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Scouts take over the House of Commons to launch Talk This Way, our citizenship resource. The launch included a parliamentary quiz with MPs.
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Scouts take over the House of Commons to launch Talk This Way, our citizenship resource. The launch included a parliamentary quiz with MPs.
Vice-President of The Scout Association and founder of The Robert Hall Foundation. 25 May 1917-25 October 2012
Vice-President of The Scout Association and founder of The Robert Hall Foundation. 25 May 1917-25 October 2012
Welcome to the new Cubcast! It that's time of year to renew your unit charter so join your new hosts, Regional Operations Manager (and past Cub Scout Division Leader), Sam Thompson and Cub Scout Volunteer extraordinaire, Janet Griffin as they discuss with Terrie Wilder, assistant council commissioner for charter renewal for the Mount Baker Area…
Welcome to the new Cubcast! It that's time of year to renew your unit charter so join your new hosts, Regional Operations Manager (and past Cub Scout Division Leader), Sam Thompson and Cub Scout Volunteer extraordinaire, Janet Griffin as they discuss with Terrie Wilder, assistant council commissioner for charter renewal for the Mount Baker Area…
Posted in Aims of Scouting State Capitals Bingo Cards In this picture bingo game, the cards have images of the states with the capitals on them. As each state name is called, players must try to find the capital on their card and mark it.
Posted in Outdoor Recreation http://contests.scoutingmagazine.org/r/vYJpDG3AC5?r=144302 Walk the Line Giveaway In this giveaway from Scouting magazine, three winners will take home their own Gibbon Classic Slackline kit ($75 each), including a webbing line Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for... [ This is a content summary only.
Don't assume your Scouts know how to sleep warm while camping, it's important to instruct them and be sure they are properly equipped. In especially cold weather changing clothes before getting in a sleeping bag can make a big difference, as can having a pair of loosely fitting wool or fleece socks just for sleeping.
Spring may be the season of renewal, but fall's when Cub Scout packs hit the reset button for the year. Which is also the perfect time for Cubcast to do the same. As I mentioned in August , the podcast has been completely reimagined, with your help, and the November 2012 episode is the result of…
Remember when Bryan interviewed Super Bowl slackliner (and Eagle Scout) Andy Lewis ? Then you may also recall that the BSA decided to approve slacklining as a Scouting activity-with some limitations . If you haven't tried the tightrope-walking sport for yourself, now's your chance.
Quality trumps quantity when it comes to Scouting. A well-run unit of 15 to 20 boys or girls beats a dysfunctional unit of 80 to 100 Scouts every time. (Many larger troops thrive, but only through careful planning and strong leadership.)
When I announced that Cooking merit badge and the new Sustainability merit badge would join the Eagle-required list in 2013 and 2014, a lot of you had questions. You asked about rollout plans, what happens with Scouts nearing the end of the Eagle trail, and an explanation of what will be covered under Sustainability merit…
Last weekend was perfect for Cub Scouts in Hampshire to demonstrate their survival skills; a bitter cold and some rain tested their character and camping skills. Wayne was lucky enough to join them for breakfast as part of a busy 24 hours in Hampshire.
We are aware that recent issues of Scouting Plus which were sent to members were not delivered. This is because certain email providers are blocking emails sent from our system.
The fifty foot monopole tower I posted a few months ago requires five twenty foot (6 metre) poles. I wanted my troop to build 4 monopole, but we didn't have enough long poles. This slightly shorter version only requires three long poles, so should be in easier reach of troops with small pole racks.
When you're a Scout in Florida, you've got adventure all over the place. There's great wildlife to learn about, amazing beach islands to explore, tons of cycling opportunities, and plenty of places to enjoy water sports. But mountain sports? Not so much.
In case you haven't heard, the International Jamboree on the Air took place Saturday, the 20th of October. JOTA is an annual event in which Boy Scouts from all over the world speak to each other by means of Amateur (ham) Radio.
Posted in The Arts and Creativity BSA Tiger Supplemental Den Meeting Plan E – Get the Word Out Tiger Den Meeting Ideas: This supplemental tiger den meeting plan covers Tiger Elective 20 – Get the Word Out. Make up a skit about Tiger Cubs.
