Posts in September 2012

The Cyber Chip

BSA CubCast Podcast ·

The internet, Facebook, texting, apps-today's kids are using technology for everything from help with their homework to socializing with friends. But sometimes kids don't realize that the cyber world can be a little scary and they need to protect themselves.

Responsibility (opens in a new tab)

BSA CubCast Podcast · archived copy

Sigmund Freud believed that most people are afraid of responsibility. Of course, that doesn't apply to you because, as a Cub Scout leader, you're up to the challenge! But how do we empower the boys to take on this Core Value?

Going Up! Giveaway

Scouter Mom ·

Going Up! Giveaway GOING UP! GIVEAWAY includes a pair of EVOV climbing shoes, a Black Diamond Vector helmet, a Petzl starter kit, and Julbo sport glasses. Enter daily to win. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing [ This is a content summary only.

40 Things Scoutmasters Say

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Forty Phrases every Scoutmaster should know: "Ask your patrol leader." "Well, ask him again." "Well then, ask your senior patrol leader." "I don't know." "Where's your buddy?" "Who is your buddy?" "Do you do that

National Jamboree | A Scout Parent's Perspective [Video]

Summit Blog ·

From not burning your dinner to becoming a person of high character, Scouting prepares you for life. Need a boost in those skills? Attend a jamboree – it's where Scouts and Venturers get to experience everything Scouting is along with 40,000 peers from all points across America.

Patch Police (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

I'm sure you've met one by now. He might just make a quiet comment to you that your new square knot is sewn upside down. Or, he might point out paragraph 4 on page 5 of his Insignia Guide where it says that patch hanging from your right pocket button is 1/4 inch too wide.

Back where we started

Scouter Adam ·

Standing in the middle of nowhere, Wondering how to begin. Lost between tomorrow and yesterday, Between now and then. And now we're back where we started, Here we go round again. Day after day I get up and I say I better do it again. -written by Ray Davies of The Kinks We are now

Baloo's Bugle for September RTs and October Activities is now on-line (opens in a new tab)

U.S. Scouting Service Project ·

Baloo's Bugle for the Core Value RESPONSIBILITY and supplemental theme JUNGLE of FUN is now on-line at http://usscouts.org/usscouts/bbugle.asp . Latest news on Supplemental Themes from national Lots of good DEN MEETING ideas from Alice, Wendy, Felicia, and Joe Plenty of skits, songs, ceremonies, and other activities for JUNGLE of FUN The link to the now complete…

Hallmark 2012 Beagle Scout Ornament (opens in a new tab)

A Scoutmaster's Blog ·

It is that time of year again. Hallmark is now selling the new Snoopy, the Beagle Scout, 2012 ornament. It is available only at Hallmark stores and is not available for purchase online, although their site does have a page for it at http://www.hallmark.com/Product/ProductDetails/1795QXI2941_DK .

Podcast 135 – Ten ways to Help Your Senior Patrol Leader

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

IN THIS PODCAST Ten ways to help your senior patrol leader. Why boys leave Scouting. KEEP IN TOUCH Contact Clarke Green Call and leave a voice mail comment or question at (484) 734-0002 Subscribe to the

Is improving your unit the way you roll?

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

In bowling, you get instant feedback. Roll the ball, watch the pins, and look at the screen. What if tracking the hits and misses in your Scouting unit were that easy? Turns out it is. With the Journey to Excellence program , your pack, troop, team, crew, ship, or post simply uses the appropriate scorecard to…

Enter daily for a chance to win rock-climbing gear

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Ever watched a group of Scouts tackle a rock-climbing wall? They make it look so easy! Now, as an adult, we can try to shimmy up a rock-wall in a nimble nanosecond - but let's just say it's a lot tougher than Scouts often make it look.

Old Favorites (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

Guys like me really try to get all they can out of a purchase. I like to think I'm thrifty, but some folks would just call it cheap. I drive a 24 year old car that gets 33mpg and refuses to die.

Mathematics Pin for Cub Scouts

Scouter Mom ·

Mathematics Pin for Cub Scouts I have always found science and mathematics fascinating. If you have a Cub Scout who is really into math, have him look at the requirements for the Mathematics pin from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program.

Within My Power

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

The following was written by Forest E. Witcraft (1894 – 1967), a scholar, teacher, and Boy Scout administrator and first published in the October 1950 issue of Scouting magazine. I am not a Very Important Man,

Scouting is Simple

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

As I have been digging into my copy of Aids to Scoutmastership the last couple days, I have become more and more a fan of both Scoutmastership and of Baden-Powell. There is a chapter in the book called "Scouting is Simple"… here it is: To an outsider Scouting must at first sight appear to be…

Rifle Shooting Merit Badge for Boy Scouts

Scouter Mom ·

Rifle Shooting Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Many of our Boy Scouts earned their Rifle Shooting merit badges at our August campout. Shooting is always a popular activity for our Scouts. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing [ This is a content summary only.

