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In three months, most Cub Scout Packs will have their Blue Gold dinners and cross Webelos over into Boy Scout troops. If your troop is hoping some of them will join you, you've already missed the boat! Waiting and hoping aren't going to keep your troop vibrant, strong, and healthy.
16 Air Scouts and their leaders travelled to Ypres in Belgium for Remembrance weekend.
With good planning and preparation being a pivotal key to success, Wayne considers how this works in Scouting.
The Boy Scouts of Melrose Troop 68 chose geocaching as the theme for last August. A merit badge counselor came to one of the troop meetings and the monthly outing was based on that topic. The Boy Scouts had fun and seemed to enjoy the thrill of the hunt.
The Tree Scouts of P221 went on an outing this past weekend to complete their Naturalist Webelos Activity Pin. They went to the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge in SouthWest Washington just outside of Vancouver. This is a great place to come to help satisfy many requirements at all levels, even into Boy Scouts. While the
I used to be a Staffer, a good old Staffer too, But now I've finished Staffing, I don't know what to do… I just finished my first Wood Badge course as a member of the staff. What a great spirit that is felt during those few days of training.
Oh to have explored more I have now been involved in scouting since the age of 8 that is a total of 28 years and I really only have one Scouting Regret the fact I never completed my Explorer Belt. …
New Loud Game for All scouts
Posted in Citizenship Pack Meeting Plan for November: Fifty Great States (Citizenship) The Cub Scout core value for the month of November is Citizenship. BSA has a Cub Scout pack meeting plan called Fifty Great States for this core value.
What if? Two very powerful words. Our Scouts are are digital natives – they aren't simply ‘dependent' or ‘addicted' to technology, it's a part of their world. They don't see a dichotomy of real and virtual – it's all kind of the same.
The BSA's National Executive Board recently approved a recommendation to use the Scout Oath and Scout Law in the Cub Scout and Venturing programs. While the changes will be phased in over the next several years, it's important that you understand the reasoning behind this effort, as well as the process we used to arrive…
The Fundamentals of Scouting explain what we are trying to do and how we do it.
We need your feedback on our activity permit scheme.
We need your feedback on moderating our activity permit scheme.
Twenty years ago (or more) the B.S.A. concluded that Scouts ought to earn First Class rank in the first year based on a statistical ‘leading indicator', a connection between when Scouts become First Class and how long they stay in Scouting.
Posted in Science Veterinary Medicine Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Boy Scouts will learn all about keeping animals in good health when they earn the Veterinary Medicine 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.
Eagle projects tend to be about building things outside, and that tends to be done from April through October when it's warmer outside (around here anyway). Providing service to the community can drop off over the winter, but it doesn't need to be that way.
Your 10-piece jamboree set for my Eagle patch? Sorry, no way. Council shoulder strips, district camporee patches, and pins from your hometown are perfect trinkets to trade at national Scout jamborees or other major Scouting events. But some patches and Scouting memorabilia should stay home.
Hurricane Sandy and the storm that followed recently left devastation and destruction in its path and we feel deeply for the millions of people who were affected. As you may know, many of our customers are Boy Scouts. It has come to our attention that several of the local Scout camps across the Northeast region…
Beavers, Cubs and Scouts from 1st Northop Hall in Flintshire are set to make an appearance on Children in Need tonight.
At present existing arrangements regarding vetting for Scouting appointments will remain in place, despite government changes to the process.
No one has ever become poor by giving." - Anne Frank "There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up." - John Holmes Hurricane Sandy, and the storm that followed, brought severe damage to people, places, and things across the Northeast Region.
Veld lore, Autumn 1984 A few months ago, I blogged about a picture from the 9th Benoni Scout Troop logbook that showed a 120 foot tower . At the time, I didn't have any more information about it other than the date and the venue.
Are you ready to roll? Because we are. To build the best skatepark, we've teamed up with one of the most recognized names in skatepark design: Spohn Ranch. You know, the people who helped design the courses for all the parks for the X Games?
