Posts in March 2012

Cub Scout Planning Tools

BSA CubCast Podcast ·

Sssshhhh. If you promise to tell all the Cub leaders you know, Bill Evans will share with us the secret to Cub Leader success. It will make your Cub Leader experience a little easier, too. Bill is a Program Specialist on the Youth Development team at the National Office in Irving, TX and the secret…

Faith (opens in a new tab)

BSA CubCast Podcast · archived copy

There's a line from an old movie that says, "Faith is believing in something when common sense tells you not too." Sounds simple enough, right? Maybe. But to help us give our Cub Scouts a deeper understanding of the April core value is council commissioner for the San Diego Imperial Council, Caren Tamkin.

Ziploc Bag vs Pencil Experiment (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom · archived copy

This simple experiment to demonstrate the scientific method is always a hit with the scouts. The results are not usually what they expect. Use this to fulfill requirement 2 for the Cub Scouts Academics and Sports Program Science Belt Loop.

The Howard School Inspires (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Kate teaches the students about Respecting Wildlife Atlanta, GA. Last week we visited The Howard School in Atlanta, GA. This fascinating school believes in treating each student as an individual, maximizing on independent learning and individual attention. As we arrived on Friday morning, we could sense the energy and excitement in the air.

Jedi Scoutmaster

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

We are all working towards the troop where Scout leaders are not leading, up front, talking much ( if at all). Our aim is that , the vast majority of the time, Scouts are leading Scouts and we are far in the background.

Enter daily to win a JetBoil ZIP (and more!)

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

We've all been there: Huddled next to a clunky backpacking stove waiting for water to boil after a long day on foot. Is that a bubble? Wait, is it boiling yet? Stomachs groan in anticipation of dinner. No more. One lucky winner of Scouting magazine's "GET COOKING QUICK: 'HIKE OUT' EDITION" will take home a…

Issue 293 – March 1, 2012 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

Issue 293 – March 1, 2012 ________________________________________ Rule No. 60: • The extent of "politics" in any organization is inversely proportional to its ability to show results. ________________________________________ MARLINSPIKE SKILLS A marlinspike is a tool used in rope-work, to unlay rope for splicing, untie knots, form a toggle, and more.

Association of Top Achiever Scouts (ATAS) (opens in a new tab)

Ropes and Poles ·

The Association of Top Achiever Scouts is an international association for those who have achieved the 'Top' award in their system, whether it's Queen's Scout, Eagle Scout, Springbok Scout, Fuji Scout, Tiger Scout etc . The badge, shown here, is worn on the front of the left sleeve, as this area is not used for badges…

Pioneered Scout Exhibition Stand (opens in a new tab)

Ropes and Poles ·

Copyright Gavin Penkin This exhibition stand at the annual Hobby-X expo at the Coca-Cola dome in Johannesburg was built by a team of Scouts and Rovers to promote Scouting in the province of Gauteng . More about the stand from Gavin Penkin, the Assistant Provincial Commissioner for Marketing in Gauteng Scouts: "After some rapid planning and…

A Boy Scouts Act

Jabbering All Day Long ·

So tell me what hidden authority would you like to find in POR, or what Authority would you enforce in uniform that you would be happy to serve one month in prison and be fined £10

Sunflower Seed Trail Mix (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom ·

Trail mix recipes are abundant. Basically, anything which holds up well in a ziploc bag can be used. Sunflower seed enthusiasts will enjoy this Sunflower Seed Trail Mix recipe. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]

We ALL live downstream. (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Everywhere, USA: We recently saw a great bumper sticker. "We ALL live downstream". We often teach how we have lost our connection to the natural world. This disconnect allows us to separate our actions from their consequences. Or worse yet, to not think of our consequences at all.

What Resources Do You Use?

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

What Resources Do You Use? How do you find answers, information and hone your skills as a Scout leader? I have differentiated between two basic types of information; questions of policy and procedure (rules and regulations) and program related ideas (skill instruction, etc.)

Week of Scouting (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

Attended Eagle ceremony on Sunday. Attended troop meeting on Monday. Gave out ScoutStuff.org gift card and ClassB.com coupon on Wednesday. Helped out at district roundtable on Thursday. Completed a First Aid merit badge with a scout on Friday. Saturday and Sunday, I'll be presenting Wilderness First Aid (yet again) to a dozen scouters.

