Posts in April 2012

Day 14 - Big Miles (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

I walked 67374 steps on the trail today. I traveled about 30 miles today. My first 30 mile day ever! From Oracle to the Freeman Road water cache, I enjoyed the shade of my umbrella in the 90+ heat. I started with 5 liters and the only water source was Beehive Well at 21 miles.

Spring Tiger Cub Recruiting

BSA CubCast Podcast ·

Lucia Cronin is an executive committee member of the Bay Lakes Council in Appleton, Wisconsin. She has been successful in both recruiting and, more importantly, retention. We've asked her to share her recipe for success right here on Cubcast.

Health and Fitness

BSA CubCast Podcast ·

The Cub Scout motto is "Do your best," and the best way to accomplish that is to be healthy and fit. BSA National Commissioner Tico Perez joins us to explain the importance of this Core Value and how essential it is for our Cub Scouts to learn that early (without realizing that they are learning…

Issue 300 – April 1, 2012 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

NEWS FLASHES PACKS, TROOPS REBEL AGAINST BSA "UNIT UNIFORM" POLICY. In a remarkable display of solidarity against the BSA's new policy that jeans, Dockers, cut-offs, and "baggies" can be worn at all pack and troop meetings, and outings too, Scouts and leaders alike refuse to give up their Scout pants.

Day 15 - My New Friend (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

I walked 42762 steps on the trail today. I traveled about 18 miles today. I actually hiked more like 20 miles but th rounding of miles the past two weeks has pushed the total a bit higher than real. How do you like my little friend I met on the trail today?

Horseback Riding Pin for Cub Scouts

Scouter Mom ·

Some younger Scouts will find horses intimidating, but others will be completely comfortable around them. If your Cub Scout loves being around horses, he can earn the Horseback Riding pin from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program. [ This is a content summary only.

Larry's Dutch Oven Hints

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

I learned how to care for cast iron cookware from some old timers. Their methods are compatible with standard Boy Scout principles and more modern methods. Some of this may be considered "heretical" by the "authentic"

Gear tip of the week

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

Many Scouts, especially the younger ones have trouble getting everything into their backpacks. Now this problem is caused by a couple of factors. First, they try to carry too much. Remember that your target weight is 25% of your body weight.

Podcast 112 – Roles, Elements, Skills and Assets

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

IN THIS PODCAST Roles, Elements, Skills, and Assets for Scouting Volunteers LINKS IN THIS PODCAST My review of The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide My Gear list for Scouts KEEP IN TOUCH Contact Clarke Green Call and

Woodgas Camp Stove Giveaway

Scouter Mom ·

Last week, I reviewed a Woodgas stove I received. The good news is that they sent me a second stove to give away to a reader. To enter, just sign up for the Scouter Mom email newsletter. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]

Please stay behind the rope!

Bobwhite's Blather ·

An AP news item which ran in our local newspaper last week told of an Easter egg hunt in a Colorado town being canceled for behavioral reasons. No, not the kids misbehaving – the parents. Aggressive parents were to blame …

Five ways to get involved in National Welding Month

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Unless one of their relatives won last week's Mega Millions jackpot, your Scouts will need a job some day. Sorry. Just one of life's little realities. But here's the good news: Part of helping Scouts become "Prepared. For Life." includes giving young people hands-on experience that could lead to a career.

Enter daily to win a Coleman InstaStart grill (and more!)

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Charcoal can add sizzle to your car-camping trip, but using it comes with a downside: the cleanup! Plus, after a day of Scouting activities, who wants to wait for the coals to reach peak temperature before cooking dinner? One lucky winner of Scouting magazine's "GET COOKING QUICK: ‘DINE IN' EDITION" giveaway will take home a…

Veteran Hikers

Scoutmaster Musings ·

Met these veteran hikers on the trail. Each of them have over 10000 miles under their boots and 3 have done the Triple Crown. I'm such a newb! We also met 3 bikers - one was the prettiest girls since the Mexico border.

