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Have you seen the latest statement from he HSE about letting children play Children's play and leisure: promoting a balanced approach Health and safety laws and regulations are sometimes presented as a reason why certain play and leisure activities undertaken by children …
testing auto blog - please ignore...
The ‘Stuff Adult Leaders Say Tee Shirt‘ project has really taken off! There's just over two weeks left but we have funded 30% of the project in the first six days! Here's the current status and the
BSA Webelos Den Meeting Plan 15 – Scholar and Artist BSA provides meeting plans are full of Webelos den meeting ideas. The 15th Webelos den meeting plan covers Scholar activity badge and part of Artist activity badge. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Cub...
Forget that sit-down with the hiring supervisor at Subway. When it comes to life-changing interviews for a teenager, you can't top the Eagle Scout Board of Review. For some Scouts, the thought of answering a barrage of questions from adults is worse than a trip to the dentist.
I went to my daughter's middle-school open house the other night and learned about something I probably should have already known. (Or, more likely, I had been taught this at some point and promptly forgot it.) It's a paper called "Describing 16 Habits of Mind" by Arthur L.
This weeks gear pick is not really a piece of gear that floats around in my pack. This week I want to review the most essential part backpacking gear.. My boots. I had to get new boots before the Philmont trek and boots are one of those things that I get real picky on.
Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." ~ Ferris Bueller Yes, life does move fast and we need to slow down and enjoy the little things. I wrote about it in January on this blog. It still holds true. It's not about being
In my experience there are five basic phases in the process of leadership development. All leaders (youth and adult) pass through these phases – nobody skips a phase, nor do we want to. Each is indispensable to the process.
An update from this year's AGM
TAKEOVER! TAKEOVER! TAKEOVER! TAKEOVER! TAKEOVER! TAKEOVER! There is nothing wrong with your computer screen. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. We are controlling Jabbering. If we wish to make it louder, we will bring up the volume. If we wish to make it softer, …
Are you into rock climbing? There's going to be plenty of it at the 2013 National Jamboree . What's it going to be like? Watch this video to get a first-hand report on the climbing Scouts and Venturers got to sample at the Summit Shakedown .
Kickball Pin for Cub Scouts Our grade school's annual kickball tournament is coming up next month. It will benefit a charity chosen by the Student Council. Cub Scouts from our pack who participate will probably be able to earn the Kickball pin from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports...
Helping your committee succeed goes beyond motivation and instilling confidence. There are a number of actions you should take to move your committee performance forward. These include delegation, empathy, enabling and recognition. Practice effective delegation The committee chair should think …
I walked 43285 steps on the trail today. I traveled about 21 miles today. Much of the trail today was thick brush so not much to see. One part was completely overgrown like a jungle, but the vast majority of trail was well maintained.
Hit the low spot on the trail today - 602 feet at the shore of Lake Superior. It was beautiful with last night's rain clouds rolling off to the northeast. Today, I'm hiking with a guy named Larry I met at the campsite last night.
IN THIS PODCAST Interview with author Mike Malone about writing Four Percent Read my review of Four Percent Four Percent on Amazon In our interview Mike mentions The Scouting Party Past editions of the show
One study says chocolate is good for you, while another swears it'll kill you. When it comes to information about nutrition and health, cutting through the fat to get to the good stuff online isn't easy. Enter the BSA's new SCOUTStrong site .
Earlier this month, I posted about a backpack outing we did in June to Lake Mary from Brighton . It was on that trip that I wanted to see how to get into this area from the Alta side, up Little Cottonwood Canyon.
TAKEOVER UPDATE From the many requests we have received we thought we should give an update on the Great Kiff. He has accepted that he will be known as the Great Kiff after his superb Puffin Ninja training by the …
As I write posts for the Keystones of a Scout series, I find myself getting freshly inspired each time as I dig deeper into the meaning and practice of these timeless Scouting principles. The last post in this series was on Ingenuity, and part of my research for this post took me into some of…
I walked 43686 steps on the trail today. I traveled about 21 miles today. My shelter and I survived our first rain last night. About 4 hours starting before midnight. I stayed mostly dry. I decided to hike with Larry today since he's going the same direction.
