Scouting and Social Media (opens in a new tab)
I was pondering the other day if there is a use for social media in scouting, or if it just adults playing around telling other adults that they are sooooo...
Browse by year
October 2011
219 posts, oldest first.
Posts in October 2011
Skateboarding Pin for Cub Scouts (opens in a new tab)
If you have a Cub Scout who can't be parted from his skateboard, he can earn his skateboarding pin from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]
A week of mixed occasions (opens in a new tab)
From a sad farewell in Humberside, through the Welsh Annual Conference and a Fellows' reception to the grand opening of a new HQ, Wayne has been all travelling all over this week
ShelterBox Ambassador Field Training (opens in a new tab)
This weekend I was an attendee at ShelterBox Ambassador Field Training. I'm still processing all I went through but I can say without hesitation that it was one of the best, if not the best training, I've ever attended. The weekend was very well balanced between informational sessions, hands-on with the ShelterBox equipment, team development
Atomic Chess Game (opens in a new tab)
Do you think regular chess is boring? Then try atomic chess. In atomic chess, pieces don't just capture other pieces, they explode! Both pieces involved in the capture are destroyed along with any in the surrounding area. Sound like fun?
Recycling Is As Easy As Washing Your Hands [Video] (opens in a new tab)
Excitement is building for the Summit Bechtel Reserve, and with lots of hype about whitewater rafting, zip line canopy tours, biking trails and hiking trails, who wouldn't be? (And to check out the latest craze in water sports, share this with your friends.)
Podcast 89 – First thoughts on the new Guide to Advancement (opens in a new tab)
First thoughts on the new Guide to Advancement and Eagle Project Workbook, answers to three email questions. 2011 Guide to Advancement PDF Eagle project Workbook PDF Instructional Methods PDF 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
The Greener Generation? (opens in a new tab)
I am sure you have already had the conversation in your troop. How can we be more "green" and eco-friendly? The Boy Scouts have been discussing this long before it became socially fashionable. Take a look at Leave No Trace, for example.
Animal Behavior (opens in a new tab)
On the trail this morning, there was a big dark blob far ahead. In the early morning gloom, I couldn't make it out but it was certainly not there yesterday. It moved. Oh, just a rodent, another raccoon scrounging around getting into mischief.
The North Face Cares (opens in a new tab)
Pine Mountain, GA. This weekend over 1200 runners challenged their strength and endurance at The North Face Endurance Challenge outside of Atlanta, GA. The FD Roosevelt State Park trail system provided a technical course for the athletes that competed in either the 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, Marathon, 50k, or the 50 mile race.
Pre-order Scout Stuff collector's book
With more than 100 years of history, it's no surprise that Scouting has seen its fair share of innovation and change. And collecting historic artifacts - uniforms, handbooks, and, of course, patches - from the past is a popular activity with many Scouts and Scouters.
We're Not in Kansas Anymore... (opens in a new tab)
...but last week the e-tour stopped in to visit their title partner The Coleman Company in Wichita. Getting to show the folks at Coleman a snapshot of what they make possible for us on the road was a real treat.
Behind the Power Curve (opens in a new tab)
I can't believe how far behind I am on my posts. It's just been too hectic to get everything done. Here's several videos: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTBn4WIfUuk and another www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFoIlIBso7U and finally,the last www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nZezB5zQpA
UK Scouts join global chatroom (opens in a new tab)
Scouts from around the world took part in the global spectacular that is Jamboree on the Air and Jamboree on the Internet last weekend.
Preaching the Scoutmaster Minute
I'm a preacher's kid, so I've sat through a lot of sermons, pretty much all of them longer than a minute. When it became my turn to talk at the close of the troop meeting, I tried to use some of what I'd learned in all that time.
Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe (opens in a new tab)
Yesterday afternoon the e-tour visited the Boys and Girls Club in South Lake Tahoe, CA. Although we've been living out of Big Blue, our e-tour Subaru, Tahoe is where we feel at home. Educating youth in our own community is a supremely rewarding experience.
Librarian Description and Self Evaluation
Most Boy Scout troops keep a library of merit badge pamphlets and other resources. The Librarian is a youth member of the troop who takes care of this troop literature. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]
New! Custom Patches Now Available (opens in a new tab)
Yes! ClassB ® custom patches are BACK! We're incredibly excited to be able to provide custom patches once again to our customers. Whether you're looking for a patch that requires a laser cut edge, merrowed edge, button loops, metallic or neon thread, cool looking "ghosted" artwork – we can do it all.