White boxes show you where the patch belongs. Drag it there, and it gets magically "sewn" onto the uniform. Finally, an easy way to answer the question, "What do I wear?" A new, easy-to-use uniform Web site targeted at new Scout families just debuted, courtesy of the folks in Program Impact and the Supply Group.
I have long admired the association of the King of Sweden and Scouting. This article was recently published by the WOSM; His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, the King of Sweden, has been actively involved in Scouting since his childhood days.
The year was 1986. It was a good year for the Melrose Boy Scout Troop 68 program. There was a large membership for Troop 68, and good turnout for the monthly activities and courts of honor. Winter camp, a primitive campout, the Ripley Rendezvous, a Scout-O-Rama, and a local camporee were just some of the…
Effective Jan. 1, 2014, the Cooking merit badge will be required in order to obtain the Eagle Scout rank. Regardless of when a Scout earned the Life rank or began working on Eagle, unless he fulfills all the requirements-with the exception of his board of review-before Jan.
Scoutmaster survival can hinge on these three P's – proportion, perspective and preparation, every Scoutmaster should know: Proportion You can only do so much, you have limitations and you have a breaking point. Having a sober estimate of these things about ourselves is important.
Fifteen years ago I collected pieces of the Department 56 Dickens Village Collection, the Christmas Carol pieces in particular. For a few years I enjoyed setting up my buildings around Christmas time, and I believe people enjoyed it when they paid a visit to my home.
Yesterday I participated in a great Scouting Day. Our Annual Program and Training Conference was held yesterday at the Scouthridge high School. I am not sure how many Scouters participated, but there where many. I got the feeling that there were more than last year.
November 3rd 2012 was the Cascade Pacific Council's annual Training Conference. We call it Program & Training Conference. I started going to this in 2009. I should have in 2008, but I did not what know what it was or why I should go. I went in 2009 as part of my Wood Badge
When lining up the cast for an all-star crew, you reach for the best, right? The Summit is no different. We are proud of our team members, both the adult and youth staff, that will be joining us. And we can't wait for you to meet them.
With more than 100 years of Scouting history, the Boy Scouts of America has positively affected a large number of people. Learn about alumni marketing resources to help you reach out to them! Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012 – 9 a.m. or 3 p.m. (Central) – Register online !
Can rock climbing on those artificial walls really help you if you want to climb outdoors on a real route? "Absolutely," says Elaina Arenz-Smith of New River Mountain Guides. Check out how Elaina, who shows off some sweet moves in the New River Gorge, successfully took her climbing skills from plastic to the cliff.
One of the unique properties of the Boy Scout program is that it is boy-led. It's not a program where adults put together activities that the youth members merely participate in. When properly done, and when adults don't inappropriately usurp …
New Award for All scouts
Posted in Fitness Venturing Ranger Award Requirements – Cycling/Mountain Biking Elective Venturing Ranger Award Requirements: A young man or woman must complete eight core requirements and four electives. One elective is Cycling/Mountain Biking. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults... [ This is a content summary only.
Materials are also available en Español. The first step's always the hardest. And when it comes to recruiting future Scouts, that first step is simple awareness. If a boy (or Venturing-age girl) in your area doesn't know about your Scout unit, how can you recruit him or her?
IN THIS PODCAST The third installment of a three part series on Youth Leader Development, email answer about positions of responsibility. All this and your messages in the mailbag. Commissioner Service Chartered Organization Representative Troop Committee Guidebook Past editions of the show are available at the PODCAST ARCHIVE
My first University of Scouting experience last weekend was great fun. I was asked to present a talk about Lightening the Load of Scout Treks since I've done a couple long-distance hikes now and am a total proponent of lightweight efforts.
When I was a young boy, my family instilled in me the value of being helpful. By my parents example they showed us how to be of service to our community, to our church, and to our neighbors. They were active in social functions that typically came with a cause.
By George Trosko, Membership Resources; and Tom Ritchey, IDG The BSA requires all registered volunteers to complete Youth Protection training within 30 days of registering, and for volunteers to repeat this training every 24 months. The following explains the YPT completion information available to units.
I just got a call from the course director for the Wood Badge course that will be held in my district next August. He asked me to serve as the Assistant Scoutmaster over Troop Guides. I wasn't going to volunteer for next year's course, but I sure won't turn down the invitation.
