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Oh sure, you're probably thinking about the upcoming holidays, but believe it or not, December is not too early to be planning your blue and gold banquet as February will be here before you know it! Join Sam and Janet as they find out from Darlene Sprague, national Commissioner Support Team and board member of…
Throughout the history of Scouting, there have been many explanations of the meaning of the points from the Scout Law. For today's post, I have collected from various sources my favorite definitions. The points on Kindness and Thriftiness came from the ninth edition of the Boy Scout Handbook, 1986.
Posted in Outdoor Recreation A Few of Our Favorite Things Giveaway Enter daily for a chance to win one of the following prizes: a BioLite stove, a Sea-to-Summit Dry DayPack, a pair of Yaktrax Pro, a Black Rock Gear down hat, and a set of Kupilka camp dishware.
Today (Saturday Dec, 1st) is Scouting for Food in the Cascade Pacific Council. Pack 221 had about 35 Scouts and 14 Parents out in the local neighborhood collecting the bags of Food. The weather was just perfect, a quick drip rain, some wind, but a lot of sunshine. In past years it snowed, frosted and
Today was our annual Scouting for Food Campaign. The Scouts of the Cascade Pacific Council canvassed neighborhoods and collected the much need food that will stock the shelves for distribution in our area. There is a great need and the Scouts today did their part to meet that need.
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.
Many of you have enjoyed the Kindle e-book edition of Michael S. Malone's Eagle Scout history Four Percent – the story of uncommon youth in a century of American life . A number of you have waited and I am happy to tell you that the book is now available in a hardcover edition .
After a break of a few years, the senior Scouts of my troop are building a treehouse in the same two trees we used all the way back in 2005 . Today, they did some technical training on climbing safety, and made short-spliced loops for Prussiking .
The National Council has created an additional Cyber Chip resource that may be helpful to both youth and adult leaders, as well as parents. The PDF document, which uses the Scout Law to highlight ideas regarding how the digital world and the Scouting community can live side by side, is available for free download .
Well, I think this is going to be a pretty regular segment on the blog. I am trying to do gear reviews also, and since I really like my coffee and am always in search of a good cup o' joe for the trail, this is a good way to talk about gear and have…
UK Scouting has launched a survey to ask its members whether an alternative version of the Scout Promise should be developed for atheists and those unable to make the existing commitment.
The number of reports from the U.S. in this year's Jamboree-on-the-Air surged 200 percent from 2011, with 204 stations reporting their activities. These stations reported 18,537 Scouts participating-an increase of nearly 500 percent! Overall, the station reports represented 136 councils and 41 states.
Think both mountain biking and BMX biking are all about the ups and downs with two wheels and some dirt? Think again! We caught up with a Scout at the shakedown who is here to tell you different. Watch the video to get the facts straight.
Posted in Culture Pack Meeting Plan for December: Holiday Lights (Respect) The Holiday Lights meeting plan features ideas for the core value of respect- games, group activities, songs, and more to help Cub Scouts learn about other cultures and traditions.
The recent release of the Boy Scouts of America's ineligible volunteer files has made big headlines and big headaches for the mothership. Some of it is bound to trickle down to us as volunteer Scouters, especially as local papers and …
Last year's Festival of Lights event was such a delightful experience for our staff, we couldn't wait to participate again this year! We decked our front patio in color and lights and invited the crowd in for some holiday fun!
Is December too early to start planning for the Blue and Gold banquet? Nope. Though February seems forever away, planning ahead ensures you don't fall behind. Start with the December Cubcast , which contains some handy tips for making your next banquet successful and stress-free.
During the season of giving, we've picked a bundle of great gear to help make the holidays even brighter for five lucky Scouters. In this month's gear giveaway-ending Dec. 31-you can enter to win one of A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS : BioLite Stove ($130) Yaktrax Pro ($30) Black Rock Gear Down Hat ($65) Sea…
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. Christine Lavin's song "Camping" and a bit of Camping by comedian John Pinette are featured in this podcast – follow the…
If you like to be in the thick of things helping out, you're going to love this. The Summit is gearing up for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree, and we've still got openings for excited, qualified staff. Check it out: Canopy Tour/Challenge Course and Zip Line: If you like going fast and climbing high, this…
Scouts' Question Time took place in Bristol over the weekend, giving young people the chance to voice their opinions to MPs.