Boy Scouts of America, Sustainable Forestry Initiative: A natural partnership
What would we do without forests? There'd be no place to hang our bear bags. No place to stop for shade while backpacking. No place to take great fall photos? And no paper to print Eagle Scout Court of Honor programs, merit badge pamphlets, and, well, Scouting magazine.
Loon Migration (opens in a new tab)
Last day to Win $500 Camping Gear - don't miss out. I heard and then say the first Loon migrating south on my hike this morning. You can watch individually banded loon migration activity at this USGS page . Over the next month or so, the loons will be heading south to the Gulf of Mexico - smart…
The North Face Speaker Series Features Ingrid Backstrom (opens in a new tab)
Seattle, Washington - Last week Team West was in the Pacific Northwest with local legend Ingrid Backstrom and Leave No Trace partner The North Face . Ingrid spoke in Olympia and Seattle on consecutive evenings about her inspirations and adventures as one of the top all mountain skiers in the world.
Pack 4363 Webelos tackle winds for Naturalist activity pin (opens in a new tab)
Several first and second year Webelos Scouts from Pack 4363, hiked the Cofrin Arboratum trail to learn and complete the requirements for their Naturalist Activity pin and complete some of the requirements for Leave No Trace awards. Several Scouts helped pick up litter and trash left behind on the trail from previous hikers and learned…
Issue 272 – October 18, 2011 (opens in a new tab)
Rule No. 30 : The moment you decide to wear the medal you received for your modesty, you no longer qualify. Dear Andy, I'm a parent and troop committee member. Recently I've been engaged in a discussion with the troop's Scoutmaster on a topic on which we have opposing views.
Scout Community Week launches (opens in a new tab)
Our biggest community and fundraising project in decades will take place next May.
Merit Badge Weekend… coming up! (opens in a new tab)
Just a few weeks away and I’ve agreed to teach any of the three Merit Badges that I’m a counselor for. So… time to get prepped. This past weekend while attending the Chief Seattle Council’s Program and Training Conference (PTC), I sat in on the Merit Badge Counselor session.
The Leader's Campfire #87
#87-Introducing The Varsity Spot We interview RJ Schulz, the host of the newest PTC Media show, The Varsity Spot. We talk Venture Crews and Varsity Teams. Join the forum discussion on this post
Nature Study for Scout Leaders – Astronomy
Can you locate the north star? What three stars make up the summer triangle? Have you ever seen a meteor shower? Any active Scout Troop will spend many nights under clear skies away from city lights – ideal conditions for observing the stars.
Astronomy Merit Badge for Boy Scouts (opens in a new tab)
When I was camping with my Webelos a few weeks ago, they mentioned how much brighter the stars were at camp. So we talked about how light pollution affects star gazing. And I told them that when they are Boy Scouts, they can learn even more about astronomy.
Calling All Arkansas Leave No Tracers! (opens in a new tab)
Rollin and Strollin on the Arkansas River Trail Little Rock Arkansas. The Traveling Trainers will be providing four chock-full days of outreach in Central Arkansas. Prominent Boy Scouts of America Council Advocate and Leave No Trace Master Educator, Rob Stephens, has worked diligently on the logistics for each of the upcoming events.
Venturing Arts and Hobbies Bronze Award Requirements
This month, I am looking at the Arts and Hobbies Bronze award. This Bronze award lets Venturers explore an area of interest to them and learn about it in depth. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]
Reasonable Expectations for Scouts
Years ago there was some question as to whether one of my Scouts who was a candidate for Eagle had satisfied the ‘active' requirement. He had not attended many meetings or outings in the last six months. He was a high school senior and a wrestler.
Picture Thursday 20_10_11
These are enviroducts they are suppose to be more environmentally friendly than concrete ones and they are lighter too.
Robin Hills Portcullis Gateway (opens in a new tab)
Robin Hills Scout troop built this portcullis gateway for their campsite at Kontiki 2011. Two A-frames support a gate that slides up along the slope of the front legs. This gate is a much bigger and sturdier portcullis than the one I blogged about back in 2006.
