Posts in September 2011

Think you Know Scouting

Jabbering All Day Long ·

Hello all Incase you did not know The Scout Association has released a new think you know scouting video and here it is. happy watching K

Recruitment: A Catchy Display (opens in a new tab)

KevinDevin.com · archived copy

And the PWD cars always seem to do the trick. The boys see the cars and are immediately drawn to them dragging their parents with them. We have a open kit there too to explain to the boys how the cars start out, how they are built, and then raced.

Whats the Main thing

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

Monday night another young man joined our Troop. He is a 6th grader, never been in Scouts before and looking for adventure. I met him and his parents and he joined right into the gathering activity fitting in with his new Patrol mates as if he'd been in the Troop for years.

Animal Science Merit Badge (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom ·

The Animal Science merit badge is all about farm animals. We live in the suburbs, so this one isn't even on the radar for the Scouts in our troop. But if you have Scouts from a rural area or if somebody who has a relative on a farm, this might be of interest to them.

Whitewater Weekend! (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Summersville, WV. This weekend Team East will travel to Summersville, WV for the American Whitewater Gauley Fest . This fundraising event will support American Whitewater's river conservation and access works throughout the nation. The festival began in 1983 to celebrate the derailment of a hydro-electric project that would have disrupted the flow of the Gauley River.

Dulcimer Duo A Hit At SummitCorps (opens in a new tab)

Summit Blog · archived copy

Scouting isn't just about roughing it in the wild. It's about developing well-rounded individuals. During SummitCorps, the National Park Service hosted Appalachian History Night, where local performers and artisans shared their knowledge and talents with the Order of the Arrow.

The Four R's (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Recently in Rhinelander, WI we learned of one of Bigfoot's buddies, the nefarious ' Hodag '. Rhinelander is the epicenter for sightings of this Northwoods legend. We found a whimsical representation outside of the town library, with a cool twist. On the bottom of the sculpture made from recycled glass we found a homage to the three…

Should we teach children Leave No Trace? (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

For just $2, you teach a child Leave No Trace. This month we are asking Leave No Trace followers to make a donation to educate the future stewards of our lands and waters. Leave No Trace Center For Outdoor Ethics will teach over 100,000 children this year and you can help one classroom learn to…

Recruitment: A FUN Program (opens in a new tab)

KevinDevin.com · archived copy

Without this one, what’s the point? Boys don’t join to sit in a school setting, they join to have fun! And if they’re not having fun, they won’t tell their friends about scouting. Boys love to share what is fun with their friends.

Recruitment: Peer-to-Peer Cards (opens in a new tab)

KevinDevin.com · archived copy

Very nice… Earlier this week I posted an entry on using Business Cards as a recruitment tool . Well, in that line of thought, BSA announced earlier today the availability of these Peer-to-peer recruitment cards that you can print yourself. They are simply a PDF that you can fill out with meeting details, and then either…

Where has the time gone? (opens in a new tab)

True North Scouting ·

I got a message the other day from a reader and listener who was a bit disappointed in my lack of posts and podcasts. Well, I am really sorry. I really hate to make excuses, but I have been really busy, and I really haven't been able to wrap my brain around recording a show…

Leave No Trace in Salmon, ID (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Salmon, ID - Last weekend Team West was on the Salmon river in Idaho for a few events with our friends at the Student Conservation Association and organizational partner the Bureau of Land Management. The events were focused on teaching the seven principles of Leave No Trace and community outreach with the general public at the…

What's your favorite Aha! Moment ?

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

The penny drops, the light comes on, eureka!, discovery, enlightenment, revelation. If we watch carefully Scout leaders sometimes get to witness a marvelous happening; when some part of the world opens up for one of our Scouts. Have you seen this happen?

Soccer Drill – Soccer Croquet (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom ·

This month I am featuring a soccer theme for Cub Scouts. A soccer drill can make a fun gathering activity or an end of the meeting game for a soccer themed meeting. This drill emphasizes teamwork, dribbling skills, and passing accuracy.

IOLS Cooking (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

Intro to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS) training will be held in conjunction with the district camporee next weekend. I've cajoled a handful of scouters to present the sessions and now just hope it fits the schedules of enough untrained scouters to make it work.

Cables to Half Dome

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

This has to be one of the more interesting climbs in North America; sort of gives me the chills.

