February Caption Contest thru 1/28! (opens in a new tab)
KNOTS Caption Contest (Enter through 1/28 see details) - February 2013 Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com
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January 2013
206 posts, oldest first.
Posts in January 2013
Rediscovering the Tourniquet Lashing! (opens in a new tab)
Other Places on the site, I've talked about John Thurman, an influential British Scouter. He was the head of the famous Gilwell Scout Park in England for some time. In addition, he wrote many good books on various topics of Scouting.
Looking Forward (opens in a new tab)
I always find the start of a new year a dreadful time to blog. Things are just starting to happen but you have not quite got far enough into everything that there is much to tell. Your also still recovering from the break and all those relatives that you met.
Metalwork Merit Badge for Boy Scouts (opens in a new tab)
Posted in Careers and VocationsScienceThe Arts and Creativity Metalwork Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Metalwork involves both art and science. Boy Scouts can learn all about it when they earn the Metalwork merit badge. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Cub Scouting,...
Treat them like you want them to be
Yep… that's a lengthy title and I really do not want this to become a rant, BUT… it seems that I get in an inordinate amount of emails reminding me that we are working with boys and that these boys are not responsible enough to do this or that.
Reading Scout Requirements (opens in a new tab)
There are times that what I assume or the way I feel Scout requirements are fulfilled does not jibe with the actual wording of the requirement. I don't sign off many requirements. Requirements for ranks up to First Class are almost exclusively signed off by our older Scouts.
Pinewood Derby Track (opens in a new tab)
Cub Scout Pack 68 of Melrose will have a new Pinewood Derby track this year when the big day arrives. To tell the truth, it is long past time for a new track. The pack has been using the same one for the last 30 years.
Cartoon: camp gadgets (opens in a new tab)
Drawn by Les Saward, from the May 22 1952 edition of The Scout
Merit Badge Blue Card Change (opens in a new tab)
The old merit badge blue card; The new merit badge blue card; This announcement from the latest Advancement News is self explanatory: Merit Badge Blue Card Revised A new version of the "Application for Merit Badge," No. 34124, commonly referred to as the "blue card," is being released later in January 2013.
Retired From Scouting? (opens in a new tab)
It has been interesting how many people in the area think that I have retired from the Scouting program when they hear that I have stepped down as the scoutmaster of Melrose Boy Scout Troop 68. I explain to them that I am still active with the troop, that I serve on the committee as…
BSA Wolf Supplemental Den Meeting Plan C – More Spare Time Fun
Posted in Scoutcraft BSA Wolf Supplemental Den Meeting Plan C – More Spare Time Fun This Wolf den meeting plan continues to work on Wolf Elective 5 – Spare Time Fun. The Wolves will complete their Pinewood Derby cars, which were started in the previous meeting.
Operator Rating Strip
I follow K2BSA on twitter and via his blog. I am also a Ham Radio Operator. My call sign is K7RUB. I have written about Ham Radio before on this blog, but was very happy to see K2BSA's tweet/blog about a recent update to the BSA Program. "The National Radio Scouting Committee is pleased
Lanterns – Gear Review (opens in a new tab)
Got an email the other day asking about the lantern that I carry in my pack. Well, I have two.. here is a quick compare and contrast video of the two that I currently use. The Black Diamond Orbit and the Candle Lantern. Have a Great Scouting Day!
Tool Rack 2 (opens in a new tab)
Tool Rack 2 Please refer to the “sales pitch” provided in the Tool Rack post spelling out all the advantages inherent in building one of these simple camp gadgets. It is a good-looking campsite improvement project, but mainly, it’s got major functionality.
Alumni Relations: Discover the Journey to Excellence 'Magic Bullet'
Are you looking for the one thing that will boost the largest number of your Journey to Excellence scores? How about something that when done well directly or indirectly impacts 89 percent of your council's JTE gauges? That's 16 of 18 areas!
Sunday Coffee 1-20
This weekend our Troop had a camp out. During the camp out we conducted Troop Junior Leader Training and did some Shot Gun Shooting. We even had some time to squeeze in some map and compass work with some of the newer Scouts.
Marketing News: President's Awards Deadline Coming in February
Click to open January issue The January issue of Marketing News has been published and is available online. In this issue, you can read about the 15th Annual National President's Awards for Marketing Excellence -don't forget to submit your entries before Feb.
