Safety in Scouting magazine (opens in a new tab)
Make sure you read the August/September issue of Scouting magazine, an edition that's packed full of safety information.
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July 2012
262 posts, oldest first.
Posts in July 2012
Catamaran one man raft (opens in a new tab)
From the April 23, 1953 Scout magazine (page 681): In camp in Kirkcudbrught, Scotland, the TL of the Stamfordham village Troop built a catamaran and navigated it successfully across Brighouse Bay Brighouse Bay looks about 300 metres / 300 yards across , but it was still a brave Scout who crossed it on something like that.
Calling ALL Venturers To The Summit (opens in a new tab)
Fueled by action and high-adventure activities, in 2013, the national Scout jamboree is extending its invitation to include another program within the Boy Scouts of America, Venturing. With some of the best whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and hiking in the world all in one location at the BSA's new site, the Summit Bechtel Reserve , an…
Scouting Panel Shows
I was wondering the other day what other panel shows scouting could run and here are my thought
Cheap Bus Ticket part 2
To follow up on my post about the cheap bus ticket, I had cause to catch the bus today
How To Follow The Summit Shakedown (opens in a new tab)
About 2,000 Scouts, Venturers and staff volunteers are now among the first to actually experience the Summit Bechtel Reserve! This group is part of a 4-day Summit Shakedown that starts today. The special event will be important for jamboree organizers to test out facilities, processes and systems.
BSA Tiger Den Meeting Plans: Supplemental Plan A – Collecting and Other Hobbies (opens in a new tab)
BSA provides a set of Tiger den meeting plans for Cub Scout den leaders. This den meeting idea covers Tiger Elective 16 – Collecting and Other Hobbies. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]
Staying Cool With Hot Drinks
Keep cool by drinking hot drinks? "Trust me," she said. "I'm Indian, I'm British. A billion Indians can't be wrong. They drink hot tea in hot weather." "The hot drink somehow has an effect on
Quarter Memories (opens in a new tab)
Have you checked your change lately? I'm finding strange coins all the time now - pennies, nickels, quarters, halfs, and dollars - everything except dimes. Do you have all the 50 state quarters yet? That program raised something like $6 Billion in sales so the government has extended the program to include national parks, forests, and other…
Going The Extra Mile To Get To The Shakedown (opens in a new tab)
How far would you go to join a contingent to see the Summit. We found 2 Scouts who went more than a few extra miles. Across the country, Scouts assembled for the 2012 Summit Shakedown , which began Friday. The Shakedown is being put on in preparation for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree.
Tent City, In Effect! (opens in a new tab)
The rain did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm that members of the Boy Scouts of America brought to the Summit as they arrived to begin the Summit Shakedown , a trial run for the first jamboree to be held at the new property.
Blister Treatment – First Aid
Blisters are a common injury for outdoor and physical activities. Correct blister treatment can prevent further irritation. Learn blister first aid. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]
The Changes At Summer Camp (opens in a new tab)
I did not go along with the Boy Scouts of Melrose Troop 68 when they left for their weeklong stay at Many Point Scout Camp on Sunday, July 8th. The boys and the camp were on my mind all week though.
3 Picture-Perfect Stops On Your Way To The Summit (opens in a new tab)
Traveling to The Summit Bechtel Reserve can be a great adventure in and of itself but there are also a lot of great places you can explore. Here are three totally rad side trips to check out on your way to the 2013 National Scout Jamboree .
Summer Camp Souvenirs (opens in a new tab)
Doesn't it seem like every time you go to summer camp you end up bringing things home with you that were not in your pack when you arrived at camp? The camp trading post can be a dangerous place. Money can quickly disappear from your pockets.
The Science of Fire – The Fire Triangle (opens in a new tab)
Knowledge of fire safety and the fire triangle is an essential outdoor skill. Scouts should understand the science of fire when camping. Understanding the way fire works and what is required to start and sustain a fire not only helps them build fires.
