Posts in January 2012

Happy New Year

Jabbering All Day Long ·

I hope your New Years Eve included Drinking Sensibly Dancing Badly But now the time is and Jabbering all Day long would like to wish you a very TTFN Kiff...

New Cub Scout Delivery Method

BSA CubCast Podcast ·

We heard from many Cub Scout Leaders who expressed a desire to return to the old Theme-based meeting plan. Well, we responded… sort of. To help us understand this new Core Value / Theme Pack Meeting Plan is none other than the Chairman of the Pack meeting Task Force, Kim Barker, a 15 year volunteer with…

Resourcefulness

BSA CubCast Podcast ·

By now you all know that Cubcast is great resource for picking up new ideas for your Den and Pack Meetings, and this month Janet Griffin of Grapevine, TX joins us. With her many years as a Den leader, Webelos Den Leader, and Den Leader Coach, just to name a few of her many Cub…

2011 in review (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog. Here's an excerpt: The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 29,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 11 sold-out performances for that many…

What are your Scouting New Year's resolutions?

Bobwhite's Blather ·

As the calendar clicks over another year, many of us take time to look back at where we've been in the last twelve months and look ahead to the next twelve. It's also a good time to assess what your …

Troop Loses Everything in Fire

Scouting News ·

KANSAS CITY, MO - Parishioners and Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 60 are working side-by-side to clean up after a fire destroyed more than walls and tents. The fire started at Westport Presbyterian Church due to an accidental spark while crews installed an AC unit.

Issue 283 – January 1, 2012 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

As we begin this New Year, here are some thoughts at random for us to consider as we continue to move Scouting forward into this millennium: Scouting Versus Sports The teams of John R. Wooden (1910-2010), head coach for UCLA basketball, won ten NCAA national championships in a 12-year period, including seven in a row…

Blog Goals (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Maniac ·

Here are some of the goals that I have put together about my blog and this year in regards to Boy Scouts. First, lets look at my goals for the blog: 1. Posts; For the First Six months of 2012 my goal is to create 1 to 2 posts a week.

January Cub Scout Theme – Abracadabra (Positive Attitude)

Scouter Mom ·

Rumor has it that BSA will be rolling out an Abracadabra theme for January's core value of Positive Attitude. So this month I am going to highlight some ideas to go along with that magic based program theme also. [ This is a content summary only.

Learn How To Build A Mountain Bike Trail - The SummitCorps Way [Video]

Summit Blog ·

Ever wondered how to build the perfect mountain biking trail? Here is our answer! Months of planning, a little bit of elbow grease and a lot of dedicated workers. That is what it took to complete 12.8 miles of hiking and biking trails in West Virginia's New River Gorge (the Summit's backyard) known as Arrowhead…

Podcast 99 – Summer Camp Promotion, Connecting the Dots

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

IN THIS PODCAST Summer Camp Promotion, Connecting the Dots 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 to blog posts & the Scoutmaster Newsletter Join…

Winter Camping Leader Tool box

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

As we get into serious winter camping again for this season, we reinforce with our Youth leaders and other adult leaders some of the principles that make for a successful outing. In developing Youth leaders we put a lot on their shoulders and give them responsibilty.

Earning the 50-Miler Award in Yosemite NP

Scouting News ·

The following is a Guest Article by Mike Dubrall. Mike "Uncle Dub Zero" Blogs and writes informative articles on backpacking at 50Miler.com. Earning the 50-Miler Award There is no place in the world like Yosemite National Park! Scouts can wander through the Mariposa Grove, climb Half Dome, look out from Glacier Point, swim in Tenaya

Solitude and Leadership (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

Essayist and Critic William Deresiewicz delivered a lecture to the plebe class at the United States Military Academy at West Point in October 2009 concerning Solitude and Leadership . What follows is my condensed version of his key ideas: … Solitude is one of the most important necessities of true leadership.

Around the Web on New Years Day

Jabbering All Day Long ·

Hello all I have seen some very interesting New Year Messages come out in the last couple of days so I thought I would share them all with you. Dan's...

International Sportsmans Expo (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Denver, CO. The International Sportsmans Expo will take over the Colorado Convention Center this weekend beginning on Thursday at 12pm and concluding Sunday at 5pm. With over 900 companies and organizations, there will be plenty of outdoor goods and services to check out.