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 give you a guide as you take your first couple of …
Click to open December issue The December issue of Learning for Life and Exploring Today newsletter has been published and is available online. In this issue, read why the time to start selling the Learning for Life program is NOW, and not next year!
Third in a series of articles about the four steps to Scout Advancement. Articles will be published each Tuesday beginning November 20, 2012 (Click on the titles above to read the articles) … the standard of proficiency is purposely left undefined.
I was browsing Amazon and I came across a number of items I would love own so I thought I would create for you my Scout Leaders Christmas List.
Posted in Fitness Snow Ski and Board Sports Pin for Cub Scouts Snow season is here. If you have an opportunity to get out snowboarding or skiing, your Cub Scout can earn the Snow Ski and Board Sports pin from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program.
Can of worms – check. Tin opener – check. Apply opener to can and stand well back…… Ok, I am being a little facetious as this is an important subject. Today the Scout Association has announced that it is considering an alternative oath (promise) so that atheists can become full members.
The heroes I know don't wear capes, and they can't fly. Their utility belts hold pocket knives, not grappling hooks. But the heroes I know often have secret identities. That is, they're the volunteers who dedicate every free second to Scouting-even when no one is watching.
An Incident Reporting Kit is now in production, and one kit for each of your professional staff will be forwarded to your council for distribution during the first quarter of 2013. The kit consists of an easy-to-see burnt orange folder for your desk, trunk, or backpack containing an incident descriptions and reporting instructions card , and…
It is with sadness that the South Texas Council, Boy Scouts of America reports that Executive Director John Beauregard was involved in a fatal automobile collision while driving home from a Scouting event at Camp Huisache near Laredo, TX on Saturday, December 1.
Wayne has been busy preparing for the fundamentals consultation while trying to catch up on all manner of exciting Scouting projects.
Every Christmas, parents come to me looking for ideas on camping gear to get their scout. I typically look at our Troop's equipment list for scout camp and think about what items they were missing. While a lot of those items have already been covered in the " Gear Guide " category of this blog, there is…
I have said it over and over, the older I get the lighter my pack has to get. The pack I carried out of base camp at Philmont was 55 lbs. That is the heaviest pack I have carried in a very long time.
The National Council is striving to give you the most resources possible for the new STEM initiative. As part of this effort, we would like to hear more about what your council is doing in regard to program development, fundraising proposals, success with recruiting STEM volunteers, etc.
Posted in Aims of Scouting Scout Oath When you read the Scout Oath as is used by the BSA below, it is clear that the Scout Oath contains the same or parallel thoughts for the concepts in Baden-Powell's original promise.
There's been a lot of recent buzz about the status of the 2013 National Scout Jamboree staff. While we are making good progress filling out the staff, we are still recruiting and have positions available for anyone who meets the jamboree staff qualifications.
Here's a few things that I haven't had a chance to review but look like excellent ideas – they're on my Scoutmaster gear wish list. SnowMiner Headlamp/ Lantern Switches from a 80 lumens headlamp to a lantern with soft, diffused light.
There is a brand new Scouting Alumni Association page on Facebook. Mike Walton, fellow USSSP Board Member, wrote on our Facebook page: "Bill Steele, the BSA's point person on so many program items, and his team has set up a new resource for people like myself — and many of you — and our friends.
Four Steps to Scout Advancement – A Scout is Tested by Clarke Green on December 4, 2012 in Adult Leader Training,Advancement Third in a series of articles about the four steps to Scout Advancement. Articles will be published each Tuesday beginning November …
All I want for Christmas is... : This neat bit from the Bridgeman Art Library reminds us of the joy of the simpler holiday gifts. No batteries required!