'Marketing News': Cold-Weather Camping, Social Media Tips, and SCOUTStrong

Scouting Wire ·

Click to open September issue The September issue of Marketing News has been published and posted to the Marketing Toolbox. Stories in the September issue include: Drive Retention by Promoting Cold-Weather High-Adventure Trips Learn to Harness the Power of Social Media Create Hype Around the New SCOUTStrong Program To read more about these topics, as…

Take the SCOUTStrong PALA Challenge!

Scouting Wire ·

The SCOUTStrong Presidential Active Lifestyle Award Challenge will help you add activity to your life and reward you when you do! To earn the SCOUTStrong PALA Challenge Award, you are required to meet a daily activity goal of 30 minutes for adults and 60 minutes for kids under 18 for at least five days a…

Time to Update Your Employee Handbooks-Webinars Will Show You How

Scouting Wire ·

The new "Local Council Employee Handbook Guidelines" document is now available on MyBSA under Resources > BSA Resources . All councils are encouraged to update their employee handbook by year-end. To help you do this, we will conduct four, 60-minute webinars. The first two will take place Thursday, Sept.

Benefits Site Unveils New Features

Scouting Wire ·

New online features that make managing your benefits easier are now available on the BSA benefits website . These new features make it easier for you to get a total picture of your benefits, access important information, utilize health tools and resources, and make life status event changes. To find out what's new, log on now!

Use Social Media to Engage Your Scouting Audience

Scouting Wire ·

Many councils, districts, and units are realizing the incredible possibilities of using social media to drive increased interest in Scouting. Getting started in using social media as a marketing tool is simple, but it's also a big responsibility. As such, we've developed an article with a few things you should keep in mind as you…

Top Hands Presentations Now Available Online

Scouting Wire ·

For those of you who weren't able to attend Top Hands or want to share the presentations with your volunteers, please click on the Top Hands tab at the top of Scout Wire's site. The presentations currently available include the opening session on The Main Thing facilitated by the Key 3 (Rex Tillerson, Tico Perez…

Summer Update Released for 2011 Council Market Analysis Report

Scouting Wire ·

The Council Market Analysis Report is a valuable demographics research tool for council planning that is free for local councils. It is especially useful for recruiting and marketing campaigns, as well as for grant and foundation applications. Esri has provided the BSA with an update on the number of U.S.

Faith-Based Initiative Rolled Out at Top Hands (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire · archived copy

Duty to God has always been part of the BSA and faith-based organizations were among the first in America to enthusiastically embrace Scouting. Participants in the recent Top Hands meeting in San Antonio were able to learn more about the Faith-Based Initiative (FBI) as Scouting has embarked on another 100 years of service to children…

Recruitment Cards Developed for Cub Scouts

Scouting Wire ·

Peer-to-peer recruitment cards have been created to help Cub Scout families promote Scouting to their friends. These cards are based on the eye-catching resources created for the 2011 recruitment campaign showing our youth engaged in fun-filled activities. An easy-to-use business card template was created to help families promote Scouting.

Recruitment: BeAScout.org & Yard Signs (opens in a new tab)

KevinDevin.com · archived copy

This one should be easy… Get the yard signs available from your district. I’ve found the best way to get a neat appearance for unit info is to use a stencil and spray paint. Although, I have heard of others printing out their info on paper and then using packing tape to apply it to…

Scout Alumni (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

Summer's over, scouts are back in school, sports have started up, and families are getting back into the routine of work and school. Scout meetings are taking place regularly - life is good. But, do you remember those few guys that aren't here this year?

New Scouting Books

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Taking notice a few books – new and some now published in Kindle format. I have a Kindle reader (free) on my computer that enables me to read Kindle books without having the actual Kindle device. Here's a new book aimed at parents of Boy Scouts (no Cub Scout information): Beginning Boy Scouts From a press…

Ideas for October Pack Meeting – Responsibility

Scouter Mom ·

The core value for Cub Scouts for the month of October is Responsibility. According to the program helps responsibility is fulfilling our duty to God, country, other people, and ourselves. Responsibility is fulfilling our duty to help others and take care of ourselves. It is behaving safely and appropriately without having to be told.

Soccer Zipper Pulls (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom ·

If you want a craft with a soccer theme, try making soccer themed zipper pulls. I've outlined a basic idea below, but you can get creative and change it up however you want. They can use the colored beads at the bottom to represent their school colors or the colors for their favorite team.