Posted in Scoutcraft BSA Bear Den Meeting Plan 16 – Build a Model (Pinewood Derby Car Continued) This Bear den meeting plan continues Bear Achievement 21 - Build a Model. Bear Cub Scouts paint and finish their pinewood derby cars. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved...
The trees have shed their leaves in many parts of the country, and that can only mean one thing: It's Scouting for Food time. The annual collection of canned goods and other donated food items strengthens the vital link between Scouting units and their surrounding community.
New Active Game for All scouts
Rule No. 98 • "I think I can fix that" always solves more problems than "Somebody ought to do something…" (Thanks, Diana Cilluffo) ________________________________________ Dear Andy, Is it OK for pack leaders to decide not to attend a planned pack event and instead attend a neighborhood alcohol-laced Halloween party, including being photographed in lewd costumes with drinks…
Pack 221′s first Service Project of the 2012-2013 year was today. We planned for two and half hours of working at the Oregon Foodbank in sorting food. This was a fun event that helped the boys give back to the community and also understand that some people are not able to put food on the
The National Council is offering the following lease car for sale: 2009 Ford Taurus LTD Front Wheel Drive Approximate miles: 61,325 Exterior color: Cinnamon clearcoat metallic Interior color: Camel (tan) with leather-trimmed, heated bucket seats Asking price: $12,858 Location: Kennesaw, Georgia Equipment/Features: 3.5L V6 Duratec engine AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD/MP3 Six-speed automatic transmission SIRIUS…
The Anthony Wayne Area Council, which is headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has become the first council to sign up for the 2014 high-adventure program at the Summit. The council is sending three crews of eight youth and four adult volunteers each to participate in "The River" watersports, "Helmets and Harnesses" climbing and ropes activities…
Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play… No, hold on, that's not right. It 20 years ago I became a Scout Leader. Er no, it was 21 years and 7 months. Hmm, let's start again. The other day I logged on to the Scout Association's website to look up a few things and I thought…
First of all, let us get something straight. When I say camping I mean staying overnight in a tent or sleeping under the stars. I do not consider staying in a cabin, lodge, or barracks as camping. Camping is sleeping outside, not in a building.
In 1938, businessman and philanthropist Waite Phillips donated his first gift of land to the Boy Scouts of America. Next year marks the 75th anniversary of the initial donation that has blossomed into Philmont Scout Ranch. In honor of this special milestone, a new page has been created on the camp's website that will be…
The former Chehaw Council No. 97 in Albany, Georgia, has merged with the former Alapaha Area Council No. 98 in Valdosta, Georgia, to form the new South Georgia Council , No. 98, headquartered in Valdosta, Georgia. The effective date of this consolidation, as recorded with the State of Georgia, was Nov.
Think BMX is just for the pros? No way! Heck, even the pros had to get their start somewhere - they weren't born on a bike, ya know. The Summit is gearing up for all levels of BMX enthusiasts, whether you're an actual pro or just testing the rounds for the first time.
I will admit that I have fallen behind on listening to the Scouting podcasts to which I subscribe, so when I recently took a trip to the Twin Cities I decided to catch up on listening to a couple episodes of the Scoutmaster Podcast found at scoutmaster cg.com.
A young man, well-liked in his school, just months away from graduation, elected as homecoming king by his classmates, takes his own life. Another young man, also popular in high school, another homecoming king – valedictorian, accepted at a prestigious …
Scouts never cease to amaze me. Whenever someone needs a helping hand, Scouts are there. The latest example: Brooklyn-based Troop 13, led by Scoutmaster Pete DiSalvo. Superstorm Sandy spared the troop's families, but that didn't diminish their desire to serve others.
Posted in Culture December Cub Scout Theme – Holiday Lights (Respect) The Cub Scout Holiday Lights theme for the December core value of respect incorporates the ideas of cultures and service.Get ideas for your pack and den. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in...
