Famous faces win Birthday Badges (opens in a new tab)
The winners of Scout Birthday Badges for 2011 have been revealed.
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The winners of Scout Birthday Badges for 2011 have been revealed.
From South Yorkshire at 8am until the IST sub camp at midnight, Wayne finally managed to catch up with 66 UK Units plus many of the support teams. The conclusion? Simply Scouting is simply awesome.
UK Scouts are getting into the thick of fun and activities at the World Scout Jamboree.
Watch UK Scouts as they take part in sub camp activities and the Quest and Earth programme modules at the 22nd World Scout Jamboree in Sweden.
Premium upgrades turn off-the-shelf 22's into accurate "tack drivers." (Photo by John Trainor/Flickr Creative Commons) When the Summit opens in 2013, thousands and thousands of Scouts will get their shooting and archery merit badges here. We think that’s pretty cool.
In the closing ceremony for week 4 of SummitCorps Friday, New River Gorge National River Superintendent Don Striker announced the name of the trail completed by the Order of the Arrow youth volunteers — the Arrowhead Hike and Bike Trail . In praising the Scouts’ work, Striker called the project “transformative,” noting that the massive effort had…
Oscar Santoyo has made a previous visit to Cubcast land to share the importance of Tiger Cub recruiting. Well, in his new position of Program Delivery Specialist, All Markets, for the Program Impact Team at the national office, Scouting and Soccer is his specialty, and he's here to tell us all about the changes to…
Cooperation: sounds easy enough, doesn't it? But if you want some new, interesting and creative ways to teach your Cub Scouts about the September core value of cooperation, then you've come to the right website. Join us as we talk with Dennis Kampa, the National Camping School task force chair and council commissioner for the…
For those of you with the smart phones or those that use a computer… ahhh thats pretty much all of you… There is now a new way to get the SMMPodcast and other great PTCMedia content. Stitcher.com is now featuring quality Scouting podcasts on your smart phone FREE APP and streaming on your computer.
The van was loaded early today and the van was back on the road before 8:00AM. As the morning went on we moved through Virginia and as the rain started and the weather worsened we finally entered into North Carolina.
Jamboree from Above via the World Organization of the Scouting Movement This picture was taken from a helicopter on 29th July and published full page in Kristianstad newspaper on the 30th. The full camp site (including the main arena which is not in the picture) is 1.5 km (.93 miles) wide and 2 km (1.24)…
I am featuring a Bikes theme this month. This theme has lots of useful information for Cub Scouts, but much of it applies to Boy Scouts and Venturers also. Boy Scouts can use the aids you will see this month with the Cycling merit badge.
Below is a summary of tweets from August 1st, 2011 @ scoutdude : Leaving the hotel and onward to Indian Summer! Check out my Day 2 update… http://fb.me/A2XMdZEk – 01 Aug 11 11:56 @ scoutdude : leaving the hotel this morning and onward to indian summer – 01 Aug 11 11:54 @ scoutdude : New Post @ A Boy Scout's Blog – : Indian Summer – Travel…
A rebroadcast of an interview with Rob Faris and Harry Wimbrough two of the authors of "Working the Patrol Method" Get the book on Amazon Working the Patrol Method (my review) Patrol System Survey Results (PDF file) Subscribe to the Scoutmaster Newsletter Call and leave a voice mail comment or question at (484) 734-0002 Subscribe…
The Community Organization Award square knot might not be easy to earn, but it's now easier to get. You can buy the knot, recognizing Scouters' volunteer achievements in national charter organizations such as the Elks, Alpha Phi Omega, the Masonic Lodge, and more, at your local Scout Shop-instead of going through your charter organization.
Next to cigarette butts, gum is one of the largest littering problems in the world. It is difficult to remove, smells bad, does not break down rapidly over time, is a hazard to wildlife, and is a social, visual, health and environmental impact.
Last month's entries to our Scouting photo contest on flickr were some of our strongest entries yet. Here are a few that really caught our eye. One of these photographs will win the taker a $100 Gift Certificate for some sweet custom shirts!
OK its contest time!!! Email me your best Summer camp picture.. Scouts honor, it should be from this years summer camp.. and you should have actually gone to summer camp. This contest is an easy one.. just email me your picture.
I've been meaning to write about a few things over the last few days, but haven't got round to it. However, if you're interested in the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden, please take a look at my Group's site where one of our Young Leaders is posting updates and pictures from the WSJ!
