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Gravity plays a huge part in the activities at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. And Sir Isaac Newton himself once said, "Gravity isn't just a good idea; It's the law." Get out and get moving to receive your SCOUTStrong patch. He also said something about bodies in motion tending to stay in motion.
Rule No. 45 : The question, "Will you promise not to get mad when I tell you something?" is a guarantee that you will. Well folks, you've figured out pretty fast that I'm not in Scotland and don't need any money!
Words of Wisdom Wednesday The ScoutingNews Staff is proud to introduce "Words of Wisdom Wednesday" (WWW) to our readers. WWW is composed of anecdotal segments to inspire and supplement a Scout's personal development, building core values and moral character. An anecdote on WWW is similar to a "Scoutmaster's Minute". These anecdotes are intended to be
Last year, I thought we could have a little fun. I hung the four Hallmark Beagle Scout Snoopy ornaments I own on my Christmas tree. I took a picture of it and posted it online. Then I asked you all to see how fast you could find them.
On this hike, it was 5 degrees - see the frost all over my head? :-) I've decided 5 degrees is about as cold as I enjoy being out hiking miles. Colder and the layers of clothes make walking less enjoyable. But, down to 5 and my trail shoes, longjohns and nylon pants, fleece jacket and rain…
In response to a question on Escouts, Wayne explains the key elements to successfully recruiting adults and how HQ sees its role.
The Guide to Safe Scouting contains a "Youth member exception: When traveling to and from an area, regional, or national Boy Scout activity or any Venturing event..." What the Guide to Safe Scouting doesn't clearly address is youth members traveling to and from a unit, district, or council activity either individually as drivers in their…
The best all-around, most useful knife I have is my Victorinox Tinker with BSA emblem. I use the small blade on it for all my whittling and to carve fire pistons. I've used all the gizmos on it at some point except the wire stripper.
Kids always enjoy playing bingo, so if you are having a den or pack Christmas party, use these Christmas picture bingo cards. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]
Do you want to be a part of something historic? And get to experience the most action-packed jamboree EVER, at the Boy Scouts of America's new adventure hot spot? Or how about help thousands of Scouts and Venturers have the best week of their lives?
Read about the book Natural Navigation at The Next Challenge blog by Tim Moss. Tim took a course with Tristan Gooley the author of Natural Navigation: On an east-west running path in the northern hemisphere, you'll find more puddles and dips on the southern side as it invariably gets less sunlight.
In the last post, we discussed an important step to take before you embark on the annual rechartering process for your unit. It's essential, for many reasons, to ensure that everyone that you think is a member of your unit is …
When the weather is frigid, few campfire creations hit the spot quite like chili. Add a side of cornbread-or keep it simple with corn chips-and you've got a meal that will please a large crowd. Take a page from our own recipe books-the recipes below are favorites around the Scouting magazine offices.
Checking out the tubes for fun on the hill! Freeport, ME . While we were at LL Bean last week, we noticed some strange activity throughout the store. Bigfoot loves the warm Bean flannels! Every where we looked, crowds of people we watching as Bigfoot came to take care of some of his holiday shopping.
First aid skills learned in Scouting come to the rescue
Its always amazing to carry on the family tradition of earning the Eagle Rank. Its even more amazing to share that tradition with a brother. For triplets Timothy, Alex and Michael from Kansas they take the triple crown by all receiving their Eagle Rank on the same day. Three Eagle Projects in one summer? I'm
Photo Friday The ScoutingNews Staff is delighted to introduce "Photo Friday" to our readers. We recognize that our audience has an interest in photography to capture special moments such as Courts of Honors, campouts, winter activities, family vacations, sport events, and other gatherings. "Photo Friday" is intended to help photography amateurs improve their photo shoots
Click to open December issue The December issue of the Supply Line newsletter has been published and is available online. In this issue, you can read more about Blastcar™, a new racing event designed exclusively for Boy Scouts featuring level, multi-terrain tracks and carbon dioxide-powered cars that are designed by the Scouts themselves.