A Resource for Committee Meetings (opens in a new tab)
One of the things that I’ve prided myself on is the running of an efficient committee meeting. Part of that ability stems from having a meeting agenda BEFORE the meeting, but even better, using that same agenda for the meeting minutes.
Modeling Expected Behavior
I often preach about how I expect more out of our young men, that nothing in life will be easy, and that there are no participation ribbons just for showing up in life. When it comes to leadership, the Scouts in our Troop hear it over and over again that we all need to "Model…
National Development and Fiscal Management Symposium Planned for April
Development and Corporate Alliances and the Finance Impact Department are pleased to announce registration for the 2013 National Development and Fiscal Management Symposium has begun. The dates are April 24–26 at the Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel in Northbrook, Illinois (Chicago area); and May 19–21 at the Gaylord Texan Hotel and Convention Center in Grapevine…
Are you a tougher leader than your Scouts?
If you picked up Scouting magazine this month, you undoubtedly read the cover story about the National Geographic Channel's reality-competition series Are You Tougher than a Boy Scout? which airs this spring. It pits current Scouts against adult former Scouts in …
One Year Retired (opens in a new tab)
It has been one year since I retired as the scoutmaster of Melrose Boy Scout Troop 68. It has been an interesting, but sometimes confusing year. After thirty years of serving as a scoutmaster I am trying to figure out what my role should be and where I now fit in with the troop.
Venturing Ranger Award Elective – Fishing (opens in a new tab)
Posted in Outdoor Recreation Venturing Ranger Award Elective – Fishing To complete the Venturing Ranger Award requirements for Fishing, a Venturer must learn fishing rules and skills and then share this knowledge with others. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved...
Podcast 155 – Older Scouts and Webelos
In this podcast we discuss a Webelos troop visit and keeping older Scouts engaged, we answer email questions about the patrol method, replacing a Scout handbook and who signs merit badge cards – all this and your messages in the mailbag.
2013 Camp Director's Guide Now Available
The BSA Supply Group would like to announce the 2013 Camp Director's Guide. This resource is designed to assist you with properly preparing for camp and running a successful trading post operation. The 2013 Camp Director's Guide is intended to assist the Scouting professionals who plan, organize, and operate council camps.
Sustainability Stories: What Is Your Council Doing? Let Us Know!
For the 2012 BSA Annual Report, we are looking for inspiring stories about what your council has been doing in the areas of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Have you launched any "green" initiatives at your summer camps or your council office buildings?
When I Was Young Gathering Activity (opens in a new tab)
Posted in Culture When I Was Young Gathering Activity "When I Was Young" can be used as one of the gathering activities for any meeting centered around a history theme or a photography or cinema theme. This also works well for a Blue and Gold banquet.
Portable Spice Kit for Camping
Convert a 7-day vitamin/medication container into a spice kit – what a great idea! The'Handy Hausfrau takes the idea a bit farther with custom labels, I think I may skip that step and use a sharpie marker instead. Read the full article here Portable Spice Kit for Camping
Attend the University of Scouting (opens in a new tab)
If your council offers a University of Scouting adult leader training event, you should go! Seriously… don't hesitate, just get yourself registered. Similar to a Little Philmont event, I think it is well worth the time. I look forward to UoS every year as an opportunity to hear from others about their experiences, ask questions…
Scout Sunday - Feb. 3 (opens in a new tab)
Scout Sunday is sneaking up quick this year. It is the Sunday on or before Feb. 8 and that comes earlier in 2013. If you've not gotten to it yet, you're right down to the last chance to start planning how the Scouts can participate in your church's observance.
Finance Impact e-Letter: Feb. 1 Issue Features Range of Audit Resources
Click to open the Feb. 1 issue The Feb. 1 issue of the Finance Impact Department e-Letter has been published and is available online. In this issue of the e-Letter , the Finance Impact Department provides councils with helpful audit resources: Local Council Guide to the 2012 Audit 2012 audit tool kit Sample footnotes (new this…
#Scoutnation Bucketlist
From our humble beginnings as a #hashtag on Twitter to a community on G+ we are Scout Nation. The adult volunteers in the great organization of Scouting! Sit by the fire and stay awhile, we have questions, answers, stories and laughs. Remember the Scout Oath & Law and you will do fine here!" The
All Markets Strategy Leads to Increases in Translated Materials
One of Chief Scout Executive Wayne Brock's main priorities for the BSA in 2013 is increasing youth membership and retention rates in a quality way. The organization's All Markets strategy, in addressing this priority, has set goals of creating support and plans for councils that will lead to a 2 percent increase of market share…
More Suggestions To Live By (opens in a new tab)
As active members of the Boy Scouts of America we all do our best do follow the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. I recently received an email from a friend in Europe that listed some other excellent suggestions to live by.
