Posts in February 2012

Four Facts Game (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom ·

This is an icebreaker game. It would also work well with any activity relating to personal history or storytelling. I think it could also be worked into a discussion about honesty. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]

Walking away is easy

Bobwhite's Blather ·

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to decide to do the right thing. Every year we get a handful of Scouts who decide, for one reason or another, not to continue in Scouting. They decide that they'd rather play …

Want To Fly At The Summit?

Summit Blog ·

You've heard about Mayhem Mountain , and how you can catch some big air at the Summit's high-adventure basecamp for BMX and skateboarding. But just in case that isn't your style, there is another way you can fly at the 2013 jamboree.

Podcast 105 – From Scout to Scout Parent

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

IN THIS PODCAST From Scout to Scout Parent, What Counts Towards Leadership? 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…

'Finance Impact e-Letter': Feb. 15 Issue Covers Fiscals Rollout

Scouting Wire ·

Click to open Feb. 15 issue The Feb. 15 issue of the Finance Impact e-Letter has been published and is available on the Finance Impact site. In this issue of the e-Letter , you will find information related to the rollout plans for the new fiscal software, including required system recommendations and login information for Scout…

team building and cooperation skills

HalfEagle Answers ·

I have a group of webelos that are constantly fighting and picking on each other. i need some ideas that will have them working together to build up their cooperation. the problem is that they are all so competitive and DO NOT like to lose.

Issue 290 – February 14, 2012 ________________________________________ Rule… (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

Issue 290 – February 14, 2012 ________________________________________ Rule No. 57: • One troop in town will constantly struggle to stay afloat; two troops in town will both succeed. ________________________________________ HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! Scouters, today's a special day to thank your own Valentines for their understanding, as they watch you trot off to all your Scouting events!

'The Training Times': New Guidelines for 'Trained' Leaders

Scouting Wire ·

The Winter 2012 issue of The Training Times newsletter has been published and is available online. (A PDF version also is available.) In this issue, you can read about a change in the set of courses necessary for a unit-level leader to be considered "trained."

Problem – Scouters Too Involved in Meetings (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom ·

The adults involved are very enthusiastic, which is great, but they tend to talk over the kids and take over the meetings. Some of the adults are keeping the kids form running the meetings successfully. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]

Happy Birthday BSA!

Adventures and Accidents ·

On February 8, 1910 the Boy Scouts of America was officially born. We all know the story of William D. Boyce, lost in a London fog, who received help from a young man who refused a tip for his service.

Don't Forget (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

Between all your meetings, exercising to stay in shape, starting on taxes, deleting spam emails, checking out youtube videos, and the millions of other things that take up your time today - don't forget. Even if you hate chocolate - don't forget.

A Scouting Parable (opens in a new tab)

Adventures and Accidents · archived copy

This was shared by David Pack from the LDS-BSA relationships office at a Little Philmont training last Saturday. I wish I could have recorded it word-for-word because it was so good. But I can't, so you get my re-telling of it.

New feature

Adventures and Accidents ·

I've been meaning to do this for a while and just got around to it. I've added some labels to my posts and have links to the labels in the right hand column. I don't know if they're very good, but they might help people find things better.

How Are We Doing?

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

How are we doing? Scouting is replete with different measures for success. The metrics of finance, membership, activity, advancement, training, miles hiked, feet climbed, distances paddled, roads biked, all serve to give us different perspectives but only partially and imperfectly answer the question.

WATCH: How did our favorite Eagle Scout singer do on 'The Voice'?

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Pip didn't just sing last night. He "absolutely blew the roof off the place," said host Carson Daly. Phillip Arnold, known on the show as Pip, gave a powerful rendition of The Animals' "House of the Rising Sun" during last night's episode.

Pulling Me Back In (opens in a new tab)

A Scoutmaster's Blog ·

Have you ever retired from an organization only to feel that they never let you go, or that they are trying to pull you back? That happened to me Monday night with the Boy Scout troop. Unfortunately, I have no one to blame but myself.

Software Upgrade Project: What's the Latest?