Think for a moment about the way a Scout-aged-boy's mind works during these crucial developmental years - He is becoming increasingly able to think abstractly. He may be sharply self-conscious thinking that he is constantly
Think for a moment how Scouts grow, about the way a Scout-aged-boy’s mind develops – He is becoming increasingly able to think abstractly. He may be sharply self-conscious thinking that he is constantly being watched and judged by others; believing no one can relate to his personal experiences.
Scouts trade with Scouts; adults trade with adults. Along with "trade one for one," "always shake hands," and "don't bring money into a deal," it's one of the central tenets of patch trading. But does that age-old rule still make sense?
As we mentioned last week , the Scouting magazine Facebook page has accumulated more than 20,000 "Likes"-a cause to celebrate with free gear! In seven days, the TOAST TO 20K GIVEAWAY received 559 entries. Below are the 20 readers who've been randomly chosen as winners of a 32-ounce wide-mouth Nalgene and an exclusive Scouting magazine sticker…
The Scout Activity Centres' Programme, Training and Event Guide 2013 is now available.
As we read this our Ninja Puffin Leader in the making is making fine progress in his training. He has been let lose from his crate and learning to master the new Ninja power and moves. For all those that …
Unless you've camped in West Virginia previously, you may not be aware of the wildlife challenges common at the Summit. Some you'll probably expect, others you might not. The potentially dangerous ones can be summarized in five groups. Here's the lowdown on each: Reptiles Both dangerous reptiles in the area are snakes: copperheads and eastern…
Here he is our Kiff, getting used to his new web feet, practising his new found hidden dragon manouvre. When perfected this deadly sidekick will take out all enemies.
I walked 18725 steps on the trail today. I traveled about 7 miles today. After a wonderful, warm, soft rest at the Aspen Lodge in G.M. (no idea how their continental breakfast, sauna, or pool are) we got hiking about 10:30 on a very windy, cold morning.
A collection of Kiff's Instagram Photos for you to enjoy TTFN Kiff ©ChrisMeadows2012 Hello Reader – Are you new to Jabbering All Day Long can I suggest that you check out our Starter for Ten Page which will hopefully …
I've been involved in Scouting for more than 20 years, and I love trivia. At Wood Badge, those two forces collided, resulting in one giant, flaming ball of disappointment and public shame. I don't want to say too much and spoil a Wood Badge surprise, but let's just say that my Scouting knowledge was put…
What follows is a first look at one part of a youth leadership training-mentoring program I have been working on. I've imposed a few rules on myself - no paperwork, no presentations and no sitting
On 21 April 2013, a day of celebration and achievement will take place at Windsor Castle. We are looking for Queen's Scouts who are ready for another challenge.
I recently found out about a new program called Messengers of Peace. It is actually an initiative of the World Scout Committee that started in September 2011. The Boy Scouts of America joined up this year. There are relevant materials at two websites: BSA - http://www.scouting.org/jamboree/sitecore/content/Home/International/messengersofpeace.aspx World - http://scoutmessengers.com/index.html In looking through the materials on both sites…
The other day I went to the high school to pick up my youngest son from Football practice. Practice was running late, so I hung out and watched as the players ran sprints and did up downs. Now, for those of you that have played a little football, you know that after 3 hours of…
Today we bring you a picture of our great friend ‘The Kiff' being taught the skills of mind control by the Great Ninja Puffin. See how he perches on that rock and absorbs the advice. Our Kiff has been stood …
Posted in Culture American Cultures Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Boy Scouts will learn to appreciate the rich cultural diversity of our country when they earn the American Cultures merit badge. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and...
I walked 26026 steps on the trail today. I traveled about 12 miles today. Another fairly short day to reach Cascade River State Park where I'm supposed to meet Bryan tonite. We'll hike together until Sunday when he has to return to school.
Most Scout parents are supportive, encouraging and make a positive contribution to their son's experience in Scouting. If you volunteer long enough you will eventually run into Scout parent problems. Some are minor irritations, some are very
I am posting this to those who read this blog to help out a fellow Scouter get a really cool shirt made. No one is profiting from this endeavour except the people who order and wear the shirt. Be the hit of your next Camporee, Troop Hike, Wood Badge or Roundtable. You know you want
Reblogged from Scouteradam's Blog: This weekend was our first Pumpkin Derby. Another Pack within the District has done it for a couple of years now, and so, I used their idea. I had wanted to do a JOTA/JOTI event for the past couple of years. Each year I work on it, nothing happens. I have
Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) has been updated.