Quotes of the Day Part 1: Day 4 (opens in a new tab)
Beatitudes of Scout Leaders: (But Appropriate for any Leader of Youth) Beatitude #1: Blessed is the Leader who has not... Sought the high place, but... Who had been Drafted into... Service because of his Ability... and Willingness to Serve; Beatitude #2: Blessed is the Leader who Knows...
8 Funky Photos From The Shakedown
Are you following Patrol Z on Instagram ? Home for the Scouts and Venturers at the Summit Shakedown comes with an orange dome. Instagram is a smartphone app that allows you to apply funky filters to your photos and share them - with your friends on Instagram, or via most other social networks.
Quotes of the Day Part 2: Day 4 (opens in a new tab)
Paradoxical Commandments of Leadership: Commandment #1: People are Illogical, Unreasonable... and Self-Centered... Love them Anyway; Commandment #2: If you do Good, People will Accuse... you of Selfish Ulterior Motives... Do Good Anyway; Commandment #3: If you are Successful, you will Win...
When it counts (opens in a new tab)
This last week the family took off to The Treesort in Southern Oregon. Think of Ewoks, maybe a Hobbit and Tree forts and you got it. Oh, and throw in a bunch of hippies and vegans. It's a nice place. The family and two others from the elementary school spent Monday to Friday there. First
1 More Reason The 2013 Jamboree Will Be Epic (opens in a new tab)
What do you get when 1,300 Scouts, Scouters, and Venturers converge upon the Summit for the Summit Shakedown? A great event. What happens when that number becomes 50,000 next year? An epic, once-in-a-lifetime event. One of the best things that the Shakedown has shown is that there is always an activity to do that matches…
Guest Posts
I have now collected all of these post into a Category called Guest Posts and this can be accessed from the navigation bar in the projects section at the top
New training awards for Cub Scout leaders
Last year, the BSA's national training team announced it was revising many of the training awards, or "knots," that Scouters earn for service, training and performance in their volunteer roles. Chief among the changes is the revamping of the many …
Thoughts of a Little Blue Bear – Dust Bunnies
As a bear who is sometimes, accidentally, relocated down the sides of various bits of furniture I have come across a fair few in my time and it always amazes me that small bits of fluff can collect into such giant structures. Continue reading → No related posts.
9 Great Faces From The Summit Shakedown
Over the course of the Summit Shakedown , we have scientifically catalogued the exact number and variety of possible faces made by Scouts and Venturers. There's a face associated with adrenaline. There's one that you find as fellowship forms. Laughter casts a certain shape to a face.
Podcast 127
IN THIS PODCAST Troop Meetings Email Question – Too Strict? 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
4 Reasons Why You Should Buy Your Cub Scout Handbook in the Summer (opens in a new tab)
There are several benefits to buying your son's next Cub Scout handbook or manual in the summer. Keep 'em busy and complete some requirements at the same time!
Scouting makes TV debut (opens in a new tab)
The Discovery Channel will broadcast Scouting's first ever national TV ad tonight at 8.30pm.
It's not a Scout thing
In and earlier posting about being ready, I made a statement right at the end of "It's not a Scout thing". I want to say that I know what I was saying at this point, and the closest that I can come to putting it down in words is, my reaction was not based upon
Issue 321 – July 17, 2012 (opens in a new tab)
Rule No. 85: o Opinions are never substitutes for facts. ________________________________________ Dear Andy, I'm the Advisor for a Venturing crew. Our council us to start this crew with a group of 13 year-old girls, and we were told that they could do anything Venturing-related so long as they had a parent along with them.
Duck Travels
Some of you will know that at times a big yellow duck called Graham lives with me.
Cub Scout Community Service Projects and Involvement (opens in a new tab)
Cub Scout community service projects should be hands-on.
Visiting Boy Scout Summer Camp (opens in a new tab)
I may not be a scoutmaster anymore, but Boy Scouting is still in my blood. I may not have gone with the troop to summer camp last week, but I could not completely stay away. I took a day off work last Friday spent the day with the Boy Scouts of Melrose Troop 68 at…
Hitting the bullseye by focusing young people through Shooting Sports.