BSA Tiger Den Meeting Plan 12 – Go See It: Transportation

Scouter Mom ·

This is the twelfth in the series of Tiger Cub Scout den meeting plans provided by BSA. This Tiger Cub Scout den meeting plan focuses on Tiger Cub Scout elective 41 - Transportation [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]

Cryptomania! (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

In the Red Rock Ranger District in Sedona , the Forest Service is doing some great outreach to spread the word on Leave No Trace related issues. At many of the trailheads in the Forest there, they have this great informative sign about cryptobiotic soil up.

Venturing Gold Award Requirements

Scouter Mom ·

The Venturing Gold Award was developed to recognize the significant accomplishment in a Scout's life in a broad spectrum of activities. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]

Advancement, Parents and Pressure

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

I recevied this question recently via the website contact form. The email address given did not work so I am publishing the question and answer here. -Clarke I'm a assistant scoutmaster and was recently contacted by a dad of a scout that after one year is still at Scout rank.

The Troop Meeting Place (opens in a new tab)

A Scoutmaster's Blog ·

I was a twenty-three year old scoutmaster when I attended a week of training at the Philmont Training Center in 1984. One evening, the staff brought out a reel to reel movie projector and we watched a movie from Disney titled Follow Me Boys .

Scout Hours Update 2 (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Maniac ·

Well so continuing my regular updates about the number of hours I spent on Scout related activities, projects, events, or anything else related to Scouting, I now have the total number of hours spent on Scouts for the month of February 2012.

Issue 294 – March 4, 2012 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

Special NAYLE Edition Rule No. 61: When called upon to speak to any group or audience, resist the urge to describe the thoughts that ran through your head before you figured out what you were actually going to say. The three most important elements of a good speech or talk are (1) a "wake-up" opening…

Rock Climbing/Winter Use tags (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

New Rock Climbing and Winter Use Reference Cards now available The Leave No Trace Center has released its newest skills and ethics pieces now available in our online store . The 3" x 5" reference cards, one specifically for those who are rock climbing and the other for recreation in snowy and cold environments, contain detailed…

Encouraging a New Boy Scout (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom · archived copy

What steps can a parent take in encouraging a new Boy Scout who has just joined a troop with little or no previous Scouting experience? [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]

Protecting the Barrier Islands (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Ocean Springs, MS . Last week we spent a few days exploring the Mississippi Gulf Coast along the Gulf Islands National Seashore . The nation's longest National Seashore, Gulf Islands spans from Mississippi to Florida and is home to a wide variety of cultural and natural resources.

Abolish "death by meeting"!

Bobwhite's Blather ·

A while back I posted a series of articles on making your committee meetings more effective. These were aimed at the committee chair or meeting facilitator to help improve the meeting experience for everyone concerned. Harvard Business Review had a …

Must-Know Facts About High Adventure At The Summit

Summit Blog ·

Are you excited about the Summit? Because, you know, it's not that far away! My name is Russell Smart, and I am the volunteer team leader for all program activities at the jamboree. Each month, we share information about another part of our world-class program experience that is going to be more diverse, more intense…

1 extra Degree (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

I always talk with the Scouts about Good not being good enough. There are many examples of how good will only get you good.. and on the other hand.. there are great examples of how doing your absolute best will get you Best results.

Hit me with your best shot: Now seeking submissions for our Facebook cover

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Make your great Scouting photos more than just pretty wallpaper for your computer or tablet. Our Facebook Cover Image Search can show them off to nearly 15,000 of your fellow Scouters. Selected photos will spend a week as the cover image on our new and improved Facebook page , which we recently switched over to the…

Trail Journal (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

I hiked 4 miles to Gander Mountain to pick up three 1-liter platypus water bags. They weight about 5 ounces all together and take up very little space when rolled up. I'll have them as extra storage in case water is more scarce than I imagine and for a couple of looooong dry stretches.

Podcast 108 – Scouts Canada

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

IN THIS PODCAST A discussion with volunteer Scouters with Scouts Canada Harry Shnider, Dean Post and Tom Breuer. LINKS IN THIS PODCAST 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…

Thank You For Helping (opens in a new tab)

A Scouter's Journey ·

This month marks my one year anniversary as a volunteer for ShelterBox. It certainly doesn't feel that long. As with Scouting, through ShelterBox I have met an amazing group of volunteers. A few I have had the pleasure of meeting in person, and many others online. I want to thank everyone that's helped me along

Assistant Patrol Leader Description and Self Evaluation

Scouter Mom ·

The Assistant Patrol Leader is a youth member of a Boy Scout troop who is appointed by the Patrol Leader and leads the patrol in his absence. The position of Assistant Patrol Leader does not qualify for the leadership requirements for advancement.