Today is the 104th Anniversary of Scouting! Well on or about. Scouting began with 20 boys and an experimental camp in 1907. It was held during the first nine days of August in 1907 at Brownsea Island, near Poole in Dorset, England.
Watch UK Scouts as they take part in sub camp activities and the Quest and Earth programme modules at the 22nd World Scout Jamboree in Sweden.
Backs to basics camping, water activities and tons of fun was on the agenda for UK Units as they headed off for 'Camp in camp.'
Many first time visitors just struggle to get it, but Scouting relies almost entirely on its volunteers, and Jamborees are no exception as Wayne observes as he reflects on his visit to the World Scout Jamboree.
How did the Scout get from one side of the camp to the other? By boat? By bus? By trail? Nope. By the Summit’s one-of-a-kind pedestrian bridge. There will be very few vehicles at the Summit, and that means there is a need for a simple way to cross the deep ravines on property.
Mountain bike trail crews work harder than me or you. Sorry, but it’s true. How do I know? SummitCorps Trail Crew 2 leader Brent knows the low down when it comes to the finer points of cranking out new trails.
I'm always fiddling with our troop website, adding file downloads, updating news and external links, and revising and expanding our FAQs. Currently, I'm working on a section to be called Adult Scouting to serve as a guide for adults as …
Some catch-up from the Spring with news and feedback. Links: The diversity derby – Day at the races for Jewish, Muslim scouts- http://bit.ly/jMFaRa Scouting's Journey to Excellence- http://bit.ly/gXuzdC Cub Scout Chronicles: Keeping it fresh by recruiting new voices- http://bit.ly/o0XJ1E Cub Scout Template-Free Joomla 1.0 & Joomla 1.5 Legacy Template- http://bit.ly/o0XJ1E A gang with a purpose- http://bit.ly/eAIcIr Tonight's…
What's the jamboree way to charge your cell phone? Like everything here, it combines hard work with being green. That's right, bicycle-powered cell phone chargers have arrived in the staff area at the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden. Talking to a woman from the U.K.
Whenever you are trying to be smart, you won't be." Spotted on Steve Dobson's Fisherman's Blog
A later wake up was in order today as we only had to cover about 3hrs of driving to make it to the conference center. After a great breakfast at the hotel we hit the road only a little later than planned.
Now you all know that cliché's drive me a little nuts and I really hate most sayings like.. "Boys will be boys".. but in this case I want to write about boys not being able to be boys. I am no expert in all things boy, but I know what right looks like.
Today I am highlighting the Bicycling Belt Loop from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program. This fits in well with the cycling theme I am featuring this month. Fall is approaching and is wonderful time to get out biking with the Cub Scouts.
Lyons, CO - Team East and Team West joined forces this weekend to promote the 5th annual How Green is Your Grass? Campsite Challenge at the RockyGrass Festival . RockyGrass is an annual bluegrass festival held at the Planet Bluegrass Ranch along the St.
Barr Lake State Park, CO Today we spent the morning at Barr Lake State Park to celebrate the Explore Your Parks event. The North Face started this exciting event last year, which encourages communities to come out and explore local parks in their area for FREE!
Learn more about what the BSA is doing to engage, educate, and empower youth (and adults!) to adopt healthier lifestyles in this episode of The Buzz . For more information on the BSA's health and fitness initiative, visit the BSA Fit website on scouting.org.
Trailblazers-the online digest of BSA personnel changes such as new hires, transfers, and retirements-was placed on hiatus in December 2010. While archives for July 2009 to December 2010 have remained online at the Trailblazers page , Human Resources and Internal Communications are in the process of adding all the personnel changes from 2011 to the page.
Click to open issue The summer issue of the LFL and Exploring Today newsletter has been published, featuring articles on the progress made to date on the 2011–2015 Strategic Plan. Some recent achievements include: A new digital curriculum for grades three through six is in the final editing stages and will be launched in the…
Some exciting progress has been made toward a number of key goals in the National Council Strategic Plan . For updates on two goals in particular-6-3-6 and 3-1-1, which involve the creation of a youth-led conference addressing relevancy of Scouting programs, plus issues facing today's youth and the results from a "Perceptions of Scouting" study, respectively-read…
Applications for the third session of Naturally Slim-which is available to all benefits-eligible employees and 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.
