Posts in March 2012

What Is Your Path To The Summit?

Summit Blog ·

Scouts and Venturers attending the 2013 National Scout Jamboree from the South Texas Council may want to brush up on their "I spy" and alphabet-spotting skills. And for good reason, too: The 1,750-mile journey from Corpus Christi, Texas, to the Summit Bechtel Reserve will be made by charter bus.

What is the official policy regarding patch trading?

HalfEagle Answers ·

Where can I find a definitive set of rules regarding patch trading? Are the rules different for the Order of the Arrow versus non-OA patches? In other words, can adults at a cub scout event trade activity patches with youth?

Out West with Team West (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Saguaro! What's the only thing better than one Traveling Trainer team? Two Traveling Trainer teams! This past week we met up with Mark & Tara from Team West for a few days and an event together in Tucson. With our powers combined, we capitalized on our time in the desert amid the beautiful cacti of the…

Bob's Blog: Alaskan Adventures and Detroit Muslim Outreach

Scouting Wire ·

A Detroit Success Story-Bringing New Cultures Into the BSA I have a personal commitment to expand Scouting to every faith group we can, so imagine my pleasure in participating in the launch of a new Muslim Scouting outreach program in Detroit's Great Lakes Council .

Podcast 109 – Interview with Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

IN THIS PODCAST Bob Mazzuca, Chief Scout Executive, joins us to talk about the 100th Anniversary of the Eagle Scout Award. LINKS IN THIS PODCAST National Eagle Scout Association 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…

Have Scouts, Parents, Leaders Offer Their Opinions

Scouting Wire ·

To provide the best youth program, the Research & Program Innovation Department surveys our membership from time to time to learn their opinions on various Scouting issues. Please encourage your youth members (over 14 years old), volunteers, and Cub Scout parents to join our research panel by including the suggested blurb and link below on official…

Can Packs, Troops, Teams, or Crews Participate in Political Rallies?

Scouting Wire ·

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 packs, troops, teams, and crews. Scouts and volunteers should do their duty to country, but not by endorsing any one candidate.

First CSE Pathfinder Awards of 2012 Presented

Scouting Wire ·

The 2012 Chief Scout Executive's Pathfinder Award is creating energy and excitement in councils across the country. Join in on the energy and recognize that your council's Cub Scout market share is a key membership driver! And the best way to increase your market share is to organize new Cub Scout packs.

SMM103- Talking with Bob

The Scoutmaster Minute Podcast ·

In this show I have a lengthy chat with a fellow Scoutmaster and great Friend Bob Pierce. Join us as we talk a little bit about everything. Jamboree, Dutch oven cooking, Troop Guides, JLT, Anuual planning, Parents and Philmont just to cover some of the bases.

SMMPodcast # 103 – Talking with Bob

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

In this show I have a lengthy chat with a fellow Scoutmaster and great Friend Bob Pierce. Join us as we talk a little bit about everything. Jamboree, Dutch oven cooking, Troop Guides, JLT, Anuual planning, Parents and Philmont just to cover some of the bases.

Fat Tire Fun in Florida! (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Ocala, FL . This weekend we had a blast at the Fat Tire Mountain Bike Festival in Ocala, FL. This weekend long festival, hosted by the Ocala Mountain Bike Association , is in its sixth year. The festival provides an opportunity for riders from all over the southeast to get together and enjoy the beautiful trails near…

No. 297 – March 13, 2012 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

Rule No. 64: • The length and complexity of PowerPoint presentations are most often in inverse proportion to their value. ________________________________________ Dear Andy, I just read your column about the unit with adults "allowed" able to carry sheath knives and pepper spray without the Scouts being able to do either.

Flying Plan Updated to Allow Flights in Tethered Balloons

Scouting Wire ·

The BSA unauthorized activities were recently updated along with the flying plan to allow Scouts to experience flight in a tethered balloon. The flying plan can be found on the forms page of Scouting Safely, and links are included to the PDF of the flight plan and the FAQ for tethering.

