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As we approach the new year, many of us will be making resolutions to lose weight, exercise more, or eat healthier, so the timing couldn't be more perfect to talk with David Roberts about the new health and fitness initiative called SCOUTStrong.
It's not always easy to keep a positive outlook when things don't go our way, so how do we teach our Cub Scouts about positive attitude? Joining us is Mary Jo Brentari, committee chair of her local Cub Scout pack from Anacortes, Wash.
After my hike last weekend, I'm pondering something. I found this, and a few more, balancing rock formations that someone created along the trail. I think they look pretty neat and I've seen them done as art before. The quandry comes from the location of this person's efforts.
This time of year, Cub Scouts are looking forward to a winter wonderland. They have visions of snowy days with sledding and hot cocoa. And they dream of snow days. Build on this vision with a Winter Wonderland theme for your pack or den program.
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We'll all have one or more of those meetings or outings every once in a while. A small percentage of Scouts show up and it's discouraging. Youth leaders are absent from their duties and it's frustrating. We can chase our tails trying to figure out why this happens and that can make things worse.
San Francisco, California - This coming weekend brings the last event for Team West in the 2011 Traveling Trainer season at The North Face Endurance Challenge . The North Face has long been a strong advocate for promoting responsible outdoor recreation and has generously supported Leave No Trace over the years.
With over 300 million people expected to recreate on our public lands in 2012, remember that without Leave No Trace education, additional people could mean additional impacts - resulting in potential damage to natural resources. With that in mind, make it a New Years Resolution to attend or facilitating a Leave No Trace training in your…
Wrapping up our season as the e-tour we found that we had a bunch of photos of the animals we stayed with during our journey. Not being able to have pets of our own while fulfilling the duties of being a traveling trainer we are always delighted when our hosts can share their furry friends…
After a day of meetings at B–P House last Saturday, Wayne joined 200 members from King Alfred District, Oxford to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Stuart Rae challenge.
Scouts across the UK are continuing to lead the way in Race Online 2012
The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics recently completed work at Mount Rainier National Park's Paradise Area, a 2011 Leave No Trace-designated "Hot Spot." Located in Washington, Mount Rainier National Park receives up to two-million visitors a year. At Paradise, the most heavily visited area of the park containing 26 miles of trails, recreation-related…
Electronic council letterhead files and council logos in all colors and file types are now available online. To access these items, log onto MyBSA , click the Resources tab, and then click the Council Letterheads and Logos link in the middle of the page.
In the November eNews, we asked: What would you do? The weather is perfect, the dirt is tacky and you've driven far up into the mountains and camped get an early start on an epic bike ride with your crew.
These are a family recipe. As kids we called them "snowballs" because that is what they look like – small ball shaped cookies rolled in powdered sugar. My mom always called them Russian tea cakes. Either way they are delicious. Get your Cub Scouts to help with forming the balls of...
Here's a couple of really good deals I came across doing a little holiday shopping at Campsaver. (Free shipping for orders over $50.00.) Mountainsmith Pinnacle Trekking Poles I love my trekking poles; a must have for hiking! I don't own this particular pair but they look a lot like an inexpensive pair I bought in…
It's a new home for the jamboree. It's a new high adventure base. It's a new century of Scouting. All of that calls for some brand new gear. You Scouts out there who were learning about the Summit at the 2010 jamboree at Fort AP Hill might remember the field caps that were handed out.
Get out your cellphone, and look at the last text message you received. Read it aloud. Then consider whether that text message is so important that you'd risk getting into a car accident to read it. Would you put your life on the line to tap out a response?
By the end of November, your local council office should have received a package from the Philmont Training Center. Enclosed in this package, you will find materials to promote the 2012 Philmont Training Center conferences, including: 2012 PTC posters 2012 PTC conference brochures 2012 PTC conference fliers DVD containing digital copies of promotional materials as…
Click to open December issue The December issue of Marketing News has been published and posted to the Marketing Toolbox. Stories include the following: About the Prepared. For Life™. National Theme Make the Most of Your Council's 100th 2013 Jamboree Marketing Resources To read more about these topics, as well as the full issue of…
. (Helsinki/SP-FS) – The Rover Scouts from the Vartiovuori Scout Group in Helsinki (Finland) have combined their knowledge of history of art, with computer editing skills and their love of Finnish nature! The result? A spectacular calendar for 2012! You will probably already have come across calendars edited by the local fire brigade, the sons and daughters…
This plan covers Bear Achievement 7 – Law Enforcement Is a Big Job. I'll include some links and other ideas to help you with this meeting plan. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]
It's that time of the year again, when we talk about Troop budgets, recharter, and PLC meetings to execute another great year of Scouting. The other night at our Troop's committee meeting we looked deep into our budget to see where we could save the Scouts some money.