A Community Organization Award square knot will be available for registered volunteers to wear on their Scout uniform, effective Aug. 1. This square knot denotes that a Scout volunteer has been recognized by one of 14 approved national chartered organizations for Scout service within that organization.
Click to open issue The August 1 issue of the FID e-Letter has been published and is now available on the Finance Impact site. This issue's lead article honors the 145 local councils that showed an increase in Direct Support (FOS [including re-class and less provision for uncollectable], Project Sales, Special Fundraising Events [net], Foundations…
Because keeping up the excitement of new Cub Scouts and their parents between sign-up night and their first pack meeting is so important to a pack's success, the BSA has developed some new, easy-to-access resources to help maintain those peak interest levels.
Below is a summary of tweets from August 2nd, 2011 @ scoutdude : Making Unit Elections Successful (@ Johnson Springs Azalea A) http://4sq.com/odAtrL – 02 Aug 11 14:30 @ scoutdude : Finding the Arrow Introduction (@ Johnson Springs Azalea A) http://4sq.com/p9lv6t – 02 Aug 11 12:42 @ scoutdude : enjoying a nice iced chai (@ Clouds Coffee Shop) http://4sq.com/o2dA5j – 02 Aug 11 12:21 @ scoutdude : got to…
Waiting for his ship to come in?" "Feeling crabby?" "Stop! It's not worth it!" Feeling witty? Enter your caption HERE: Mark and Tara 2011 e-tour team
The BSA has joined with the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) to explore ways to bring Scouting to more Latino families in the United States and Puerto Rico. This unique partnership will allow local councils to work with local chambers and universities to diversify…
So we've been home for a few days now from what was the first summer camp for the "new" troop and my first as a Scoutmaster. Outside of cabin camping with the family, the last time I was camping for a week straight was as a young Scout myself. Four Scouts, "the core" as I've
One of the most popular zones at the World Scout Jamboree offers young people the chance to create their ideal town, and UK Scouts love it.
Cambridgeshire's CamJam is just one of the many international camps taking place across the UK this summer. Wayne kicked off his UK visits by joining the 3,500 participants for the afternoon.
The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) entered into a partnership with the BSA to establish a valuable relationship to bring Scouting to more Latino families in the United States and Puerto Rico.
Today began the first day of training at Indian Summer 2011. My day began with a breakfast with the national chief,Jonathan Hillis. Jonathan celebrated his 20th birthday today,his sixth year in a row celebrating it at a national event! After breakfast I had some time to kill before my first class so I headed to…
At least 15 patrols from a dozen different countries sang "Happy Birthday" to me on Monday. One problem, though. My birthday's in June. In fact, the patrols were participating in the Viking world's "Forgetful Musician" task at the World Scout Jamboree.
The three rules of Scouting leadership are simple: delegate delegate delegate I'm a Scoutmaster so I concentrate on the work I am supposed to be doing. I don't do these jobs: Outdoor Coordinator – he takes care of ALL camping trip logistics, phone calls, online reservations to support the annual plan that the Scouts prepared.
Every Troop has its traditions, customs, and special awards and recognition. I thought I would share with you a special award that our Troop does every year. This is my favorite award of the year and I take a great deal of pleasure in presenting this at our Court of Honor after Summer camp.
My boys loved this book! It shows them how to make miniature catapults, bows, and other projectile machines out of common office supplies. This book would make a great basis for a troop open house or a just for a fun meeting.
With record breaking temperatures sizzling outdoor enthusiasts all around the country, Team East takes a moment to cool off in the St. Vrain River in Lyons, CO. How are you staying cool during this heat wave? Let us know how you are trying to beat the heat! Explore Responsibly...Kate & Tracy
Wayne continues the fun as he worked his way north, with his first stop at Charnwood, Leicestershire before the long drive to Northumberland and Hawkhirst National Activity Centre.
Scouts from all over the UK, many of whom are camping in Sweden or Denmark have been popping in to the Jamboree as day visitors all week.
I can't believe it is already Wednesday. The day began like yesterday with breakfast and my obligatory trip to the coffee shop for a chai. After enjoying my chai and the WiFi I headed to the training building to begin my second day of training.