30 Day Challenges

Jabbering All Day Long ·

I though I can do that, I have nothing better to do in a hotel so I will try a selection of 30 day challenges and see what happens

Finding Out About Endangered Species in Your Area (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom ·

Conservation and Scouting go hand in hand. Since getting outdoors is a big part of the Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs, it makes sense that we should teach Scouts about protecting our natural resources. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has an Endangered Species Page where you can look up endangered species in your…

Discussions (opens in a new tab)

Nick's Ramblings UK ·

After I'd had a chat last week with Chris Meadows (see his blog here or follow him on Twitter here ), he came up with a rather interesting proposal. We would pick a topic and one of us would argue one side and the other one the opposite.

Challenge

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

This past weekend our Troops plan was to float a portion of the Deschutes River in Central Oregon. We all knew going into this activity that there was risk as well as the opportunity to challenge our selves. What we could never plan for was how well the Scouts did in the adventure leading to…

The North Face Endurance Challenge: Madison, WI (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

The e -tour joined their title partner The North Face at another installment of their trail running race series at Kettle Moraine South State Park this weekend. Participants and families alike enjoyed knowing that the Leave No Trace mindset was pervasive at this event, helping keep the grounds litter free with easy to find trash…

The Planning Conference #scoutnation

The Scoutmaster ·

Last weekend was our Troop Leader Training (TLT) and Planning Conference combined. Usually we do them separately but due to the fires at our Scout Camp that destroyed some facilities they asked us (at the beginning of the year) to move some things.

Gauleyfest! (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

This weekend, Team East joined thousands of whitewater enthusiasts at the Gauleyfest in Summersville, WV, presented by Subaru and American Whitewater . Paddlers from all over the country came out to take on the rapids of the Gauley River, which boasts some of the best white water in the country.

Podcast 85 – Journey to Excellence

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Interview with BSA Regional Vice President Hab Butler chairman of the Journey to Excellence task force. Hab's email; butlerha AT epix DOT net 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…

How To Get To The 2013 Jamboree (opens in a new tab)

Summit Blog · archived copy

Coming to West Virginia by train is one of the most scenic trips you'll ever take. (Photo by jpmueller99/Flickr Creative Commons) The days of packing up the kitchen sink for the jamboree (literally, in some cases) are over. The Summit is going to have all of your necessary gear waiting for you on site, which…

To debate or not to debate

Jabbering All Day Long ·

What about having a post where two like minded people debate for and against a topic. We all have our views about things from which is the better chocolate bar to our stance on economic reform.

A Universal Job Description for Scout Youth Leaders.

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Is there really a job description for Scout youth leaders? Every First Class Scout is a leader by definition. Three requirements for advancement are common to every rank after First Class: 1. Merit Badges 2. Service to the community 3.

Book Review: Beginning Boy Scouts (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom ·

The subtitle is "An unofficial practical guide to Boy Scouting for parents and new leaders." And that describes the book perfectly. If you know somebody who is new to the Boy Scout program, then this would be a great resource to give them an overview of the program.

How's your Journey going?

Bobwhite's Blather ·

As we move into mid-September, it's time to stop and evaluate how our Journey is going this year. Of course, I'm referring to the Journey to Excellence, the BSA's replacement for the Centennial Quality Unit award. Last fall, I wrote …

NEW! ClassB Catalogs Available!

Official ClassB Blog ·

If only there was some sort of printed version of the ClassB website so that you could bring it to your next unit meeting. Boy, that would be helpful, wouldn't it? Look no further! ClassB Troop and Pack Catalogs are now available!

Pulling Down at the Pocatello Pump (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Pocatello, Idaho - Last weekend Team West was in southeast Idaho for the 30th annual climbing competition put on by the Idaho State University Outdoor Program . The competition started out in 1981 with 3 routes and a handful of climbers, and has grown into a premiere event in the region that boasts well over 100 routes…

Unit Flag Decorations (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

Our troop flag is fairly bland. Red and white with the BSA emblem in the center. But, here's a flag from Pennsylvania celebrating the troop's 75 year history. There are three flag decoration items that can be added to a flag, if desired.

Campfire Code from Steve Karoly

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Steven C. Karoly is a retired Seabee Cook who blogs at Round the Chuckbox . I eagerly followed a series of eight of Steve's recent posts on the ‘Code of the Campfire'. They are a combination of practical advice and old fashioned good manners.