Nature photography at the PhotoNaturalist

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

The PhotoNaturlist blog by Steve and Vic Berardi has some excellent, clear advice that will enhance your skill as a photographer. We all admire truly good images of nature but few of us know how to make them. It's not as difficult as you may think.

Are trampolines an approved activity?

HalfEagle Answers ·

Trampolines have been banned from most schools and athletics due to their high injury and severity rates. After being closed for decades there are now commercial trampoline facilities popping up all over and many of them are targeting scouts and other youth groups by offering group discounts.

Room to grow: Bringing Scouting to the Hispanic community

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

You can't ignore the numbers. According to the 2010 Census, 16.3 percent of U.S. citizens are of Hispanic or Latino origin. In the BSA, the proportion is much lower. Hispanic youth account for just 6.8 percent of all members. I see that discrepancy as a challenge to volunteers and professionals at the national, council, district…

Youth Leadership

Adventures and Accidents ·

There is an excellent article in Venturing Magazine about youth leadership, specifically as it relates to Venturing, but Boy Scout and Varsity Scout leaders may find it useful, too. The "Let the Youth Do It" Dilemma "It is not realistic, nor is it wise to throw out the question "What do you want to do…

The Best Man in the Ward (opens in a new tab)

Adventures and Accidents · archived copy

I finished reading Trails to Testimony by Brad Harris a little while ago, and I keep thinking about it. One thing that struck me was the need to have the Scoutmaster be the best man in the ward. This actually came from a talk in General Conference by Bishop C.

Issue 295 – March 6, 2012 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

Rule No. 62: • Beware what a new acquaintance tells you he's best at… This usually turns out to be his Achilles' heel. ________________________________________ Hi Andy, About that Scout who was kicked out of his troop for mouthing off… Our troop used to have some hard-and-fast rules about suspending Scouts who misbehave.

What is the age requirement to attend Philmont?

HalfEagle Answers ·

Is it the same for all the high adventure bases or is each one different?

What kind of favors or gifts are appropriate to give out at an Eagle Court of Honor?

HalfEagle Answers ·

I had a unit leader contact me with this question recently. They were looking for wooden nickels with the Eagle Scout's name and COH date but also other ideas for gifts to give to each attendee at the COH that were: - inexpensive - customizable - could be purchased in quantities as low as 20-30 items - durable Thoughts?

The Easiest Way To Cover Safe Swim Defense (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Maniac ·

Ok so over the years I have learned that for many Boy Scouts concepts like safe swim defense even though the rules are great still isnt the best way to teach them. Heck which adults could rattle off without referring or peeking in their training resources the exact order that the 8 points of safe…

trusting Our Youth (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Maniac ·

Trust its such a interesting and complex word that takes years to develop a true level of trust with another individual but can also be completely or at the very least partially lost in a matter of seconds. Its so short that you probably wouldn't even finish this word: Super-Cali-Frag-gulious-itschy-alli-do-schous (Ok I can spell it…

KONY 2012

Jabbering All Day Long ·

I am just here to ask you to spent 27mins at watch this video. It seem like a long time but it will be worth it

Softball Pin for Cub Scouts

Scouter Mom ·

It's softball season! If you know a Cub Scout who really enjoys playing softball, have him check out the Softball pin from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program. A softball clinic would make a fun pack meeting or activity.

The Easiest Way To Fly In The New River Gorge

Summit Blog ·

In our last adventure , we saw members of Venturing Crews 32 and 44 tackling some of the world famous rock climbing in the New River Gorge, just downstream of the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve. Are you ready to zip at the Summit?

Svante Freden's Reflector Oven

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Swedish canoe enthusiast Svante Freden builds and sells folding reflector ovens based on his own design. He also generously makes DIY plans available so you can make your own – PDF Reflector Oven Plans Svante's Website Purchase a completed oven on Rutabaga Share/Bookmark

Call for Volunteers!

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

A podcast listener has contacted me looking for help in setting up a forum where volunteers could discuss and share their work with special needs Scouts. I know that a good many information technology professionals read the blog and listen to the podcast.