Some Good Turns are truly great. Take the impressive individuals from the Boston Minutemen Council, who traveled 300 miles to help fellow Americans who had been affected by superstorm Sandy. Last weekend, they loaded 75 Scouts and Scouters onto a charter bus, packed a rented Budget truck with supplies donated by the community, and headed…
As you plan 2013 budgets, please include attendance at the 2013 Cub Scouts "Inspiration for Growth" All Markets Summit. Preceding the National Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 22, at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas (Dallas–Fort Worth area), this year's summit will feature all-new content with a strong focus on reaching Cub Scout–age youth from…
Click to open December issue The December issue of the Marketing News newsletter has been published and is available online. Looking for resources to report Scouting's impact to your community? Want new ways to reach out to donors and community organizations?
Posted in Be PreparedCitizenship Crime Prevention Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Our local police department holds a Crime Prevention merit badge skill center for Boy Scouts every year. If there is nobody in the lockup, they even get put in jail, which is always what they talk about...
You might not enjoy reading this. But it could be the most important thing you'll read today. As stated in The Boy Scout Handbook , "Child abuse is a serious problem in our society, and unfortunately, it can occur anywhere, even in Scouting.
Frank Maynard's blog Bobwhite Blather is a must-read resource written form the perspective of a troop committee chair. Here's his take on top-down organizations: The problems with a top-down organization are that its leaders never get the real picture because people tell them what they want to hear.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hl8y3ObWJWQ You can order fudge from this enterprising Boy Scout Troop at http://www.cambridgescouting.com/csorder.html . Hey, even if you are on a special diet, you can order it for gifts! Regardless of whether you order or not, the Troop deserves a virtual pat on the back for an outstanding video.
Click to open December 1 issue The Dec. 1 issue of the Finance Impact Department's e-Letter newsletter has been published and is available online. In this issue, readers will learn about the IRS standard mileage rates for 2013; the 2013 National Development and Fiscal Management Symposium keynote speaker, Steve Chandler; BSA asset management update; the…
UK Scouting appoints Matt Hyde as new Chief Executive to build on current strengths and lead the next step of retaining an organisation relevant to the needs of young people.
Plenty of dirt. Loads of rollers. Jumps if that's your thing. Hit the BMX bike course at the Summit and see how you stack up. Bikers of all levels will find a home here, and as Jessica S. of Patrol Z found out, this whole BMX thing is way addicting.
Posted in The Arts and Creativity BSA Webelos Den Meeting Plan 18 – Showman Drama BSA provides den meeting plans full of Webelos den meeting ideas. This Webelos den meeting plan covers the drama requirements for Showman Activity Badge Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth...
________________________________________ Dear Andy, A troop I'm the Unit Commissioner for went to camp this past summer and, while there, held several boards of review for advancing Scouts. The problem is that several of the reviews had older Scouts as members. The troop's Committee Chair claims he was told by "someone" that older Scouts could sit on…
No volunteer is expected to be an expert with an encyclopedic knowledge of Scouting. All we really need to is the will to learn and the good sense to accept and apply what we learn: We ought to take advantage of as many training opportunities as possible.
No volunteer is expected to be an expert with an encyclopedic knowledge of Scouting (see the links to Scouting resources below). All we really need to is the will to learn and the good sense to accept and apply what we learn: We ought to take advantage of as many training opportunities as possible.
I never thought God would have been taken out of our schools or from public places. But now possibly with the Boy Scouts too?! The UK Scout Association is considering a new oath for atheists. As this interview mentions, I too wonder if BP is rolling in his grave… A "duty to God" has always…
The Patrol Leaders of 9th Benoni Scout Group have completed their treehouse after a week of construction at Arrowe Park . Last night and tonight they will be camping in the trees. There are two levels to the treehouse, one for the girl PLs and one for the boys.
I wrote an article last month about the new collectable lighted miniature buildings being sold on the scoutstuff.com website. There were three pieces available: the Ranger's Cabin, the Trading Post, and the Church. I liked the looks of the ranger's cabin and the trading post, but I was not really impressed with the church.
looking down the foefie slide Today I fought my fear of heights and climbed the 6m ladder up to the double storey treehouse . The six Scouts who slept there last night said that they were comfortable and felt safe up there last night.