View my Hike Progress...
Our troop was asked to help set up for a blood drive at our church. The only hitch - it had to be set up by 7:30 AM! Getting Scouts to arrive that early can be difficult. It's not necessarily the boys who are the hold up either.
If you still have some shopping to here's a rundown of more ideas and great deals on gifts for Scouts and Scout leaders. (I've been doing some shopping for myself at holiday discounts; some of the best pricing all year on camping gear.)
Hale Reservation in Westwood, MA...
In 2011, 207 councils (70 percent) received a 10 percent general liability insurance premium credit for meeting the criteria of having an active enterprise risk management (ERM) committee (Health and Safety/Risk Management). As a result, $290,650 was given back to local councils for program use.
The other day I shot out a tweet about the end of the Iraq Campaign. I said that I had some thoughts on it. I will share those, but first I thought it was worth mentioning that the war is not over.
Softshell jackets should be essential to your winter cupboard. They offer the best of both worlds combining warmth and flexibility in the midst of chilling winds. Unlike most other types of jackets, a good quality softshell jacket is water-resistant, windproof, breathable, and elastic to keep you doing what you enjoy. Great for hiking, skiing, or
Recently, you received a letter from the Council Operations Group regarding the 2012 Local Council Charter application. One of the new items is an inquiry into whether or not your council has an ERM committee (Health and Safety/Risk Management), along with the name and contact email for the ERM chair.
The core value for Cub Scouts for the month of January is Positive Attitude. According to the program helps, this means being cheerful and setting our minds to look for and find the best in all situations. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]
Setting goals and monitoring progress to achieve success in Journey to Excellence are the topics of a new webinar planned for January. The webinar will share methods district executives can use to get needed information and present reports to district volunteers.
School districts across the country are shifting to online and digital formats for curriculum, testing, and administering surveys. Learning for Life has partnered with the AIM Institute to create a new survey of our own to help gauge the career interests of youth.
My kids have several sets of marbles and ZM and LC still enjoy playing with them. Marbles is a great "take anywhere" game. Just grab your bag of marbles, draw some circles on the ground, and you are ready for a game.
As previously announced, starting Jan. 1, councils will be able to process their own Silver Beaver Award forms. The order numbers and prices are shown below: Item Supply No. Price Certificate 614659 $1.59 Pocket card 614658 .49 These are restricted items and are not available for public purchase.
The BSA's National Week of Giving, a nationally coordinated effort to maximize online giving through the e-Funding website ( aplacetogive.scouting.org ) will occur during the week of Feb. 6–10. Give your council considerable leverage by utilizing this great resource to help boost your 2012 Friends of Scouting campaign.
Saying no, digital rechartering, Pinewood Derby activities and Tiger TV tour suggestions are in store for this episode. Tonight's show sponsored by The Boy Scout Store Join the forum discussion on this post
You might notice that the troop leadership position descriptions which our troop uses have attendance expectations on them Some people have asked me how we enforce these. Well, we do not. These are not demands or requirements in our troop.
As a Scouter, one of the most important things you can do to improve not only your experience in Scouting but also to improve the program for the boys is training. In addition to online and classroom training courses, a …
Surprise! We have a holiday present (minus the wrapping paper). Mountain biking at the Summit. Bigger, better, faster and more fun! (Photo by Summit Blog Staff) Check out this debut video of the mountain biking experience on Adventure Mountain at the Summit Bechtel Reserve.
Combine Scouting with comfort food, and what do you get? In Troop 36′s case, you get a Good Turn. Scouts and Scouters from this California unit heard about people in need 1,200 miles away and decided to help. It all started a few months ago when First Class Scout Gianluca Allesina of Irvine Ranch, Calif.…
Have you ever been laying in your tent, about to fall asleep, and realized that you either forgot to put that chapstick in your pocket into the bear bag or you just need one more piece of chocolate before dozing off?