Archery and Air Rifle shooting is a very active sport in the UK and is growing in popularity because of the Olympic Games 2012 and the various youth organisations out there that offer access to the activity. It is even accessible in schools!
Prepared. For Life
As everyone that reads this blog knows, the BSA's new(er) slogan is as the title reads… "Prepared. For Life". I have often stayed away from advertising gimmicks and jingles.. "An Army of One", and "Be all that you can Be" come to mind.
Zippin' Away
Did you know that when you're 40 feet above the ground, going 40 miles an hour, you get a pretty insane adrenaline rush? It's really exciting riding on a zip line . So, after a full day of adventure at the Summit Shakedown , my impression of zip lines is that they're life changing, and I was…
NZ Socks (opens in a new tab)
Hey, see my hiking socks? They're POSSUM!" Before you get all creeped out about wearing possum clothing, you're missing a very important letter O - that's the difference between opossum and possum . The possum of New Zealand are native to Australia but were introduced and are now overrunning NZ.
We were treated to another great show at BSA HQ this week: The... (opens in a new tab)
We were treated to another great show at BSA HQ this week: The Tzofim Friendship Caravan brought us 10 Israeli Scouts, who sang and danced before a rapt audience at the National Scouting Museum. The five female and five male performers, all entering their senior year of high school in Israel, shared stories from their…
Naturally Slim Third Session Now Taking Applications
The BSA is offering Naturally Slim ® to benefits-eligible employees and their spouses at no cost! Naturally Slim is an online health improvement program that helps you lose weight, reduce stress, increase exercise, and improve your overall health-all while eating the foods you actually like to eat!
An Interview With The Summit Director (opens in a new tab)
Wednesday is normally the day Summit Director Dan McCarthy posts his update. This week, we've got him on video. Patrol Z reporters Kevin M. and Patrick B. interviewed Dan during the Summit Shakedown, to find out more about Dan's background and the responsibilities he has in bringing the Summit to life.
Sad Day for Readers (opens in a new tab)
Sad Day for Readers : All of us at Boys' Life - really, all of us of a certain age - were saddened to hear of the passing of Donald J. Sobol, the literary genius behind the Encyclopedia Brown stories. Mr. Sobol contributed several fine E.B.
Hometown hero (opens in a new tab)
Scouting Ambassador, Julia Bradbury, travelled to her old stomping ground in Rutland to visit a local Scout Group.
Miss the Summit Shakedown? You Can Still Experience It Online!
Want to ramp up the excitement around the 2013 National Scout Jamboree? Jump on our social sites right now! From Friday, July 13, through Tuesday, July 17, roughly 2,000 Boy Scouts, Venturers, and unit leaders-as well as 400 staff members-were on site at the Summit to try out the activities and experience a piece of…
A Conspiracy of Love
Excerpts from Newark, New Jersey's Mayor Cory Booker's commencement address at Stanford University: My dad would touch me almost like he was trying to feel my very spirit. He would look at me and he would say
BSA, Discover Card Get Thrifty (opens in a new tab)
A new Scouting Around blog post, courtesy of senior writer Aaron Derr: Just because a Scout is thrifty doesn't mean you never need help monitoring your spending. Specifically designed for Scouts, the Boy Scouts of America Discover ® Prepaid Card is a prepaid, re-loadable card (not a credit card) that is safer and more convenient than…
Would you Join
This is not really going to be an easy questions to answer, but if you were to see this advert and you were not involved in the movement in anyway would you feel the urge to Join the Scouts.
Quotes of the Day Part 1: Day 5 (opens in a new tab)
Things Kids and Teens Wished Their Parents Knew Thing #1: Be willing to be our scapegoat... It's a Natural Thing and if you don't... Think so Really Look at what your... Parents told you and I bet they Hated being your Scapegoat!
Religious Emblems Positively Affect Youth, Units
The religious emblems programs are key spiritual components of the Scouting movement. These programs, which have been created by national religious organizations and committees, help young people to become more active members of their own faith group and encourage spiritual development by providing specific religious instruction.