In our last post we talked about getting weight down by looking at the pack you are carrying. That is an important part of the process of getting your base weight down.. so now lets talk about ways that you can shave weight on the stuff you put in side.
Here's some more Scouting gift ideas and gear deals - REI has a one day sale (Sunday December 9) of 20% off selected Big Agnes Products combine this with a $20.00 gift card for a minimum purchase $100.00 and free standard shipping for a very good deal.I recommend you look at Big Agnes sleeping pads, I…
I have just completed the questionnaire on the revised Fundamentals . I think that new updated Fundamentals are much more suitable for modern Scouting, especially regarding the big ticket change of "Duty to God" to "we explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes".
We've been talking a lot lately about reducing pack weight. I wish I would have come across this article before we went to Philmont this past summer. If you don't read another article today… Read this one. http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/philmont.html Great information and super tips on reducing pack weight. Have a Great Scouting Day!
National broadcasting conjures up an image of glamour, but Wayne's week, dominated by a media interested in our Fundamentals consultation, suggested that reality is often very different.
Well, it's Sunday, so I'm sharing another reader suggested coffee. This week it's the Folders Fresh Breaks Breakfast Blend. I found this coffee to be tasty and easy. It comes in the little single serving packets that do not take up space in the pack and the price is pretty good.
Recently a Scouter posted a comment on "An Open Letter to the Great Alaska Council" post making me realize that I was extremely vague and that I didn't directly identify the issue. Due to my failure to identify the issue, I probably caused more questions to be raised than questions I answered.
Posted in Conservation Boy Scout World Conservation Award The World Conservation Award recognizes Scouts who increase their awareness of conservation and its impact on the world community. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing [ This is a content summary only.
As another year winds down and we look forward to another (assuming the Mayan calendar or a zombie attack doesn't do us all in), we often take a moment to reflect on how things are going. Much of our thinking …
Need another gift idea? How about something small that can be given by a younger sibling or used as a stocking stuffer. Take a look at the Stormproof Match Kit by UCO. This kit features a waterproof plastic case, 25 waterproof matches and 3 strikers.
IN THIS PODCAST Fourth in the series about the steps of Scout advancement ‘A Scout Is Reviewed'. We discuss the Scoutmaster conference and the board of review. Answer to an email question about keeping advancement records. Also your messages in the mailbag.
As another year draws to a close and we look forward to 2013 with even greater expectation and excitement, I just want to take this opportunity to say a very sincere thank you.
Setting a High Standard I always encourage Scouts whenever I can to set high standards for themselves. This is so important that I believe it is our duty as Scouts. This is the essence of the Scout Oath and Law.
Posted in Science Geology Pin for Cub Scouts Geology is the study of the earth. Cubs who enjoy rock collecting, caves, fossils, and more can earn the Geology pin from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Cub Scouting, Boy...
Fourth in a series of articles about the four steps to Scout Advancement. Articles will be published each Tuesday beginning November 20, 2012 After a Scout has completed all of the requirements for any rank he is reviewed twice; once in a Scoutmaster conference and once at a Board of review.
Staff spots are filling fast for next summer's national Scout jamboree . And if you want to be among the first counselors to teach a merit badge at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, now's the time to make that interest known. They're already full at Programming and Robotics merit badges, but Janice Downey and the Innovation team…
Lots of folks say a trip to Philmont is a once in a lifetime trek. Well, I've been there twice and I hope to go again, so that's a bit of a stretch. But, there are some things that really are once in any lifetime.
Here is a montage panorama covering 180 degrees of the interior of the top floor of the treehouse . You can see the following: the two trees (on opposite sides of the treehouse) to the left and the right in front of the right-hand side tree you can see the 'trapdoor' down to the lower floor
Remember these guys ? Living in the trees, walking on rope bridges? Awesome, right? You can totally tap your inner Ewok at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree. Just volunteer to be staff for the zip lines and you're in there. Weird leathery head gear optional.
Posted in The Arts and Creativity January Cub Scout Theme – Lights, Camera, Action (Positive Attitude) BSA offers supplemental pack program ideas for each month. One theme for the January core value of Positive Attitude is a Lights, Camera, Action theme.