A couple days ago I saw a news story on our local television network that showed Mitt Romney being greeted at the airport by a troop of Boy Scouts. I commented to my wife that someone really messed up on that one.
Three Rover crews from Gauteng built this pioneered biplane that will be on display at this weekend's AAD Aerospace and defense show at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria. Enigma, Irene and Prometheus Rover Crews spent the weekend building this sculpture which will be part of the Scouting stand this weekend.
We love new badges in Scouting. We love ‘em even more here at the Summit if they are based on the great outdoors - and that's exactly where one of the newest Scouting merit badges, Kayaking, will take you. The skills you'll learn can take you anywhere from a lake to the wild whitewater or over…
Well it has come to that time of the week, where sadly the Cilben Collective has decided that our Great Kiff, now Great Ninja Puffin Kiff. Has more than done enough of his training to become our great leader once …
Posted in Conservation Bear Den Meeting Plans: BSA Bear Den Meeting Idea 14 – Take Care of Your Planet Today's article covers the fourteenth Bear Cub Scout den meeting plan which is all about Bear Achievement 6 – Take Care of Your Planet.
Paul Siple, a nineteen year-old Eagle Scout in Erie, Pennsylvania, was one of thousands who applied to join Admiral Byrd's expedition in 1928. Byrd asked the Boy Scouts of America to help him select one Scout to take on the year
I walked 40700 steps on the trail today. I traveled about 17 miles today. Terrific day on the trail with a new hiking buddy. Bryan finally arrived at Cascade River State Park at 1:15AM! We got him set up and slept until about 7 or so.
“Be Prepared!” is an excellent motto for Scouts. Unfortunately, as a motto, it is used over and over again to the extent that many people take what it means for granted. This quote from William Hillcourt provides a reminder of the weight and importance of this motto that we need to hear once in a…
I walked 42890 steps on the trail today. I traveled about 17 miles today. Wild day of options and changes today. At the end of the day, I've wound up in Duluth for a zero day - never expected that one!
When someone starts with "I'll keep this brief…" we all know what happens next. How few words can you use to get your message across? That's the right amount. The length of what it said does
My never-ending quest for knowledge has not ended. While I am not in the Boy Scout program, I will be after March 23rd 2013. I took the Eagle Board Chair class today (9/22/12) to better aquaint myself with how not only a Board of Review operates, but how an Eagle Board of Review. I went
Zero day in Duluth was a great rest. I caught up on site comments and email, washed me and clothes, and rested the legs. I'm ready to get back on the trail tomorrow morning. Bryan will drive me back and then head home.
Rule No. 89 • All ninety-minute meetings last two hours; all thirty-minute meetings last two hours. ________________________________________ Thanks for your patience! For nearly three weeks, I've been in Alaska, with little time to respond to questions or put a column together. Most of this past week has been devoted to answering everyone who's written to me since…
Click to open August issue Giving Matters , a publication of the Development and Corporate Alliances Department, is designed to speak directly to donors about the value of their investment in our programs. A copy was mailed to Scout executives so they are aware it is out there, and the donor distribution has been directed at…
A few years ago the Boy Scouts of Melrose Troop 68 spent a month introducing themselves to the world of geocaching. One parent came to the meetings and showed the Scouts how it was done, and worked with them to find two geocaches located nearby our meeting place.
Since the inception of the Religious Emblems Coordinator (REC) concept, it has been recognized that, like so many other Scouting functions, there needs to be a unit-level position to correspond to the council and district. The REC team is now complete with the addition of the Unit Religious Emblems Coordinator (UREC).
Now I am sure you all know at least 10 different ways to use a bandana but here are some uses that I have seen: A) Knee Injuries: A bandana can be used to support the knee on some sort of usable knee injury or to help add length to a bandage wrapped around the…
If your Order of the Arrow lodge plans a council camp or service center project during 2013, you can apply now for a 2013 OA Matching Service Grant. All lodges applying for the grant must have been a 2011 Quality Lodge and should not have received a grant from the OA during the last two…
Patrol Z is a group of new-media journalists made up of Scouts and Venturers from all across America. High adventure, service, and achievement are what we're all about. Want to get in touch with us? Tweet to us @PatrolZ , and follow our photos on Instagram @PatrolZ.
