89 Training, Promises, and Serendipity
In this show we talk about Troop Junior Leader Training, Delivering the Promise of Scouting, and Finding that life of serendipity from my hero Green Bar Bill. Leave me feedback, drop and email, or leave a comment letting me know what you think.
SMMpodcast #89 Training, Promises, and Serendipity
In this show we talk about Troop Junior Leader Training, Delivering the Promise of Scouting, and Finding that life of serendipity from my hero Green Bar Bill. Leave me feedback, drop and email, or leave a comment letting me know what you think.
The Leader's Campfire Summer Special – Varsity Spot #1
We're taking a break from our normal Leader's Campfire shows and bringing you a new show – The Varsity Spot. Give it a listen and let us know what you think. Join the forum discussion on this post Share with Others:
Sharing a Campsite (opens in a new tab)
I awoke slowly early Monday morning at Scout camp and enjoyed listening to the stream and the birds. A cool breeze coming through the open tent flap… what could be better? Suddenly the silence was shattered by clanging pots and pans and someone hollering "IT'S YELLOW SHIRT DAY!, IT'S YELLOW SHIRT DAY!
The Life of a Serendipitist
I think it is important to have "Hero's" in life. People that we look up to or try to learn from chapters of their lives. William "Green Bar Bill" Hillcourt is one of my hero's. His love for the Scouting program drove him and in the end elevated him to a father of Scouting in…
Good Neighbors (opens in a new tab)
The troop heads for summer camp in 19 days for a new experience - We'll be sharing a campsite with another troop for the first time ever. For another troop's experience on campsite sharing, check out this entertaining post . We've got 39 scouts going and the other troop has only 3 so it will be a…
BB Gun Belt Loop
One of the things my Webelos den got to do at summer camp was BB gun shooting. They love going to the range! And they all earned their BB Gun belt loop. Remember, boys can earn BB gun recognition items only at council or district day camp, resident camp, or council managed family camping program
Following The SPL #SCOUTNATION
So we had a great meeting last night. Getting ready for Summer Camp. I was doing Scoutmaster Conferences and Joining Conferences (yes, still...I've got 35 Crossovers). I was in Scout Socks, Scout Shorts, Scout Belt and Troop Tshirt. It was remarked by some that I did not have my Scout Uniform on.
Employee Recognition
In this episode, I'm discussing the importance of recognizing the contributions of our employees. Specifically, I'd like to hear examples about the ways our employees are working to uphold our six operating principles, which are designed to become the foundation of how we approach our work.
Red, White, Blue, and GREEN! (opens in a new tab)
This weekend, Team West will be heading to High Sierra Music Festival to provide education and outreach to thousands of festival goers. With all of these people coming out to enjoy music and to camp out under the Sierra Stars, it is so important to practice Leave No Trace.
Difficult Opportunities or Successful leadership (opens in a new tab)
How many times do we see our Scout try to take the "easy way out"? It is a natural thing to seek the path of least resistance. Pop Tarts rather than cooking a breakfast, pre fab meals rather than doing the prep work, planning shorter hikes rather than get to the beauty of a hike…
Beaver 'Camp' (opens in a new tab)
Last weekend I went to camp for my first full weekend with our Beavers. I've visited them while at camp before, but never stayed for the whole time. Now I have to mention here that I wasn't in 'full Leader' mode as such while we were there, as Carol and Rachael (wife & daughter) were there…
A Scoutmaster's Day At Scout Camp
It's a great privilege to be a guest of the Scouts while we are at summer camp for the week. Here's what our average day looks like: Time Scouts Adults 6:45 AM Awakened by the SPL and PL's. Flag is raised and all Scouts go to polar bear swim as a group.
Great American Backyard Campout (opens in a new tab)
Medfield, Massachusetts - Last weekend we had the opportunity to connect with families who were enjoying new outdoor activities together at the Great American Backyard Campout . The event was held at the Rocky Woods reservation and organized by The Trustees of Reservations and our organizational partner REI .
Court Of Honor, Summer 2011 (opens in a new tab)
The Boy Scouts of Melrose Troop 68 held their summer court of honor on Monday, June 27th. The recognition ceremony began at 7:00 pm at the Melrose City Hall. All ten members of the troop attended along with many of their family members.
May-June 2011 "Where Am I?" winner, mystery location revealed
For Patricia Davis , it was the "moss-covered cypress trees" that gave it away. The Webelos leader in the Baltimore Area Council used that clue to correctly guess the mystery location in Scouting magazine's May-June 2011 edition of "Where Am I?"
Thank You Donors! (opens in a new tab)
The e-tour would love to thank all the generous donors who have been giving towards our educational mission to bring Leave No Trace to deserving youth around the country. We are excited to have such ardent believers in making meaningful connections to our environment possible for kids everywhere.
Sweet 16 of BSA Safety | Planning
The tenth point of the Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety is Planning. When you are organizing an activity, what sort of contingencies have you planned for?