What certifications are required for a pack, troop or crew to have an aquatic event?

HalfEagle Answers ·

Are they different for the different levels or is it all the same training?

Finance Impact 'e-Letter': Creating a Council Antifraud Policy

Scouting Wire ·

Click to open March 15 issue The March 15 issue of the Finance Impact e-Letter has been published and is available on the Finance Impact website. As we approach the end of the first quarter of the fiscal year, most councils are diligent in their fund-raising efforts to ensure the Scouting program will be available…

Walk the line? After review, the BSA gives slacklining a (qualified) OK

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Find two trees, grab some friends, and work on your balance: Slacklining is now an approved Scouting activity - with qualifications. After a thorough review, the BSA's Health and Safety team officially OK'd the extreme sport this week for all Scout units, districts, and councils.

'Learning For Life and Exploring Today': New Marketing Materials Created

Scouting Wire ·

Click to open March issue The March issue of Learning for Life and Exploring Today has been published and is available online. Are you looking for the "wow factor" when making presentations or sales calls to a school district or community organization?

Scouting and the Hispanic/Latino Family

Scouting Wire ·

Click to open full-size PDF...

Last Chance for VOS Dashboard Training (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire · archived copy

The key delivery system for all feedback received in the Voice of the Scout program will come to participating councils via the VOS Dashboard. Get a firm handle on how this dashboard will function this week: Morning and afternoon webinars are scheduled for March 13–15 at 10:30 a.m.

Religious Emblems Programs (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom ·

Faith is an important part of Scouting programs and religious emblems programs for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers reinforce what is stressed in the 12th point of the Scout Law A Scout is reverent. He is reverent toward God.

Dodging For Adventure (opens in a new tab)

Summit Blog · archived copy

When Troop 108 in the Revolutionary Trails Council decided to plan a trip to the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base , they knew they needed to raise some dough. So, what comes to your mind when you think of fundraising?

Test of Three

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

In ancient Greece (469 – 399 BC), Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom. One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance, who ran up to him excitedly and said, "Socrates, I need to tell you what I just heard about one of your students!"

What resources do you use? Survey Report Part 1

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Our most recent survey sought to rack how we are answering questions, finding information and improving our skills as Scout leaders. Some of these resources are online, some are offline but Scouters responding to this survey are much more dependent on online resources – no big surprise there!

All Markets Strategy

Wayne Brock TV ·

In this episode, I talk about the history of what we used to say and now what we mean when we say "All Markets Strategy." Please use the comments feature below the video window to let me know what you are doing to address an all markets strategy.

Words of Wisdom Wednesday: Loyal (opens in a new tab)

Scouting News · archived copy

Loyalty is a feature in a boy's character that inspires boundless hope." -Sir Robert Baden-Powell Last week, we introduced what it means to be trustworthy – the first point of the Scout Law. This week, we focus our attention on what it means to be loyal.

What's the best approach to teaching First Aid skills?

HalfEagle Answers ·

I know that the approach will incorporate the EDGE method of training, but what creative/innovative ways do you teach first aid that keeps the youth involved and interested? I've done "simulated disasters" on a small scale before but found that the Scouts didn't really take it seriously. Is there a trick to that approach?

Do You Know Where The Summit Bechtel Reserve Is?

Scouting Wire ·

So you've been hearing all about the Summit, but do you know where it is? We'll give you a hint! It has a mean altitude of 1,500 feet, giving it the highest average altitude east of the Mississippi. The capital city is Charleston.

Boys' Life Mini-Mags to be Shipped in April (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire · archived copy

The 2012 Boys' Life mini-mag will ship to councils around April 23, 2012. Quantities will be approximately the same as last year. There is no cost to councils for mini-mags or shipping. The Boys' Life mini-mag is a promotion tool to help unit-serving executives and volunteers increase Boys' Life subscriptions and readership.