When you take just a minute to look at the last text message on your wireless device, consider whether it would be worth causing a serious accident, possibly one that could take a life … or several lives. When you look at it this way, there's no text that can't wait.
To take Scouting into the next century, the BSA adopted a new national theme and an updated unique selling proposition in 2011. The Prepared. For Life™ theme reflects the BSA's program of preparing young people for the future. It also provides a messaging platform that will extend through 2015.
New Dutch Oven Recipe for Boy Scouts
Trustworthy Tommy is a song to help Webelos and new Boy Scouts learn the Scout Law. Webelos need to memorize the law to earn the Arrow of Light. New Boy Scouts must memorize it for the Tenderfoot rank. Some boys who have trouble with rote memorization will find that learning the song helps it stick...
Where two or more are gathered in his name, there am I among them" (Matthew 18:20) This passage has been stuck in my mind and my heart for some time now. You see, Church to me is less in the building as it is in the community and in the heart and mind of the…
Click to open December issue The December issue of Learning for Life and Exploring Today has been published and is available at learningforlife.org . The issue's lead story focuses on the online Career Interest Survey, which will launch Jan. 1. Other topics include the following: Harassment, Bullying, and Cyber-Intimidation Resources Career and Post Statistics Middle School…
hello my name is Mark West. IAM currently a assistant scoutmaster for 3 years. Currently I am with the great Alaska Council with headquarters in Anchorage, Alaska, which is where I am currently living. I am active with 3 different units with 2 being in Anchorage and the 3rd in soldotna, Alaska which is located…
True North, Show 40 is out…only 60 more to 100! CLICK HERE
Local councils and BSA locations such as the Supply Group and high-adventure bases have been using the online incident reporting gadget on MyBSA since 2009. As a result, Risk Management and Health and Safety have seen an increase in the overall reporting of incidents, and we thank you.
The focus in this program feature is citizenship and service. Younger Boy Scouts can work on flag etiquette, flag ceremonies, and their rights and duties as US Citizens. Older Scouts could work on the Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, and Citizenship in the World merit...
Each year, each and every part of the Boy Scouts of America must renew its charter, giving it authority to operate for another year. This applies to packs, troops, crews, districts, OA lodges, and even councils. The annual renewal process …
High adventure, your way and made simple. That is what you'll get at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. Here is a better explanation, and 3 reasons why you should sign up for the jamboree: High adventure.
This morning we have had a rash of emails to us via web forms and regular email asking about emails that appear to have come from one or more of these addresses: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] The text of the message indicates that Andy has been robbed in Scotland and needs your money.
I'd like to elaborate on two points that came up in the comments of my last post - and thank you for all your thoughts. Cairns vs. Art Some people mentioned that rock cairns are useful for marking the trail so the rock stack I found should be left alone.
A Master Educator course is typically five days in length and designed for people who are actively teaching others backcountry skills or providing recreation information to the public. As of December 2011, there are over 5000 Leave No Trace Masters world wide representing nine countries and 50 U.S.
The National Council is offering the following six vehicles for sale: 1. 2010 Ford Edge SE AWD Mileage: 81,626 approximate miles Exterior color: Ingot silver metallic Interior color: Charcoal black cloth Asking price: $19,610 Location: Marshall, Michigan Equipment/features: 3.5L V6 Duratec engine AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 player Six-speed automatic transmission Power windows/locks/seats Cruise control 2.
IN THIS PODCAST How do you welcome new Scouts and their families into a Scout Troop KEEP IN TOUCH Contact Clarke Green Call and leave a voice mail comment or question at (484) 734-0002 Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes Listen on your mobile device with Stitcher Smart Radio Follow us on FACEBOOK – TWITTER Subscribe…
How do you like to receive BSA news? Do you like to read articles online using your phone, tablet, or laptop? Or, would you rather watch a video, or flip through a printed publication? What about email-do you get too much?