Scouting Jargon

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Jargon is an Old French word meaning "the chatter of birds". At it's best Scouting jargon encapsulates a complex idea or definition for easy reference. At it's worst jargon can become unintelligible, pretentious, convoluted vocabulary of the initiated.

A Cubcast every responsible Scouter should hear

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Who is responsible for this?" The question conjures an image of a frazzled den leader, hands on hips, looking out over the mess the boys left behind. But spin the phrase around, and it can follow a praiseworthy moment where Scouts did what's right without your having to ask.

Time to "Unplug" (opens in a new tab)

A Day In The Life... John's Notes ·

After reading several disturbing comments posted to Facebook, Twitter, and Blog Posts, I've reached a social conclusion. Some folks don't have a life, some folks definitely need to get one (a life that is), and flat out, we've become less of a social world despite the growth of social media.

Two for the road: BSA adds NASCAR to its racing lineup

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

What's better than one lightning-fast car emblazoned with the BSA logo? Two, of course. Last week, the Boy Scouts of America announced it was entering the action-packed world of NASCAR. Do you care? You should, for many reasons. But here are two: First, the alliance expands the reach of BSA Racing.

Obstacle course (opens in a new tab)

Ropes and Poles ·

Our Scout troop recently built an obstacle course for the Cub pack to use. Each patrol was assigned an obstacle to build, which made for a good troop meeting, and the Cub pack enjoyed using the obstacle course so much that they have asked us to leave it up for another week to use again.

A Look At Camp Life At The Summit [VIDEO]

Summit Blog ·

What's camping at the Summit Bechtel Reserve going to be like? Wait, what? We don't have to bring a tent? We don't have to bring a chuck box? There is a lot that's different about the 2013 Nationald Jamboree now that it's going down at the Summit - it's new, permanent home.

Impact of Scouting

Jabbering All Day Long ·

What is the impact of scouting on a person or a community? The adventurer Ed Coats has just become a the Scouting Ambassador for Avon Scout County. Ed Coats was recently at the National Scout Centre Woodhouse Park and discussed …

Inspiring Discovery

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Make Me a Boat If I communicate the love of the sea to my people, Soon you will see them diversifying according to their thousand particular qualities: One will weave the fabrics, Another will cut the tree

Unplugged, part 2… (opens in a new tab)

A Day In The Life... John's Notes ·

If you read the post from yesterday, you know late afternoon yesterday I unplugged…and after a day, I still stand by my original comment, this is exciting times for me. I wasn't bombarded by tweets, posts, check-ins. I wasn't left thinking about negativity I usually encounter in my day because folks try to be clever.

How To Treat a Knife Cut (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom · archived copy

How To Treat a Knife Cut What is the best way to treat a knife cut? This article from Boy's Life magazine explains how to stop the bleeding, clean the cut, and dress the wound. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing [ This is a…

Gear pick of the week (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

Since I am a self-proclaimed gear junky I thought that I would start a new weekly post to the blog introducing some of my favorite gear and some of the cool gear that is out there. This is not an ad for the gear, simply gear that I use that I love, hate, or must…

Male Girl Scout Leader

Scouter Adam ·

I took my 2nd grade daughter, Rachel to the Girl Scout Shop. She needed her Brownie Vest, Troop Numbers and other stuff. She got a T-shirt and hat too. I also got her a couple of patches. It's the 100th Anniversary of the Girl Scouts this year, and dadgummit she needed those patches”¦ I also

Scoutings Honor Society?

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

Time to stir the pot again and call out those Scouters that choose to be Patrol leaders, Mommy/Daddy Coddlers, baby sitters, in short.. those that don't do it right. Yep.. I'm gonna piss some folks off with this one and to be honest.

Stinger Honey Waffle (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

Here is a great energy snack for your next trek. The Honey Organic Stinger Waffle . I had never had one of these tasty treats until they appeared in our food bags at… You guessed it.. Philmont! I immediately fell in love with these and would search every swap box for them.

How far is it? (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

Under the Dining Fly It was our third night on the trail at Philmont. We had hiked into Harlan Camp from Dean Cow that afternoon. It was a monster hike taking us out of Dean canyon, under the highway, over the Cimarron river and then back up through Vaca Camp and then into Harlan.