I seem to have developed a morning routine while here at Ridgecrest. Every morning I get up, shower, go to breakfast and then head to the coffee shop for a chai. It was at the coffee shop that I saw something that has never been done before, Alex, a member of the communications staff had…
In this show we talk about Summer Camp!! Incentives for older Scouts and getting younger guys to attend. We also talk a little about the Annual planning conference and coaching the Scouts to a successful year of Scouting! This show is brought to you by Badge Magic .
This show is about Summer Camp and Annual planning. We talk about providing incentives for older Scouts and getting younger guys to attend. After summer camp we discuss some of the elements of the Annual Planning session and some keys to making our Scouts successful in planning and executing a great year of Scouting.
What's for dinner at the World Scout Jamboree? The options are limited only by a patrol's imagination. It's one of the coolest things I've seen at this jamboree: Meal planning. At most jamboree events, the patrol has a set menu for each dinner.
Here's some hand carved neckerchief slides to inspire all you wood carver's out there. Bob Easton writes: One of our grandchildren is working his way through the first year of Cub Scouts… One of the only areas of a scout's uniform where there is latitude for personal expression is the neckerchief slide.
Before riding a bike, Scouts should know how to do an inspection of the bicycle and check that it is in working order. The checklist below will give you a good starting point. You will need to explain each step to the Scouts so they learn the terminology and why each part is important.
Kelsey Freeman, July Winner Each month Leave No Trace hosts The Bigfoot Challenge, a unique set of challenges that functions as a call to action for our members and supporters to get involved in their communities. For the Month of July we challenged participants to teach a child how to Leave No Trace and to…
Three UK Units have been joined by Patrols from overseas for all the fun of the Jamboree as part of the Solidarity project.
Last stop on Wayne's visits to this week's International Camps in the UK was ClanJam 2011 at Bonaly Outdoor Centre in Scotland; he also joined them at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
When you get to the top, hang onto your rope!" Those aren't the words you'll typically hear on a Ferris wheel. Then again, this isn't your typical Ferris wheel. This is the World Scout Jamboree version, a feat of pioneering that puts any monkey bridge I ever built to shame.
I can't believe it is already the last day of the conference, Indian Summer has been so awesome so I made sure to make today just as great. Things started off with my usual routine and after my last stop in clouds I headed to my first class, chief and adviser.
In our part of the country we are on constant alert for disease carrying deer ticks. The most effective repellent is permerthrin: Permethrin is a man-made version of an insect repellent found in chrysanthemum plants. The molecule repels a variety of biting insects including flies, ants, chiggers, mosquitoes, ticks, etc.
This month I am featuring a cycling theme. And you know if you go out cycling, you are going to need some energy. There are lots of recipes for energy bars out there, but most include peanuts.
Watch as UK Scouts reflect on their time at the 22nd World Scout Jamboree in Sweden.
Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and other students in St. Paul, Minn., will make a special call to the International Space Station on Tuesday, Aug. 9 at 12:55 p.m. EDT. This is the first-ever Boy Scout Council/NASA live in-flight education downlink and only the second within Minnesota.
Today was our last day at Ridgecrest so only a few things remained for us to do. First off was breakfast, after which we loaded the van and trailer and took our contingent photo. Once our rooms had been checked it was time to hit the road for our hotel in Martinsburg.
BSA provides den meeting plans for den leader on the Scouting.org website. Today, I am going to go through the second Webelos plan. This plan covers part of Naturalist and part of Forester.
Now that summer is here (even though we wouldn't know it – but we are in Britain…), local Scouting is taking a break. As usual, the final evening before the summer for my Troop was a family BBQ where we invite all member of a Scouts family to come and enjoy the (hopefully sunny) summer evening.
To all of my readers of this blog, thanks for sticking with me and I do wish to apologize for not posting more on the web site but my computer puked out and we are awaiting special order parts for its eventual repair so posting has had to take a back seat as has doing…
For the fourth consecutive race of his seven races this season, Sebastien Bourdais qualified into the Firestone Fast Twelve and second round of qualifying on Saturday. After today's session at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Bourdais, driver of the #19 Boy Scouts of America car, will start 11th in Sunday's running of the Honda Indy…
The UK volunteers at the World Scout Jamboree have been at their inspirational best.
Last night was the culmination of a lot of hard work and planning and it literally paid off. Several months ago two Scout troops from Cranford, NJ started working together on a emergency preparedness event. What they pulled off was quite amazing and was a great benefit to the Scouts, to the community and to
If your Cub Scout has earned the Bicycling belt loop, he can take it one step further and earn the Bicycling pin. Both recognition are from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program. So find some nice bike trails in your area, pack some snacks and plenty of water, and go riding!