Geography Belt Loop

Scouter Mom ·

The Geography belt loop from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program is a good enrichment activity if you are planning to take a hike around your neighborhood. Because of the similar requirements, it can also be a companion to the Map and Compass belt loop.

Leading The Way

Summit Blog ·

In the 3rd and final part of Adventures In Service: New River Rendezvous, members of Venturing Crew 5.14 were rewarded with some top-roping out at the Meadow River. While enjoying the new rocks, the group learned more about lead climbing technique from New River Alliance of Climbers (NRAC) guide, Jay Young.

Scouting and homework: Can the two coexist?

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

It's 5:30 on Monday evening, and your 16-year-old son says he has four hours of homework to finish tonight - all due tomorrow. Can, or should, your son attend his 90-minute troop meeting at 7 p.m.? Who should make that decision?

Good Deed on the Trail (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

The last few mornings hiking have been pretty empty. There's normally quite a few people out getting some exercise, but with drizzle and wind, it seems everyone finds something better to do. Today I got a nice surprise. As I was almost done with my 8-mile walk, I heard a bicycle coming up behind me…

Community Cool Idea (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Ever wonder what's happening outside your car window as you zip around your community? Who grows those flowers that smell so good? What's the name of the artist who produces those vibrant sculptures out of what would be landfill material?

New Book: Beginning Boy Scouts (opens in a new tab)

Scouting News · archived copy

Reed Media Services just-released book, Beginning Boy Scouts , introduces the Boy Scouts of America program and shares useful advice for parents and leaders covering a wide range of Scouting topics. Its chapters include: Introduction Getting Started The Patrol Method Adult Leadership Meetings, Activities, and Administrivia The Uniform and Scout Supplies Rank Advancements Merit Badges Other…

Seizing the Scoutmaster's Minute (Carpe Minutae)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

The Scoutmaster's minute is a tradition for sharing a thought or idea at every troop meeting. There are books and websites replete with lots and lots of minutes ( here's mine ) but I have never really used them all that much.

Sweet 16 of BSA Safety | Discipline

Scouter Mom ·

Scouts can be instructed in the rules and understand them and still not follow them. Why does this happen? It is not necessarily because the Scouts are trying to be disrespectful. In many cases they are caught up in the fun of the moment.

Winter on the mind (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

As the weather starts to take a turn and the temps are dropping each day I catch myself thinking about all the potential ski lines that are going open up this winter. Is this wrong? Shouldn't I be enjoying the fall weather we are having right now instead of dreaming about freezing my fingers while…

What Do Salamanders, Texas And The OA Have In Common?

Summit Blog ·

You've heard of the "King of the Jungle" and Lord of the Flies , but how about "Savior of the Salamanders"? As National Chief there is always some public speaking to be done. (Photo from Jonathan Hillis) No? Well, you might know him better as national chief.

Progress at the Summit (opens in a new tab)

Wayne Brock TV · archived copy

In this episode of WBtv, Wayne heads to the Summit to take a look at the progress being made at the BSA's newest high-adventure base and future home of the jamboree. For more information on the Summit (or the jamboree), head to summit.scouting.org or bsajamboree.org .

Cayuna Country (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

The e-tour spent the last few days in the Crosby and Ironton communities of central Minnesota. We visited the high school and elementary school for two full days of classroom workshops connecting with local youth. One of the groups we met with was the Service Adventure Leadership Team (SALT), a dedicated bunch of high school…

Do You Know A Scout Who Goes 'Above & Beyond'?

Summit Blog ·

We all know Scouts and Venturers are some of the best guys and girls around. Look in any town, any neighborhood, and the kind of folks you find in Scouting are achievers, leaders and setting an example for service to others.

"Green time" and ADHD (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

A recent study links simple ‘green time’ (time spent outdoors in nature; and for the purposes of this particular study expansive green fields or lawns) to milder symptoms for children with Attention Deficit and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADD, ADHD).

Regular 'green time' linked to milder ADHD symptoms

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

A recent study links simple ‘green time' (time spent outdoors in nature; and for the purposes of this particular study expansive green fields or lawns) to milder symptoms for children with Attention Deficit and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADD, ADHD).