100 Years in 10 Minutes

Jabbering All Day Long ·

Evening all I came across this thanks to Laughing Squid It is well worth taking 10 mins to watch it. Hope you enjoy TTFN Kiff ©ChrisMeadows2012 Hello...

Who Does That? (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

What do cigarettes, guns, spray paint, knives, and rocks have in common? They account for the majority of vandalism and litter I see on the trail and at trailheads. I often wonder what person does this. Maybe I know him.

Words of Wisdom Wednesday: We are Leaders (opens in a new tab)

Scouting News · archived copy

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.

Graphic Arts Merit Badge for Boy Scouts

Scouter Mom ·

Boy Scouts who want to make an extra nice poster to promote their Student Council candidate or club event should look at the Graphics Arts merit badge. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]

Nature Study in Winter (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

Winter time is not ‘down time’ for nature study – there’s plenty happening in the natural world. Here’s questions you should be able to answer: Why does winter happen? The Earth’s axis is tilted at an angle of 23.5 degrees. The varying amounts of sunlight around the Earth during the year, creates the seasons.

Taking On The New River's Rapids (opens in a new tab)

Summit Blog · archived copy

In this edition of Adventures in Service: Venturing to the Summit, Crew members learned the basics of paddling, boat handling and safety from local West Virginia whitewater guides. Then, those skills were put to the test on the river's well-known rapids.

Nature Study for Scout Leaders – Winter in the Woods

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Winter time is not ‘down time' for nature study – there's plenty happening in the natural world. Here's questions you should be able to answer: Why does winter happen? The Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of 23.5 degrees. The varying amounts of sunlight around the Earth during the year, creates the seasons.

First Gear Project (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

This 4x3x2 inch bag contains my latest MYOG project that weighs 1.4 ounces. My wife showed me how to use the sewing machine this weekend and I made this myself - I'm so proud! :-) Sewing is actually a lot easier than I expected.

Winter Camp in Full Swing

Scouting News ·

Article and photos by ScoutingNewsStaff CONROE, TEXAS – With warm clothes and hand warmers stuffed in their packs, Scouts started to roll in to Camp Strake, one of Sam Houston Area Council's four council camps, at 13:00 the day after Christmas for Scout Odyssey Winter Camp. Troop trailers and passengers made their way to each

The Duchess of Cambridge (opens in a new tab)

Nick's Ramblings UK ·

The news today is that the Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William's wife and future queen, is to be volunteering with Beaver Colonies and Cub Packs close to where she is living, presumably in North Wales. Now the interesting thing about this is that she is going to actually help out at meetings and activities and…

Cultural Diversity/Disability Awareness Troop Program Feature for Boy Scouts

Scouter Mom ·

The focus of this program feature is on respecting different cultures. The big feature for the program theme is either a cultural awareness campout or a cultural fair. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]

The Nessmuk Camping Gear Test

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

First published in 1884 Camping and Woodcraft was the first widely read "how-to" book on on the subject . It's author Nessmuk wrote ' ' The temptation is to buy this or that bit of indispensable camp kit has been too strong and we have gone to the blessed woods handicapped with a load fit for a pack…

2012 The Year of the Eagle! #scoutnation

The Scoutmaster ·

2012 is the 100th Anniversary of the Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout is an elusive creature. His achievements are the stuff of legend. He is roundly respected and ultimately expected to do the right thing. He has been known to be a little tattered around the wings and weary at times.

Resolve to Volunteer (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

I'm thinking the Scouting program in the UK will see a sharp membership increase this year. The Duchess of Cambridge has signed on as a Scouting volunteer, helping at local cub pack events. Scouting UK is working hard to get more volunteers, offering flexible opportunities to fit in where it makes sense.

Duchess of Cambridge Becomes Scout Volunteer (opens in a new tab)

Scouting News · archived copy

Duchess of Cambridge Becomes Scout Volunteer By Nelson Block The most popular person in the UK, and one of the most recognized people in the world, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton), has just joined Scouting. The stories on US television this morning were about the four charities of which she's just become the…

Our newest volunteer (opens in a new tab)

be.PREPARED · archived copy

It really is great news that the Duchess of Cambridge is making the Scout Association one the five charities she is supporting in her new role in the royal family. The Duchess will be helping out at groups close to where she lives, with Beavers and Cubs, at a time which suits her busy lifestyle.