Move it! Take the SCOUTStrong PALA Challenge today
To keep myself physically strong ”¦ It's right there in the Scout Oath, but chances are you or someone in your pack, troop, team, or crew needs a little reminder. I've got just the thing: The SCOUTStrong Presidential Active Lifestyle Award Challenge.
Support Scouting and American troops with popcorn sales
Popcorn sales help fund Scouting activities, but this salty treat can also bring cheer to service men and women overseas. Popcorn buyers can do both-support the troops and Scouting-by participating in a Trail's End military donation. This service act can be completed in two ways: When Scouts sell popcorn, simply ask buyers if they wish…
Heading Out in the World (opens in a new tab)
A past scout was in town this week so I got to have coffee with him today (well, I had cocoa). Turns out he's heading to New Zealand tomorrow morning, taking a semester off from college to see the world.
What do trainers need to know? (opens in a new tab)
Have you ever been called upon to do some training but weren't sure how you would do? It could be training Cub leaders, perhaps other committee members in how to do a board of review, or teaching Scouts about leadership …
2012 NESA Scholarship Applications Now Available
In 2012, the National Eagle Scout Association will award 153 scholarships varying in size from $1,000 to $50,000 to deserving Eagle Scouts through various scholarship funds. To learn more about the scholarships and access application instructions, visit NESA's 2012 Scholarship Applications site.
Three Tests for 'Active'
A significant addition the new Guide to Advancement walks us through the sometimes thorny issue of evaluating active participation. I have struggled at times, as have many of us, with judging how to interpret this requirement. The team that assembled the new guide has made this process simple and clear.
Checkerboard Cake
Since I am featuring a chess theme this month, I thought I'd suggest making a checkerboard cake which will look similar to a chess board when sliced as a snack to go along with this theme. One easy way to make a checkerboard cake is with a special checkerboard cake pan.
Not Your Average Scout
David (Dave) Evans, an Eagle Scout from upstate New York, may seem like your average guy. He plays football and he's a good student. But Dave is far from average. Dave is a fourth-class cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.
Silver Beaver Processing Change Announced
The BSA's National Executive Board has voted to change the BSA Rules and Regulations to allow any local council to process its own Silver Beaver awards, effective Jan. 1, 2012. After a review of the procedures, the National Court of Honor determined that allowing councils to print their own Silver Beaver Award certificates would help…
Summit Tops $250 Million in Private Funding
Click to open October issue The October issue of the Giving Times newsletter has been published and is available online. In this edition, you can read more about the Extraordinary Adventures, Remarkable Leaders fundraising event held in early September, during which more than $30 million in gifts supporting the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve…
MyRoadToEagle.com
MyRoadToEagle.com is a free internet advancement tracking website designed by a current Scoutmaster. There are a lot of ways to track advancement online and with smartphone apps but MyRoadToEagle.com has the best graphic interface I have seen thus far. Here's the individual Scout page: I like the bars that show progress in different areas.
Ideas for November Cub Scout Pack Meeting – Citizenship
The core value for Cub Scouts for the month of November is Citizenship. According to the program helps citizenship is "Contributing service and showing responsibility to local, state, and national communities. Cub Scouts develop good citizenship when they are learning about respecting the flag and...
New, Youth-Only Venturing Leadership Award Qualifications Announced
The Venturing Leadership Award is presented by councils, areas, regions, and the National Council to youth Venturers who have made exceptional contributions to Venturing and who exemplify the Venturing Code and Oath. To qualify for one of these award levels, nominees must do the following: Be registered and involved as a Venturer for at least…
Turn Up the Amp to Get Your Scouts to Summer Camp! (opens in a new tab)
Do you do your best to market your camp? What method do you use? Brochures? Website? Word of mouth? Sales force? Many camps rush to court out-of-council members even though a significant market exists within reach of its local office.
Halloween Bingo Cards (opens in a new tab)
If you are looking for a fun gathering activity for a den meeting or pack meeting around Halloween time, try these Halloween Picture Bingo Cards. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]
Moving On (opens in a new tab)
It is time. After 30 years of serving as the scoutmaster of Melrose Boy Scout Troop 68 I have decided to step down and let someone else assume the role. My last day as the adult leader of the troop will be December 31, 2011.
