Browse by year
230 posts, oldest first.
Regardless of how hard you try, you just can't please everyone. The sentiment goes all the way back to the Greek slave Aesop, whose fable about the miller, his son and their donkey concluded with "he who tries to please …
It's hard enough to plan ahead for next month's camping trip. So, how do you plan for the next 100 years of Scouting adventure? That's the challenge for all the bright minds that are designing and building the Summit Bechtel Reserve, permanent home of Scouting's biggest event, the national jamboree .
I've been quietly resting my legs and putting together my Arizona Trail Journal for the past week. You can read all about my trek Right Here . I've included pictures from the trail, information about my homemade gear, and a daily record of the hike.
Here's a new one: An East Coast troop's uniform policy involves telling older Scouts not to wear their uniforms in public. Yep, it happened in Scouter B.C.'s troop. Here's how B.C., who asked me not to use their full name, explained it in an email to me last week: I have recently become the assistant…
IN THIS PODCAST Getting ready for summer camp, Starting a new troop LINKS IN THIS PODCAST Working the patrol method Transitioning from adult to youth led Guide to Safe Scouting KEEP IN TOUCH Contact Clarke Green Call
Scouts up and down the country have been hard at work for Scout Community Week (14-20 May).
Word on the street is that BSA will release a June Cub Scout theme called "Head West Young Man" for the June core value of Perseverance. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]
What one thing are you doing for Scout Community Week
You may have seen (and it may be how you got here!) that Scouting Themes 4 WordPress has been mentioned in the last Scouting+ email nationwide. This was to announce the launch of the Scouts 4 WordPress theme and encourage new people to make use of the resource.
Beavers and Cubs took Scout Community Week to Westminster yesterday (15 May).
There are a lot of caves in our area, so many Boy Scouts do the requirements for the Geology merit badge in conjuction with a cave tour outing. Some of the cave sites have geologists on staff who can show the Scouts specimens and explain the material to them.
I've often heard about the difficulty of recruiting adult help from other Scouters and I wonder, sometimes, if it has to do with the way we ask? When the coffee is flowing and the discussions
Yeah Yeah, I know start slagging me off now as some sort of male chauvinist who knows nothing, however before you do let me just have my say. Feel free to tell me I am wrong in the comments
I keep hearing the question, "Why don't we have hot showers at the Summit?" I can answer that with one word: sustainability. Sustainability has been a key component of the Summit's development plan since its inception. Sustainability is all about preserving our environment for future generations.
Give and you shall receive. At this fall's Volunteer Vacation at Philmont Scout Ranch, participants give a week of trail service and receive an unforgettable adventure in the captivating Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northeast New Mexico. The American Hiking Society and the Boy Scouts of America joined forces to craft this trail stewardship event…
In this episode, I introduce our new Summit group director, Dan McCarthy, and talk about the progress being made at the Summit as well as how things are shaping up for next year's National Jamboree. Don't forget to register your council's contingents as well as encourage your volunteers to join as jamboree staff members; there…
Wayne learns more about the three Manchester Scout Counties and how we can help to develop Scouting opportunities there.
Scout Community Week has inspired thousands of Groups from all over the UK to â
I recently received some Cobrabraid 550 samples to review. The bracelets I received were made of study paracord. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]
Quinn and Frank are the current LNT.org traveling e-Tour trainers and I was privileged to have them 'camp out' in our guest room last night while they are rockin' their way through Minnesota. They spend months traveling the country in their way-cool Subaru, presenting at Scout events, National Parks, schools, and any place else where…
I had this message from Tom; the same Tom you hear when we have a Scoutmaster panel discussion on the podcast. Any of us Scoutmasters who are invested in youth leadership and the patrol method have times
Scout Community Week (14-20 May) has prompted thousands of volunteers to do their bit for local communities while raising awareness for local Scouting.
The Council that I am in, recently put on a program called Mission Possible. Simply put, it's a Spring recruiting drive for Tigers and Wolves. Along with getting Cub scouts to summer camp and getting the Pack to put on a Summertime Award Pack Events. As I pointed out in the above linked post,
1st Bothasig Rover Crew in the Western Cape, South Africa, have been trying out some new pioneering projects. Here is a scaled-up version of a Skylon flagpole that aims to be large enough to have a crows-nest / deck on top.
I did however have enough time while there to visit my all time favorite sandwich shop, I use to live in Cardiff some 13 years ago and I use to go to the New York Deli Sandwich shop most weekend
And now for something completely different. Starting today and continuing for the next seven weeks, I'm introducing Photo Fridays here at Bryan on Scouting. It's simple, really. I give you a theme, and you e-mail me with photos that fit that theme.