LFL Announces Exploring Fee Increase (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire · archived copy

At the Learning for Life Executive Board meeting in February, the board voted to increase the Exploring registration fee from $10 to $15 effective July 1. This increase will allow the continued development of new marketing materials and programs, such as the online career interest survey, new brochures, sales folders, website development, online training, and…

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

Scouter Mom · archived copy

Cub Scouts who are interested in table tennis can earn the Table Tennis belt loop from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program. If you don't have your own table, check your local community center. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]

Leaving on a Jet Plane... (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

Don't know when I'll be back again, but I'm hoping it's by May 1st. They say every journey begins with a single step, but this one begins with a couple long plane rides. I fly to Tucson via Dallas today to start my 800-mile Arizona Trail hike.

What resources do you use? – Survey Report Part 2

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

The survey asked about two distinct types of information -information related to policy and procedure and information dealing with program plans and ideas. Policy and Procedure The majority of respondents cite Scouting.org (the official Boy Scouts of America website) as their go-to source to learn more about policy and procedure.

Take A Peek at PEAK In Action (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Tarpon Springs, FL . Take a look at this video, shot at an elementary school in Florida earlier this week. Kate leads a lesson on leave no trace using the PEAK Program. PEAK- Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids- is an interactive, engaging program designed to educate youth about responsible recreation and land stewardship.

WATCH: 'The Voice' star Pip, at age 10, sings the national anthem for his Boy Scout troop

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Long before he turned judges' chairs on The Voice , Eagle Scout Phillip Arnold turned heads on a much smaller stage. Phillip, who goes by the stage name Pip, sharpened his singing skills at Boy Scout courts of honor as a member of Marietta, Ga., Troop 287.

What's the best way to utilize Den Chiefs?

HalfEagle Answers ·

I've had trouble in the past convincing fellow adult leaders to embrace the Den Chief program. Adult leaders in the Troop don't always see value in recruiting or supporting Den Chiefs and the adult leaders in the Pack either don't understand why the Den Chief is there or don't know how to work with that…

Two Councils Merge

Scouting News ·

Two councils in Michigan and Wisconsin have voted to merge together. The Hiawathaland Council in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and the Bay-Lakes Council in Wisconsin. There will not be a new council created, instead they will keep the Bay-Lakes Council moniker.

Signs of Spring (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Kingman Wash, Arizona: The Southwest weather is well into the swing of Spring. So are the animals. The sixth Leave No Trace Principle, 'Respect Wildlife', encourages us to avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter. With habitat loss at an all time high, interactions with wildlife are becoming increasingly frequent.

Who's behind the wheel of the BSA IndyCar in 2012?

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

James Jakes There's a new man wearing red, white, and blue this season. It's 24-year-old James Jakes, a former Scout from England, who takes the helm of the BSA Motorsports and Dale Coyne Racing No. 19 car for the 2012 IndyCar season.

Camp Parsons Service Project (opens in a new tab)

KevinDevin.com · archived copy

file:///SDCard/BlackBerry/pictures/IMG00043-20120316-2017.jpg.rem Arrived at Camp Parsons for a weekend service project with the Troop. 6 scouts and 3 adults in all. Quickly setup the stove and warmed up some stew. All the scouts are now settled in for the night. Eager to see what tomorrow brings as we’ve been itching to get out camping for a…

Tucson (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

Plane ride to Tucson was fine. Dallas was all green flying in, but Tucson has roofs the color of sand and sand the color roofs. But, the 85 degrees sure feels nice! I got a great tour of Tucson, including the university and Arizona Children's Association where my friend works.

Sly as a Fox (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Channel Islands National Park As the e-tour continues to head west, we leave the "sky islands" of Southern Arizona for the Channel Islands off the coast of California. This epic series of islands, designated a National Park in 1980, hosts a variety of endemic and fascinating species.

The International Badger's Club (opens in a new tab)

Ropes and Poles ·

The International Badger's Club is a society for collectors of Scouting and Guiding badges. It has members around the world, and some very useful resources, including a catalogue of every uniform badge "equivalent to, or greater than, a UK district and National event badges from all over the world".