5 Ways To Get Prepared For The 2013 Jamboree

Summit Blog ·

Fact: In fewer than 500 days, you'll be a part of history at the 1st-ever jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve! And while you've been out playing in the snow (or lack of for some of us) this winter, we hope that you are keeping in mind that in less than 2 years, you will…

Tenderfoot and Porn

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

So if you are reading this.. you are either on the blog or got it via email and you are looking at this post electronically.. it was brought to you from the wonderful world of the internet. The world-wide web.

Spring Backpacking Season – Get Ready

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. Its Spring – a time when every good Scout starts thinking about his backpack. Across the country, people are pulling their packs out of the closet, cleaning out the leftover food…

BSA Tiger Den Meeting Plans #13 – Phone Manners, Emergency!, Our Colorful World, and A Friendly Greeting

Scouter Mom ·

BSA provides a set of Tiger den meeting plans for Cub Scout den leaders. This is a review of the 13th den meeting plan in the series. This den meeting covers four Tiger Cub Scout electives. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]

Day 17 - Picket Post Trailhead (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

I walked 29416 steps on the trail today. I traveled about 13 miles today. Picket Post Mountain was the end of today's hike, close to Superior AZ. An early start got us walking in cool temps but some cactus needles in a leg, overgrown trail, chatting with hikers and bikers slowed us down a bit.

Dutch Oven Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

There's nothing quite like baking a pineapple upside down cake in a dutch oven. It's easier than you think! Preheat the dutch oven until a hand held inside gets uncomfortably warm in five seconds. While

Doing it right? (opens in a new tab)

Adventures and Accidents · archived copy

I had an interesting conversation yesterday. Someone came into my office at work and told me he had been in a District Scout meeting (advancement committee, maybe?) and my name had come up. Apparently, the district executive told them that I had the only Venturing crew in the district that was doing it right.

Monkeying Around in Franklin, NC! (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Tracy uses "Sparks" the camp stove to teach Be Careful With Fire Franklin, NC. Franklin is a mountain town nestled in the Nantahala National Forest . There is no shortage of recreational activities in this region of the country. The Traveling Trainers were on hand to visit local schools, provide an evening program at the library…

Delighted in Death Valley (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

As we wipe the desert dust off of all our belongings, fire up the electronics, and regain reception we realize it's been a while since we blogged. Even a Traveling Trainer needs some down time and after a week of restful vacation we were blessed to enjoy a warm and windy week in Death Valley…

'Climb On' Everything, Activity Areas Part 4 (opens in a new tab)

Summit Blog · archived copy

The Summit has big plans for big rocks. We're talking about the activity area for climbing at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree, aka the Climbing Cove. Here, you can boulder, climb, rappel, and pretty much bounce off the walls (not literally) when you visit for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree.

Rest Day (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

Spent today with PapaBear in Tempe trying to regain some lost weight and get a few things taken care of. This pic is from the top of Mica Mt a few days ago. It's a cool camp high in a majestic pine forest with views forever.

We are Scouts

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

Good Video… thought I'd share! Have a Great Scouting Day!

Cub Scouts Give Thanks Cub Scout Pack Meeting Plan (Faith)

Scouter Mom ·

The core value for the month of April is Faith. BSA has just released a Cub Scout pack meeting plan called Cub Scouts Give Thanks related to this core value. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]

Guide to Advancement 2011 Online Version

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

The Guide to Advancement 2011 is now available online with helpful internal links. There's also a PDF version of the guide. Related resources at ScoutmasterCG First thoughts about the new guide and a Podcast on the subject Mandated Procedures, Recommended Practices Discussion with

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

Scouting News · archived copy

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. "A Scout is courteous." – Sir Robert Baden-Powell This week we focus on how to be courteous to others.

Your one-stop shop for updated merit badge info

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Stumped when Scouts question you about new merit badges? I hear you. With so many new and exciting merit badges, keeping up isn't easy. That's why I created a guide to New Merit Badges - a concise, regularly updated information source.