Rodrigo Cavasini is a Leave No Trace Master Educator and a Professor at Physical Education and Sports Science Faculty of Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, in the city of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Outdoor activities are spreading in the world and the number of involved people is increasing, year-by-year…
The Council and District Growth Plan Workbook has been updated for 2012. This resource will be helpful to local council executives as they strategize on having a successful membership campaign. The Council and District Growth Plan Workbook can be found on MyBSA under BSA Resources > Council and District Operations.
IN THIS PODCAST Scouts and planning (yet again!) and Arrow of Light requirements applied to the Scout Badge LINKS IN THIS PODCAST Scoutmaster Podcast 40 – Interview with the authors of Working the Patrol Method Buy the book Working the Patrol Method KEEP IN TOUCH Contact Clarke Green Call and leave a voice mail comment or…
Click to open December 15 issue The Dec. 15 issue of the Finance Impact e-Letter is now available on the Finance Impact website. As we approach year-end close, there are several areas on which you should focus in preparation for the new fiscal year.
You don't need a lot of fancy materials to make these and they can be put together pretty quickly, so these could be done at a pack meeting or den meeting. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]
1. Go to bed Warm Jumping jacks, push ups or something similar – just enough to warm yourself up but before you start sweating. If you getin a sleeping bag when you are cold you'll likely stay cold. 2. Fuel up If it's going to be a very cold night consider a pre-bedtime snack that will…
Some days, it's not easy to be a Scoutmaster…Today is one of those days. At last night's den meeting, the boys made their decisions…4 of 6 were going to another troop. One of them was no surprise. The boy lacks discipline into controlling his behavior and his parents let him do what he wants.
Do you want to be a part of something historic? Would you like to experience the most action-packed jamboree ever, at the BSA's new adventure hot spot? Or how about help thousands of Scouts and Venturers have the best week of their lives?
Scouting offers a lot to youth in today's world. The lifelong memories of a rainy campout, the experience of leading peers, and skills for every day life. At the base of it all are first aid and CPR. These skills are invaluable and tie directly to the motto of "Be Prepared."
Words of Wisdom Wednesday The Words of Wisdom Wednesday series is composed of anecdotal segments to inspire and supplement a Scout's personal development, building core values and moral character. An anecdote on WWW is similar to a "Scoutmaster's Minute". These anecdotes are intended to be shared with your units.
If you know a Boy Scout with a coin collection, have him look at the requirements for the Coin Collecting merit badge. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]
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The place was London, England. The year is 1920. And more than 8,000 Scouts representing 34 countries gathered. Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, stands before them. "If it be your will, let us go forth from here fully determined that we may help to develop peace and happiness in the world and goodwill among…
In the last episode of WBtv for the year, I'm discussing the power of looking for what's good and right in the world, and how it can open your eyes to things you otherwise might not see. How have you been blessed in your life?
Professional Development Day 2011 As we bid farewell to the year 2011, we are reflecting on the many successes of the Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer program. For the past two seasons, we have had the pleasure of working with two fantastic colleagues.
New Skit for All scouts
New Silly Song for All scouts
Naughty or nice? If you're a Scouter, I'll bet you've been nice (and Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, etc.) all year. After all, the BSA wouldn't exist without the selflessness of adult volunteers like you. Surely Santa plans to reward you. But with what?
Welcome Back, In this show we talk about a new Charter, My Son's Eagle Award, and Christmas. The music at the end of the show is provided by the Reynolds High School Symphony and Winds Ensemble playimg "What Child is this".
Welcome Back, In this show we talk about a new Charter, My Son's Eagle Award, and Christmas. The music at the end of the show is provided by the Reynolds High School Symphony and Winds Ensemble playing "What Child is this".
In a little over a month, my youngest son and his den will cross over to Boy Scouts. I've been thinking about how much this group has changed over the years. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]
Last week Ryan Wilson, 29, achieved Eagle rank . Not only did he achieve this distinguished honor, but he earned almost double the merit badges required – a total of 38. Only 5% of the scouting population reaches Eagle and only a few scouts with Down syndrome have achieved this honor.
You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something: your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever.
