Posts in June 2012

STEM and the NOVA Award (opens in a new tab)

BSA CubCast Podcast · archived copy

The BSA has partnered with Exxon/Mobil to create a brand new award called the NOVA Award! This new initiative goes hand-in-hand with the new STEM initiative. What's STEM, you ask? The sooner you click the download button, the sooner Matt Myers, development specialist on the Youth Development Team at the national office in Irving, Texas…

Courage (opens in a new tab)

BSA CubCast Podcast · archived copy

Winston Churchill once said, "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen." So with those words of wisdom, sit back, relax, and join us as we discuss teaching courage to 8-year-olds with the author of the BALOO manual, Cubcast favorite Dennis Kampa.

Issue 313 – June 1, 2012 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

Rule No. 79: Ready, fire, aim isn't always the best way to tackle a problem. Dear Andy, I noticed in one of your recent issues that you were sending a fellow Scouter a "Reader's Digest" version of how a troop should operate.

12m (40 foot) Isengard tower (opens in a new tab)

Ropes and Poles ·

Gauteng Scouts will be building a 12 meter high tower this weekend, which will be an attraction at the Gauteng Outdoor Eco Adventure & Travel Experience next weekend. Led by Terrence Vrugtman and Kent Jennings, this project has a website here .

BSA Webelos Den Meeting Plans: Den Meeting Plan #11 – Engineer

Scouter Mom ·

BSA provides Webelos den meeting plans for Cub Scout den leaders on the Scouting.org website. The eleventh Webelos den meeting plan starts the Engineer Activity Badge. With ZM's den, this was a favorite activity badge. They loved making projects and trying them out.

Photo Fridays: Funny Moments (16 photos)

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Happy Friday, everyone! Bryan is in Orlando this week at the National Annual Meeting. ( Follow Scouting magazine on Twitter for his live updates! ) But just because he's away doesn't mean we can't have some fun-especially with Funny Moments photos that you've captured during your Scouting adventures.

Pip wows 'em at the National Annual Meeting (opens in a new tab)

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting · archived copy

Once again, everyone is singing Pip's praises. This morning, Phillip Arnold, whom you probably know from my posts about The Voice , performed an impressive rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner." After that final note, the crowd at the Americanism Breakfast at the BSA's National Annual Meeting in Orlando roared its approval for the Eagle Scout from…

Enter daily to win one of three gotta-have backpacks

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Who's going backpacking this summer? (Yep, I've got my hand raised, too!) After you've collected the essentials-like a great stove, sturdy boots, a lightweight tent-did you remember the most important item for a long-distance trek? … a comfortable backpack? We've got your back.

BSA National Meeting (opens in a new tab)

The NetCommish ·

Mike Walton has been posting some of the highlights of the BSA National Meeting on the U.S. Scouting Service Project's Facebook page — http://www.facebook.com/pages/US-Scouting-Service-Project-USSSP/121653421246 . Good gouge there!

GOING TO JUMP NOW

Scouter Adam ·

I am hoping you can help me to reach my goal of $2500 to go OVER THE EDGE on June 29th at the US BankCorp Tower for Scouting in the Cascade Pacific Council. I am $1235 away from going OVER THE EDGE. I need $2500 Currently I am half way to my goal. However, I

Honesty the best policy?

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

Well? It appears that I am the one that loves to stir up the hornet's nest on occasion. This week I posted on a subject that has received mixed feelings. Most agree with what I said, some did not. I can live with that.