Merit Badge Blue Card Infographic (opens in a new tab)
The merit badge blue card serves many purposes: Certifying the unit leader has helped the Scout locate an approved counselor. Tracking requirements completed Checking that the badge was recorded and presented Serving as a record for the Scout, counselor and unit that the badge has been earned Here's a basic look at the process of…
Pack Meeting Plan for February – Invention Convention (Resourcefulness) (opens in a new tab)
Posted in Science Pack Meeting Plan for February – Invention Convention (Resourcefulness) Use the Invention Convention Cub Scout pack meeting plan for February's Cub Scout core value of Resourcefulness. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Cub Scouting, Boy...
Holding out for a hero: How the BSA honors lifesavers
This Cub Scout ‘Hero' Cape poster created by Martin Williams Advertising was a real hit. Read more at this link . Real heroes don't wear flowing capes or iron suits or brightly colored tights. More and more, it seems, they wear Scout uniforms.
2013 Boy Scout Requirements - Advancement Changes (opens in a new tab)
The new 2013 BOY SCOUT REQUIREMENTS book has been shipped to Scout Shops nationwide, and has started to appear on the shelves. Here is the list from the inside front cover of the booklet identifying the ranks and merit badges that have revisions this year: Rank requirement changes: Second Class - requirements 3e, 3f, and 3g.
My disbelief… (opens in a new tab)
Last night, I talked with one of my transfer scouts…his younger brother crossed last month, and he decided to join him in our troop. He came to the meeting wearing his old neckerchief and numbers. I jokingly made a comment to him, and he said "uh, yea, well, I don't know if I am staying…
How Scouting is supposed to work
This post from Shawn Cleary, a Scoutmaster in Milwaukee, WI is about correcting a wrong and keeping a Scout in the program. It is amazing to me how wrong a Troop can get a program. It is good that there are people out there that know the Scouting Program and are able to correct it.
Lease Car: 2009 Dodge Charger
The National Council has the following lease car available for sale: 2009 Dodge Charger RWD sedan Approximate miles: 59,622 Exterior color: Brilliant black crystal pearlcoat Interior color: Dark slate gray leather seats Asking price: $12,349 Location: Pleasant Hill, California Equipment/features: 2.7L V6 DOHC 24V MPI engine AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD/MP3 player and Sirius Four-speed…
Gary's JTE Leadership Club: February Agenda Covers Effective Unit Service
Please join us on Wednesday, Feb. 6, for the JTE Leadership Club (formerly the Council Operations Breakfast Club) on "Improving the quality Scouting experience through effective unit service." We encourage both employees and volunteers to join in each month as we continue to discuss current topics that focus on optimizing the delivery of the Scouting…
Prepared. For Life. (opens in a new tab)
I've seen this advertised on a number of blogs and really didn't pay much attention to it. I don't generally watch a lot of television and especially don't pay much attention to reality shows but there's something about this one. …
Gear Glorious Gear part 1
After our last camp out we noticed that many of our younger Scouts seem to have been over looked when it comes to their gear and gear selections to include packing that gear. Now, let me explain here because if you have spent about a day browsing this blog and you know our Troop, gear…
Leadership (opens in a new tab)
Leadership Posted by Arlen on Wednesday, 23 January 2013 A friend of mine shared this TED talk, and I thought it calls out the baggage we add to the term “leadership” and how a change in our perspective calls us all to be leaders.
Update read all about it
You may have heard that it snowed in the UK the other day, and for the readers in the UK I hope you cope with the snow. Just think the UK shut down because of 15cm of snow I bet countries like Canada, Sweden, Norway, Russia are laughing at that update.
Instagram Digest
A collection of Kiff's Instagram Photos for you to enjoy
Traveling From the National Council? Discounts on Offsite Parking Near DFW
Park 'N Fly is offering BSA employees a great discounted parking rate at their DFW Airport location through the Corporate Advantage Program. The rate is only $5 per day for covered parking-up to $15 per day cost savings over airport parking!
Working the Patrol Method (opens in a new tab)
Whether you’re a new Scoutmaster or not, Working the Patrol Method – A Scout Leader’s Guide To Youth Leadership Training is a MUST-READ for both alike! It’s one of those “tools” you wish every Scoutmaster got when he accepted his role in a Unit (including me).