Words of Wisdom Wednesday: Trustworthy

Scouting News ·

A Scout's honor is to be trusted. If he were to violate his honor by telling a lie, or by cheating, or by not doing exactly a given task, when trusted on his honor to do so, he may be directed to hand over his scout badge."

What are the requirements for a campership?

HalfEagle Answers ·

Our unit has received some donated funds intended to be used as camperships for youth whose family might not be able to afford all of the fees for summer/winter camp. How should we go about determining how to disburse these funds? What requirements can we set for the youth applying for them?

Get out and PLAY! (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

San Antonio, Texas: This past Sunday we stumbled upon Síclovía, a truly worthwhile event. Síclovía is an offshoot of Ciclovía a program originally developed in Bogatá, Columbia. City streets are closed to car traffic in order to allow the community to play and exercise in a safe, social environment.

SMMPodcast #102 – Teresa

The Scoutmaster Minute Podcast ·

Join me on a hike with my very best friend, a new Eagle Scout Mom, my wife. We talk about advice for new Scout parents and fitness. Hope you enjoy the show. Leave feedback or drop us an email. Have a Great Scouting Day! Join the forum discussion on this post

SMMPodcast #102

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

Join me on a hike with a new Eagle Scout Mom, and my best Friend (my Wife). We talk about advice for new Scout parents, Parents of Scouts closing on their Eagle Award and Fitness. It was a great hike and I am glad that I got a chance to get Teresa on the podcast…

Andy Hits The Airwaves (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

Most of you know Andy through his columns here. I thought you might like to have a peek at Andy in real life. Earlier this month, Andy was the featured guess on a program of the Hunterdon County Internet Radio, sponsored by the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce.

Stepping Down and Stepping Back

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Larry Geiger has served as a Scoutmaster for two different troops so that means he has transitioned in and out of the Scoutmaster role more than most of us. I asked him to write about these transitions and offer his advice.

New Tour and Activity Plan to Be Unveiled

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

From our Friends at the BSA Internal Communications via Scout Wire: Dateline February 29, 2012 The new online tour and activity plan has been developed and will soon be ready for use. When compared to the former tour permit process, the new plan will no longer require signatures or approvals.

Picture Thursday 08_03_12

Jabbering All Day Long ·

This weeks photo thursday is a photo montage build showing one weekend of building to provide a birthday girl with a play house for here 3rd birthday

Four Degrees of Snow Camping

Scouting News ·

The following is a Guest Article by Mike Dubrall. Mike "Uncle Dub Zero" Blogs and writes informative articles on backpacking and snow camping at 50Miler.com. Snow camping is a popular winter activity for sturdy Boy Scouts. Every year, thousands venture into snow covered fields and conduct a variety of maneuvers, all designed to prove that…

What international Scouting events are available to U.S. Scouts?

HalfEagle Answers ·

When I was a Scout, I had the opportunity to attend the Icelandic National Jamboree as part of the American contingent to the event. How could I find opportunities like this for Scouts today? Also, what opportunities are there to travel outside the USA for Scouts *not* as part of a council contingent?

Can packs, troops, teams, or crews participate in political rallies?

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

The Boy Scouts of America might be the most patriotic organization in the U.S. But don't take that to mean we endorse any one political party. The same applies to your pack, troop, team, or crew. You and your Scouts should Do Your Duty to Country but not by endorsing any one candidate.

All My Good Friends Call Me Wilderness (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

The Galiuro Wilderness This past week the e-tour tromped, trekked, and tracked through the Galiuro Wilderness on our Leave No Trace Master Educator Course with NOLS (the National Outdoor Leadership School) . This ecosystem, a "sky island" in Southern Arizona, moves from desert to alpine vegetation as it increase in elevation up to and above 7,000…

KwaZulu-Natal Raft Race (opens in a new tab)

Ropes and Poles ·

Like Kontiki in Gauteng and the Western Cape , KwaZulu-Natal Scouts have an annual rafting competition , at the Midmar Dam (also home to the biggest annual open water swim in the world). Unlike the Kontiki events, the emphasis here is on racing, rather than living on the raft for the weekend, so the rafts are much…

Photo Friday: What is this for?

Scouting News ·

Photo Friday Photo Fridays are brought to you by Brandon Queen Photography . What is it and how does it all work? Overview: Now we want to learn about three important functions of a digital camera. They are shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.

