Posts in November 2012

Unit Charter Renewal (opens in a new tab)

BSA CubCast Podcast · archived copy

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…

November 2012 - Unit Charter Renewal

BSA CubCast Podcast ·

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…

State Capitals Bingo Cards (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom ·

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.

Walk the Line Giveaway

Scouter Mom ·

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.

Renewed wows: Check out the changes in the November Cubcast

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

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…

Enter to win one of three Gibbon slacklines

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

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.

40 foot monopole tower (opens in a new tab)

Ropes and Poles ·

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.

Florida Goes High Adventuring

Summit Blog ·

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.

BSA Tiger Supplemental Den Meeting Plan E – Get the Word Out

Scouter Mom ·

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.

MSPP #121: 1986 Troop 68 Review (opens in a new tab)

A Scoutmaster's Blog ·

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…

Three Keys to Scoutmaster Survival

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

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.

One of those great Scouting Days

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

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.

Cascade Pacific Program & Training 2012

Scouter Adam ·

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

Meet the Summit Team: Jamboree Staffer Serves as Inspiration on Four Wheels

Scouting Wire ·

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.

Can Artificial Climbing Walls Get You Ready For The Real Thing? [Video]

Summit Blog ·

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.

Who has the keys?

Bobwhite's Blather ·

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 …

Give to Get? (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

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.

An invitation

Adventures and Accidents ·

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.

New International Spirit Award to Replace International Activity, Youth Exchange Emblems

Scouting Wire ·

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.

VOTE (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

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.

Vote Today (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

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.

Skateboarding Belt Loop for Cub Scouts

Scouter Mom ·

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.

Gear Deals – Big Agnes Sleeping Pad and A Great Scout Backpack

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

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…

Help Scouts and Scouters affected by superstorm Sandy

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

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.

Issue 333 – November 6, 2012 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

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!

SMMPodcast #106 – Relevance

The Scoutmaster Minute Podcast ·

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.

BSA Medical Plans: Resources for Making an Informed Choice

Scouting Wire ·

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.

Election 2012

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

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.

How to Build a Campfire

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

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…

Finance Impact e-Letter: Nov. 1 Issue Highlights Online Giving Efforts, More

Scouting Wire ·

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.

Learning for Life and Exploring Today: Close Out 2012 With Steps to Grow Exploring

Scouting Wire ·

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.

Emergency Preparedness BSA – Boy Scout Requirements

Scouter Mom ·

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...

Scout Leader Business Card

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

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.

2013 Tiger Cub Recruiting Materials Rolled Out!

Scouting Wire ·

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.

National Youth Protection Symposium Provides Forum for Youth-Serving Organizations

Scouting Wire ·

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.

Canoe catamaran (opens in a new tab)

Ropes and Poles ·

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.

Something New: Whitewater Rafting At The Summit

Summit Blog ·

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.

Campfire Potatoes

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

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.

'Nary a dry eye' after grandmother's poem at Eagle court of honor

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

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.

Your life just got easier, thanks to these new online unit and district tools

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

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.

In Sandy's wake, BSA Chief relays call for help

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

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…

Scouting Changes Lives

Scouter Adam ·

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

How to explain Veteran's Day

Scouter Adam ·

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 tips from Northern Tier

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

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…

Remember 11-11-12 (opens in a new tab)

Nick's Ramblings UK ·

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.

Why Do We Volunteer?

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

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.

They Fought for Us (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom · archived copy

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.

Veterans Day 2012

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

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.

King of Scouting

Jabbering All Day Long ·

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, …

Improving your own leadership skills

Bobwhite's Blather ·

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 …

Podcast 145 – Starting a New Troop (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

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

Scout Summer Jobs (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

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.

Issue 334 – November 12, 2012 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

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.

Why do we love Scouting? Let us count the ways …

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

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.

Music Pin for Cub Scouts

Scouter Mom ·

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...

The importance of Example

Adventures and Accidents ·

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.

Scouting Ceremonies

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

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.