Yesterday, I managed to place my order for a Raspberry Pi. For those of you who don't know what that it is, it's - … a credit-card sized computer that plugs into your TV and a keyboard. It's a capable little PC which can be used for many of the things that your desktop PC
The Jamboree Fireside Stories project is recording the experiences that have made the national Scout jamboree a lifetime memory for more than a million Scouts and Scouters. You can share your jamboree story by calling the Jamboree Fireside Story Line at 786-7-JAMBO-7.
Steve Karoly at Round the Chuckbox improvises a pizza oven demonstrating that a dutch oven has two sides!
The young people involved in scouting are our customers and if we as adult tell the young people they are wrong they will spend their time in places they feel valued.
Webelos have recently crossed over. Maybe you've got a few guys that just joined and are brand new to Scouting. Growth spurts causing clothes to no longer fit. It's a great time for a Buy One Get One sale on uniforms!
BSA provides Wolf den meeting plans for Cub Scout den leaders. This Wolf den meeting plan covers Wolf Achievement 12 – Making Choices. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]
For the rest of May, Scouting magazine is running a contest to give away free water filration items. Camelbak, SteriPen, and Platypus have all provided drinking water items for the give-away and you won't win if you don't enter. Enter today, and every day in May, to boost your odds - go to this Scouting Magazine…
Merit badges don't teach themselves. And with the 2013 National Scout Jamboree just 14 months away, the BSA's looking for a few good men and women to demonstrate their skills. The focus is on the six newest merit badges making a big splash at the Summit Bechtel Reserve next summer.
Following my proposed strategy for working through Advancement , the next step is to have a plan for completing merit badges. Here are my ideas for helping a Scout reach Life by the time he turns 14 (or very close). This perspective is mostly focused on required MBs since everybody needs them.
Rule No. 76: • You can tell some Scoutmasters there are four billion stars in the universe and he believes you, but tell him the Senior Patrol Leader is supposed to be running the troop meeting and he looks at you like you've just had frogs leap out of your mouth.
Who has more than 50 years of Scouting experience and is taking over a weekly spot on the Summit blog? None other than Dan McCarthy, the newly appointed Summit Group director. You've Got Questions What will I be doing at the Summit?
The 2012 Environmental Scan is now available at www.scouting.org/about . This Environmental Scan contains the latest information about social trends and facts affecting the BSA. It is a tool to assist councils with the development of strategic plans, marketing, fundraising, recruitment, and presentations. Please send any questions or comments to [email protected] .
Bear Grylls, Chief Scout, takes to the skies in the fifth instalment of Bear in the Air, his mission to meet as many Scouts as possible during his five years as UK Chief Scout.
We are seeking passionate Scouters who plan to attend the 2013 National Scout Jamboree (either full- or part-time) and need a job while there to consider helping support one of our newest merit badges, including Inventing, Robotics, Chess, Welding, Search and Rescue, and Game Design.
The BSA's next new merit badge, Game Design, is already well under development. The new badge will allow Scouts to focus on one (or more) of these kinds of games: Electronic Outdoor/athletic events Tabletop Pen and paper or role-playing This variety of games means the badge should appeal to Scouts with different interests.
Well done to the thousands of Scouts who did their bit for local communities during Scout Community Week.
NOS means "Not otherwise specified" in Military lingo. It essentially means that we can't find a category for it.. and so it is with this post. It has been a while since I posted last, so here is some catching up and thoughts.
One of the honors that comes with being Chief Scout Executive is to represent the Boy Scouts of America at the annual World Scout Foundation Baden-Powell Fellowship gathering, and it has always been a proud moment for me to assume this role.
Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America. Unlike the other ranks in Boy Scouts, the title of Eagle Scout is held for life. "Once an Eagle, always an Eagle."
After a couple false starts, the long-awaited revision to the online Tour and Activity Plan process is now live in most councils and can be used to file a tour plan for outings as required by your council. The new …
The best way to get an insider's view of the 2013 Jamboree at the Summit is to get on staff! The staff of this first-ever national jamboree at its new, permanent home in West Virginia will be history makers - they'll be setting the stage for the next hundred years of Scouting.
Like rare patches? How about one only 11 men have ever worn? Today, we learned the identity of the next man to join the impressive fraternity of Chief Scout Executives that started with Scouting legend James E. West. (See the full list below.)
IN THIS PODCAST Recruiting Volunteers LINKS IN THIS PODCAST Lack of Volunteers? 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
Reblogged from Bryan on Scouting: Like rare patches? How about one only 11 men have ever worn? Today, we learned the identity of the next man to join the impressive fraternity of Chief Scout Executives that started with Scouting legend James E.