Right Royal Flexible Volunteering

Jabbering All Day Long ·

The announcement comes as a great endorsement of Scouting's commitment to allow adults to volunteer their time on a flexible basis. The Duchess will help run a variety of activities relevant to her skills and interests. This could include running games, teaching first aid or cooking on campfires.

Magic Wands Recipe (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom ·

If you are using the Abracadabra theme this month, try making some Magic Wands to go with them. This recipe is simple enough that you could use it at a Pack meeting. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]

1-10-1 Hypothermia (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

Thin ice and cold water boating accidents result in cold water immersion – a serious danger of winter in the out doors. Dr Gordon Giesbrecht coined the phrase 1-10-1 to describe the three critical phases of cold water immersion: 1 – Cold Shock An initial deep and sudden Gasp followed by hyperventilation that can be as much…

Did You Know LEGOs Are A Part Of Scouting?

Summit Blog ·

What do you get when you have thousands of LEGOs, a ton of games, a karaoke system, section officers from around the Northeast, and a weekend filled with total awesomeness? You get the Northeast Region Gathering of Leaders, of course!

1-10-1

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Thin ice and cold water boating accidents result in cold water immersion – a serious danger of winter in the out doors. Dr Gordon Giesbrecht coined the phrase 1-10-1 to describe the three critical phases of cold water immersion: 1 - Cold Shock An initial deep and sudden Gasp followed by hyperventilation that can be as much…

Photo Friday: A Must Have Accessory

Scouting News ·

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…

BSA Webelos Den Meeting Plan 6: Citizen and Webelos Badge

Scouter Mom ·

This plan continues work on the Citizen activity badge and covers Webelos badge requirement 3 (meaning of the Webelos badge), Webelos badge requirement 4 (Webelos uniform), and Webelos badge requirement 7 (Boy Scout knowledge) . [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]

JTE revisited

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

As with many of us we wear multiple hats in Scouting. First and foremost we wear the Dad (or Mom) hat, then the hat appropriate to our unit, like Scoutmaster or Committee Chair. Then there often times is some District level hat, whether that is part of the District Training team, a District event, or…

IAT Segments (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

I got to hike 30 miles on the Ice Age Trail last week while visiting relatives. This was done as two separate 15-mile day hikes, one on the north-west part of the trail and the other on the south-east part.

Issue 284 – January 8, 2012 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

________________________________________ Rule No. 50: • Beware excess enthusiasm. It often masks incompetence. Rule No. 51: • It's lonesome at the bottom, too. It's just more crowded. ________________________________________ Hi Andy, About the signature now required by the Scout himself, in his Eagle project workbook, while unfortunately it's true that one of the main reasons the process was changed had a…

Issue 285 – January 8, 2012 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

________________________________________ Rule No. 50: • Beware excess enthusiasm. It often masks incompetence. Rule No. 51: • It's lonesome at the bottom, too. It's just more crowded. ________________________________________ Hi Andy, About the signature now required by the Scout himself, in his Eagle project workbook, while unfortunately it's true that one of the main reasons the process was changed had a…

Citizenship in the World Merit Badge for Boy Scouts

Scouter Mom ·

The Citizenship in the World merit badge is required for Boy Scouts to earn the rank of Eagle Scout [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]

Can You See Me Now? (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

A headlamp is a great outdoors tool. It frees up both hands, lights your way or work area, and is convenient. I've got a few different ones (one I even found ontrail at Philmont) that have evolved from incandescent bulbs to LEDs, reducing the weight and power usage.

Lowes Pinewood Derby Workshops 2012

Scouting News ·

Lowes and Dremel have teamed up again to offer Pinewood Derby workshops in 2012. At these clinics experts share their tips and tricks for making good looking and fast racing derby cars. Everyone who attends an event will be given a BSA-approved badge and a 10% off Dremel coupon.