Well that was a rather crazy week, I think the fundamentals of becoming a puffin ninja master have been learned but I will never cope with the feeding. An I am not sure I will get over being greeted every …
When perfectly-engaged and enthusiastic Cub Scouts just don't make the transition to Boy Scouts, opting for heavier involvement in sports or other activities instead, you have to wonder why. Is it because of something they didn't get out of Scouting? …
I came across this video from China the other day, it is an environmentally friendly message making a green pedestrian crossing. It is a from 2010 but still the message it promotes and the way it does it are worth …
I'm one of those guys that thinks every Scouter should go to Wood Badge. It is fantastic training that will bless the lives of not only those who take the course, but all those with whom they interact afterward. I believe it made me a better person and helped me improve my Venturing crew more…
Prizes, competition, candy, boys--they make a great combination! Use this tape ball activity for Cub Scout pack or den meetings.
Posted in CampingHikingOutdoor Recreation Venturing Ranger Award Requirements – Backpacking Elective By completing the Venturing Ranger Award requirements for Backpacking, a Venturer must learn many aspects of backpacking - from equipment to cooking on the trail to first aid. Then the... [ This is a content summary only.
I walked 52319 steps on the trail today. I traveled about 25 miles today. After a rest day and on a very nice trail, I'm making lots of miles today. Unfortunately, I left my camera battery in Duluth so I'll only have a few phone pics for the rest of the trip.
IN THIS PODCAST How to be a good instructor and mentor Merit Badges in troop meetings? Past editions of the show are available at the PODCAST ARCHIVE PODCAST MUSIC
View from top of Section 13! Very cool beaver pond that I walked by an hour ago. Very windy today but warm. Met BookSmarts hiking north. Gee, there's suddenly 8 people up here so I'm heading on.
Consider it giving back to those who give back. Lowe's, the home-improvement giant with more than 1,700 stores , has teamed up with the BSA and local Scout councils to give selected Eagle Scout candidates a $100 prepaid gift card to be used toward their service projects.
Ever dreamed of making history? Your chance is fast approaching at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree at the incredible Summit Bechtel Reserve in New River Gorge, West Virginia. This is your chance to be part of the first staff to host the first jamboree at its brand new home.
Central Yorkshire's Skills4U weekend was Wayne's latest experience of leaders learning and having fun. He then opened Fylde's new District HQ, which has risen from the ashes (literally) in just two years.
The Membership Impact Department has linked up with the Information Delivery Group to launch the BSA's first online application process. They offer the opportunity for councils to be part of the beta council testing this fall. Ninety-two councils have agreed to be engaged in this new endeavor.
I walked 48240 steps on the trail today. I traveled about 23 miles today. If you checked my travels today, you may have noticed the trail left the shore for some miles. I passed by beautiful Egge and Sonju lakes as well as a very impressive active beaver pond.
Gooooood morning, America! I'm sitting here eating my poptart in the chilly 35 degrees watching the sun rise over Lake Superior. It's days like these that let you know life is good. I expect to cover 25 or more miles today.
Posted in A Game with a Purpose Horseback Riding Belt Loop for Cub Scouts (Requirements) Whether you live in an urban or rural area, there are probably horseback riding opportunities available. So find a stable and arrange for your Cub Scouts to earn the Horseback Riding belt loop from the Cub...
I've created a digest of gear advice, reviews and recommendations that have accumulated over the past seven years I have been writing the Scoutmaster Blog at Scoutmastercg.com. The Troop Quartermaster Checklist lists gear-related subjects in the blog.