Webinar Walks Councils Through Employee Handbook Update Process (opens in a new tab)
All councils have been encouraged to update their employee handbooks by year-end using the new Local Council Employee Handbook Guidelines document on MyBSA ( Resources > BSA Resources > Council Employee Handbook Guidelines ). To help with that process, four, 60-minute webinars were conducted in September and early October.
Issue 273 – October 23, 2011 (opens in a new tab)
Rule No. 36 : Any Commissioner who believes Commissioners out-rank unit leaders should be immediately taken outside and shot. Rule No. 37 : Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water; the remainder is covered by FOS chairs and Popcorn colonels. Dear Andy, On the subject of pets on a Scout camping trip I'd like to offer…
Measuring our contribution (opens in a new tab)
This week, Wayne has also been blogging for the Guardian. Read his article on the impact of Scouting in our communities.
Online Now: Opt-In Webinar for Voice of the Scout
Voice of the Scout is the first direct, consistent survey program to gather the experiences people are having with Scouting. It has been developed to represent the "customer voice" in the Journey to Excellence (JTE) performance recognition program, and will provide benchmarks over time for continuous improvement.
An Hour A Week? #273
#273-Roundtables, training, Commissioners, Webelos Woods, Webelos to Scout transition, Halloween costuming and November's Core Value of Citizenship are some of the topics on tonight's show. Links: Wearing the Scout uniform as a Halloween costume- http://bit.ly/r0CVf3 Tonight's show sponsored by The Boy Scout Store Join the forum discussion on this post
Chess Terminology Scramble Puzzle (opens in a new tab)
Earlier this month, I wrote about basic chess terms. So today I am presenting a word scramble puzzle to reinforce the meanings of some of those terms. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]
Where's that AED? (opens in a new tab)
Have you seen this sign before? It's the ILCOR approved universal AED sign. It indicates the presence of or direction to an AED. ILCOR = International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation. AED = Automated External Defibrillator Keep your eyes open for these signs whenever you enter a public building and see how many you find.
Updates From Team Summit
The jamboree at the Summit will deliver a world-class program experience – more diverse, more intense, higher energy and more physically challenging than ever before. My name is Russell Smart, and I am the volunteer team leader for all program activities at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree.
Le Petite Roche (opens in a new tab)
Little Rock, AR. It was a whirlwind tour through Central Arkansas. We had many successful events in both Little Rock and North Little Rock, working with the Parks and Recreation Departments, local boy scout troops, and volunteers of the Arkansas River Trail .
Photo of the Week 10.24.11 (opens in a new tab)
Back home in Lake Tahoe, Mark cannot resist quick a mid-Fall dip. Tara and Mark
Podcast 90 – Safety on a Scout Camping Trip
Safety on a Scout led camping trip. Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety Safe Scouting at Scouting.org Risk management at Scoutmastercg.com 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
Nov. Breakfast Club Call to Address Council Funding
Council Funding: Past, Present, and What the Future Will Bring!" will be the topic for the November 2 session of the Council Operations Breakfast Club conference call. The Council Fund Development Team will join Assistant Chief Scout Executive Gary Butler on the call to discuss a number of recent changes to the bylaws and rules…
Vietnam War hero receives Distinguished Eagle Scout Award
Thomas R. Norris is a Vietnam War hero and a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. He served two decades as a special agent with the FBI. And, perhaps not surprisingly, he's an Eagle Scout. So, yeah, calling him "extraordinary" is no exaggeration.
Nov. 1 Finance Impact 'e-Letter' Now Available
Click to open Nov. 1 issue The November 1 issue of the Finance Impact e-Letter has been published and is available online. In this issue, councils are presented with the teaching tools to help them be in compliance with the AICPA audit committee charter matrix and the National Strategic Plan's goal for developing councils' audit…
Review – Washington State Park
Our Boy Scout troop recently had a family campout at Washington State Park. I recommend this campground. There was definitely plenty to do and see there and we had a great time. I'm sure we'll be going back. [ This is a content summary only.
Skills
Skills are the next important part of planning and preparing for your next outdoor adventure. What ever that adventure is. Last night our Troop began preparation for the next camp out, a caving trip up in Washington. So as is the custom of our PLC, they alway begin with First Aid.