Put the Fall Voice of the Scout Results to Work For Your Council
The fall Voice of the Scout survey cycle is over and now it's time to put the results to work for your council! If you haven't already done so, it is crucial that the reports from the survey be activated for your use.
Rock On: 2013 Jamboree Rock Climbing Curriculum Update (opens in a new tab)
We've got the lowdown on The Rocks climbing curriculum coming on line for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree . We're not talking about clones of this guy ; we're talking about a rock climbing setting and curriculum specially made for the Summit to offer as many climbing challenges as humanly possible.
Entrepreneurship Merit Badge for Boy Scouts
Posted in Business Entrepreneurship Merit Badge for Boy Scouts The Entrepreneurship merit badge for Boy Scouts is all about what it takes to start a business. So if you know a Boy Scout who is thinking about starting up a lawn mowing business or some other enterprise, this is the badge for him....
Amateur radio operators: Wear your smarts on your sleeve (opens in a new tab)
With apologies to the Buggles, I'm happy to report that the radio star is alive and well. Well, the ham radio star, at least. And now the BSA offers a special patch for licensed aficionados of amateur radio. The Amateur Radio Operator Rating Strip , above, shows others that you're available for communication services for events…
Time is running short (opens in a new tab)
Having one of those days? Can't get everything completed in the time frame that you have allotted for yourself? Well, fear not, fellow Scouters, I am in the same boat. As you may or may not know, I am a Scoutmaster for Troop 1363, but I am also the Committee Chair for Pack 4363.
Leadership talk by Drew Dudley
We've made leadership about changing the world, but there is no ‘world' there's six billion people's understanding of it. If you change one person's understanding of it, their understanding of what they are capable of, of how much people care about them of how powerful an agent for change they can be you have changed…
Issue 344 – January 24, 2013 (opens in a new tab)
________________________________________ Dear Andy, I recently heard about the "American Heritage Award." It states that Scouts helped in the curriculum and design of the medal and patch that can be earned. Is this medal authorized for wearing on the BSA uniform? (Bill McClain, District Advancement Chair, West Tennessee Council) The BSA does allow certain non-BSA recognitions to…
Superboy – First Class Scout (opens in a new tab)
Saw this, thought it was interesting. From the 1951 Superboy Comic Book, this blogger edits / narrates the story of how Superboy joined the Boy Scouts of America. Click here to read the story.
Adding Discipline to Your Planning (opens in a new tab)
Big things are in store for the BSA in 2013, from the launch of the new TV show "Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout?" on the National Geographic Channel, to the 2013 National Scout Jamboree at the Summit. On the local level, I'm sure the same can be said of your council and its…
Dashing All the Weigh Winners Announced
Congratulations to all of you who participated in the 2012–2013 Dashing All the Weigh/SCOUTStrong PALA Challenge. We set a record this year for participation once again. A total of 246 people from all over the country did their part, and more than half of you lost weight over the holidays.
Incident Reporting Kits-Next Steps
As previewed in the Dec. 6, 2012, issue of Scout Wire , Incident Reporting Kits, No. 680-147, are now being delivered to your council. You should have received a shipment that contained one kit for each of the council's professional staff.
Online enquiry system at scouts.org.uk (opens in a new tab)
A response to concerns expressed regarding some elements of the online enquiry system launched as part of The Scout Association website on 22 December 2012.
Top 10 Bandana Uses (opens in a new tab)
I always have a bandana along in the wild. I can't think of a more versatile item to have in my pack. It takes little room, weighs nearly nothing, and can be used over and over for many different tasks.
Knotmaker - software for drawing knots (opens in a new tab)
Knotmaker 2.1 is a windows program for drawing knotting diagrams. It is developed by Derek Smith and Dave Root, and available as a free download. The software originated from discussions on the International Guild of Knot Tyers forum.
Gear Glorious Gear Part 2
I left you in the last post talking about the "Big 3″ The Pack, the Sleep system, and the Shelter. Now we discuss the "Next 3″. The "Next 3″ components of your gear consist of the Cook kit, the First Aid kit, and Rain gear.
BSA Tiger Supplemental Den Meeting Plan H – Plant a Seed! and Song Time (opens in a new tab)
Posted in Nature and the World BSA Tiger Supplemental Den Meeting Plan H – Plant a Seed! and Song Time BSA provides a set of Tiger den meeting plans for Cub Scout den leaders. This den meeting plan covers Tiger Elective 6 – Song Time and Tiger Elective 30 – Plant a Seed Copyright Scouter...