Bigfoot's Dance Moves (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Sometimes we're lucky enough to interact with Bigfoot, who's been Leaving No Trace for years. Sometimes he drops some dance moves when he's super excited. Stay tuned for all of his adventures. Sharin' in the Leave No Trace Groove, Quinn & Frank

Protecting your online identity? (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

Awhile back there was some discussion on separating your Scouting life with your "Normal" life. I argued that given the Scout oath and law there is no real way that (at least I) could separate the two. As we have negotiated our way through this online maze and many of us have developed an online…

Issue 301 – April 5, 2012 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

Rule No. 67: "No" and "Let me think about that" have identical meanings. Dear Andy, I'm a pretty new-out-of-the-box Assistant Scoutmaster for a troop that's been around for some seven decades, with a Scoutmaster who acts like he's been around even longer.

Dog Care Merit Badge for Boy Scouts

Scouter Mom ·

Our local Humane Society does a Dog Care merit badge skill center for Boy Scouts once or twice a year. Several of our Scouts have gone and been enthusiastic about what they learned. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]

Want More Information On Mountain Biking At The Summit?

Summit Blog ·

In just over one year, we will begin the fun and excitement of the 2013 National Scout Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. And believe me, that's sooner than you can imagine. My name is Russell Smart, and I am the volunteer team leader for all program activities for the Summit.

Mosquito net as a multi-use item

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Tom Gauperra in Oslo Norway writes the Going Lighter blog and offers this advice on multitasking a mosquito head net. In short he recommends using the head net as a pre-filter, a pillowcase and a

Scout Hours Update 3 (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Maniac ·

So March ended about 5 days ago and lets just say I was pretty shocked to see the number of hours I spent on Scouts. But then again it really didn't bother me that much because of the fact that I pretty much on a very regular basis for the month of March had too…

Unit & District Communications

Scouter Adam ·

Tonight was the District Committee meeting. There were several topics. Training, FOS and Recruiting. Blah Blah, Yadda Yadda Yadda…. One of the Commissioners reported about going to a Pack Committee and asking about upcoming events and if they are going to them. Camporee, Cuboree, etc…. They also asked about training. What they got back was

Chicken Wrap Recipe (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom ·

At our March Pack meeting the Cub Scouts worked on the Nutrition belt loop. A nutritionist came in and did some great activities with the Cub Scouts, including bringing in a chicken wrap recipe and letting each Cub Scout make his own chicken wrap.

Auto-Tent-Door-Closer (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

This fanciful chain reaction pioneering project was found at the Ropes and Poles Blog Rain falls during the night and runs down the trough into the billy-can, thereby upsetting the balance of the guillotine and bringing the razor-sharp knife

Feed Us Quackers! (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

We've been camping in the beautiful County of San Diego, CA at Guajome Regional Park . An urban park with sprawling grounds, an abundance of wildlife and cool shady campsites, we have had excellent accommodations. However while cooking breakfast on our first day in this frontcountry campground, we had some unexpected and uninvited visitors adventure right…

BSA Webelos Den Meeting Plans: 9 – Geologist

Scouter Mom ·

BSA provides Webelos den meeting plans for Cub Scout den leaders on the Scouting.org website. The ninth Webelos den meeting plan focuses on the Geologist Activity Badge. Webelos learn about the history of earth and rocks while working on the Geologist activity badge.

Ben - our personal chef (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

we packed up and were on our way when Ben asked if we'd like some breakfast. Well, what self-respecting thru-hiker would ever turn down a meal? So, here I am having bacon and eggs on the beach beside a beautiful lake, in the desert, with the sun just rising.

Trail Journal (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

I walked 52982 steps on the trail today. I traveled about 23 miles today. Thanks to 10 easy miles on forest road, we reached Sycamore Creek tonight with an hour of daylight. That made it easier to set up camp, get water, and cook dinner.