Isengard Tower Construction Progress (opens in a new tab)

Ropes and Poles ·

The Isengard Tower (from Friday's post ) is well on it's way to completion, with the lowest two levels largely complete. All that remains to be completed tomorrow is the flag pole which will stretch to 18m in height. In addition to housing the Gauteng Scouts stand for the Eco Expo , three Rovers from Orion Rover…

New Program Aims to Keep Youth Safe Online (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire · archived copy

Today's youth are spending more time than ever using digital media for education, research, socializing, and fun. To help families and volunteers keep youth safe while online, the Boy Scouts of America introduces the Cyber Chip . In developing this exciting new tool-which can be earned by youth after completing all of the age-appropriate requirements-the BSA…

Contests = Free Stuff (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

Scouting magazine is giving away three backpacks in June. You can enter every day to boost your chances of winning. Enter Now The packs are: Deuter AIRCONTACT, Osprey Atmos, and Columbia SilverRidge Cobra Braid has contributed some survival bracelets for the monthly contests here on Boy Scout Trail.

How the Boy Scout Law Relates to the Ten Commandments

Scouter Mom ·

Comparing the 10 Commandments to the Boy Scout Law is an interesting activity for any Boy Scout group. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]

Kayaking Merit Badge to Roll Out in Time for Summer Camps

Scouting Wire ·

Although the official industry launch of the new Kayaking merit badge won't take place until the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market event Aug. 2–5 in Salt Lake City, the "earn date" for the badge has been moved up to June 13 to accommodate Scouts who are heading to summer camp.

Registration Now Open for NEXTConnect '12

Scouting Wire ·

Learn "what's next" in marketing Scouting to the communities you serve! From viral marketing techniques to advanced social media strategies, learn proven methods to positively impact recruitment, retention, and financial stability. Through a combination of industry experts and proven council best practices, you'll leave with an arsenal of new marketing ideas-new "next gen" ideas you…

Double-Check Your Adventure Area Math [INFOGRAPHIC]

Summit Blog ·

You might need a calculator to estimate the fun factor adding up at the national jamboree. The adventure areas are multiplying Summit fun exponentially. But, don't worry, the only formula you need is to add yourself to the jamboree registration list.

Remember when you were a kid?

Bobwhite's Blather ·

Ah, summer. The weather has finally gotten nice all over the country. School is out or almost done for most, and our kids are looking forward to having a couple months off from the daily grind of classes, homework, projects, …

Scoutmaster Podcast 122

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

IN THIS PODCAST What is a Scoutmaster? The way to the brain is through the hand. LINKS IN THIS PODCAST Shout Out! KEEP IN TOUCH Contact Clarke Green Call and leave a voice mail comment or

Learn More About HSAs, Win an Amazon Kindle

Scouting Wire ·

To better introduce you to the benefits of a health savings account (which is available through one of the two new medical plans being offered for 2013), the BSA is offering you the chance to win an Amazon Kindle for watching an online video about HSAs and taking a quiz.

Wanted: Scoutmaster (opens in a new tab)

A Scoutmaster's Blog ·

Boy Scout Troop 68 has a problem. We are looking for someone to become the scoutmaster. Unfortunately, no one seems interested in the position at this time. Having a small troop does not seem to be helping matters. Being in a community that has not been interested in having their boys in the Scout program…

Help Make the Pack Go

Scouter Adam ·

Tonight was our last Pack Meeting of 2011-2012. I will blog more about it later. We are here for the boys. I cannot do it without Volunteers like these fine folks. See you in the fall.

The Commissioner: Spring 2012 Issue is Out (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire · archived copy

Click to open Spring 2012 issue The Spring 2012 issue of The Commissioner newsletter has been published and is available online. In this issue, you can read about the importance of new unit organization and retention, as well as the following stories: Simple, unified unit service efforts Recruitment and retention Training for commissioner service Entering…

Finance Impact e-Letter: June 1 Edition Now Online

Scouting Wire ·

Click to open June 1 issue The June 1 issue of the Finance Impact e-Letter has been published and is available online. In this issue, you can read about the councils that were awarded Major Gifts/Endowment Achievement awards. It also contains articles addressing the following topics: transmitting salary changes in IOI Pay, FOS campaign benchmarks…

Understanding Risky Behavior in Scouts Part One

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Every once in a while a Scout does something so stunningly foolish and reckless we stop and ask; "He's such an intelligent kid, why did he do something so stupid?" Emerging brain development research explains the

The trail to Cycling merit badge just got a bit rougher

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

But that's a good thing. At least, it is for Scouts who love to mountain bike. The BSA has approved a mountain biking option for Cycling, a merit badge mainstay since 1911. So for the first time, Scouts who prefer fat tires instead of thin can earn the badge.