Bold Scout Neckerchiefs
Here's a selection of some pretty bold (!) neckerchiefs from Scouts UK . When we were in Switzerland I got a good look at, and swapped for some, pretty colorful neckerchiefs. Before you ask the Facebook neckerchief on eBay, and no I do not have the slightest idea about how to find one.
100 years of the Eagle Award (opens in a new tab)
I've been looking for content for my son's Eagle Court of Honor and came across this video produced by BSA. Good stuff, hope they continue putting this type of material out there! Name Dropping Note: Dr Grove is from my …
Prepared. For Life – Robert Gates Address (opens in a new tab)
After watching this, I want to join Scouting again!
Stroganoff Recipe (opens in a new tab)
New Supper Recipe for Boy Scouts
T's and I's (opens in a new tab)
Always cross them. Always dot them…you know the drill. We have rules and regulations to follow, but sometimes, not everyone does. And that comes down to recharters. Today, I had to drop off applications for Scouts that crossed over. We wanted to get them transferred so that they begin to advance in rank.
Mosquito Joke (opens in a new tab)
New Joke for All scouts
How to pick a Troop
It has been that time for a while for my son, Elliot to figure out what Troop he wants to go to. Quite frankly, he is the only Webelos II to really get started, from what I can tell. He has only started, along with one fellow buddy, because I behind it. While I
The Cubs Cook for Me! (opens in a new tab)
One of the perks of being a Group Scout Leader is that as well as all the dull stuff (paperwork etc.), I get to do some nice things as well. Last night, the Cub's prepared a meal for invited guests to gain their Chef's badge.
Couple more thoughts on gear
Yeah.. so I like to talk about gear… it's what I do… Hi, my name is Jerry… and I am a gear junky.. Hiiiiii Jerrrrryyy Hey folks, ever since I was a young Scout I was told to take care of your gear and it will take care of you..
Train 'em, Trust 'em, Let 'em Lead (opens in a new tab)
Saturday was TLT…Troop Leadership Training for those that aren't into using a lot of acronyms. The event was well attended…actually, the entire PLC was there, and they were really excited. One of the first things that we did was the ball-toss game.
Pinewood Derby Saved a Scout
This is not a post about how cool the Pack's Pinewood Derby race went. That is coming later. This is a post about making it fun for the Scouts and keeping Scouts in the program. A little while ago, I got a note through a Den Leader that a Scout was leaving. It seems that
Scout Meeting Challenge: Free-Standing Flagpole (opens in a new tab)
This design idea was retrieved from John Thurman’s Pioneering for the Patrol . Interpatrol Pioneering Challenge When the patrols have learned their round lashing and square lashing, they’ll be ready for this indoor challenge which gives them an opportunity to use what they’ve learned in a new way.
Sunday Mornin' Coffee 1-27
Well, I had a great night out in the hammock ‘testing' out some new gear that I finally received from Christmas orders. The Hammock Gear Under Quilt is fantastic!!! Now I wish I would have got one years ago. Anyway..
Climbing Everest (opens in a new tab)
In 1988 I climbed Everest. Well part of it. On a scaffolding tower. In Stoke . I think I'd better explain. 1988 was the year Venture Scouting celebrated its 21st birthday. If I remember correctly, throughout the year there were a series challenges, 1 per month for each Unit to do.
Disabilities Awareness Pin for Cub Scouts
Posted in CharacterCitizenship Disabilities Awareness Pin for Cub Scouts Cub Scouts can learn how people with disabilities are different from them but also how they are like them by earning the Disabilities Awareness pin from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program.
"I cannot manage the past..."
At Wood Badge this year I'll be teaching the session on Values, Mission, and Vision. In that session, a quote from Margaret Thatcher is used: "I cannot manage the past. There are other people in my government who manage the present.
Everyday At 09:00
I have a little app on my phone called everyday, you take a photo every day and make a little film. Here is my Everyday @ 09:00.
Weather Hazard Training (opens in a new tab)
My biggest concern about bad weather when leading an outing is lightning. Everything else takes time to build, or is avoidable, but lightning is common, unpredicatable, and deadly. So, I keep a thought towards lightning when hiking, choosing a campsite, and scheduling activities.