Kontiki 2012 (opens in a new tab)

Ropes and Poles ·

drawing by John Sweet from the Scout Annual, 1953 This weekend sees the annual Kontiki rafting competition taking place in the Western Cape . Gauteng Kontiki had been scheduled to take place this weekend too, but due to flooding of access routes at the new venue, it has been delayed until the end of May.

Ever Heard Of A Sea Scout?

Summit Blog ·

Have you heard of a Sea Scout? Well, just in case you haven't, Sea Scouts is part of Venturing. Its members focus on sailing, maritime skills, and of course, having fun. Cool, huh? A Little History Lesson for You Like Scouting itself, Sea Scouting began in England in 1911.

What resources do you use? – Survey Report Part 3

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

When asked what specific online resources they used when looking for information about program ideas. Respondents listed a range of specific websites: Ask Andy Questions and answers in an advice column format backpackinglight.com Great Backpacking information and gear reviews Baloos bugle Cub Scout program newsletter BoyScoutTrail.com General Scouting program ideas Bryan on Scouting .

What approach do you use for large-scale instruction in Scouting?

HalfEagle Answers ·

The perennial problem of merit badge "academies" is the notion of having 30+ youth in a single room working on a merit badge like Citizenship in the Community with just one or two instructors. What strategies work in this kind of situation?

Photo Friday: Shutter Speed

Scouting News ·

Photo Friday Photo Fridays are brought to you by Brandon Queen Photography . Shutter Speed Overview: Last week we talked about the different terms needed to understand your camera. I want to focus on shutter speed this week. Lets take a look at what shutter speed can do for you in your photos.

"Do unto others…"

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

Bare with me as I rant on humanity. I have been around the world and seen a lot of things… some good, some bad. Today I had a day which caused me to ask What the hell is wrong with people?

Update to Campfire Songs Scout App

Scouting News ·

Dan from ScoutApps.net would like to announce an update for the Campfire Songs Scout app on the iOS. Dan's also the creator of Helleniechsin featured here last month. New in Version 1.3 20 new songs (some submitted by Megan and by Ginger Mikulich-Lapsansky) bringing the total up to 170 songs!

New Research Affirms Lifetime Benefits of Girls' Participation in Girl Scouting

Scouting News ·

New York, N.Y. - According to a new Girl Scout Research Institute report, Girl Scouting Works: The Alumnae Impact Study , women who were Girl Scouts as children display significantly more positive life outcomes than non-Girl Scout alumnae. Approximately one in every two adult women (49%) in the U.S.

First Class Rank Requirements for Boy Scouts

Scouter Mom ·

First Class is the third rank a Boy Scout can earn. He earns it after Second Class The requirements for First Class continue to teach the youth to the skills he needs to advance in Boy Scouting. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]

This WWWeek in Scouting March 18, 2012 (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

News, information and comment from scouting around the WWW SCOUTMASTERCG.COM Podcast 109 – Interview with Chief scout Executive Bob Mazzuca What Resources Do You Use – Survey Report Part 1 What Resources Do You Use – Survey Report Part 2 What Resources Do You Use – Survey Report Part 3 SCOUTING BLOGS Ropes and Poles - Kontiki 2012 is underway!

Between a Rock and a Coffee Pot (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Climbers in Joshua Tree On Saturday mornings in one of the premier climbing spots in the country, Park Ranger and legendary character Bernadette hosts Climbers' Coffee at Joshua Tree National Park . The e-tour had the chance to stop by this event this week and chat with avid rock climbers who had flocked to this climbing…

Trail to Eagle Scout App

Scouting News ·

Following the great theme of great Scout Apps hitting the market lately, another is rolling out. Trail to Eagle is a Boy Scout reference for your smartphone available on iOS, Android, and Windows Phone 7. With the Trail to Eagle a Scout can quickly look up the Scout Oath or Promise, Scout Law, Scout Motto…

Trail To Eagle (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Maniac ·

Trail To Eagle Check it out awesome App 4 Scouts + its only 99 cents well yeah it costs something but thats still a great price 4 a mobile App. Its available on android windows phone & Apple iOS heres the windows phone version Yours in Scouting Service Mark West Assistant Scoutmaster Troop 1316, Troop 1616(aka 669)…

Podcast 110 – The Scoutmaster and The Committee

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

IN THIS PODCAST Scoutmaster panel discussion with guest Frank Maynard LINKS IN THIS PODCAST Bobwhite Blather Frank's Blog 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…

So where does camping fit in?