BSA Unveils New Discover Card Programs
For those who couldn't make it to the 2012 National Annual Meeting in Orlando, the BSA's Development and Corporate Alliances Department announced some exciting new relationships, including one with Discover, UMB Bank, mFunds, and First California Bank. Through this exciting new partnership, we will soon be offering the first-ever Scout prepaid card and BSA Discover…
Cub Scout Pinewood Derby (opens in a new tab)
What should you expect at your first Pinewood Derby? Excitement!
A movement shaped by young people (opens in a new tab)
We took advantage of the Operations Conference to practice for the National Conference in November. Wayne then visited Cheshire to see the power of young people in action.
A better system (opens in a new tab)
The Scout Association is working on a replacement for our online membership system.
Quotes of the Day Part 2: Day 5 (opens in a new tab)
Things Kids and Teens Wished Their Parents Knew Thing #21: I'm going to Mess-up, Talk-Back... be Rude, be Disrespectful, Push your Buttons... Drive you Crazy, Cause Hell, say "I Hate You"... & many other Bad/Horrible things! Thats Life because I can't be Perfect!; Thing #22: I'm going to be Greedy, Selfish...
What I did on my Summit vacation
It's one thing to read about the Summit or watch some of the jaw-dropping videos from the place. It's quite another to see it for yourself. Trust me. I just got back from West Virginia for my first trip to the BSA's fourth high-adventure base.
Oregon and Youth Protection
The BSA's response to the Oregon Supreme Courts recent decision on ineligible Volunteer files. There should never be a cover up, and we want those that are sick enough to engage in this activity to be punished severely. Further, we don't want them in our organization.
Bob's Blog: Summer Camp-Making a Difference … and Keeping Scouts Cool! (opens in a new tab)
It's no surprise to anyone that this has been one of the hottest summers on record across the country. Even under these blistering conditions, I am heartened by the fact that so many of our Scouts and non-Scouts are travelling to summer camp to enjoy what we have to offer to help them be Prepared.
Finance Impact e-Letter: July 15 Issue Is Out
Click to open July 15 issue The July 15 issue of the Finance Impact e-Letter has been published and is available online. In this issue of the e-Letter , topics include audit committee orientation; the Fiscal Management I (FMI) course being held prior to the Top Hands conference; Instagram, the newest sensation in sharing; and the…
Review Cub Scout Requirements Often (opens in a new tab)
Review the Cub Scout requirements often so that your son gets credit for all of his activities.
Photo Thursday 19_07_12
Happy Thursday everyone apart from my dreadful singing today's photos is one of my Daughter hanging on the ground end (just about) of a Classic Box Kite
Photo Challenge 19_07_12_SUNNYDAY
The Photos submitted in the Category of Sunny Day
6 More Shakedown Instagram Pics From Patrol Z
Patrol Z reporters tried to photograph the Summit Shakedown from every angle, and many of those photos were broadcast via the Patrol Z Instagram feed . Here are just a few of the sights from Scouts' and Venturers' first experience at the Summit.
Four Percent – Eagle Scout History (opens in a new tab)
Friend of the blog and podcast Mike Malone has announced the pending release of his new book Four Percent – The Story of Uncommon Youth in a Century of American Life; an excellent, authoritative Eagle Scout history. Mike is
Messengers of Peace
Timely. As some of you may know, but now you all will… My oldest son, John, the Eagle Scout made a huge decision recently to put college on hold and follow in his Dad's footsteps and join the Army. Not just join the Army, but do exactly what I did in the Army.
You tell me: How would you define the term 'Eagle Scout'? (opens in a new tab)
What is an "Eagle Scout"? The question seems deceptively simple. I mean, we know an Eagle Scout when we meet one. But coming up with an eloquent way to define Scouting's highest honor is harder than it seems. Just ask Anthony C., a Life Scout who sent me this e-mail last week: Dear Bryan, This…
Ask Kiff Anything
Ask Kiff Anything
Webinar Will Highlight Nova, Supernova Resources (opens in a new tab)
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Your Scouts Can Be Messengers of Peace (opens in a new tab)
Scouts in dozens of countries are working for peace by solving conflicts in their schools, building links between divided communities, teaching their peers about health and wellness, and repairing environmental damage. To recognize their efforts-and to inspire more young men and women to help Scouting create a better world-the World Scout Committee has launched the…
Multitools for Pioneering (opens in a new tab)
A good multitool comes in very handy in many Scouting (and every day) situations. The difficulty lies in balancing between having a large tool that prepares you for every possible eventuality, and a lighter tool that includes most practical tools.