The Great Rope Escape Magic Trick

Scouter Mom ·

This month I am featuring the BSA Abracadabra theme for the January Pack meeting. If you want to add some fun to your meeting, perform a simple magic trick. Cub Scouts will love it. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]

Helping the committee go (opens in a new tab)

Bobwhite's Blather · archived copy

As a committee chair, what do you think your biggest challenges are? Conducting the monthly committee meetings? Keeping track of finances and advancement? Helping out at pack meetings or troop campouts? These are all challenges faced by committee chairs, but there's one challenge …

Venturing At Its Best! [Slideshow]

Summit Blog ·

Do you have a Scouting story to share? We want to hear about your adventures and the amazing things Scouts are achieving in your area! So check out this form and let us know what you are up to. But first, check out this story!

Leave No Trace Hot Spot Program (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Many of the areas where we love to spend time outdoors are impacted by recreational use, some more severely than others. The cause of the impact is not generally malicious intent to do harm to the environment; rather it is most commonly a lack of knowledge or skills.

Book Review: The Scouting Party

Scouting News ·

Red Honor Press has done it again, this Offical Book Description: Set in the Progressive Era so dominated by President Theodore Roosevelt, The Scouting Party: Pioneering and Preservation, Progressivism and Preparedness in the Making of the Boy Scouts of America tells the story of the strong-minded and at times conflicting individuals – including Roosevelt – who shaped…

Man with largest collection of Eagle Scout medals honored

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Dr. Terry Grove got his first Eagle Scout Award medal in 1956. It wouldn't be his last. Ever since, he's been fascinated by the ever-changing design of Eagle Scout medals, patches, hat pins, and other artifacts. And now, the Central Florida Scouter has amassed the largest collection of Eagle Scout Award medals in the world.

Scoutmaster Podcast 100

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

IN THIS PODCAST Thanks to all of you listening and participating! Join me in celebrating a milestone. 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…

Venturing Magazine

Adventures and Accidents ·

Quite some time ago I discovered the online Venturing Magazine. The only problem was that it was never updated. Until now. The new and improved Venturing Magazine can be found at http://www.venturingmag.org/ There is also a Venturing Magazine Blog at http://venturingmag.blogspot.com/ I really hope to see this take off.

Adventures In Stoving

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Hikin' Jim is "a guy who likes being out in the outdoors who happens to like stoves." That's a bit of an understatement - Jim owns over one hundred backpacking stoves. Over one hundred! Jim maintains the Adventures in Stoving Blog where he shares his expertise on the subject with his fellow outdoors enthusiasts.

The Scoutmaster Pay off (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

Over the last quarter of the year last year (2011) we received a bunch of new Scouts into the Troop. They all seemed real gung ho about joining and could not wait for the adventure to begin. We are preparing for our first winter camp out with the new Scouts right now.

Words of Wisdom Wednesday: If You Think

Scouting News ·

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.

My Lil Friend (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

I had a friend join me on my hike yesterday. I was very surprised to see him since he's usually just a summer hiking buddy and doesn't enjoy being out at all once it frosts up. I can't recall if I've ever seen a mosquito out on the trail in January before, but this guy…

My Story Mystery Game (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom ·

The My Story Mystery Game is a great way to get to know some "history" about a group of individuals. It makes a great icebreaker. It can also serve as an introduction to a discussion about oral history and storytelling.

Your New High Adventure Home, The Summit Bechtel Reserve [Infograpic]

Summit Blog ·

In 2013, the Boy Scouts of America's 4th high adventure base and your new jamboree home, the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve, will open for business. And when it does, you should prepare for extreme adventures and a ton of fun.

Patrol Choice Chart

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Patrol Choice Chart PDF FILE I am often asked about how patrols are formed, who does the choosing and how the choices are made. Scouts do the choosing and one way for them to choose is using the chart above (open the PDF file to see the chart in detail).

Reaching a goal, inspiring Scouts to do the same

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

How far would you go to inspire your Scouts? One assistant Scoutmaster had a specific distance in mind: 140.6 miles. That's the distance of an Ironman triathlon - 2.4 miles swimming, 112 miles biking, and 26.2 miles running. All that effort, says Mark Williams of Troop 16 in Parker, Colo., shows his Scouts what training and…

Heritages Belt Loop for Cub Scouts (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom · archived copy

Most Cub Scouts enjoy learning about their families and where they came from, so the Heritages belt loop from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program makes a fun activity for them. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]

It ain't ignorance

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

It ain't ignorance that causes all the trouble in this world. It's the things people know that ain't so. Edwin Armstrong , electrical engineer and inventor of FM radio. Sometimes in Scouting tradition and long practice usurp the way things ought to be.

