Posts in August 2011

Fired Up At The SummitSummit Blog! (opens in a new tab)

Summit Blog · archived copy

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.

Park Service Names Gorge Trail In Thanks To ArrowmenSummit Blog! (opens in a new tab)

Summit Blog · archived copy

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…

Scouting Through Soccer (opens in a new tab)

BSA CubCast Podcast · archived copy

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

BSA CubCast Podcast ·

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…

Stitcher (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

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.

Bird's-Eye View of the 22nd World Scout Jamboree

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

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)…

Cycling Theme

Scouter Mom ·

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.

Summary of tweets for August 1st, 2011 (opens in a new tab)

A Boy Scout's Blog ·

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…

Podcast 80 – Working the Patrol Method Rebroadcast

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

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…

Updates to Community Organization Award Square Knot

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

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.

SMMBlog Photo Contest

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

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.

104 and still going strong

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

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.

What adults don't do

Bobwhite's Blather ·

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 …

An Hour A Week? #266

An Hour A Week? Podcast ·

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…

Pedal power at the World Scout Jamboree

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

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.

Trying to be Smart

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Whenever you are trying to be smart, you won't be." Spotted on Steve Dobson's Fisherman's Blog

Skinned knees and bee stings

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

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.

Bicycling Belt Loop

Scouter Mom ·

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.

How Green is Your Grass? (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

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.

Explore Your Parks-Denver, CO (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

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!

The Buzz: You May Be Healthy, But Are You ScoutSTRONG?

Scouting Wire ·

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 Is Back! Well, Almost

Scouting Wire ·

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.

Learning for Life: Summer Issue of LFL and Exploring Today Published

Scouting Wire ·

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…

Youth-Focused Activities Highlight National Council Strategic Plan Progress

Scouting Wire ·

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…

Apply for Session 3 of the Naturally Slim Program

Scouting Wire ·

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.

New Process for COA Square Knot

Scouting Wire ·

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.

FID e-Letter: Honoring Direct Support Growth

Scouting Wire ·

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…

Simple Tools Help New Cub Scouts, Parents

Scouting Wire ·

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.

Summary of tweets for August 2nd, 2011 (opens in a new tab)

A Boy Scout's Blog ·

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…

Innovative Partnership Aims to Attract More Latinos to Scouting

Scouting Wire ·

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…

Indian Summer Day 2 Update

A Boy Scout's Blog ·

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…

Celebrating global diversity is music to my ears

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

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.

3 Rules of Scouting Leadership

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

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.

Special Awards and Recognition

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

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.

Book Review: Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction

Scouter Mom ·

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.

Trying To Beat The Heat! (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

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

Indian Summer Day 3 Update

A Boy Scout's Blog ·

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.

Indian Summer Day 4 Update (opens in a new tab)

A Boy Scout's Blog ·

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…

SMM92- Summer Camp and Annual Planning

The Scoutmaster Minute Podcast ·

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 .

SMMPodcast Show 92 (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

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.

Hand Carved Neckerchief Slides

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

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.

Bike Inspection Checklist (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom ·

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.

Repel Deer Ticks With Premethrin (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

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.

Minnesota Scouts Call Space Station Astronauts

Scouting News ·

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.

Indian Summer Day 6 Update (opens in a new tab)

A Boy Scout's Blog ·

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.

So the summer break is here…

be.PREPARED ·

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.

Missing in action (opens in a new tab)

Commissioner Keith Comments ·

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…

Bourdais Breaks Firestone Fast Twelve For Fourth Time (opens in a new tab)

Scouting News · archived copy

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…

Operation Cranford: Be Prepared (opens in a new tab)

A Scouter's Journey ·

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

Bicycling Pin for Cub Scouts

Scouter Mom ·

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!

Back from Camp (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

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.

Bourdais Captures Third Consecutive Top-Ten At Ohio (opens in a new tab)

Scouting News · archived copy

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…

Bike Repair Tips

Scouter Mom ·

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.

Record-Keeping Tips

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

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?

Podcast 81

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

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!

An Hour A Week? #267

An Hour A Week? Podcast ·

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…

Scoutmaster Podcast Returns August 22

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

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.

Far Side of the Moon

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

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.

The Situation for July (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

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.

Fishing For Some Answers (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

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.

Bugler Description and Self Evaluation

Scouter Mom ·

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.

The Center Welcomes New Education Staffer (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

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…

Take Aim With New Shooting-Sports Reference

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

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.

Rockygrass 2011 Campsite Challenge winners! (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

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!