Hitting the Road? Use the BSA Discount to Save at the Parking Spot

Scouting Wire ·

The Parking Spot is offering two free days of airport parking points to all BSA employees who respond to this promotion by May 31. After ordering your corporate discount card through the link above, your card will be mailed and pre-loaded with 1,000 spot points (two days of free parking).

Klamath Falls Bonanza Blitz (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Talking Leave No Trace with the US Forest Service & Fish and Wildlife! The Leave No Trace e-tour was invited to Klamath Falls, Oregon, for a community-wide Leave No Trace blitz! The results? Awesome. After driving back into winter snow, the week kicked off with events at a couple of the city's elementary schools.

General Liability Insurance Premium Credit Deadline Is June 30

Scouting Wire ·

June 30 is the deadline for submitting your application for the 10 percent credit to your council's general liability premium. Complete and sign the 2012 Application for 10 Percent General Liability Premium Credit and return it via mail or email (with scanned signatures) to [email protected] , or by fax to 972-580-7896.

An Hour A Week? #278

An Hour A Week? Podcast ·

Some Scouting news, camp cards, Pinewood Derby activities, and a Day Camp update on this Easter show. Links: Five Effective Ways to Use the 2012 Boys' Life Mini-Mag (PDF)- http://bit.ly/Hqp5bU Membership Impact Department- http://bit.ly/nLwU3l Tonight's show sponsored by ClassB.com Join the forum discussion on this post

Do you have a troop handbook? (opens in a new tab)

Bobwhite's Blather · archived copy

It's been said that the Boy Scouts of America is responsible for more dead trees than any other organization – based on the sheer number of handbooks, guidebooks, pamphlets, training guides, and other publications. Don't believe me? Just visit your …

Jackalope Attack (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

(read the previous post before this one) While following the tracks, we noticed many trees like this one that had been clawed down. We soon found a rancher and asked about the tracks. He let us know that they were made by the meanest, orneriest, thieving varmint in Arizona - the Jackalope.

And The Crowd Goes Wild!!! (opens in a new tab)

Leave No Trace Blog ·

Have you ever witnessed a user created shortcut along trail switchbacks? While these additional trails may look harmless, unnecessary erosion occurs, thereby damaging the actual trail. In addition, vegetation alongside the trail, which may be home to sensitive wildlife habitats including plants and animals, gets trampled as the trail is widened.

Peer-to-Peer Recruitment Cards to Be Featured in 'Boys' Life' Mini-Mags

Scouting Wire ·

Be sure to check out the new Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing peer-to-peer recruitment cards on page 7 of the upcoming Boys' Life mini-mag edition . An icon on the mini-mag's cover (left) will direct the reader to the Join Scouting page, which will be divided into four Join Scouting invitations.

Esbit Alcohol Stove

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

OK.. I tried to get this post out yesterday.. not sure if it was the computer or the operator.. but lets try it again… I have been playing with a new stove the last couple months. Taken it out on the last three outings and I am in love with it.

Big Plans for Climbing at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree

Scouting Wire ·

The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve had an interesting dilemma when it came to preparing for all the climbing to be done at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree: how to ensure a world-class climbing experience for all 40,000-plus Scouts and Venturers, while maximizing its resources.

VOS Surveys End, Sessions Scheduled to Help Make the Most of Your Feedback

Scouting Wire ·

The inaugural Voice of the Scout survey cycle has ended, and councils will have an opportunity to view all data via the VOS Dashboard this coming week. Sessions to help "Make the Most of your VOS Feedback" are now scheduled for April 25 at 10:30 a.m.