Major League Soccer and the BSA: A perfect one-two

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Teamwork. As important in Scouting as it is in Major League Soccer. And both organizations strive to Be Prepared for the future. Not a stretch, then, to understand why Scouting and the nation's top professional soccer league announced today they're on the same team.

How To Run The Second-Largest City In West Virginia

Summit Blog ·

Once the Summit Bechtel Reserve is up and running during the jamboree, it will be the second-largest city in West Virginia. Yep, that's pretty big. There were 43,434 Scouts and approximately 50,000 visitors at Fort A.P. Hill last year, so calling the jamboree a city isn't too far off.

SNOW (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

Finally, finally, finally Snow, snow, snow Well, it's actually just a dusting but we're supposed to get more tomorrow and it's just super! When I got back from my morning hike, I just had to do this creative masterpiece in our driveway. Scout On

Summit Blog Offers New Downloads Page

Scouting Wire ·

Do you want more information about the 2013 National Scout Jamboree or the Summit Bechtel Reserve? How about posters, videos, maps, brochures, fact sheets, and the most up-to-date content on both for your council's use? If you answered yes to either of those questions, you're in luck.

BSA Bear Den Meeting Plan 5: Ways We Worship and Sawdust and Nails

Scouter Mom ·

In this article, I'll take a look at the fifth BSA Bear den meeting plan and comment with some tips and links. This plan covers part of Bear Achievement 1 – Ways We Worship and Bear Achievement 20 – Sawdust and Nails.

'Marketing News': January Issue Touts Marketing Webinars

Scouting Wire ·

The January issue of Marketing News has been published and posted to the Marketing Toolbox. Stories include the following: 14th Annual National President's Awards for Marketing Excellence 2012 Marketing webinar schedule Populating and managing unit Google pins on BeAScout.org To read more about these topics, as well as the full issue of Marketing News , click…

Are You Tougher Than A Boy Scout? (opens in a new tab)

Scouting News · archived copy

The same guy who produces Deadliest Catch and Ice Road Truckers , Thom Beers, has introduced a new unscripted show titled Are You Tougher than a Boy Scout? National Geographic Channel gave Original Productions the greenlight to start shooting this spring, shows will air later this year.

Just Training (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

How did you spend your Saturday? I had a great (but long) day doing Red Cross Training. I presented CPR/AED in the morning and then Wilderness and Remote First Aid all afternoon and evening to a great bunch of Scouters preparing for high adventurs this summer.

BSA, Edison Nation to Launch $1 Mil. Challenge

Scouting Wire ·

The BSA has teamed with Edison Nation ® , an idea-to-shelf product developer, to create the Boy Scouts of America Innovation Challenge , where today's kids can develop tomorrow's products. Whether the invention solves a problem around the house, the yard, or at school; helps you take better care of your pet; or creates a new way to…

Family Tree Template (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom ·

Helping Scouts look back at their family heritage fits in with this month's Turn Back the Time program theme. Scouts can download this family tree template to write in their family back to their great grandparents. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]

2012 National Camping School Registration Is Now Open

Scouting Wire ·

Registration for the 2012 National Camping School sessions is now available online. The site is only available to local councils, which will ensure that applicants have been approved by the Scout executive or designee. The link below contains step-by-step instructions, a data collection worksheet to assist your council in processing attendee information, and a link…

BSA Teams Up With Major League Soccer

Scouting Wire ·

Majo r League Soccer and the BSA have teamed up to provide avenues for the league to support our youth-focused program of athleticism, character, and leadership. Beginning with the 2012 MLS season, which starts March 10, Scouts in MLS markets across the nation will receive special programming and connection opportunities at MLS games.

Arrow of Light Centerpieces

Scouter Mom ·

Janice recently wrote to me with this message: "I need your help! I've been assigned to help put together our Arrow of Light ceremony / banquet. I'm at a loss as to what to do for centerpieces. We'll have over 10 tables and we don't want to make it look too "blue and gold."