Lots of administration kept Wayne busy this week, along with visits to Gilwell and Belfast, a reminder of why our rules are so important, and a chance to ponder on what being inclusive really means...
HOUSTON, TEXAS – On December 5, 2011, the Sam Houston Area Council's International Scouting Committee shared insights about the Boy Scouts of America and its counterparts from around the world with a Chinese delegation of educators – largely consisted of principals – from Xi'an in the Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China.
The BSA has aligned with several organizations that share a goal to promote healthier lifestyles among young people. Recently, a new initiative, Healthy Kids Out of School, was announced at the Building a Healthier Future Summit in Washington, D.C., hosted by the Partnership for a Healthier America.
The end of the year is upon us. Here a few things to keep in mind regarding the Journey to Excellence process: Councils Final scores for 2011 will be determined on Jan. 31, 2012. Finance measures will be based upon the closing transmittal for December.
The Religious Life Bronze award works well for Crews who are organized as church youth groups as ours is. While none of our members have earned this recognition yet, I do present it to them as an option from time to time.
Sleeping well can make or break a camping trip. As I get older it becomes even more important, and sometimes more difficult, to sleep comfortably. In 1974 the first Therm-a-Rest self-inflating foam sleeping pad was manufactured by Cascade Designs in Seattle; a company started by laid-off Boeing engineers.
It's December. The Bigfoot Challenge is back. December is sponsored by the wonderful Industrial Revolution . Let's check out the challenges: 1. Minimize campfire impacts! Plan a winter outing and find an alternative to a campfire, such as using a lightweight stove for cooking and a candle lantern for light.
This year's Festival of Lights parade in downtown Zephyrhills kicked off the holiday season with some hometown family fun! It started off at 6pm with a parade and the events kept going until 9pm with a bounce house, raffles, and local dance performances for everyone to enjoy.
Learn more about two of the BSA's high-adventure bases with these cool new infographics (click to enlarge):
The next Council Operations Breakfast Club on Dec. 7 will feature a discussion on the latest internal and external research that has an impact on how we deliver the Scouting program. The first segment will consist of a discussion with Pat Wellen and Grace Stewart from BSA Research and Program Innovation.
Well, folks, you've figured out that I'm not in Scotland and don't need any money! Yup, I got hit-- My regular email account was hacked yesterday, and made a real mess of things, including the loss of a bunch of questions from you all!
As always, the conversations that we have with our Scouts are so telling and rekindle hope that these young men are going to bring so much to our future. Last night I told the Troop of our pending move. I did not want to get into the weeds with the boys, but made an open…
Within minutes of the last post being published I got an email asking for the contents of the "Boy Scout Creed" pictured in the post. Here is the complete text of the "Boy Scout Creed" by Ludvig S. Dale To be trustworthy in all things.
Cub Scouts enjoy singing, especially silly songs. The Music belt loop from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program can easily be turned into a Pack meeting or Den Meeting. If your Pack is going caroling this time of year, you can also incorporate it that way.
Canyon County Multi-Taskers We want to extend our appreciation to all of the groups who applied and sent us their project ideas. Hats off to each and every one of you! We hope that you will continue with your projects and help make your communities safer, healthier and happier places to live.
December 7th, 1941 is a day much like September 11th, 2001. They are days in our history that live in our hearts and minds. 70 years ago today we were attacked thrusting us into war with Japan. At 12:30 PM on December 8th, 1941 President Franklin D.
In this series of Adventures in Service, you will meet Venture Crews 32 and 44 from North Carolina. With the excitement of the Summit Bechtel Reserve in mind, these Venturers wasted no time in getting right to work in West Virginia, with bit of forest re-vegetation.
I'll be interviewing three members of the National Advancement Committee this week about the Guide to Advancement for Scoutmaster Podcast 97. Now's your chance to send me questions about the guide that you'd like to have answered. There was a flurry of discussion just after the guide was published and I have been compiled this…
Need a unique gift for a scout or for the Pack/Troop? Here's a few items I've tried out this past year that might fit the bill. Just click the name to read more about the product. Woody Dutch Oven - As I've used my aluminum Woody dutch oven this year, I've come to really appreciate the…
Are you a Leave No Trace Master Educator ? We need you! As the demand for local Leave No Trace training continues to increase (yeah!), our Master Educators across the country play a crucial role in helping to provide a strong, local Leave No Trace presence.