Lead, Train and Inspire PowerPoint Presentation

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Here's the PowerPoint presentation I use at troop leader training. Please feel free to use and adapt it as you see fit (you do not have to credit me.) Here's the article explaining the concept Before this session, I call the older guys who have seen this before off to the side and ask them…

Soccer Cake (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom · archived copy

A few years back, one of our son's coaches had an end-of-season party for the soccer team. My husband likes to decorate cakes, so he made a soccer cake for the party. Since I am showcasing a soccer theme this month, I thought I'd share the idea with you.

BSA Bear Den Meeting 2 – What Makes America Special and The Past Is Exciting and Important

Scouter Mom ·

This plan covers most of Achievement 3 - What Makes America Special - and completes Bear Achievement 8 - The Past Is Exciting and Important - which was started in the first meeting.

SummitCorps Scouts Raise Money With Patches (opens in a new tab)

Summit Blog · archived copy

Throughout the month of July, Arrowmen from around the country traveled to West Virginia for the biggest youth project in National Park Service history: SummitCorps . Where do you keep your patches? (Photo by midnightcomm/Flickr Creative Commons) They came to build miles of trails, but ended up making an even bigger impact on the community.

Tin Can Lanterns

Scouter Mom ·

Tin can lanterns make a very versatile craft project for Cub Scouts. You can make the holes in any pattern you like - a star for Christmas, a ghost for Halloween, a heart for Valentine's day. Webelos and Bears can probably do this project themselves with some adult supervision.

Issue 270 – September 25, 2010 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

Rule No. 31 : Sometimes it's OK to be average: It still means you're ahead of almost half the group. Rule No. 32 : There are five types of people in brainstorming sessions: Yes-But-ers, Not-Now-ers, It'll Never-Work-ers, We Tried it Before and it Didn't-Work-ers, and Why-Not-ers.

Flickr Scouting Photo Groups

A Scoutmaster's Blog ·

I thought I would post links a few of the Flickr groups that are dedicated to sharing pictures of Scouting taken in the United States and other countries. I enjoy checking these groups and see how the Scout program is being enjoyed around the world.

The BigFoot Challenge (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

As we move into the Fall season Scout Troops everywhere are packing into the woods for great adventures. Winter will soon be here and so Fall is a great time to reinforce the Leave No Trace Principles with the Scouts (and Adults) of your unit.

End of Summer Giveaway Winners (opens in a new tab)

Scouting News · archived copy

Our End of the Summer Giveaway is over. Thank you for all the entries! We had 110 entries for three prizes. The prizes were: One $15 Amazon.com Gift Card. This will be delivered as an electronic gift code. Boy Scouts of America's Deck of Knots.

Twin Cities Backyard Session, MN (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

After a morning of service on National Public Lands Day , volunteers joined the e-tour and our Minnesota State Advocate Rita Hussman to learn more about how they can practice Leave No Trace in their community. Around 200 people participated in removing one of the most invasive species in Minnesota, Common buckthorn and planted acorns in…

What's New in Supply? It's in the September Issue of 'Supply Line'

Scouting Wire ·

Click to open September issue The September issue of Supply Line is out, featuring stories on the new Prepared. For Life.™ apparel line by Nike Golf ® , the "Meet Me At The Summit" program, and more. To read the full article and the rest of the issue, click the link above or on the image at…

1 Big Reason The Summit Will Be Ready In 2013

Summit Blog ·

It's not exactly "hands-free" driving, but operators of the bulldozers and other heavy equipment developing the Summit Bechtel Reserve have a co-pilot high in the sky. Hulking, 50-ton machines such as the D9 Caterpillar are being precision-guided to within inches of blueprint plans on the Summit grounds with the help of global positioning technology (GPS).

An Hour A Week? #270

An Hour A Week? Podcast ·

Lots of talk about what's going on in my Scouting world tonight. Also, recruitment, social media, and roundtable help are all on tap for tonight's show. Links: Cub Scout Peer-to-Peer Recruitment Cards- http://bit.ly/orqYnx Getting Started With Social Media for Your Scouting Marketing- http://bit.ly/olpvh9 Delivery System Manual Cub Scout Program- http://bit.ly/o0L6aQ Delivery System Manual Cub Scout…

Red River Gorge-eous! (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Stanton, KY. This past weekend marked the second consecutive year the Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer program attended the Living Archeology Weekend at the scenic Red River Gorge in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Known for its abundant natural stone arches, unusual rock formations, and spectacular sandstone cliffs, the Red River Gorge has been designated…