BSA, Icom America Launch Amateur Radio Station Loan Program

Scouting Wire ·

Local councils that have Scouts interested in getting some hands-on experience with amateur radio equipment can now apply for access to one of 10 complete amateur radio stations thanks to a sponsorship agreement between the BSA and Icom America. These stations, which will be available from this year through 2015, can be used to support…

New Venturing Recruitment Kits Introduced

Scouting Wire ·

Who are the best recruiters for BSA programs? Easy-the Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, and Venturers who are already members! That's why the National Venturing Youth Cabinet and the National Council's Marketing and Membership groups have teamed up to create a host of new recruitment tools designed to expose teens to the fun and excitement of Venturing.

The #501st Final Pack Meeting

Scouter Adam ·

Our final Pack Meeting was on June 4th. It was a complete blast. Member's of the 501st Cloud City Garrison helped with the final Flag Ceremony and Pack Promotion. We wanted to end the year with a big send-off and the 501st helped make it happen. As with tradition, we made sure each remaining award

2013 National Scout Jamboree: Who's Your Ambassador?

Scouting Wire ·

Has your council jamboree committee answered the call to appoint a jamboree ambassador? If not, we're asking you to stoke the fire about this position and get one selected. Why are we placing an emphasis on this? Why does it matter for your council?

Search and Rescue Merit Badge to Be Announced

Scouting Wire ·

The Search and Rescue merit badge will be announced this week at the 2012 National Search and Rescue Conference . The conference is hosted by the National Association of Search and Rescue (NASAR) and the Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) in Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

Bowline

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

The rabbit comes out of the hole.. goes around the tree.. and back into the hole.. now pull… It's a bowline. Its that simple. That simple to teach, that simple to do. And it's a knot that every Scout must know.

Super-Scouter

Adventures and Accidents ·

I'm sure anyone reading this post has heard the term "super-scouter." It may have even been applied to you. I think there are some who are starting to apply it to me and I'm not sure I like it. The term almost always comes across with a slightly negative connotation.

Help Tell the Story of Scouting … Visually

Scouting Wire ·

We need your help to make the story of Scouting go viral. Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca outlines a new initiative to engage Scouts and volunteers in sharing the excitement and adventure of Scouting with their peers through visual storytelling on the Web. Watch the video to learn more.

'Passing the Baton' Topic of June Council Operations Breakfast Club

Scouting Wire ·

The Council Operations Breakfast Club meeting on June 6 was titled "Passing the Baton," a fitting description as Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca and Chief Scout Executive-Elect Wayne Brock were interviewed. If you missed this opportunity to listen to our two top professional leaders discuss some of the challenges we face today, the opportunities ahead…

The next step (opens in a new tab)

Adventures and Accidents · archived copy

Last night, I witnessed a major milestone in the lives of two of my young men. These two young men (twins) have been with me almost as long as I have been in Venturing. They were teachers when I moved into the ward and joined my Venturing crew just after I attended Wood Badge and…

Scout raft events around the world (opens in a new tab)

Ropes and Poles ·

View International Scout Rafting Map in a larger map Gauteng Kontiki is just one of many rafting events that Scouts hold around the world. This map attempts to summarise them. I've added the ones I'm aware of - please click through and add any more you know about.

Rose Festival 2012

Scouter Adam ·

Portland has the oldest Children's Parade in the USA. It's 76 years old and going strong. Pack 221 has been the Color Guard for 21 of those years. Our tradition was started by a Den Mother who got the entire Pack out with Floats to it for several years. We got the Lead because one

How Does National Jamboree Stack Up Against These 5 Rites Of Passage?