The race is on. This morning, the IZOD IndyCar series announced its 2012 race schedule, a 15-race slate that will take drivers to China, Brazil, Canada, and - of course - all across the United States. In all, 11 races are scheduled in the U.S., meaning 11 chances to see Dale Coyne Racing's No.
I'd like to wish everyone who visits my site, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I've been a bit busy with other things in my life just recently (her name is Laura and she's 8 weeks old!), but hopefully I'll be posting more again in the new year.
Rule No. 46 : Despots can't be cured; only overthrown. Before they hurt yet another Scout, rise in overwhelming force and throw the rascals out. Rule No. 47 (for Scouts): The probability that your Scoutmaster happens to be looking your way is directly proportional to the stupidity of what you're doing at that moment.
The next few weeks are a perfect time to check in with past scouts that are home for the holidays on break from college to enjoy time with family. Our troop has a special meeting early in January where they recap the year and get commitment to the year ahead.
Christmas in Africa has become a reality to 50 Scouts and their leaders from south-east London.
Listening, rather than simply hearing, is not always easy, reflects Wayne. The real goal is to act on information.
This a story about the cold winter when Paul Bunyan found Babe the Blue Ox. A few words and names are repeated throughout the story. Your audience will be divided into groups and assigned a word or name. Whenever they hear it, they must say something - loudly and with enthusiasm - and do an action....
Short on cash for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree? Short on time? If you can say "yes" to either (or both) of the above questions, but you want to be on staff for the 1st-ever jamboree at the Summit, there's still a way.
There once was two young Indian braves that were best of friends. They grew together, hunting, playing, and learning to be men in the tribe. Over time, both of these men caught the eye of a young women in the tribe, and they both began to try to win her heart.
On Christmas Day, look for a special issue and consider it my gift to you. Thank you, every one, for your interest, inquisitiveness, helpfulness, sharp eyes when I mess up, and most of all your loyalty and inspiring Scout spirit!
The end of the year for Leave No Trace, and most nonprofit organizations, is the time when we are blessed with the donations we need to continue the important work of educating people about responsible recreation. Personally, this is why I love what I do.
Happy holidays to all of you! Thanks for your loyalty and friendship over the past year as we continue in our quest to become better Scout leaders. Enjoy your holiday with the ones you love. I salute you! There is nothing I can give you which you have not; but there is much, that, while…
From my last post, I was pretty down…my son was originally sad about the decisions that his den mates made, I was upset because he was upset. But with most things in life, time heals all wounds, and I healed pretty quickly.
Once again...that time is here. The sound of sleigh bells, carols, and Santa. Too many "Happy Holidays or Seasons greetings!" and not enough "Merry Christmas-es!" So to break the norm and to risk being politically incorrect... "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"
Photo Friday We recognize that our audience has an interest in photography to capture special moments such as Courts of Honors, campouts, winter activities, family vacations, sport events, and other gatherings. "Photo Friday" is intended to help photography amateurs improve their photo shoots through photo tips, which may include basic skills, creative shooting techniques, and…
The holidays are upon us which as for many makes this a very busy time, and which also means less time to post. December is the one month of the year our troop takes a break from camping. Our Troop does an annual fundraiser selling Christmas trees and wreaths and that monopolizes all the weekends
Merry Christmas to all of you that share this blog with me. 2011 has been another great year and our Scout world has grown smaller as we have learned from one another and you have shared emails, comments, voicemail, your thoughts with me.
This meeting plan covers Tiger Elective 50: Banking and Tiger Elective 13: Making Change. The bulk of this meeting involves a field trip to a bank. If you can't arrange that, the program helps suggest working on some different electives related to money.
The Rudolph animated classic is one of my favorite shows ever. A small band of outcasts brave the wild world, bond together, and save the day. How cool is that? Rudolph starts out as a teased, klutzy little guy but turns into a strong, confident leader at the end.
Hello readers I have recruited a little helper to send you a message. Hope you all have a good one TTFN Kiff ©ChrisMeadows2011 Hello Reader – Are you new...