If you have been following this blog for a while, you will know that I have been working on my Eagle Project for quite some time now. I wrote about my project several times on here. Well, today I have the pleasure of making a happy announcement: This past Tuesday I went before my regional…
Wayne attended our second annual thanksgiving service, which highlighted why so many lives are changed by Scouting.
I attended a Scout luncheon last week where several of my council's prominent officers and executive staff were invited to attend. In the hour and a half they were in the same room with 60+ volunteer scouters, I was pretty disappointed that they didn't do much to mingle with the other guests.
Dear America, The minds of many are occupied with politics right now. In a tight race like this one, everyone is thinking about who will be our next President. I have come to the conclusion that what this Election Day stands for is far greater than who will sit in the Oval Office during the…
The International Spirit Award is a temporary emblem that is awarded to registered Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Venturers, and Scouters who have completed the necessary requirements, have gained a greater knowledge of international Scouting, and have a greater appreciation and awareness of different cultures and countries.
Fitness, Character, and Citizenship - today is a great opportunity to emphasize the rights and responsibilities of being a citizen. Since citizenship is one of the three aims of Scouting, and there are three Eagle-required citizenship merit badges, do your part and be a role model today.
Since one of us falls into a particularly desirable demographic we've had ten or twelve robocalls a day for the past week or so, we've had folks knocking on the door, we've seen the saturation coverage of the election on the television, we've received the flyers and emails, we've talked about the candidates.
Posted in Fitness Skateboarding Belt Loop for Cub Scouts If you know a Cub Scout who enjoys riding his skateboard, he can earn the Skateboarding belt loop from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program. These requirements can be done anywhere.
Campmor is offering great discounts on some of my favorite gear. These sales usually are limited to stock on hand and go pretty quickly, so if you are interested act fast! Note that the group discount of 10% does not apply to sale items, so you won't benefit from a group buy on these items…
People in the northeast still suffer without power and shelter after last week's devastating storm. The emotional and financial toll of superstorm Sandy grows each day. What we do know is this: Thousands of Scouts and Scouters are among the millions of people affected, as well as local councils that serve them.
Applications are now being accepted for councils that are interested in adding all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and personal watercraft (PWC) programs to their camps in 2013. If your council has previously participated, you must complete an application and board resolution for 2013.
Rule No. 96 • Before contemplating your own self-importance, consider the lowly pigeon's reality check: Yesterday's heroes are today's targets. ________________________________________ Many readers and other Scouting friends spotted me in the October-November issue of SCOUTING magazine, and to all who wrote, THANK YOU!
Welcome back to the SMMPodcast. In this show we discuss a topic that seems to be on many Scouters minds, Is Scouting still Relevant? Listen in as I share some of my thoughts on the issue. This show is brought to you by Badge Magic.
It's time for another SMMPodcast. In this show we discuss a topic that seems to be on many Scouters minds, Is Scouting still Relevant? Listen in as I share some of my thoughts on the issue. This show is brought to you by Badge Magic .
In 2013, you will have access to a new medical plan known as the High-Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account (HSA). An HSA works with your health plan to help you plan, save, and pay for health care expenses.
I have no comment on the results of the election. I hope that everyone voted and did their civic duty. What I do think about the election and our election process is this. No matter who won there was a process that we the people agree is the best way to elect our leadership.
Here's a simple formula for how to build a campfire, it's easy to remember. ‘Gather' and ‘Build' are the key concepts: GATHER …everything before you strike a match. The sizes and amounts are rules of thumb, don't over-engineer things. For some reason my Scouts always seem to break the sticks they gather into tiny pieces…
Disaster Relief: You Can Help : Click the title/link for one way you can help friends and family of our Boys' Life brethren in the Northeast. Or, you can always donate to the relief effort of your choice.
Click to open Nov. 1 issue The Nov. 1 issue of the Finance Impact e-Letter has been published and is available online. As we approach year's end, the focus moves toward online giving. There is no doubt that this is a growing element of fundraising.
Our 'Expect More' film, which shows the positive impact of Scouting on young people today, has now reached over 50,000 views in just five months.