Evaluating Scouting Positions of Responsibility
The new Guide to Advancement repeatedly emphasizes that we are charged with helping individual Scouts succeed. Mentoring, coaching, advocating for the Scout, establishing and defining reasonable expectations are all aspects of Scoutmastership the guide mentions again and again. I am convinced that anyone who follows the polices and procedures in the guide carefully will strengthen…
Learn How to Make Your Training Records Stick
Frustrated with ScoutNET training records issues? We've found that nearly all issues that arise in ScoutNET involve entry errors. Primarily, council employees are unaware of how and where to enter training records into ScoutNET to make them stick. Join us for encore presentations of the training records webinar that was originally presented in the spring.
Only Monster Explorers on Loch Ness (opens in a new tab)
Only Monster Explorers on Loch Ness
BSA Supply Upcoming Marketing Events
With the upcoming holiday shopping season approaching, its always good to know about an upcoming sale. Here is a list of upcoming marketing events from BSA Supply. These promotions will be found on Scout Stuff and in Nationally run Scout Shops.
Guide to Advancement Mandated Procedures and Recommended Practices
In my work with our local planning commission we are charged with interpreting and applying standards in the Zoning code. These interpretations often turn on little words; in fact one becomes adept at finding the little words because they usually clarify the situation quickly.
Sharing the Excitement (opens in a new tab)
You never know what animals, scenery, and cool stuff you might see while hiking or camping. I get excited with the anticipation of seeing something new each morning of a campout, especially when I'm up early before the bugler. It might just be crystals of frost or a foggy sunrise, but there's always something - if…
Nuclear Science Merit Badge for Boy Scouts (opens in a new tab)
Our troop probably earns an unusual number of the Nuclear Science merit badges because my husband is a counselor. So that is a chance for our Scouts to learn about this topic from somebody who works with this material every day in his job.
Big Doings For Bridge Day 2011 (opens in a new tab)
Tens of thousands of spectators ambled out across the New River Gorge Bridge on Saturday, Oct. 15 - all to watch several hundred more people leap from the bridge with parachutes and rappel to the bottom on thousand-foot ropes. It's Bridge Day, the largest one-day festival in West Virginia, and it is just down the road…
Stick 'Em Up! (opens in a new tab)
Bigfoot Warns: Take My Challenge! With bubble gun in hand, Bigfoot "threatens" all outdoor enthusiasts to spend two minutes taking The Bigfoot Challenge . The end of October is right around the corner, so time is running out to win quality product from KEEN Here are this month's challenges: On Halloween pick up 1 stray candy…
Explore Your Parks: California (opens in a new tab)
This past Friday the e-tour wrapped up the Explore Your Parks 2011 series made possible by The North Face, Good Solutions Group and Angel Island State Park . A perfect setting to teach local school children, Angel Island easily illustrated the importance of learning to 'Trash Your Trash'.
September Bigfoot Challenge Winners (opens in a new tab)
Every month Leave No Trace hosts the Bigfoot Challenge, a set of challenges that ask people to practice Leave No Trace principles at their local places of outdoor recreation. September was sponsored by our friend and partner Clif Bar ! This month, the challenges were: - This Labor Day weekend cook a meal outside with your family…
How to spot fake Scouting patches and memorabilia
Think you can spot a fake? Fake patches and other phony Scouting memorabilia, that is. These items are Scouting's currency. You collect them, trade them, and pass them on to your children and grandchildren. And like any currency, people looking to make a quick buck from unsuspecting victims will produce counterfeit and unauthorized versions of…
Are you a gram weenie? (opens in a new tab)
Welcome back, this is show #95! sorry for the long wait, but… well.. you know. This show talks about shaving weight and volume in your backpack. Don't forget to leave some feedback. This show is sponsored by the Boy Scout Store . Have a Great Scouting Day! Join the forum discussion on this post
Are You a gram weenie?
The SMMPodcast show #95 is now available for your listening pleasure… well for those of you that still enjoy the sound of my Scouter voice. In this show I talk about shaving weight and reducing volume in your backpack. Take a listen to the show and let me know what you think.