Youth leadership goes through developmental stages. As youth become more capable and adults more comfortable with these capabilities higher levels of youth leadership are possible. Can you find your troop on the ladder? Where would you like to be? What do you need to do to get there?
Four Steps to Scout Advancement – A Scout is Reveiwed by Clarke Green on December 11, 2012 in Adult Leader Training,Advancement,Aids To Scoutmastership Fourth in a series of articles about the four steps to Scout Advancement. Articles will be published …
The Scout Association has received a Queen's Diamond Jubilee Volunteering Award in recognition of its fantastic volunteers.
Seven videos featuring Bear are now available to download from the multimedia centre.
Urgent recall for Crewfit 290N Advanced Life Jacket
________________________________________ NEWS FLASH! The BSA's SCOUTING ALUMNI ASSOCIATION now has a Facebook page! Be sure to check it out, "Like" it if you like, and pass the word! Here's where to go… http://www.facebook.com/ScoutingAlumniAssociation And tell 'em Andy sent you! ________________________________________ Hi Andy, I just read the letter in your column from the parent of a Scout whose…
Monday night at our Troop meeting I gave the Scoutmaster minute as always. This weeks topic focused on not be selfish. It is so easy to be a selfish person in our world today. We tend to focus on what's in it for me and what ever is good for me is the direction we…
Posted in Careers and VocationsNature and the WorldScience Oceanography Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Boy Scouts learn about marine science and the delicate balance of life in our oceans while earning the Oceanography merit badge. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in...
Have you ever been described as "generous to a fault'? Volunteering is a wonderful, generous way to spend our time but we all have a breaking point. If we don't have volunteer boundaries there's a pretty good chance we are headed for a crisis.
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It has come to my attention that I am not getting any younger in fact I am approaching a certain so called life milestone. At the time of writing this I am 36 and in three and a half years …
Posted in Scoutcraft Bear Den Meeting Plans: Maps BSA provides Bear den meeting ideas for den leaders on the Scouting.org website. These Cub Scout Bear den meeting plans are step by step guides to carrying out a den meeting. In addition to the basic den meeting plans, there are supplemental plans...
A piece of rope is like a Swiss Army knife. Without the spoon. But only if you know your knots. Otherwise it's just oversized dental floss. Or a jump rope. Grog's Animated Knots is a hookup for tons of knot beta.
Scouting with your son, being the parent of a Scout and a Scouter at the same time, can be one of the most enriching and memorable times you'll spend together. Naturally there will be some difficult times but we can avoid letting them derail the experiences for ourselves and our sons if we prepare for…
I am not going to rehash the thoughts of my "Selfish" post as the entire world is aware of the tragedy in Connecticut today. My prayers are with those families that have been tragically devastated by this horrific event. My feelings are the same and I have no compassion for those that harm children in…
I once knew a Patrol that was pretty good at camping in the summer time. But how that gang could shy away from camping when cold weather set in! We called it the "Ground-hog Patrol." It hibernated every winter. Around Groundhog Day in February it stuck its nose out of the ground – not to see…
*** EDIT NOTE: This post was scheduled for today (12-14-12). I contemplated "pulling it" in light of the tragic events that have shaken us in Connecticut. Our hearts go out to those families. The reason I did not "pull" this post is simply this..
With today's news about the senseless taking of young lives in Newtown, CT, I am deeply sadden by it and left as I think you are asking why. I have read posts on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ about it all day. Many people have many questions about why. The details of this young man's life
Talking with Scouts about tragic events is one way we can help relieve some of the anxiety, anger and uncertainty we all feel; lend perspective, and find constructive action in response to tragedy. When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for…
The Boy Scouts of Troop 68 have been spending a spring weekend at Camp Watchamagumee each year for over twenty years. Many years ago we held a contest during the outing that has since become a Watchamagumee tradition – The Egg Drop Competition.
I am passing this on as a positive action you and your Scouts can take in response to the Sandy Hook tragedy: Colin is a paramedic in Calfornia, here's his suggestion on how we can express our support for the local first responders - That is the kind of thing you hope you never see because…