Cub Scout Outdoor Activities at Local Parks (opens in a new tab)
Local parks and nature centers often have great programs. Some are specifically designed for Cub Scouts.
This Time Last Year
Jabbering all Day long in its current form was born in Jan 2010 and has now been running for 234 posts.Some good, Some Bad, some comment on some best forgotten.
Achieving The Eagle Scout Award
What is the highest recognition that Scouting offers? That's right-the Eagle Scout Award. The Eagle Scout Award is earned through the advancement program, and only about 5 percent of the boys who begin in Scouting achieve this honor. History Of The Eagle Scout Award The appeal of the eagle has been felt by every people…
How to begin to educate a child (opens in a new tab)
How to begin to educate a child. First rule: leave him alone. Second rule: leave him alone. Third rule: leave him alone. That is the whole beginning. D. H. Lawrence
ScoutFleet to celebrate Sea Scouting's 100th anniversary
Hoist the main sail! Starting today, 28 vessels and 230 Sea Scouts arrive in Baltimore's Inner Harbor for Centennial ScoutFleet 2012. The event, which celebrates this year's 100th anniversary of Sea Scouts, will put the program on full display with events including an exciting ScoutFleet Regatta starting at 9 a.m.
July KNOTS Cartoon Posted (opens in a new tab)
July 2012 Jr. Knots Kamp Rock Throwing Cartoon Cool Stuff | Cafe Press Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com
Scouting Pen Pals (opens in a new tab)
Volunteer Pen Pals Needed! About six weeks ago, I blogged about English Beaver Scouts wanting to communicate with some American Cub Scouts. This wasn't the first time someone has asked about this, so I figure there might be some demand to connect with scouts electronically around the globe.
My thoughts (opens in a new tab)
Recently, the Boy Scouts of America has reaffirmed their place on the membership requirements. It comes on the heels of a recent petition submitted to the BSA by an Eagle Scout whose parents are lesbian. Which dealt with the issue of a now former Tiger Den Leader who is a lesbian. The Boy Scouts of
Quick Thoughts and Rants of Kiff
I have started a second blog on Posterous Spaces, this is going to be for the unformatted unfinished rants of Kiff. It will be the stuff that comes to mind and that I don't want to post here
The Patrol Leader's Council – John Thurman
John Thurman was a prolific writer and Camp Chief of Gilwell Park from 1943 to 1969. I have taken some of his thoughts on the patrol leaders council (called the Court of Honor in the UK at the time)
a Scouting Riddle (opens in a new tab)
What do the following have in common? Johnson Reels/Rods Coca-Cola Delta Electric Eastman Kodak Fisher Auto Body Schwinn Murray Bicycles Wilson Sporting Goods Spaulding Sporting Goods US Rubber Manufacturing Eveready Batteries Evenrude Chapstick Wrigleys Chewing Gum American Seed Company Sea monkeys GRIT
tastefullyoffensive: [via] (opens in a new tab)
tastefullyoffensive : [ via ]...
July Summertime Pack Roundup (opens in a new tab)
This weekend the Pack had two outings. One was for the Summertime Pack Award, and the other was Cubmaster Hike #4 to the Portland Audubon Society. Both actually counted for Summertime Pack. Our family was not able to go to the Bike Outing due to Rachel's accident and the fact that both of the Kids
In the Newspaper (opens in a new tab)
Earlier this month, my local newspaper, the Sentinel , in its Way We Were section, carried an article about my Group's Scouts who had been in the Troop and had been killed in the First and Second World Wars. I'd originally written to the paper thinking they put something in the letters section and the result…
Making A Splash At The Summit [Infographic]
Want to try SUP (stand-up paddleboarding)? What about a water obstacle course? Into kayaking? How about breathing underwater as a scuba diver? Yes, yes, yes, and yes? Perfect! We've got all this and more coming your way at the 2013 National Jamboree.