Another week of summer camp is in the history books. Eleven scouts and three adults had a terrific time in the great north woods. Few mosquitos, lots of sun, low humidity, great program, and a super staff made for many memories.
For the third race in a row, Sebastien Bourdais has driven the #19 Boy Scouts of America car to a top-ten finish as he finished ninth in Sunday's Honda Indy 200 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. After qualifying in the Firestone Fast Twelve yesterday to start today's race in 11th position, Bourdais was able…
The 22nd World Scout Jamboree ended just how it began, with a downpour of rain and an outpouring of joy and friendship.
Lafayette, IN. This weekend Team East traveled to Lafayette, IN to Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) for a 24 hour cycling challenge. Over 200 riders came out to test their endurance, enjoy some camaraderie, and raise money for CASA for children.
Recently, while I was working on another article, I was poking around the excellent website of Troop 97 in Ft. Collins, Colo., and I came across their comprehensive list of secrets of success of great Webelos leaders. If you have been a …
I spent the better part of the weekend at Camp Pioneer. This weekend, among other things, the camp celebrated its 75th Anniversary. I received an invitation along with other Scoutmasters and folks throughout the Council, so I RSVP'd and attended.
This month I am focusing on cycling. If you are going to ride a bike, you'd better make sure it is in good repair first. You don't want to be riding along and have your front wheel fall off or your brakes not work.
When tracking your Scouts' advancement achievements, you could find yourself in a sky-high pile of disorganized chaos. So what do you do as a den leader, Scoutmaster, advancement chair, or even a parent when a Scout needs proof to backup his next rank advancement?
A 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! Mountain Hardwear, Eureka, and North Face Sleeping Bags on sale at Campmor!
BeAScout.org, popcorn tips, Journey To Excellence, what Leaders Should think when they lose a Scout, resources for Day/Twilight Camp, Day Camp registration and JOTA are on tap. Links: Ten tips for making your Scout popcorn sales really pop- http://bit.ly/oL29yb Cub pack faces closure- http://bit.ly/qqWtEX BL Gym- http://bit.ly/lY8djt Tonight's show sponsored by ClassB.com Join the forum…
Here's a picture from my summer travels. I am travelling and Scouting and have limited internet access so the podcast will take a brief hiatus until I return. I'll be back on the air with the Scoutmaster Podcast Monday, August 22nd.
When Apollo spacecraft passed to the far side of the moon there were some tense moments in mission control. During this part of the orbit radio communication with the earth was impossible. There was no way to know if everything was alright until the spacecraft reappeared.
In last month's newsletter, we asked: On your way down from a short, out-and-back hike to a popular historic outlook, something catches your eye. Stranded crackers, chips and a twist-tie are left on a picnic-perfect granite slab where earlier you noticed some college students snacking.
How should a backcountry trout fisher deal with trout entrails and remains of cooked trout? Our Education Staff answers: As for proper disposal of fish remains (uncooked), we'd first advise checking with the local land manager to see what they require and/or suggest.
The Bugler plays the bugle at troop ceremonies. Bugler is one of those positions that many troops don't fill. There was a troop next to us at the last camporee, and there is something really nice about hearing Taps played at lights out.
Jason Grubb's passion for the outdoors began at a young age and was first introduced to Leave No Trace through Scouting, where he ultimately achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. However, combining this love for nature with his chosen career path didn't come to fruition until he started pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Recreation…
Even Bigfoot wanted to come of the woods to meet the dedicated field instructors and staff at Cedar Rock Base Camp. He especially loved hearing the chime of the dinner bell, quickly joining hands to check in from the day and give thanks for his next delicious meal from the kitchen.
If you're an instructor for shooting sports, you can't just keep your eye on the target. You've got another bulls-eye to focus on: safety. That's why you need to check out the newly released Shooting Sports Manual , designed for unit and camp leadership, merit badge counselors, and council shooting-sport committees.
Lyons, Colorado The results of the 2011 "How Green Is Your Grass?" campsite challenge are now available! After a great deal of careful consideration and healthy debate the winning campsite is Camp Zero Hero . Congratulations to Sam and Katie Meunier of Fort Collins, Colorado for another successful campaign to promote responsible enjoyment of the outdoors!