IN THIS PODCAST We begin a new series on the four steps of Scout advancement and answer email questions about signing handbooks and dietary restrictions. All this and your messages in the mailbag including a great story from Scoutmaster Shane Stillwell. Past editions of the show are available at the PODCAST ARCHIVE
I just turned in all the rechartering paperwork for our Scouting units. Despite the warnings I heard from others it wasn't that painful of a process. Aside from pestering adult leaders to do their youth protection training, and being turned down when extending calls to ward members to serve as new adult leaders, everything went…
We are all in the membership business, but let's talk about how you can use the Commissioner Corps to support your membership efforts. The role of the commissioner in membership will be an evolving one. The commissioners "own" unit retention, and the commissioners will continue to deliver unit service while we all work together to…
Be prepared for what?" I always ask our Scouts.. "Anything" is the answer and they are correct. This last weekend, the Scouts of my Troop went camping out at one of our favorite Scout properties, Royce Finel on the Oregon Coast.
Click to open Nov. 15 issue The Nov. 15 issue of the Finance Impact Department's e-Letter has been published and is available online. As we approach year's end, most councils are focused on closing out the current fiscal year and beginning the new fundraising season.
Three-time Grammy winners Train will headline the closing stadium show at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, the Boy Scouts of America announced today. For my money, this is the biggest musical act to perform at a national Scout jamboree since the Beach Boys in 1985.
Five Counties in 36 hours and no helicopter, but an exciting buzz gives Wayne much hope for the future.
I was recently asked what I use when backpacking, or camping in general, for my cook kit. So here it is. It's real simple and it works extremely well. I am very happy with this set up having used many different cook kits, pots, pans, stoves etc.
One of my twin boys just finished his Eagle project over the weekend and was looking for a way to say Thanks to those who helped with this effort. Coincidentally, I got an email last week from a company who thought my blog readers would be interested in knowing about greeting cards for Eagle Scouts.
The Boy Scouts of America Discover ® credit card is now available! With the Boy Scouts of America Discover credit card, Scouting is more rewarding than ever! Specifically designed for the adult members of Scouting families, the Boy Scouts of America Discover credit card rewards you on everyday purchases, while the Boy Scouts of America receives…
Please join us on Wednesday, Dec. 5, for the next episode of the newly re-branded Council Operations Breakfast Club-a monthly conversation with those responsible for the successful delivery of the BSA's mission through support of councils and units. Now in its fourth year, the monthly event was originally developed as a conference call to address…
Posted in Fitness Nutrition Pin for Cub Scouts Do you have a picky eater in your family? Your Cub Scout can learn why it is important to eat the right foods when he earns his Nutrition pin from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program.
It's OK to stare. Feast your eyes on Philmont Scout Ranch's droolworthy 75th Anniversary Arrowhead patch. As if 10 days at Philmont weren't great enough, anybody who takes a trek in 2013 gets one of these eye-catching patches to hang on their right pocket.
There are four steps to Scout advancement described in the Scoutmaster's Handbook PP. 124-127 Before we look at these steps let's contextualize advancement within all the aims and methods of Scouting; Advancement is simply a means to an end, not an end in itself.
You've been awarded a square knot. Congratulations! Now what? If you've been honored with one of the 34 square knots currently available (see the full list below), waste no time in sewing that badge of honor to your uniform. Though they don't tell the whole story of a Scouter's impact, these tiny rectangles provide great…
JOTA, I hear you loud and clear. More than 18,000 American Scouts participated in the 2012 edition of the Jamboree on the Air last month. That's a whopping 482 percent leap over last year's participant total. So let me extend a big Bravo Zulu (that's "well done" in radio speak) to the 136 Scout councils…
Did You Know? Journey to Excellence scorecards are also available in Spanish! To access scorecards in English or Spanish, visit the JTE site at www.scouting.org/jte . Also, a new template is available for helping you plan and implement greater diversity on your board.
The data from the fall Voice of the Scout surveys is now available on the Voice of the Scout dashboard for those councils that have opted in. The dashboard can be accessed from your MyBSA homepage.
As you are fully aware by now, I like gear. I have had many discussions with parents of the Scouts in my Troop that my obsession with gear is rubbing off on their sons. Half jokingly I often reply that it's a good thing.