Scouting Wire ·

The effort by the National Council to replace outdated financial, membership, and human resources software began in 2010 with the replacement of the payroll system used by local councils. In January of this year, the fiscals software used by the National Council was successfully updated.

Hiking Merit Badge for Boy Scouts

Scouter Mom ·

Either the Cycling merit badge OR the Hiking merit badge OR the Swimming merit badge is required for the rank of Eagle Scout. Boy Scouts who earn more than one of these badges may count the additional badges as electives.

Words of Wisdom Wednesday: BP Quote (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.

Nephi was an Eagle Scout

Adventures and Accidents ·

This morning I was directed to the blog of Brad Harris, author of Trails to Testimony . He describes how Nephi was an Eagle Scout. http://www.trailstotestimony.com/blog/2011/07/nephi-would-have-made-a-great-boy-scout/ This is right in-line with my own thinking about LDS Scouting heroes. See my previous posts here , and here .

Lore of the Kybo

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Entering that humble wooden structure so elemental to our camping memories inspires terror in some and relief in others. The simple truth remains; eventually all must go. "Kybo" is its familiar name throughout world Scouting. A moniker that may hark back to filling Kybo brand coffee cans with powdered lime sprinkled in the facility to…

Looking for Eagle Scout Court of Honor ideas? Read this

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

To turn a run-of-the-mill Eagle Scout Court of Honor into something unforgettable, toss out the carbon-copy script your troop has used for years. Instead, pick up a copy of The Eagle Court of Honor Book ( $14.99 at ScoutStuff.org ). Buy the book at ScoutStuff.org.

BSA Patrol/Troop First-Aid Kit | The Z Review

Summit Blog ·

Editor's Note: This post is part of an ongoing collaboration between Patrol Z and the BSA Supply Group. For a full listing of available products, visit www.scoutstuff.org . The BSA Patrol/Troop First-Aid Kit from Adventure® Medical, is a well organized and stocked first-aid kit.

BeAScout

Wayne Brock TV ·

In this episode, I talk about the importance of BeAScout in our recruitment efforts and how our national marketing campaigns support it. Please use the comments feature below the video window to let me know how you use BeAScout and how we can support this effort.

On Stage (opens in a new tab)

Nick's Ramblings UK ·

Last week, the Scouts were given a guided backstage tour of the Regent Theatre in Hanley by our Assistant Scout Leader. There was no show on, so we were able to go to areas the public never see. We even went the top of the stage – 21 metres high!

Find Out What Girl Scouts Stored in their Time Capsule

Scouting News ·

In 1986, the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Girl Scouts of America, girls buried a time capsule at Camp Low on Rose Dhu Island, Georgia. The granite marker lay undisturbed for 25 years, not to be opened until the centennial anniversary .

Nation's Leaders Gather to Celebrate A Century of Eagle Scouts' Positive Impact on America

Scouting News ·

New Research Finds that Eagle Scouts More Likely to Be Leaders at Work, Goal-oriented WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 15, 2012)-Since the first Eagle Scout Award was earned in 1912, more than 2 million young men have gone on to achieve the Boy Scouts of America's highest rank.

Boy Scouts Hit Black Gold

Scouting News ·

Every camp and council throughout the country could use an extra $10,000 a month. Camp Teetonkah in Jackson County, Michigan is providing just that. The 220-acre camp was found to have oil and the Great Sauk Trail Council will begin to extract it in an environmentally sustainable way.

Picture Thursday 16_02_12

Jabbering All Day Long ·

Would polishing your big gun daily be a honour or a chore? I guess only the a soldier in the Gibraltar army can answer that question.