The Direct Support Award announcement that was included in the May 7 issue of the Finance Impact e-Letter incorrectly included legacies and bequests in the criteria for recognition this year. Journey to Excellence direct support measure does NOT include legacies and bequests.
While Bear was inspiring Scouting in Northern Ireland and Scotland, Wayne was out and about in the Midlands, celebrating achievements and learning more about the Cub section and how we can support its development.
One of the most frequently asked questions that our Health and Safety Team receives concerns service projects. Specifically, which tools and jobs are appropriate for youth on a project site, and which are appropriate for adult leaders? To help shed a little light on this topic, the BSA recently published service project guidelines and age…
Last week, I reviewed the Cobrabraid 550 Paracord Bracelets I received. The good news is that they sent me a 550 Paracord Survival Bracelet and Keychain to give away to a reader [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]
It's going to be a long political summer- four quotes - no commentary needed: From the JOIN SCOUTING form: Program Policies Chartered organizations agree to use the Scouting program in accordance with their own policies
Rule No. 77: • A clear conscience is usually the sign of a faulty memory. ________________________________________ Dear Andy, First off I'd like to thank you for all your hard work and the great service your columns provide. Many times, your advice and clarifications on BSA policy have kept me "on track" in my troop.
Come find our blogs directly on our new website at: http://lnt.org/blog
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has recently updated its Scouting Handbook for Church Units in the United States . It is only available online-please follow the link above to access and download the handbook.
The Scout Association has pledged 500,000 hours of volunteering to congratulate Her Majesty the Queen on her Diamond Jubilee.
Klassic Knots Cartoon April 2002 Plumbing - Plunge Into the Subject Cartoon Cool Stuff Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com
Jr. Knots Space Race - May 2012 Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com
Our May Pack Meeting just totally rocked. This is what I posted on Facebook after I got home. "Fantastic night at Pack 221′s Physical Fitness Meeting. The new kindergartener's rocked. We did Slackline (actually walking a tightrope) and an Obstacle Course that had the Scouts figure out which was NSEW was, recite the Promise &
We are taking a fresh look at how we train and develop our executive leadership, particularly our district executives, in Professional Development Level 1. We convened a task force composed of BSA management, volunteers, and experts from organizations such as AT&T, ExxonMobil, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and Gallup to identify the most effective tools…
The Art belt loop is another of the recognition from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program. Our pack did this belt loop at our School Night to Join Scouting back in August. A few of the Scouter did the activity with the Scouts while the parents filled out paperwork.
Let me start this week by acknowledging all the comments on last week's blog. It's apparent our readership is expanding and I welcome that. I can assure you I do read all the comments. Please continue to share your thoughts in the comment section as I am interested in what you have to say.
Interesting article from Robin Wood on making axe handles.
The 2013 National Scout Jamboree promises to be a Jamboree like never before. Yes, it will feature all the things you've come to expect, such as patch trading, SCUBA, arena shows, and Technology Quest; but there's more. Scouting.org describes it as "high adventure like you've never seen"-whitewater, climbing, zip lines, mountain biking, and much more.
Trails have been a part of Scouting since the beginning. There are figurative trails - the one to First Class and to Eagle - and literal ones, like the 350 miles of trails at Philmont or the familiar 10-mile loop at your favorite state park.
Following an extensive selection process, the BSA has named Wayne Brock its next Chief Scout Executive. Wayne has served as deputy Chief Scout Executive since Oct. 1, 2009, giving leadership and direction to all aspects of operations of the National Council.
Over one hundred Scouts will carry the Olympic torch during the epic relay.
Well, I thought I would let the dust settle a bit on the issue before I weighed in. And much to my surprise, there has not been a lot of buzz about the appointment of our 12th Chief Scout Executive.
Click to open May issue The May issue of Membership Impact News and Resources has been published and is available online. In this newsletter, you can read about youth recruitment, new-unit development, and membership support services from the Membership Impact Department.
The Athletics merit badge is an elective which might interest Boy Scouts who are involved in sports or concerned about fitness. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]
As I think about what makes a good scouting program really work, I see it as a Three-way effort between the Scout, his parents and his adult leaders. If these three pieces don't work together like a three-legged stool, the program really struggles.
Brock joins new BSA National President Wayne Perry as top two leaders of nation's iconic youth-serving organization Following an extensive selection process, the Boy Scouts of America named Wayne Brock its next Chief Scout Executive, the organization's top professional. Brock, the BSA's current deputy Chief Scout Executive and chief operating officer, will provide general direction…
Last night my Venturing crew was supposed to have a party. Two of our members are graduating from High School this week and the others wanted to throw a party for them. It has been on our calendar for at least two months.