It's been a while since the last installment of this series, and for that I apologize. Out of all the series here on Scouting Rediscovered, the "Keystones of a Scout" series is the most important to me. Back when I first started this series, I wrote: In my own Quest to rediscover Scouting, I have…
Philmont, Sea Base, Northern Tier, the Summit - big places with big adventure for scouts! Whether you're going to a national high adventure base or rolling your own exciting adventure, training in Wilderness and Remote First Aid is either required or highly encouraged .
Posted in Character Auld Lang Syne Grace Here's a grace which is sung to the tune of Auld Lang Syne. This makes a really wonderful Thanksgiving grace. Or it would be a good addition to a Scout's Own prayer service.
The right troop first aid kit is large enough, but no too large, arranged for easy access, outfitted with components to meet the most common needs (cuts, scrapes and burns) and won't break the bank. Campmor's Advanced Medical Kit is the best option I have found.
Manti Te'o is a brave, confident leader with an impressive collection of awards on his shelf. He's comfortable in a uniform. He's a loyal teammate. But enough about his time in Scouting - I hear he's pretty good at football, too.
I don't know if there is any particular "Scout" message in this video, other than not to poke a grizzly with a stick or dress like a moose during hunting season, but it has a good message for everyone and …
A close-up of the nearly 100-year-old flag. On a Saturday in 1913 on the island of Oahu, Queen Lili'uokalani drove past a group of boys doing Scouting drills. Intrigued, she walked over and asked what kind of military exercise the boys were doing.
For those of you that have been to Wood Badge you understand the great training, the lasting friendships, and the spirit of Scouting that comes in every Wood Badge course. You get idea that every Scout deserves a trained leader and that in Wood Badge you are participating in the Advanced Leadership Course of the…
Scouting's cookbook whips up excitement by winning Best British Book.
Rule No. 99 o The difference between doing it right and doing it almost right is the same as the difference between lightning and a lightning bug. (Thanks, Mark Twain) ________________________________________ Dear Andy, Our council says that they allow Scouts to ring bells for the Salvation Army.
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A SCOUTER'S THANKSGIVING PRAYER With reverance in our hearts, We, Your many children of many beliefs, United in common purpose, Gather to offer this our humble prayer, In Thanksgiving: As Scouters we are thankful for: The many gifts and talents given to our fellow Scouters, and to ourselves; The freedom we have to join together…
With reverance in our hearts, We, Your many children of many beliefs, United in common purpose, Gather to offer this our humble prayer, In Thanksgiving. As Scouters we are thankful for: The many gifts and talents given to our fellow Scouters, and to ourselves; The freedom we have to join together and as a team
Inspirational adversity champion, Phil Packer MBE, has become Scouting's newest ambassador.
Phil Packer MBE was joined by Scouts on the latest part of his 2,012 mile walk around the UK.
I posted a tensegrity tower project a few years ago, based on the tetrahedral tensegrity. Tensegrities are a type of structure where none of the poles touch each other, but are supported by a ntework of cables in tension. This new tower / gateway takes the form of the 6-strut tensegrity , with the pairs of parallel…
Want an incredible summer experience? Look no further - the 2013 National Jamboree is looking for youth staff to get all our brand new, world-class programs and activities going next summer. We want YOU to be there. "Why me?" you ask?
Over time I have managed to get my weekend backpack down to around 25-30 pounds. I am not an fully anointed apostle of the ultra-lightweight sect but I have certainly benefited from a lot of their ideas. The backpacking cook kit described here weighs in at well less than two pounds depending on your choice…
As the holiday shopping season kicks off with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I hope you take advantage of the Thorlo sock promotion for your scout this Christmas. These wool socks are awesome for winter camping , snow sports or just playing outside in the cold.
Posted in Nature and the World BSA Wolf Supplemental Den Meeting Plan A – Grow Something and Bird Nests BSA provides Wolf den meeting ideas for Cub Scout den leader. Today's plan is a supplemental den meeting plan which gives Wolves the opportunity to do some activities related to...
First of all I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Mine was fantastic. Spent the day at my Mom and Dad's house surrounded by my family and my sister and her family. It was a wonderful day and my Mom out did herself once again on that meal.