March Cub Scout Theme – Planting Seeds of Kindness (Compassion)

Scouter Mom ·

The core value for the month of March is Compassion. I have heard through the grapevine that the first supplemental plan for this core value will be "Planting Seeds of Kindness". [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]

A Scouter's Golden Opportunity (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

A Scouter's Golden Opportunity I took a piece of plastic clay And idly fashioned it one day. And as I pressed it, still It bent and yielded to my will. I came again when day was past That bit of clay was hard at last; My early impress still it bore And I could change…

Hello from the 2012 e-tour Team! (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

At Great Sand Dunes National Park on our drive out of Colorado! Hello Leave No Trace fans! Welcome to the first post from your 2012 e-tour Traveling Trainers, still with that new car smell in the Subaru ! We wanted to go ahead and introduce ourselves before we all go on the ride together around the…

Scouts Seek to Expand Camp with Land Patent

Scouting News ·

Most people would think all the land in Maryland would be accounted for. Leave it up to the Boy Scouts to find something that seems to not exist. 19 acres in Harford County is not on the tax rolls. Surrounding the 19 acres is Broad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation, a 1,700-acre campground in operation for…

'What I Really Do' for Scouters

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

In case you missed it on Facebook , here's our contribution to the "What I Really Do" meme that's been popular this week. What do you think, Scouters? For another Scouting-related example, click here .

Ding Dong Cherry Cobbler (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom ·

This recipe is a twist on the Dutch oven cobbler. My sons like making this just because of the novelty of the ding dongs in the cobbler. It is pretty easy to make. Most patrols with at least one experienced camp cooks could do this without difficulty.

Annual Participation Survey (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Where did 2011 take you? Did you leave no trace? We are collecting responses from people and organizations across the world to record the impact that you didn't have, because you left no trace. Your support with this survey will be used to guide the future of Leave No Trace outreach so more people will…

Leadership With An EDGE

Summit Blog ·

Youth Leadership is a big deal, and Chris S., one of the Patrol Z Reporters understands this better than many. His 3-part blog entry will outline some of the many ways Scouts can become effective leaders: NYTL. Keep reading for the 2nd part of Chris' experience.

Photo Fridays: Proper Positioning Techniques

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…

New Girl Scout Research Affirms Girls' Interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

Scouting News ·

New York, N.Y. - According to the Girl Scout Research Institute study Generation STEM: What Girls Say about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math , though a majority of today's girls have a clear interest in STEM , they don't prioritize STEM fields when thinking about their future careers.

West Virginia National Guard Creates Task Force for The Summit

Scouting News ·

One big thing the BSA lost when moving away from Fort A.P. Hill as their jamboree site is the support from the Army. This week the West Virginia National Guard stepped up to fill these shoes. They announced a multi-agency task for to support the Boy Scouts of America during the 2013 National Jamboree.

Moving Up, Moving Forward (opens in a new tab)

A Scouter's Journey ·

Based on the events of this week I'd almost think it was "advancement week" if there was such a thing. I had Scoutmaster conferences with four Cub Scouts who will be earning their Arrow of Light at their Blue & Gold next weekend. 5 Scouts total will be crossing to our Troop and will be

BSA Bear Den Meeting 6 – More Sawdust and Nails and Games, Games, Games!

Scouter Mom ·

This Bear Den Meeting plan completes Bear Achievement 20 – Sawdust and Nails and covers part of Bear Achievement 15 - Games, Games, Games. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]

Astronomy Pin for Cub Scouts

Scouter Mom ·

If you are planning some activities for your pack or den for this spring, consider an evening of stargazing. While you are out studying the night sky, your Cub Scouts can work on the requirements for the Astronomy Pin from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program.

Issue 291 – February 19, 2012 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

Rule No. 58: • If "the fine print" were your friend, it would be printed in large. ________________________________________ Hi Andy, I'm starting work on my College of Commissioner Science doctoral thesis. One idea I got from reading your column… In Ask Andy Column 281, a Scouter asked about Roundtables for Senior Patrol Leaders and Brent Bomer of…

Ice Skating Pin for Cub Scouts (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom · archived copy

Ice skating makes a great pack activity, especially if you have a nice rink nearby. If your pack or den is going skating this winter, your Cub Scouts might be able to complete some of the requirements for the Ice Skating Pin from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program.

Webelos den leaders: What's your most important job?