Wildlife Conservation Belt Loop for Cub Scouts

Scouter Mom ·

Conservation and Scouting have always gone hand in hand. And our young Cub Scouts are fascinated by wildlife and are usually eager to learn how to participate in conservation projects. You can spark that interest with the Wildlife Conservation belt loop from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports...

The Perfect Gift | "Meet Me At The Summit" Tumbler

Summit Blog ·

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 . Looking for the perfect gift for your family or friends? Check out the "Meet Me at the Summit" Acrylic Curly Tumbler, available for $9.99 at scoutstuff.org .

How to Find the Right Backpack

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Here's a useful info-graphic from REI about selecting and sizing the right backpack. (click on the image to see the full info-graphic). Share/Bookmark

Plan Ahead and Prepare in Mountaineering (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Guest Blog by Linden Mallory, Senior Guide RMI Expeditions With mountaineering and climbing growing in popularity comes an added responsibility for climbers to reexamine our actions while we pursue our passion. For close to a decade the guides at RMI Expeditions worked with the Center to develop the Mountaineering Curriculum for Leave No Trace.

A team-by-team guide to the BSA's new Major League Soccer alliance

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

The Major League Soccer season starts March 10, and with it comes an exciting opportunity for Scouts and Scouters nationwide. As I told you in January , MLS and the Boy Scouts of America joined forces this year. But what does that mean for your pack, troop, team, or crew?

What are some fundraiser ideas?

HalfEagle Answers ·

Also, what is the best way to organize fundraisers at the troop level? Are there any guidelines from BSA National about how to do this?

PWD Trivia Cards (opens in a new tab)

KevinDevin.com · archived copy

I’ve been wanting to do this for a while now, so with the downtime today, it provided the perfect opportunity. During our Pinewood Derby in JanuaryI had created a manual version of Pinewood Derby Trivia cards that I used to quiz the scouts in between heats.

Issue 296 – March 10, 2012 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

NYLT Leadership Academy Special Issue Rule No. 63: "Co-leaders" who agree to share 100% of the responsibilities will each accomplish 10%. Good morning Andy, The BSA National Leadership Development Committee has approved the national promotion of the Northeast Region's NYLT Leadership Academy program (formerly YSDC-Youth Staff Development Camp-designed to provide the same youth staff development…

BSA Webelos Den Meeting Plan 8 – Artist

Scouter Mom ·

BSA provides den meeting plans for den leaders on the Scouting.org website. The eighth Webelos den meeting plan focuses on the Webelos Artist Activity badge. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]

YPSmartz: Youth Protection Begins With You®

Scouting Wire ·

This is the first in a series of articles on Youth Protection called "YPSmartz." What do we mean when we say, "Youth Protection begins with you ® "? Everyone in Scouting, from the most tenured professional Scouters and adult leaders to new Cub Scout parents and the Scouts themselves, and even to National and local council employees…

Collecting Pin for Cub Scouts

Scouter Mom ·

Kids collect all sorts of things - trading cards, bottle caps, rocks, cars. If your Cub Scout has a collection, he can earn the Collecting pin from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program. It will encourage him to organize all of those things which have collected in his room into something he...

This WWWeek in Scouting March 11, 2012

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

News, information and comment from scouting around the WWW SCOUTMASTERCG.COM Advancement, Parents and Pressure Podcast 108 – Scouts Canada Nature Photography Svante Freden's Reflector Oven Steeping Down and Stepping Back SCOUTING BLOGS A Scouter's Journey - Doug Metz awarded for Shelterbox volunteer work Bobwhite Blather - Death by Meeting WEBSITES ETC.

Learning for Life Program Evaluation Teachers Survey Opens in May

Scouting Wire ·

We are asking councils to contact their teachers in the Learning for Life program to take the teacher's program evaluation survey at www.learningforlife.org . Last year's results helped us improve the development of our programs. We once again have individual program surveys rather than one generic survey.

'Marketing News': STEM Program, NOVA Award Topics of Upcoming Webinar

Scouting Wire ·

Click to open March issue The March issue of the Marketing News has been published and is available online. In this issue, you can read about an upcoming webinar that will take a deep dive into the BSA's STEM program and NOVA award.

Order in the troop! Order in the troop!

Bobwhite's Blather ·

You've heard the sayings. Order is Heaven's first law. (Alexander Pope) Good order is the foundation of all things. (Edmund Burke) Order is power. (Henri Frederic Amiel) Henry Miller also had something to say about order: Confusion is a word …