I wanted to take a minute and thank all of you before we get to far away from the Thanksgiving Holiday. I want to sincerely give thanks to all of the great readers of this blog. Thanks to the 557 folks that subscribe to the blog the 419 some odd folks that follow on Facebook…
Before I begin this Solo Stove review I need to explain that I think building a campfire is an important skill. It connects Scouts to many things, sharpens their ability to plan, and is almost always a group activity. I once thought that we ought to do all of our cooking over fires and not…
Been looking at ways to reduce weight and tweek gear to make it easier to set up and take down. One of my favorite sites is www.hammockforums.net . Hammock campers are by nature seeking lighter alternatives to common camping gear and tasks.
November 16, 2012 Thursday 1900-2045 Denali District District Committee Meeting Attendance: Travis Ransom, District Executive Cliff Crismore, Council Scout Executive Mark West, Unit Commissioner District Finance Chair District Advancement Chair District Chairman District Camping Chair District Training Chair Agenda Overview: District Commissioner Update: Prospects for District Commissioner Position Recharter Trouble Units (ie.
It seems that while we all have the best intentions at heart for the youth we serve, we are forgetting that our Council is much more than the Anchorage Area/Wasilla Area/Palmer Area and quite frankly these three areas represent less than a
I am not a scientist, so tell me if this makes sense. There are about 40,000 Scout troops in the B.S.A., they go camping (this is a very conservative average) of six weekends a year. 40k * 6= 240K weekends I'd guess, conservatively, that two-thirds of these troops own stoves or lanterns that use disposable gas…
I got this from Clarke Green's website. In this article he talks about Disposable Propane Cylinders. Again, as always, Clarke hits the nail on the head. Also, while I knew about the Solo Stove, I really liked his article about it. Clarke also blogs/talks about many other Scout related subjects. If you do not know
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.
Our National Conference was held this weekend in Hinkley, Leicestershire.
Reblogged from : The BSA's National Executive Board recently approved a recommendation to use the Scout Oath and Scout Law across all Scouting programs. While the changes will be phased in over the next several years, it's important that you understand the reasoning behind this effort, as well as the process we used to arrive at…
Had an opportunity to get some gear hung out today, thought, I'd just get lazy and hang around in the hammock. Yep, this is my Sunday… Talking about gear and enjoying a good cup o' joe. Hey”¦ I'm looking for some real good coffee for the trail.
Hello readers Well we are almost there the tearing of Christmas paper the groan of children that did not get the toy they wanted. The depressed look on parents faces when they child is more excited about the cardboard box …
What's a national jamboree without some challenge thrown in? Here at the Summit, you know we're up for it! That's why we're building some of the best challenge (aka COPE) courses you've ever maneuvered your way through. But don't take our word for it.
Practical Joke – Funny or Bullying? I recently saw someone re-post a video from Youtube of a lad trying to wash his hair while his friends keep adding shampoo to his head. I am not going to promote the video …
Here are a few final thoughts to conclude our series on leadership for the committee chairman. Don't help Yes, that's right. Don't help! Just as we don't "help" the boys at troop meetings and campouts, we develop leadership in adults …
Posted in Conservation Venturing Ranger Award Elective – Ecology To complete the Venturing Ranger Award requirements for Ecology, a Venturer must learn about the watershed and environmental studies. He or she must investigate an area. Then he or she must share this knowledge with...
IN THIS PODCAST Second in the series about the four steps of Scout advancement ‘A Scout Learns' and an email question about holding scouts ‘accountable and responsible'. All this and your messages in the mailbag. Past editions of the show are available at the PODCAST ARCHIVE Scoutmaster Podcast 147
294 members from across the UK, one third under the age of 25, gathered at the weekend for our National Conference where they were informed, inspired and entertained by a very impressive 'A' list conference team.
Second in a series of articles about the four steps to Scout Advancement. Articles will be published each Tuesday beginning November 20, 2012 "… It is in fact nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction have not entirely strangled the holy spirit of inquiry; for this delicate little plant, aside from stimulation…
Posted in Scholarship Language and Culture Belt Loop for Cub Scouts Children like to learn what is different and what is the same for kids in other countries. Cub Scouts who enjoy learning about life in other parts of the world can earn the Language and Culture belt loop from the Cub Scout...