Freeport, ME. Team East traveled to LL Bean's Flagship store to take part in a Leave No Trace Backyard Session. Hosted by the Maine Steering Committee, this session brought together 45 key volunteers from across the state of Maine. The energy in the room was exhilarating as the group discussed ways to increase training opportunities…
No Scouts for you until you start behaving, mister!" Come on, nobody says that, right? Wrong. Here's proof: I am a den leader in a pack, and parents use coming to Scouts as a reward. If Scouts misbehave, their punishment is they can't come to Scout meetings.
We've wrapped up life as the e-tour. We'd love to thank everyone who helped to make these last seven months such a successfully fulfilling adventure. We reached out to educate and share awareness with thousands of folks in more than twenty states.
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of New-Skin for SocialSpark . All opinions are 100% mine. FCFY - Free Contest For You Read to the end for the bonus This Sunday, a scout that I've known since Tigers will be having his Eagle ceremony.
This year our troop has decided to expand our winter camping skills by making a piece of gear that will assist in a better cold weather camping experience. We are building Pulk Sleds. A Pulk sled is a sled that is used to haul gear, tools, wood, whatever in the snow.
My kids always enjoy making these cookies. They are called forgotten cookies because you put them in a hot oven, turn it off, and then forget about them until the next morning. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]
The monthly roundtable is a meeting for Scout leaders to learn new skills, receive information, and have fun with friends. Sometimes special presentations are made. During this month's Scenic district roundtable the district executive took a moment to recognize a Boy Scout leader.
Here's some of the books that have helped me as a Scout leader and outdoorsman. This collection has helped me learn practical skills, history, outdoor lore, the Scouting program and provided inspiration for many years. Wildwoods Wisdom Ellsworth Jaeger was an educator, author and curator.
Cub Leader draws on his Scouting experience on a trek through Borneo
(LANCASTER, PA) This month marks the start of a wildly anticipated annual event for boys and girls across the United States – the Pinewood Derby – a racing competition in which children create a winning car from a block of wood and plastic wheels. For Boy Scouts, the season begins at the end of December
IRVING, TEXAS – When you stop by your Scout Shop in the near future, you may notice that an adult recognition knot that you have worn is missing from the shelves. Scouting has evolved over the years, and it becomes necessary for BSA to update its inventory. After monitoring and reviewing recommendations, the National Council's
True North, Show 41 is out…only 59 more to 100! CLICK HERE
This silly song is a favorite with my boys. Yes, it involves crashing into trees, ambulance rides, blood, and the word cops. But it seems to be the type of song boys enjoy singing. Don't ask me why. [ This is a content summary only.
Earlier this year I bought a book about the men who died in World War 1 and who are commemorated on the War Memorial in Wolstanton . I was quite interested to learn that three of the names on the Memorial are those of our Scouts who died in WW1 and that there is memorial to…
You might not have known it, but a lot of the stories, photos and videos you see here on this site were thought up, created and edited by Scouts and Venturers just like you. But, now, you'll know for sure.
What do Scouts really need? To start with he should never go camping without the Ten Essentials (a list of items experts generally agree are essential to enjoying and surviving in the outdoors) to assure his health and safety. There's hundreds of opinions and ideas of the ideal list of gear.
This plan completes Wolf Achievement 4 - Know Your Home and Community, which was started in the previous meeting plan. It also includes some electives - Let's Have a Party and Sing-Along. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]
Hello world! Meet Sawyer: my new granddaughter! Born December 9, 2011 Mom, baby and dad all happy and healthy. Grandmother & grandfather pretty happy too!
What's better than completing a conservation project and earning one of the rarest awards known to Scouting? How does $1000 in grant money to help fund the project sound? The William T. Hornaday Award is presented to Scouts who complete certain requirements in addition to planning and executing a conservation project under the guidance of
Does your unit need a website, but you don't have a web designer Scout-Dad? Center Trail has just launched their new service to take the guess work out of building a website for your Pack, Troop, or Crew. Three separate products are offered: Cool Cubs for Packs, Scout Lodge for Troops, and Explored Trail for…
A quick silly applause adds some fun to a Pack meeting. These two applauses go with this month's Winter Wonderland theme. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]
Around the holidays I can get great deals on solid, tested gear; here's some Leatherman tools marked down 30-50% : Leatherman New Wave I have had a few different multi tools over the years but none of them compare to the Leatherman Wave.