A Tee Shirt Just for Us!

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Adult leaders say the same things over and over again. Tragically many of these pearls of wisdom have gone unrecorded – that is until now! I have recorded 200 things that adult leaders say and I think

Will Your Jamboree Experience Look Like This? [PHOTOS]

Summit Blog ·

It's less than a year until the gates of the Summit Bechtel Reserve fly wide open and we begin the 2013 National Jamboree . You're already registered , right? Good. Because if you are, a day in the life of a jamboree participant might look something like this photo gallery.

Lead the UK Scout Association

Jabbering All Day Long ·

If you are in the UK you will probably have seen this story Derek Twine, the chief executive of the Scout Association for the past 16 years, is to retire next year. The association said that Twine was expected to leave in …

The BSA medical form and your troop

Bobwhite's Blather ·

You may be aware that another revision to the health and medical record form has been announced. The new form, expected to be officially released this month, is intended for use across all BSA programs, from the unit level to …

Aviation (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

A scouter from our troop earned his pilot's license this past year at the local community airport. Yesterday, he took me up for a ride on a beautiful, sunny early fall day. This was my first time in a tiny plane and has been something I've always thought would be a wonderful thing to do.

Den Chief Service Award (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom ·

Den Chief Service Award The Den Chief Service Award, represented by a red, white, and blue cord, recognizes Den Chiefs who have served for over a year and completed a number of other requirements. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and...

Unit charter fee changes: How what's new will affect you

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Let's talk money. Two big changes coming up next year will impact every registered Scout unit: What is now known as the " unit charter fee " will change its name to the more-descriptive " unit liability insurance fee ." The cost of this fee will increase from $20 a year to $40 a year.

Share Your Council's Photos Online, Attract More Scouts!

Scouting Wire ·

Do you know where your Scouts are? We do! They're hanging out on Facebook-and it's not just your Scouts, but their parents, friends, relatives, and classmates that are all gathering at this social media hotspot. But what does that mean for you in the larger scope of things?

MYOG Arm Warmers (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

I was at the local scout shop getting a replacement for my hat that sunk in the lake. I need it for my 300-mile trek that starts this weekend. While looking around, the friendly salesgirl asked if she could help.

October Cub Scout Theme – Jungle of Fun (Responsibility)

Scouter Mom ·

October Cub Scout Theme – Jungle of Fun (Responsibility) This theme revolves around the ideas of conservation and using natural resources wisely with an emphasis on how we treat other living beings. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Cub Scouting, Boy...

How is this supposed to work? (opens in a new tab)

Adventures and Accidents · archived copy

In my new responsibilities as Chartered Organization Representative in my ward, I want to do all I can to strengthen our Scouting program to help our youth. We have several problems I'm trying to figure out how to address (committee support, adult leader commitment and training, etc.), but there's one thing that I am powerless…

5 Beneficial Items When Stranded On A Desert Island

Summit Blog ·

Go to the Summit's Desert Island Survival page! You're flying to Australia to camp in the outback for a couple of weeks. Because you're a Scout, you are, of course, completely prepared for this trip. In your bag, you've packed: A knife: great for whittling and preparing food Matches: (okay, we know you can't actually…

LFL and Exploring Today: Time to Renew Your LFL License Agreement

Scouting Wire ·

Click to open September issue The September issue of Learning for Life and Exploring Today has been published and is available online. In this issue, read more about the process of renewing your LFL license agreement. Included in this issue are the following stories: Updated substance abuse curriculum for students in grades K-6.

Wanted: Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors

Scouting Wire ·

With the introduction of the new Nova and Supernova awards comes a fresh opportunity for volunteer positions. A Nova counselor can be any registered adult age 21 or older. Supernova mentors must be 21 or older and be subject matter experts in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) field and be registered under the new…

What's It Like In West Virginia?

Summit Blog ·

While I've only been a resident for six months, I often get asked what it's like to live in West Virginia. Simply stated, "It's awesome!" I didn't know much about West Virginia when I moved here to become the Summit director, but I'm learning quickly.

Jabbering Takeover

Jabbering All Day Long ·

Next week there is a Jabbering takeover. A new set of fingers will be tapping at Jabbering All Day Long. I am handing over the reigns of my blog to Ben Davidson for one week. It is a very nervous …

Producers and Consumers (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

Wherever you go, you will meet people that are either producers or consumers. Depending on the situation, we all play both roles at different times. For example, a farm produces food but also consumes petroleum. A person that works at the refinery produces petroleum but consumes food.

Troop calendar planning conferences: What works, what doesn't?