Todos los Scouts se merece un líder entrenado. In other words, "Every Scout deserves a trained leader." The statement is true in any language, and now, Scout leaders who are more comfortable speaking Spanish can take the highest level of adult leader training, Wood Badge, at a first-of-its-kind Spanish-language Wood Badge course.
Our typical (if somewhat sporadic) practice while camping is to have a ‘vespers‘ on Saturday evening after dinner. At your next camping trip give each patrol a quotation (I have supplied some below – give all the
This just in, LDS Scouters: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has updated its Scouting Handbook. The May 2012 version of the document, only available online (PDF) , offers updates on "guidelines and policies relating to Scouting programs in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," according to the document's introductory section.
With the spring 2012 Voice of the Scout (VOS) survey cycle closed, there is much to share about the initial findings, and action to be taken on what is being learned. Two electives are available at the National Annual Meeting in Florida (May 30-June 1): "Commissioner's Role in Using VOS and JTE to Improve Unit…
OK, this is really nice. The Greater New York Councils created the special-edition council shoulder patch seen above to commemorate the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The patch, called "A Tribute in Light," depicts the real-life Sept. 11 memorial displayed in New York each year.
Cub Scout Caitlin has gained all of her section badges.
Photos from my Arizona Trail hike are online now. I put them into a Google Maps / Google Earth file just for something different. You can see a map of the trail with thumbnail images near the location where the photo was taken.
On a rainy Thursday evening the Thunderbird District of the Cascade Pacific Council converged on Willamette National Cemetery. If they didn't come the 140,000 grave markers would go without a flag this Memorial Day. For 44 years the Thunderbird District has placed flags on the graves at Willamette.
Gauteng Kontiki is coming up at Arrowe Park this weekend - here are some posts from previous years with a few last minute tips: Construction sequence drawings help everything to run smoothly on Friday night. Moving your raft around using paddles, oars, punting poles and paddle wheels.
BSA provides a set of Tiger den meeting plans for Cub Scout den leaders. This is a review of the 15th den meeting plan in the series. This den meeting idea covers Tiger Elective 3 – Fun and Games. [ This is a content summary only.
Here at the Summit, we've been cooking up a little something for you. No, we haven't mentioned it on the blog yet. Why not? Well, we love surprises and feel this is a mighty good one. We know a lot of you are itching to know how the jamboree will be laid out.
The Jamboree Fireside Stories project is recording the experiences that have made the national Scout jamboree a lifetime memory for more than a million Scouts and Scouters. You can share your jamboree story by calling the Jamboree Fireside Story Line at 786-7-JAMBO-7.
Selfless Service has been a main stay of the Scouting movement. It is the desire to serve others. It is the motivation to "So unto others…" It is essentially the Scouting way. The value of Selfless service is important more than ever in our society.
...
Here's something else for you to love about Fridays. Photo Fridays, which debuted last week , showcases real photos from real Scouters. Each week, the photos fit a different theme. This week it's High Adventure , and the 29 photos below highlight a few of the many different kinds of adventure Scouts can have.
Last night at the Pioneer District Dinner, the District Awards were handed out. It was a great time to reflect upon what the Scout Units did over the past year. The District Chairman and Commissioner gave their thoughts. Our Exec did the same too. But, he added points that really helped me. See we as
A Message to Parents If you Respect me, I will hear you. If you Listen to me, I will feel understood. If you Understand me, I will feel appreciated. If you Appreciate me, I will
Kontiki 2012 is underway, 36 teams are busy building their rafts down at the waterfront at Arrowe Park , and will be launching on Saturday morning. I'll post more about the rafts later, but there is a structure down at the waterfront that I'm featuring now.
Scouters and Scouts, start your televisions. The Indianapolis 500, easily the best-known auto race of the year, is Sunday. I've always enjoyed watching, but ever since the BSA IndyCar debuted in 2010, I've had even more reason to tune in to "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."
What does the Boy Scouts of America logo mean to you? Perhaps it represents childhood campouts you took decades ago. Or maybe it signifies the special bond you now share with your son or daughter. All good answers. But ask the folks at the Web site Top Nonprofits , and they'll tell you it provides "an…
New Merit Badge for Boy Scouts
New Content for
Boy Scout patch blanket When you have been involved in Scouting for as long as I have (over 32 years) you end up accumulating a lot of patches. Some are earned by simply attending a Scouting event. Others are earned by being on staff for an activity.
Thirty six teams are on the water at Arrowe Park for Kontiki 2012. After a navigation and mobility competition this afternoon, the teams are moving their rafts up to a sheltered bay for the evening. More pics to follow..