Keeping meetings on course
You know the feeling. It's time for the monthly unit committee meeting, and you dread sitting through a long drawn-out meeting which usually degenerates into an open-ended discussion or retelling of old "war stories." Perhaps you're the committee chair and …
Podcast 128
IN THIS PODCAST Email question – the patrol leader's council LINKS IN THIS PODCAST Troop Program Features Volume 1, Volume 2, Volume 3 Troop program Resources KEEP IN TOUCH Contact Clarke Green Call and leave a voice mail comment
UV Safety (July 2012)
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Webelos Den Meeting Ideas: Plan 13 – Craftsman (opens in a new tab)
BSA provides Webelos den meeting plans for Cub Scout den leaders on the Scouting.org website. These meeting plans are full of Webelos den meeting ideas. The thirteenth Webelos den meeting plan starts the Craftsman Activity Badge . This Webelos den meeting plan is for working on Pinewood Derby...
Quotes of the Day Part 1: Day 6 (opens in a new tab)
10 Life Lessons You can Learn from Albert Einstein: Life Lesson #1: Follow your Curiosity! Life Lesson #2: Perseverance is Priceless! Life Lesson #3: Focus on the Present! Life Lesson #4: The Imagination is Powerful! Life Lesson #5: Make Mistakes!
Power of plastic: Discover card programs benefit Scouts, Scouting (opens in a new tab)
Ready to lead the charge in your pack, troop, team, or crew? Check out the Boy Scouts of America's new Discover card programs, which offer a lesson in financial responsibility for your Scouts and a boost for the BSA. There are two separate components to the program.
Liquid gold: Check out these 10 winning hydration slogans
We know in graphic detail what happens when "happy mountaineers" use the restroom. What we don't know, until today, are other clever ways to remind Scouts - and ourselves - to remain hydrated in the great outdoors. That's why last month I asked Scouters like you to send in your best hydration slogans.
It's not all about Scouting (well, not quite!) (opens in a new tab)
A busy and largely non-Scouting week as Wayne focused on a couple of his local projects, though these still had a large Scouting component. He also managed to get to Essex and Blair Atholl, Scotland.
Quotes of the Day Part 2: Day 6 (opens in a new tab)
10 Commandments of Human Relations: Commandment #1: Speak to People! There is Nothing as Nice as a... Cheerful Word of Greeting; Commandment #2: Smile at People! It takes 65 Muscles to frown,... but it Takes only 15 to Smile; Commandment #3: Call People by Name!
Eagle Scout Buck Knife
Scouts who have earned Eagle during my tenure as Scoutmaster receive a custom engraved Buck knife. I take the knife to an engraver in our mall called "Things Remembered". I buy the Buck 110 lock-back because the bolsters are flat
Cub Scout Activity Supplies Storage Box (opens in a new tab)
How to store your Cub Scout activity supplies.
Easy Scoutmaster Minute (opens in a new tab)
Last month, the Scouting magazine blogger, Bryan, asked for slgans to help folks remember to hydrate outside. I think the top 10 entries would be a great, easy, short scoutmaster minute - especially during this hot time of summer. Maybe have the scouts vote on their favorite.
Flag Football Belt Loop for Cub Scouts (opens in a new tab)
Whenever I go to a camporee, I see at least a couple of units playing flag football. If your Cub Scouts enjoy a good game of football, have them look at the requirements for the Flag Football belt loop from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program.
Boy Scout Nova (opens in a new tab)
New Award for Boy Scouts
Cub Scout Nova (opens in a new tab)
New Award for Cub Scouts
Morally Straight
My morals tell me that everyone has a right to an opinion and everyone has the right to chose even if I don't agree with their choices. However is it right to choose to exclude someone because they are Female or Gay or because they don't have a predetermined Faith.
Safe camping, happy camping (opens in a new tab)
Camping is one of the single most important activities that Scouts take part in but is, statistically, one that can result in a large number of accidents.