Two films are now available to help you challenge perceptions of Scouting and recruit more adult volunteers.
Click to open Oct-Nov issue The October-November issue of Learning for Life and Exploring Today newsletter has been published and is available online. In this issue, read about some tips to help you make a positive impact in Exploring growth this year.
Posted in Be Prepared Emergency Preparedness BSA – Boy Scout Requirements The Emergency Preparedness BSA award for Boy Scouts recognizes young men who are ready in an emergency. Boy Scouts will be able to help in a disaster. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Cub...
Here's an easy way to introduce visiting parents or new adult volunteers to the concept of youth leadership – a Scout leader business card that explains things simply, politely yet directly: THANK YOU FOR LENDING A HAND Our Scouts are on the field playing a game.
Available NOW: Ready-to-use resources-fliers, posters, bookmarks, yard signs, door hangers, billboards, postcards, and more-are available for download NOW on the Marketing Toolbox under the Recruiting category at www.scouting.org/marketing and at www.scouting.org/youthrecruitment . "Part of the Pack" and "Dream Big" are two new videos that capture the best moments of being a Tiger Cub.
The BSA joined with the nation's leading youth-serving nonprofits and nationally recognized experts at the National Youth Protection Symposium last week in Atlanta. The symposium-which was hosted by the BSA's Youth Protection office and facilitated by the executive director of the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, Dr.
photograph by Chris Turner, 9th Benoni During the recent Jamboree on the Air/ Jamboree on the Internet, the Scouts from my home troop built this catamaran using two open canoes that we own. Although we're not a Sea Scout troop, we are lucky enough to have a hall and a campsite situated on a lake.
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.
Posted in The Arts and Creativity BSA Webelos Den Meeting Plan 17 – Showman Music BSA provides den meeting plans full of Webelos den meeting ideas. This Webelos den meeting plan covers the music requirements for Showman Activity Badge. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth...
Here's a great idea for making campfire potatoes wrapped in foil. Alternating slices of onion and potato? Why didn't I think of that? Campfire Potatoes Ingredients: large baking potatoes whole onions, red or yellow dill, parsley, bacon bits Directions: Slice potato almost all the way through, but leave enough to hold it together.
The road was twisted, dark and damp, but somewhere, somehow, there was always there to find, the lamp of life to guide you through life's tricky game of chance. Heartfelt poetry about overcoming hardships isn't what you'd expect to hear at an Eagle Scout court of honor.
A collection of Kiff's Instagram Photos for you to enjoy
Updating your personal info in the BSA's database shouldn't take an act of congress. Fortunately, a just-launched suite of unit and district tools has the power to change your address, phone number, e-mail, or more-with just a click. In the past, Scouters or parents who needed to make changes had to call their council.
There were a few small fires in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming this past week. Fire managers believe they were caused by untended campfires. Fortunately, they only burned less than 100 acres. Not a big deal. Last year, a wildfire in Arizona burned over 840 square miles.
I mentioned a few ways to help Scouts and Scouters affected by superstorm Sandy on Tuesday, but today we're getting more details about the toll on local Scout councils and what some units are doing to help. In a letter sent this morning, BSA Chief Scout Executive Wayne Brock said that council camps in the…
All BSA employees, including us here at Boys' Life , received the following letter from Chief Scout Executive Wayne Brock today: As you can imagine, a number of our councils in the Northeast are still struggling mightily to recover from the devastation left behind by Hurricane Sandy.
A friend of mine up in Northern Idaho, in the Inland Northwest Council sat on an Eagle Board the other day. He posted his comments in our little Google+ Circle of Scouters. I asked him to post it to his blog since people needed to hear about how Scouting can change a life. Please read
Reblogged from Scouter Adam's Blog: Today, I took Elliot and Rachel to a local park that is dedicated to Veterans. I needed to do this for several reasons. First to communicate to them why we as a Nation celebrate this day Nationally. It's not to have sales or in their eyes have a day
Cold weather camping in very cold weather from Northern Tier where crews regularly face temperatures lower than -20F. That's cold! A double sleeping bag, techniques for keeping clothing from freezing, and drying out boot liners; some good advice. Okpik , (Inuit for Snowy Owl, pronounced OOk' pick) is a winter cold weather camping program offered at…
DULCE ET DECORUM EST Bent double, like old beggars under sacks, Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge, Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs And towards our distant rest began to trudge. Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots But limped on, blood-shod.