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

A troop without an activity calendar is like a car without a steering wheel: It lacks direction. In the Boy Scouts, creating a troop calendar for the next six to 12 months doesn't happen by itself. It takes dedication from a well-trained Patrol Leaders' Council - and the right amount of guidance from adult leaders like…

Go for 20

Scouter Adam ·

This is the final year for Elliot before he crosses over into a Boy Scout Troop. The focus is generally on Webelos Activity Pins. The other focus is learning the Scout Oath & Law. As well as several other items needed to earn the Arrow of Light. Just like in Boy Scouts, Cub scouts can

Why Most Smart People are Bad Teachers.

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Burak Kanber is an engineer with a blog. He recently posted an article titled Effective Teaching is a Long Con; If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the

Ensure Your Council's Watercraft Are Insured!

Scouting Wire ·

Under the BSA's general liability insurance program, councils are charged for liability insurance for boats owned by the council and used in official Scouting activities. All watercraft liability charges are billed quarterly by the national office to the local council with the quarterly general liability premium billing.

Once a Scout.. (opens in a new tab)

Nick's Ramblings UK ·

Last Friday, I had the privilege to meet with one of our old Scouts. Frank is 90 year old and first joined, as a Cub, in 1930! He and his friend Bill stated out at Longport Cubs and Scouts, but when they were Scouts, the Troop closed and the came 'up the bank' to my…

Wood Badge Wednesdays, Vol. 1: Living the Values

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Growing up, one thing always perplexed me about our home: What's with all the owls? We lived in an owlery, it seemed. Owls in every room. I saw owl belt buckles, owl clocks, owl paperweights, owl postcards, plush owl toys - pretty much everything short of a real bird in a cage.

Operation Christmas Child Added to List of BSA's Official Community Organizations

Scouting Wire ·

Operation Christmas Child (OCC)- the world's largest charitable Christmas project of its kind-has been designated as an official community organization by the BSA. Operation Christmas Child is a project of international Christian relief and evangelism organization Samaritan's Purse, headed by Franklin Graham, who is the son of evangelist Billy Graham .

Season 5 of 'Scouting for Adventure' Premieres Oct. 5

Scouting Wire ·

Season 5 of " Scouting for Adventure "will kick off on the Outdoor Channel at 10 a.m. Eastern on Oct. 5. Each episode will be broadcast on Fridays at 10 a.m. Eastern, with repeats each week on Saturdays at 2 p.m.

Whitewater Merit Badge for Boy Scouts

Scouter Mom ·

Whitewater Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Boy Scouts can choose between a canoeing option and a kayaking option when they earn the Whitewater merit badge. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing [ This is a content summary only.

How to Wash Dishes When Camping

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Most folks simply do not know how to wash dishes when camping. In the age of the automatic dishwasher Scouts have little to no idea of how to hand wash dishes at home let alone

Elliot visits a Troop

Scouter Adam ·

Tuesday night, Elliot and his buddy went to their first Troop visit. It was his first foray into Troop Life. While he has been around Boy Scouts before, this was the first meeting. Yes, he went to Webelos Woods in 2011. He went to a day of a Camporee at Wapiti in 2009 as a

Surplus Philmont Trail Meals Now Available for Your Outdoor Adventures

Scouting Wire ·

The Philmont Commissary is offering surplus 2012 trail meals to anyone who has a need for packaged, ready-to-eat meals. Sales are open from September to December. You may purchase any quantity of meals simply by emailing Barry Harper to obtain a 2012 ordering package.

Finance Impact 'e-Letter': Learn How to Build Your 2013 Budget

Scouting Wire ·

Click to open Sept. 15 issue The Sept. 15 issue of the Finance Impact e-Letter has been published and is available online. The purpose of the 2013 Budget-Building Bulletin is to provide BSA local councils with the resources to help develop their 2013 fiscal year budget.

Gotta Hike Now (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

Rats, the local newspaper printed a story so now I actually have to go hiking - Read It . I've got everything packed. I've left an itinerary at home with all my expected camp spots and mileage, which will be outdated after the first day.

Keeping Scouting Relevant

Wayne Brock TV ·

What do we mean by being relevant? We have many organizations we serve, but I want to focus on the young people. The conversations I have with folks on this topic revolve around three broad categories: program, delivery, and marketing.

Clove Hitches on Mars (opens in a new tab)

Ropes and Poles ·

Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Malin Space Science Systems Maybe the last place you'd expect to get use out of the six basic Scout knots is on a multi-billion Dollar piece of equipment travelling across the surface of another planet. However, dfred over at the International Guild of Knot Tyers forum has noticed that the Curiosity Mars rover…