The new definition of "active"
The BSA raised our eyebrows recently with the publication of the new Guide to Advancement, which replaces the Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures book that had been in use for several years. There are thirteen significant changes in the new …
Lightweight rafts - Kon Tiki Chairman's Challenge 2011 (opens in a new tab)
The annual Kon Tiki Chairman's Challenge was held all across Gauteng province recently. The top ten teams from Kon Tiki in March were challenged to participate. Rather than the normal race down the Vaal river, the challenge this year consisted of building a raft and completing a mobility challenge at four different lakes across the…
Picture Thursday 27_10_11
This is the construction road from my site office to the site. I walk this road a minimum of 8 time a day and a maximum of who knows.
Nature Study for Scout Leaders – Forestry
Can you identify the major species of trees in your area? What's the difference between a tree and a shrub? How do we use the lumber or fruits of from a specific tree? How did Native Americans and our ancestors use them?
Leave No Trace in the San Juan Islands (opens in a new tab)
Lopez Island - San Juan Islands, WA Sometimes it's not how many students are in a classroom that matters, but instead what they do with the information they have learned that counts most. Last weekend Team West was fortunate enough to share outdoor ethics educational programs with members of the Lopez Island community who directly work…
Antichess Game (opens in a new tab)
Do you feel like you always lose when you play chess? If you are better at getting your own pieces captured than capturing your opponents pieces, then Antichess is the game for you. In Antichess (sometimes called Suicide Chess or Giveaway Chess) the object is to lose all of your pieces.
The Air of Angels (opens in a new tab)
Last week we continued working with local college students at both Lake Tahoe Community College and Sierra Nevada College . With programs dedicated to experiential outdoor learning it was a perfect setting to get a pulse of the student vibe regarding responsible recreation.
Innovation
In this episode, I'm discussing innovation, and how it is often a result of years of research and trial and error, trying to find a solution to a problem or a better way to do something. Do you have a big idea for the BSA?
What order are knots supposed to be worn on an adult uniform?
I've heard multiple answers: - By date earned - By difficulty - By personal importance What's the right answer?
Corporate and events experts praise Gilwell team-building activities (opens in a new tab)
Representatives from the world of business and events were wowed by the corporate facilities at Gilwell Park
Recipes For Chilly Weather
Trail cooking and the Outdoors blog offers these Recipes For Chilly Weather . Hearty beverages, dinners, snacks and other great recipes from Sarah Kirkconnell. We're off backpacking soon and these recipes look great! Sarah and is also the author of Freezer Bag Cooking: Trail Food Made Simple – a fantastic book for Scouts about trail food.
Crew Social Event and Service Project – Trunk or Treat (opens in a new tab)
They are going to help distribute pizzas at the event and do some other small jobs for the organizers. In return, they will have a table where they can hang out together and pass out candy (since none of them has a car).
Picture of the Week 10/28/11: Caption Contest! (opens in a new tab)
Caption Contest: How would you title this photo?
It's a Contest (opens in a new tab)
I'd like to make mention of two contests that might appeal to you or your Scout units. You have until this weekend to get an entry in for the first one. Coleman "Continue Exploring" Contest If you are a non-profit organization and are in need of new camping gear, then look no further!
Issue 274 – October 28, 2011 (opens in a new tab)
Rule No. 38 : Wealth doesn't assure happiness; neither does poverty. Dear Andy, Do you happen to know where I can find the requirements for the "Commissioner Excellence in Service to Units Award"? (We were told about it by De Nguyen, from the BSA National Council, when he came out to speak to us about the…
Welcome (opens in a new tab)
Welcome to the redesigned Ask Andy at NetCommish web site. I hope you will enjoy your web experience here. Please pardon our dust as reconstruction of the site continues and content is moved here from the old site.
Tour Permit vs. Tour Plans
What's the difference? Are Tour Permits still required? When do I use a Tour Plan?
Best ways to increase Scouting for Food donations
What are effective ways to increase the amount of food donated when conducting a door-to-door Scouting for food drive? I'm looking for ideas in regards to "drop off bags at homes, then pick them up a week later" type drives, not food drives in general.
Can youth use chainsaws? (opens in a new tab)
I assume that Cub Scouts are a no, but what about Boy Scouts or Venturers?
Can a parent be a merit badge counselor for their own son?
If so, does the Scout still need a buddy or can they work on it alone together?
Scouting For Scholarships
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — What's it worth to earn your Eagle Scout rank? Well, for some, it can be worth about $56,000. An innovative program at the University of Evansville (UE) has awarded scholarships to 123 students, based not just on their success in school, but on their achievements in Scouting.