Wayne's week centred around successful partnerships, whether through the latest edition of Scouting Magazine, Girl Guiding or the National Campsite strategy.
The National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT), previously an all male leadership training course, is now open to all Venturing youth between the ages of 13 and 17. Yes, you read correctly. NYLT is open to male and female youth. The course focuses on what a leader must BE, what a leader must KNOW, and what
New marketing campaigns, themes making a comeback, internet Scout Patch, bullies, online training and gracefully leaving Cub Scouts are on tap for tonight's show. Links: Boy Scouts of America – Google+- http://bit.ly/rBP2RO Pack Meeting Plans- http://bit.ly/bQi7Mc PTC Media – Google +- http://bit.ly/rOpl7p Tonight's show sponsored by Badge Magic Join the forum discussion on this post
Kim Gilbert of Pack 533 in Andover, Kansas sent me this take on 'Twas the Night Before Christmas so I could share it with you. Thanks Kim! I'm sure many of the Cub Packs out there will enjoy this. [ This is a content summary only.
Ok, not me specifically, but all the adult volunteers who help with Scouts throughout the year. I have to say that it's a nice touch to get Bear to do videos like this. He doesn't have to do it, but it's nice to know that the work all the adult volunteers do is appreciated.
Though Scouting isn't all about tying knots, for Shawn Killian, a correctly tied knot can mean the difference between fun and accident. Killian, 24, is the Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience (COPE) chairman for the South Texas Council . What does his job entail?
IN THIS PODCAST Interview with members of the National Advancement Team about the new Guide to Advancement and Eagle Project Workbook LINKS IN THIS PODCAST B.S.A. Advancement Resources Guide to Advancement 2011 (PDF) Eagle Project Workbook Email the National Advancement Team KEEP IN TOUCH Contact Clarke Green Call and leave a voice mail comment or…
Let's face it. You won't be the first on Mars, the first to summit a mountain, or probably even the first in line for the next new iPhone. But serving on the inaugural jamboree staff at the Summit? Yeah, there's still time for that history-making first.
Yet Another Eagle Scout - yesterday was his ceremony and I gave him this fire piston which I carved. The kit is from wildersol.com . You remember Hannibal Smith's favorite line on A-Team? "I love it when a plan comes together." You usually hear it right after everything goes completely wrong and things finally just plop into…
First before I share my thoughts on how the Troop meeting went, I need to introduce you to this unit since I have never posted a post about this unit. Troop 125 meets at and is chartered by Faith Christian Community Church located in Anchorage, Alaska.
Today's Winter Wonderland idea for Cub Scouts is both a craft and a snack. Make snowmen out of powdered sugar donuts, some pretzels, and a few other easy to find ingredients. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]
JERMM's Outside blog has some interesting posts for campers and backpackers. Here's a couple of DIY projects: Soda Bottle Capsules The capsules are water and airtight allowing for several types of usage such as carrying balms and lotions, solo fire kit, maybe salt/pepper or spices.
The World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGS) have recently sent representatives to participate in the UN's COP17 Conference on Climate Policies in Durban, South Africa. With 30 Million youth Scouts throughout the world, WOSM has a large impact on teaching youth how to
So your Scout is going to summer camp next year, one of the high adventure experiences that BSA has to offer, an international scout program, or just "Being Prepared" for the 2013 National Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. Obviously you want to see pictures of everything he or she does there. What to do?
Boy Scouts can improve their financial literacy and time management skills when they earn the Personal Management merit badge. This badge is required for the rank of Eagle. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]
The Cabbage Palm The fronds at the trunk of the palm Where the monkey fur collects A bunch of monkey fur ready to start a fire I am sitting and watching a circle of Scouts (boys!) around a fire ring.
Selecting a backpack for Scouts can be confusing; here's one that I think fits the bill. Backpacks fall in to two basic types; ones with an external frame to which the pack bag is attached and ones with the frame built into the bag (internal frame).