So here I am, sitting on a fence again. I'm only two steps from my Arrow of Light and then I can graduate from my pack and be a Boy Scout. I've wanted to do that ever since I was a Tiger, when my big brother Max made Eagle in Troop 5.
Merry Christmas! My favorite sentiment at Christmas is its message of peace, so today I'd like to share a prayer with you which reflects that message. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]
This game is suggested as an interpatrol activity for one of the meeting plans in the Public Service troop program feature. This game would also work as a team building game or ice breaker, since the participants must know the names of the other players.
Each year, when we recharter, we may find that there are a handful of Scouts who, for various reasons, don't return. Often, these are boys we haven't seen active in some time; usually they are first-year members who crossed over …
Each month, this blog features one of the program elements that will be offered at the 2013 Jamboree. Last month, we talked about the "jamboree trek" to Garden Ground Mountain, as well as some information on Order of the Arrow Indian Village.
This week the Scoutmaster Podcast takes a holiday but there's a lot of work going on behind the scenes; Next Monday we'll publish podcast number 99 . January 9th the Podcast reaches the century mark with podcast 100! I've been pleased (and surprised!)
The Leave No Trace Trainer is a youth member of the troop who ensures that Leave No Trace principles are followed on all troop outings and activities. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]
Earnest Shackleton set out to cross the Antarctic on foot in 1914. When his ship Endurance became trapped and subsequently destroyed Shackleton and his crew spent the next two years rescuing themselves. Shackleton's leadership has been closely studied in recent years as an example of adaptation to tremendously difficult circumstances.
I hope everyone had a great Christmas, along with spending some great time with family and friends, I did get some upgrades to my gear. I will be shooting some reviews on the new stuff in the near future. I did take advantage of some good weather and time off to finish my Pulk Sled…
Did Santa forget to put a warm jacket under your tree? Don't worry; we've got you covered. Enter today to win a Columbia Bugaboo Tech Parka-a $300 value! One lucky Scouting magazine reader will win the COLD COMFORT GIVEAWAY featuring this classic parka that's perfect for camping, snowshoeing, skiing, or just enjoying the outdoors with…
Over the past couple of weeks, I have a lot to be thankful for. My wife will tell you that I am not someone who she really wants to be around, as I have seemed to be grumpy over the course of the last month or two.
Words of Wisdom Wednesday The Words of Wisdom Wednesday series is composed of anecdotal segments to inspire and supplement a Scout's personal development, building core values and moral character. An anecdote on WWW is similar to a "Scoutmaster's Minute". These anecdotes are intended to be shared with your units.
We have had a couple of kids in our Pack get the Snow Ski and Board Sports Belt Loop from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program. We tend to have ice storms here more than good snow storms, so they have to be ready when the snow comes or go to a resort to…
Project COPE (Challenging Personal Outdoor Experience) has been a favorite in Scouting at summer camps, and for troops and crews that want a little excitement when it comes to a day in the woods. However, a new form of COPE is now growing in popularity across the country.
Thinking of ringing in the New Year by setting off some fireworks with your Boy Scout troop or Venturing crew? Think again. Unless you and your Scouts are watching a show conducted by a "certified or licensed fireworks control expert," these dangerous explosives have no place in Scouting.
I am tired all the time… I can't hardly tie my shoes anymore… I get winded going up steps, even more so carrying something… I tire of my clothes not fitting good… These were all the reasons that I started to get in shape earlier this year.
The more things change the more they stay the same… I am referring to the new Advancement guide of the BSA. You can download now at the Scouting.org or here is a direct link GUIDE TO ADVANCEMENT 2011 . In it you will find much of the same policies and practices that have governed the advancement…
Thank you for your continued support of ScoutingNews.org! This site is nothing without readers eager for more news on the Scouting movement. 2011 has been a great year, and also a year of changes for ScoutingNews, mainly in the past month.
The Venturing Sea Scout Bronze award is aimed at Crews who are focused on sailing. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]