What Scouts offers….. (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Adam · archived copy

Scouting in any flavor offers a lot to the youth that they serve. It could be Girl Scouts, American Heritage Girls, Campfire, Boy Scouts and the list goes on. All programs feature Leadership Skills, Fun and getting outside. In a recent meeting with all the folks down at Council and at the last Top Team

Recognition v. Advancement

Adventures and Accidents ·

I'm working on a presentation about the Venturing Silver Award for round table this month, which got me thinking about the Venturing method of recognition. And I decided I've been wrong. Sort of. In the past I have tried to emphasize the difference between the Boy Scout method of "Advancement" and the Venturing method of…

Watch Pip sing 'When You Were Young'

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Missed last night's live episode of The Voice ? I've got you covered. Check out the video below to see Pip, the Eagle Scout I've been telling you about for months , sing "When You Were Young" by The Killers. Tonight at 9/8 Central on NBC we'll learn whether the votes from Team Scouting and Team Bowtie…

Marketing News: New Marketing Resources for NESA, Scouting Alumni Association

Scouting Wire ·

Click to open April issue The April issue of Marketing News has been published and is available in the Marketing Toolbox online. In this issue, you can read about a number of new marketing resources available for the National Eagle Scout Association and the Scouting Alumni Association that provide ways to put a local spin…

'e-Letter': June Event Will Hone Fundraising Skills

Scouting Wire ·

Click to open April 15 issue The April 15 issue of the Finance Impact e-Letter has been published and is available online. This year, the Finance Impact Department is teaming up with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) June 3–5 in Kissimmee, Florida, to maximize the training experience for local council staff and volunteers.

IDG Update: Handling Your Council's Technology Needs

Scouting Wire ·

This issue's update includes a number of resources that your council can use to simplify the process of handling your IT infrastructure needs, from hardware to software: Technology requirements for local councils Which PC do I need: Business-grade vs. home-grade? How-to: Ordering hardware and software products

Online Tour and Activity Plan to Go Live May 1

Scouting Wire ·

Council employees currently have the ability to view the new Tour and Activity Plan training video and trial version through MyBSA, while volunteers continue to use the old Tour Plan application on MyScouting. Beginning May 1 , the old Tour Plan application will be removed and replaced with the new Tour and Activity Plan.

Fruit and Yogurt Parfait Recipe (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom ·

One of the kid's aunts, who is a nutritionist, came in and did some activities and made some healthy dishes with the Cub Scouts. One of the recipes she made with them was this fruit and yogurt parfait recipe. [ This is a content summary only.

'I Don't Know' is a good answer

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

I advocate using guided discovery (asking questions) to help youth leadership find their way. Often my questions are rhetorical, in other words I do not expect that the person I am questioning has an answer.

Day 25 - LF Ranch (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

I walked 43412 steps on the trail today. I traveled about 18 miles today. Spending the nite camping at LF Ranch. Maryann is making us spaghetti for dinner right now and we're relaxing after a wonderful shower. The ranch is down in the valley by the East Verde river so it should be warm tonight…

Ranch Breakfast (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

PapaBear enjoying his 4 eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, and cocoa at 6:30am just as the sun comes over the hill. Try to convince me of a better way to start the day! LF Ranch is a perfect stop on the AZ Trail for anyone wanting to sample real rural Arizona.

No. 302 – April 11, 2012 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

Rule No. 68: • When contemplating the replacement or removal of a volunteer, make the decision with surgical precision, then carry it out with compassion. ________________________________________ The 6 Inescapable Phases of All Projects: 1. Enthusiasm 2. Disillusionment 3. Panic 4. Search for the guilty 5.

Words of Wisdom Wednesday: Kind

Scouting News ·

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 animal has been made by God just as you have been. He is therefore a fellow creature.

Hiking Tip (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

When hiking, you may encounter a gate across your path. Whether open or not, the common action is to close it after passing through. Maryann, the rancher I met yesterday, taught me that is not the correct thing to do.

Day 26 - Pine (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

I walked 50684 steps on the trail today. I traveled about 23 miles today. After a delicious ranch breakfast, we got a slightly late start on our long hike to Pine. It started with a long, steep climb and continued with many miles of very rocky trail.