Hey Scouts! I just climbed up Mt. Trudee and this is the brilliant woodlands below. A troop taking a 1 week trek along this trail could do most of the Hiking, Backpacking, Nature, and probably Forestry merit badges. I wanted to remind you all that you should start your ScoutStrong program this week and track…
You're walking through the church lobby after your Scout meeting one night when you spot something new on the bulletin board. JOIN PACK 123! "But wait," you say, "this church is where my pack, Pack 456, meets!" It happened to Sandy, a Scouter who e-mailed me and asked that her full name and hometown not…
Public relations is a low-cost, high-impact way to tell the Scouting story. What return are you getting on your public relations efforts? Learn tricks of the trade and best practices at an upcoming Marketing webinar on PR: Tuesday, October 2 - 9 a.m. or 3 p.m. (Central) You can learn more and register online here.
“In the old days the Knights were the real Scouts and their rules were very much like the Scout Law which we have now. The Knights considered their honor their most sacred possession. They would not do a dishonorable thing, such as telling a lie or stealing.
Scouts from across the UK attended the Liberal Democrat Conference in Brighton this weekend, where MPs received a gentle grilling from young people.
Scouts from across the UK attended the Liberal Democrat Conference in Brighton this weekend, where MPs received a gentle grilling from young people.
I walked 42384 steps on the trail today. I traveled about 19 miles today. Lots of steps/mile today. This was probably the most uppity downity part of the trail around Tettegouche S.P. But, there were some terrific views - Bear and Bean Lakes, Mt.
I now have been at 5 Join Nights at the Pack. I joined the first one, and got nervous at the rest. I should have this down, and I think that I do but every Join Night is different. The Tally: 9 Tigers (including Mission Possible‘s) 12 Wolves (8 returning + 4 new) 12 Bears
Beginning Nov. 1, 2014, the National Council will phase out the Blackberry Enterprise Server and all Blackberry support. After this date, Blackberry users will have to subscribe to the Blackberry Internet Service for data connectivity. This can be taken care of through your personal service provider.
Click to open Oct. 1 issue The Oct. 1 issue of the Finance Impact e-Letter has been published and is available online. We are in the last quarter of the year. At this time, councils should be in the process of developing their 2013 budgets (see the Budget Building Bulletin) and preparing for the 2012…
So what score did you give yourself regarding youth empowerment five, six maybe even a seven. Well back in 1994 Professor Roger Hart a sociologist for UNICEF developed the Ladder, intended the first three rungs to represent forms of non-participation. …
Rule No. 90 • The Scouts who show up for every meeting are usually the ones who don't need to. ________________________________________ Dear Andy, I returned from Scout camp after spending six days with my son and his troop a couple of weeks ago, and I have to say is I'm shocked.
Posted in Dutch Oven Cooking Dutch Oven Spinach Rice Casserole Recipe This camp spinach rice casserole can serve as a vegetarian main dish or a side dish. It is cooked in a Dutch oven. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing [ This is a content…
What's the best way to hold Troop leadership elections? It's pretty simple. Here's all of the references I found in the Scoutmaster's handbook: Each troop sets its own requirements and schedule of elections, though senior patrol leaders are usually chosen
As Models for Success go, it's tough to top course Scoutmaster John Stone (left) and Senior Patrol Leader Bill Hemenway. As anyone who's watched Survivor can attest, grouping a bunch of people together and giving them a name doesn't make them an effective team.
The National Venturing Youth Cabinet and National Council's Marketing and Membership groups have teamed up to create a host of new recruitment tools designed to introduce teens to the fun and excitement of Venturing! The new publications include the "Venturing Recruitment Guide" featuring a variety of information and resources, as well as a "Fast Facts…
The Research and Program Innovation Department is launching a pilot program to study the feasibility of introducing pistol shooting to the range of approved activities for Boy Scouts. If your council is interested in participating in the pilot, please read the Boy Scout Pistol Pilot Application and submit a completed copy, along with other pertinent…
The Scout Association is currently working with think tank, Demos, to explore how Scouting helps to develop employability skills.
I walked 57322 steps on the trail today. I traveled about 28 miles today. This is the Split Rock River trail bridge. My first marathon day this trek - over 26 miles. The trail really leveled out south of Beaver Bay so I covered ground.
Statement from the LDS Church "Scouting Handbook," June 2012: 2.4 – An LDS-BSA Relationships Committee should be organized in each BSA Council to help maintain and strengthen working relationships between the Church and the BSA Council. An assigned Area Seventy chairs or designates a stake president to chair this committee, which includes a member of each…