Summit Blog ·

To call the 2013 National Jamboree a "transformative experience" is (A) putting it lightly and (B) sounds way too hokey to describe the biggest, coolest gathering you could attend in all of Scouting. But, the national jamboree IS definitely a "rite of passage" that all Scouts should experience as they go from Tenderfoot to the…

Webinar Explores Spring VOS Findings

Scouting Wire ·

You have already seen your own council's Voice of the Scout findings … attend this exciting webinar to learn more about the results on the national level. Two sessions are available: June 12 : 9–10 a.m. CDT June 14 : 3–4 p.m. CDT To register online, visit: webinar.kintera.org/2012SpringVOSFindings

Make a Tornado in a Bottle

Scouter Mom ·

Tornadoes are destructive storms are caused by a vortex. You can use the classic "tornado in a bottle" demonstration to explain how a vortex forms. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]

Gardening Ideas for Scouts – Plant a Pizza Garden

Scouter Mom ·

Plant a garden based on a pizza theme so you can make pizzas with fresh herbs, tomatoes, and your other favorite ingredients. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]

Feeding A Bunch of Hungry Backpackers

Scouting News ·

On a 50 miler, getting into camp every afternoon means a brief sense of accomplishment which is followed by a flurry of activity. Backpacks have to be emptied of group equipment. Water has to be filtered. Bear bag trees need to be located.

Issue 314 – June 10, 2012 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

________________________________________ Rule No. 80: • Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine. ________________________________________ Dear Andy, One of our Scouts is under a time crunch to earn his Eagle. He made First Class on January 30th and will turn 17 in June. The active and leadership requirements for Star are both four months, so I called for a…

"Where are the tent stakes?"

Bobwhite's Blather ·

In the stake bucket, on the trailer." What's wrong with this transaction? Here's a clue. A Scout, most likely a new recruit, setting up his tent with his bunk partner, asks an adult where the tent stakes are. Because a …

Podcast 122 Scoutmaster Panel Discussion

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

IN THIS PODCAST Scoutmaster Panel Discussion – Parent Issues LINKS IN THIS PODCAST Shout Out! KEEP IN TOUCH Contact Clarke Green Call and leave a voice mail comment or question at (484) 734-0002 Subscribe to the

WRFA (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

Since I returned from my AZT hike, I've presented Red Cross CPR/AED and Wilderness First Aid training four times to over 50 people and will be doing it the next two weekends as well. Last week, I presented to the high adventure staff of a local BSA camp.

$895 for @cpcbsa #OvertheEdge

Scouter Adam ·

I only need $895 to get me to the $2500 Goal so I can go over the edge for Cascade Pacific. Deadline is this Friday @ 5pm PST!

Ropes and Poles Blog

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Check out Peter Le Roux's pioneering blog Ropes and Poles - Kontiki 2012 an amazing Scouting event centered on pioneered rafts – really incredible. Isengard Tower 60 feet of pioneering awesomeness Peter joined me to talk

Big ShelterBox Week (opens in a new tab)

A Scouter's Journey ·

This week is Big ShelterBox Week. ShelterBox is the premier international aid organization that provides emergency shelter and life-saving equipment following disasters such as earthquake, volcano, flood, hurricane, cyclone, tsunami or conflict. ShelterBox is entirely funded by donations and the work we do would not be possible without the many thousands of donors who so

Isengard Tower - complete 60 foot (18m) tower (opens in a new tab)

Ropes and Poles ·

After the preview and the construction photos , here are some of my pics of the completed Isengard tower and a press release from Gauteng Scouts : SCOUTS showcase their skills at Gauteng Outdoor Eco Adventure and Travel Expo From the 8th to the 10th of June SCOUTS South Africa will be showcasing a 19m high tower…

My Girl Scout is a Brownie!

Scouter Adam ·

Monday was the graduation of Rachel's Girl Scouts Troop from Daisy to Brownies. I am very proud of her. She really likes Girl Scouts and has a lot of fun. All her friends are in it. Her Troop Leader is from the UK and was a Girl Guide growing up. Her son is a brand