Keeping it going
Most troops seem to operate under a more or less faithful version of Baden-Powell's patrol method, where the boys are in charge of their troop, plan and conduct the meetings and activities, and enjoy their success along with a good …
Scoutmaster Podcast 156 – Reading Requirements
In this podcast we discuss reading requirements for advancement and answer an email that got us thinking about what the Scout law says about being a friend to every Scout. The Scouting Party by David Scott Visit our sponsor Conohocreek.com Check out Scoutcircle.org - the first program was a great success and is available for viewing…
Boy Scouts of America to reconsider national membership policy (opens in a new tab)
The Boy Scouts of America is discussing whether to remove the national membership restriction regarding sexual orientation, the organization announced today. If approved, the move would end any national policy regarding sexual orientation of members and hand the responsibility of accepting members and selecting leaders to chartered organizations.
Proposed Changes to the BSA Membership Policy (opens in a new tab)
Today the Boy Scouts of America sent out a statement about changes they are discussing that would remove the national membership restriction regarding sexual orientation. In part it reads: "Currently, the BSA is discussing potentially removing the national membership restriction regarding sexual orientation.
BSA Memberhip Discussion (opens in a new tab)
See BSA Media Statement Boy Scouts of America Monday, Jan. 28, 2013 Attributable to: Deron Smith, Director of Public Relations For more than 100 years, Scouting's focus has been on working together to deliver the nation's foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training.
My Thoughts Part II
Back in July 2012, I wrote a post about what I thought on the BSA National re-affirmation of its policy on Gays. I still believe in what I wrote then as I do now. Today, the BSA put out a statement on how it's going to decide on the matter in the coming days. My
Favorite Pioneering Knots: Rolling Hitch (opens in a new tab)
A Very Useful Hitch! John Thurman lists the rolling hitch as one of the essential pioneering knots. It’s similar to a clove hitch, but it’s a lot less likely to slip under a sideways pull. When securing a guy line to a horizontal spar, the rolling hitch can be used in lieu of a roundturn…
Scouting Around (opens in a new tab)
While Scouting around the web I have found a number of scouting related items that I wanted to share with you.
BSA Membership Policies to Change?
Are BSA membership policies about to change? No doubt you've heard about or read the following statement from the Boy Scouts of America : Monday, Jan. 28, 2013 Attributable to: Deron Smith, Director of Public Relations "For more than 100 years, Scouting's focus has been on working together to deliver the nation's foremost youth program of…
Caption Contest Gathering Activity
Posted in The Arts and Creativity Caption Contest Gathering Activity An idea for your gathering activities for photography or camera themes is to have a caption contest with some silly or unusual photos. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Cub Scouting, Boy...
BSA Membership Policy
Anyone who listens to or watches the news probably heard yesterday that the BSA is reconsidering it's policy on whether or not to allow homosexuals into the organization. This is the official media statement regarding the proposed change (it can be found by following this link ): "For more than 100 years, Scouting's focus has been…
The BSA Discusses (opens in a new tab)
This week it has been announced by the Boy Scouts of America that they are discussing the removal of their restriction on homosexuals becoming Leaders. As with our own consultation on allowing atheists to become Leaders here in the UK, it's a very contentious issue and there will be a lot of arguments on both…
21st Century Archery: Sporting Arrows At Jamboree (opens in a new tab)
Sporting arrows are not only new to archery in Scouting, but also to the archery world in general. Similar to clay target shooting , sporting arrows are centered around automatic target launchers that throw 10-inch diameter foam targets into the air.
Zeppelin Knot
For some reason this amazingly useful knot has been forgotten. Like many knots, it is stronger than a square knot, but it is unique in that it can always be untied easily, even after it has been loaded heavily. In other words, it will not "jam".
All Scouting is Local (opens in a new tab)
I blogged a little earlier about the church as a Chartered Organization and reblogged earlier this month about a Christian Alternative to Boy Scouts. WordPress has this little dashboard thing that tells me how people arrive at the site and …
Your Opinion on BSA Membership (opens in a new tab)
Influence the decision by sharing your opinion with the national Boy Scouts of America leadership. There are three ways you can get your opinion to the BSA folks working towards a decision on the national membership policy. As a member of the organization, in this democratic society, it's your responsibility to participate in the decision-making…
Pioneering With Laminated Spars (opens in a new tab)
The following text is by Pioneering Legend, Adolph Peschke, author of the renowned 1993 edition of the Boy Scouts of America’s Pioneering Merit Badge Pamphlet, from his treatise entitled “Pioneering With Laminated Spars.” Some additions have been included in this post, for the purpose of practical elaboration.