Bobwhite's Blather ·

Look in chapter 21 of the Cub Scout Leader Book and you'll find a description of the Webelos program including an outline of the Webelos den leader's responsibilities. It's really brief: The Webelos den leader plans and carries out a year-round …

Camelbak 2011 Lobo Hydration Pack (opens in a new tab)

Summit Blog · archived copy

Editor's Note: This post is part of an ongoing collaboration between Patrol Z and the BSA Supply Group. For a full list of available products, visit www.scoutstuff.org . Indoors or outdoors, good weather or bad, hiking or biking; there isn't always a need to carry a huge pack that has tons of space (although certainly there…

Outreach at Georgia Tech (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Atlanta, GA . Today, Team East is going back to college! That's right, we are visiting Georgia Institute of Technology- Georgia Tech- to work with the Outdoor Recreation Center (ORGT) on campus. ORGT offers numerous programs throughout the year, from caving to backpacking, kayaking to rock climbing.

Podcast 106 Order of the Arrow, Young Troops and Young Scouts

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

IN THIS PODCAST A discussion of the Order for the Arrow and a question about working with young troops and young Scouts LINKS IN THIS PODCAST A Scouter's Golden Opportunity the poem mentioned in the podcast KEEP IN TOUCH Contact Clarke Green Call and leave a voice mail comment or question at (484) 734-0002 Subscribe…

Trails to Testimony (opens in a new tab)

Adventures and Accidents · archived copy

I just finished reading Trails to Testimony by Brad Harris, and thought I would give a review. But I'm not really very good at that sort of thing, so this probably won't be quite like your usual book review. In many ways it was a difficult book for me to read.

…and Morally Straight. (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

What do we mean when we talk about "Morally Straight"? How do we explain that to our Scouts when our Scouts come from many different backgrounds, family dynamics, and religious beliefs? Simply put, a Scout is clean in thought, word, and deed.

Troop 4247 show on Scouting Radio (opens in a new tab)

Commissioner Keith Comments ·

Girl Scout Troop 4247 completed their first Internet radio show for Scouting Radio and the five girls reported on a range of topics from Juliet Gordon Lowe, girl scout badges, the history of the Girl Scout cookie sales (Including an original cookie recipe) and activities the troop as completed and what is looming on the…

Planting Seeds of Kindness Theme for Cub Scouts

Scouting News ·

The following is a Guest Article by Scouter Mom. Scouter Mom Blogs and writes informative articles on all aspects of Scouting at ScouterMom.com. Word on the street is that BSA is getting ready to release a supplemental theme for March called "Planting Seeds of Kindness".

Scout (and other) Swiss Army Knives Discount Offer

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Amazon has a pretty sweet deal on Victorinox Swiss Army knives; buy $50.00 worth of Swiss army knives and get $10.00 off. Amazon's pricing is already about as good as it gets for these knives and since you don't pay shipping for purchases over $25.00 it's an unbeatable deal.

2B2B (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

2 B usy 2 B log This entire past week, I've been running back and forth, round and round, over and under. But, today I got to take a big breath and relax! In a nutshell, Got a loaner sewing machine Finished sewing my backpack Sewed a 2nd sleeping quilt Hiked about 40 miles Presented…

Texas Trainers: (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Pedernales Falls and McKinney Falls State Parks, Texas. Team West of the Subaru / Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers have been adding to the faithful ranks of Trainers in the Lone Star State. Trainer Courses were held at Pedernales Falls State Park and McKinney Falls State Park last week.

Oh Canada!

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Over time I have heard from listeners and readers in Canada, (quite a few actually). I know a little bit about Canadian Scouting (Scouts Canada) but I think it's high time we all learned more don't you? So to all my Canadian Friends – Let's talk Canadian Scouting!

The Outdoors

Adventures and Accidents ·

I've been thinking lately that I really need to get our youth camping more. This has been a chronic problem in our ward since before I moved in. The Scouts (deacons) go camping exactly once each year--to summer camp. They should be camping monthly.

Three Reasons Your Scouts Are Not Leading

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

THE REASON They don't appear to know how to lead. WHAT'S HAPPENING Scouts are elected to leadership positions but are doing a lackluster job. They don't seem to appreciate the opportunity and are very slow to take things on. THE SOLUTION Sometimes this apparent lack of initiative is a matter of perspective.