The Pinewood Derby is a highlight of nearly every Cub Scout's program year. The Cub Scouts love to race their homemade car down the derby track, and hopefully, their car will be the one to cross the finish line first to advance to the next level of the races.
Why do we volunteer? How many volunteers are involved in Scouting and what do we do? A 2011 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report notes that 64.3 million people volunteered last year 29.9% of women and 25% of men in the U.S.
Posted in Citizenship They Fought for Us Happy Veteran's Day. Here is a moving, patriotic tribute to our military, past and present. Thank you for your service! Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing [ This is a content summary only.
This year as we celebrate Veterans day I would only ask that you remember that veterans represent America. They come from every neighborhood, they come from every economic status, they come from every county and state. They are the sons and daughters of America.
Wayne looks at retail psychology and how we can apply this to Scouting.
mentalflossr : For Veterans Day: 11 Things You Might Not Know About the U.S. Army * 11 Things You Might Not Know About the U.S. Air Force * 11 Things You Might Not Know About the U.S. Navy * 11 Things You Might Not Know About the U.S.
Always wanted to get into skateboarding but never had the chance? Well, grab a deck at the Summit because the 2013 National Jamboree will be the time to get those wheels in motion alongside world-class instructors. From "just a taste" to full-out lessons, the Summit features skateboarding tailored to newbs and shredders alike.
Who is the King of Scouting? Did you see this recent article on the WOSM website – www.scout.org Tuesday 30 October 2012 The King of Sweden, His Majesty Carl XVI Gustav – simply a Scout His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, …
Scouting aims to teach leadership to our young people through the methods we use, but it's equally important that our adult volunteers take the opportunity to improve their own leadership skills. Adult leader training courses provide the nuts & bolts …
Posted in Culture Interpreter Strips...
IN THIS PODCAST This month's Scoutmaster panel discussion we talk about starting a new troop and the changes announced to merit badge requirements for Eagle. All this and the winner of last week's trivia contest. Commissioner Service Chartered Organization Representative Troop Committee Guidebook Past editions of the show are available at the PODCAST ARCHIVE
Yeah, yeah, I know it's not even Thanksgiving yet, but it's not too early to think about work for next summer. Camps and other great places to work need to line up their staff over the winter and that means scouts need to get their applications in soon.
Rule No. 97 • When doing it right collides with doing it the way we've always done it, the latter wins. Every time. ________________________________________ Old friends continue to write, as a result of that SCOUTING magazine article. Here are two worth sharing.
Young or old, single mom or new dad, Scouting has millions of fans across the country. I know why I love the Boy Scouts of America-it was my gateway to this awesome job, for one-but I wanted to hear others' stories.
Despite very tough competition, we can now announce the Our Sporting Adventure champions.
Electronic versions of the Visits Abroad pack are now available making the whole process much quicker and easier
It's sad to read that another of our local Scout halls has been burgled and around £5000 of equipment has been stolen. Hopefully the thieves will be caught and our friends from Werrington will get their stuff back. Full story here.
Now, I am not interested in how wet, or how cold, or how dark it is. If you are just going to be a fair-weather Patrol – well, that is hardly better than being no Patrol at all. – John Thurman There is no denying it, it is certainly easier to stay home when the weather takes…
Posted in The Arts and Creativity Music Pin for Cub Scouts With the holidays coming, there will soon be lots of opportunities for singing and enjoying music. If your Cub Scout has musical talent or just appreciates music, have him look at the Music pin from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports...
Following on from our previous two Remembrance Day parades ( 2011 & 2010 ), we decided to get a little more adventurous! Instead of just parading around the streets near our hall and on to Church and the Memorial, we started at one of our other local Churches (St.
Last night I was able to see two of my Venturers set apart as missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was a very touching experience and one I am grateful to have been a part of.
When humans participate in ceremony, they enter a sacred space. Everything outside of that space shrivels in importance. Time takes on a different dimension. - Sun Bear Every ceremony or rite has a value if it is performed without alteration. A ceremony is a book in which a great deal is written.