Bobwhite's Blather ·

Like the Scouts of nearly every troop, our boys recite the Scout Oath and Scout Law at the beginning of troop meetings. How often do they – or you – stop to ponder what those words mean? They are the …

What is the ScoutParents program? How is it used?

HalfEagle Answers ·

When I read the definition of what a ScoutParent is, I get excited about the program: > A ScoutParent is a parent or adult mentor of a Scout who enthusiastically participates with their Scout and also helps other volunteers to provide the best quality program experience to all youth in every unit.

Scouts v. Sports

Adventures and Accidents ·

Let me begin by saying I don't necessarily have anything against sports. But as an LDS Venturing advisor, I'm beginning to dislike them. At least the high school version. Over the next month and a half, there is exactly one of our regular Wednesday nights that will not be interrupted by a track meet.

500th Event For Team East! (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Tequesta, FL. This past weekend marked a very special event for Team East. We set up our arsenal of Leave No Trace educational materials for the 500th time! The timing was just right for us because the event happened to fall on our favorite vessel to teach others about Leave No Trace, a trainer course.

On the Trail (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

I've been saving texts on my phone each day but t-mobile has no coverage around here so the texts are waiting. Oh well. So, here's a recap of the first three days. You can check out my progress map at AZT page since my Spot has been working pretty well.

Cub Scouts Give Thanks Theme for April

Scouting News ·

CC by: Woodleywonderworks Each month, the Cub Scout program focuses on a core value. The Cub Scout April theme is Faith . BSA has started releasing theme based pack meeting plans for each of these core values. I hear that the new April theme will be Cub Scouts Give Thanks .

No. 298 – March 20, 2012 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

Rule No. 65: • Anyone who must tell you he always tells the truth, is lying. ________________________________________ Dear Andy, On merit badges, I can't find anything written by the BSA about how long a Scout has to complete a merit badge once he's started it.

Time to Take Action

Jabbering All Day Long ·

Following on from yesterdays post where I invited you all to tell me about you places to see before you die, I am now call on you all to take action.

What Reosurces Would you like to See More of?

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Here's what readers replied when asked to finish the sentence "I'd really like to see more resources about" Many answers reflected the never-ending search for new ideas: Troop program ideas Any new ideas for troops to do other than just camping Activities that other troops do.

Bernoulli's Principle Demonstration (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom ·

Use this demonstration for Webelos Scientist activity badge requirement 1: Read Bernoulli's principle. Show how it works.It could also be done in conjuction with the Science Belt Loop and Pin from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program. [ This is a content summary only.

A Scout's Cycling Experience

Summit Blog ·

You wake up to the sound of your rain fly shaking and the voice of your patrol leader telling you to get up. Quickly, you get dressed and hop out of your tent. Soon your patrol members start cooking a delicious breakfast.

WATCH: Did Pip survive the battle round on 'The Voice'? (spoilers)

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Finally, the wait is over! After more than a month since he last sang , Pip, the bow tie-wearing Eagle Scout who grew up singing at troop courts of honor, took the stage last night on NBC's The Voice . We're in the battle rounds, and the format is simple: Two singers share the stage for a…

At the district level, how do you recruit new Scouts?

HalfEagle Answers ·

One of our districts has an opening for membership chair and I've been considering offering to help. However, I'm a bit stuck for the method that's employed at the district level to recruit more Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers. What programs/methods work at the district level?