Forestry Merit Badge for Boy Scouts

Scouter Mom ·

Boy Scouts who are interested in conservation and tree identification will enjoy earning the Forestry merit badge. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]

A Retirement Party (opens in a new tab)

A Scoutmaster's Blog ·

The troop committee and parents have decided to host an open house to celebrate (?) my retirement as the scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 68. I have been told I need to attend this party. They even checked with me to make sure I had the date available so I suppose I will be spending the…

Meet Patrol Z [Video] (opens in a new tab)

Summit Blog · archived copy

We are members of Patrol Z, and we're here to tell your story. We are interested in letting others know what fun, cool and exciting opportunities you are taking part in, so they can get excited about Scouting, and specifically Jamboree 2013 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve.

Founder's Day celebrates Baden-Powell's legendary life

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Lord Robert Baden-Powell had a habit for sounding smart. But really, what would you expect from the founder of the worldwide Scout movement, which now boasts 30 million Scouts in 161 countries? Three of my favorite quotes from the Scouting legend speak for themselves: "It is risky to order a boy not to do something…

Founders Day 2012

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

When we teach our Scouts about setting goals and accomplishing tasks, we always start with their vision. We ask them to take the time in their mind's eye and see what the outcome is going to look like. What do they want to see in the end.

Founder's Day

Scouting News ·

Happy Founder's Day from the ScoutingNews Staff! Founder's day is celebrated all throughout the world in remembrance to Lord Baden-Powell. Today is his birthday (born in 1857). Did anyone make him a cake? Girl Guides and Girl Scouts throughout the world are celebrating today as Thinking Day.

Founders Day – SMM101

The Scoutmaster Minute Podcast ·

Today is Founders Day. In this show we talk a bit about founders day and hear a word from the Scouting's Secretary General, Luc Panissod. We also talk about vision and why Scouting is important to me. Plus a cool song I picked up along the way.

SMM101 – Founders Day Podcast

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

Today is Founders Day. In this show we talk a bit about founders day and hear a word from the Scouting's Secretary General, Luc Panissod. We also talk about vision and why Scouting is important to me. Plus a cool song I picked up along the way.

Devils Half Acre

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

Here is a short video of our Troops last adventure. We loaded up and headed to the intersection of the Historic Barlow Trail and the PCT. From there we packed up the Pulk Sleds and hiked down to Devils Half Acre and set up camp.

Scout App Helleniechsin Now on Android

Scouting News ·

Scouts and Order of the Arrow members who want to speak the language of the Lenni Lenape (Delaware Indian) language but don't have an iPhone can now enjoy Helleniechsin on an Android based device. Dan with ScoutApps.net has spent countless hours creating and updating a easily searchable database of over 4,000 Lenape words and their…

Picture Thursday 23_02_12

Jabbering All Day Long ·

It was taken on a recent work trip over there it was the mother monkey was grooming the younger monkey and it looks totally fed up with the whole process. I am guessing that it was a teenager monkey and was thinking (in the voice of Kevin Patterson) "oh mum do you have to"

Venturing Date Night, take 2

Adventures and Accidents ·

Last Friday we had our second Venturing date night. (For my discussion of our first one, see here .) After our last date night, we had a discussion about the purposes of dating and I challenged them to do a second date and incorporate what they learned.

DIY Pack (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

Yes, Mom, I made it myself! With very little seam ripping and only two permanent alterations (mistakes), I've got my pack I plan to use for 2,000 miles this summer. It is a G4 pattern that I purchased online and sewed at home.

Rules Create the Game of Scouting (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

Scouting’s policies and procedures, the rules that create the Game of Scouting, are not intended to check the ardor, interest or inventiveness of Scouts but to guide their efforts towards the aims of Scouting and to keep them safe A common problem arises when we misunderstand the place of a specific Scouting procedure or policy.

The Rules Create the Game

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Scouting's policies and procedures are not intended to check the ardor, interest or inventiveness of Scouts but to guide their efforts towards the aims of Scouting and to keep them safe A common problem arises when we misunderstand the place of a specific Scouting procedure or policy.