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Happy birthday, BSA! Our birthday is Feb. 8, but did you know there's a whole week to celebrate Scouting? It starts on Scout Sunday, Feb. 3 and ends on Scout Sabbath, Feb. 9. Download this episode and you'll hear some great ideas on ways to celebrate.
From p702 of the May 29 1952 'The Scout' - "Our recent article on the Kon Tiki Expedition evidently interested the 6th Kettering Senior Scouts who decided to make a model of the raft. Their effort is seen here on shot at the recently held Kettering Scout Exhibition."
Yesterday I stumbled upon a great You Tube Channel. It;s called Scouting lighter. From what I gather, this Scouter put this together as part of his Wood Badge Ticket. So +2 for this fella! A backpacker and Wood Badger!! WhooHoo!
Let the countdown officially begin. Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout? , the National Geographic Channel reality show I first told you about early last year , finally has a confirmed air date. Mark your calendars for 8 p.m. Eastern (7 p.m.
The National Outdoor Challenge Award is established to recognize and encourage outdoor activities: National Outdoor Challenge Award The National Outdoor Challenge recognizes troops that maintain or increase the amount of outdoor activity when compared to the previous year. With the release of this award, the National Camping Award has been discontinued.
Posted in Fitness BSA Arrow of Light Den Meeting Plan 2 – Aquanaut BSA provides Webelos den meeting ideas for Cub Scout den leaders. The 2nd in the Arrow of Light Webelos den meeting plans covers the Aquanaut Activity Badge. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved...
New Supper Recipe for
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This signal tower went up on a camping trip in March of 2000 in a large grassy field. The operation took a little over two hours. PHASE 1: Before we started, a well-muscled sledge hammer crew, made up of Jason Hardee, Theodore Fontana, Cory Keibler, Kurt Lester, and Will Hall, took turns pounding in 24…
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I have been getting a lot of feedback about the quest to reduce pack weight. Some of it is good, while others, mainly from other Scouters is not. To be honest, up until our Philmont trek, I was in that camp.
Soon after the 1993 edition of the Pioneering Merit Badge Pamphlet was published, I ventured to contact its author with some questions. Happily, I was able to reach him at his home, and was treated to enthusiastic explanations regarding the projects our troop wanted to build.
This weekend was a Webelos Pin College at Troop 127. Five Webelos II from Pack 221 attended. Last year's Webelos IIs did the same. I think that four or five Webelos are still there out of seven. My Webelos II Den Leader is now the Advancement Chair and the Assistant is also a ASM.
The Winter 2013 issue of Training Times has been posted at www.scouting.org/training . Click on the photo, or head to "Training Updates" to find it. As always, it is available to read online or downloadable for sharing. Please do both! To read the entire issue, click the link above or the image at left.
Click to open Feb. issue The February issue of Supply Line newsletter has been published and is available online. In this issue, you can read more about a pair of Supply mailers that will be hitting your home mailboxes soon: The 2013 jamboree mailer (in homes the week of Feb.
________________________________________ Hi Andy, I'm our troop's Committee Chair. We're trying to put together a "handbook" for Scouts and parents. We've been told there's one in existence, but none of us has ever seen it. We're wondering if troops are allowed to set their own standards on requirements that don't agree with BSA national standards.
Those of us who have experience providing a program of Scout Pioneering, and who are familiar with the edition of the Pioneering Merit Badge Pamphlet written by the legendary Adolph Peschke , will have no difficulty relating to why there are repeated references and allusions to the 1993, 1998 edition in this website.
The following text is by Adolph E. Peschke as presented in the 1998 printing of the 1993 edition of the Pioneering Merit Badge Pamphlet: PIONEERING PROJECTS The craft of building with ropes and spars continues in remote areas throughout the world today.
We know there are a ton of questions surrounding construction at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve . The big question is: Will it be ready for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree? In a word, yes. Here's a quick rundown of what's going on in West Virginia: Lakes are filling, and the last of the…
We've all heard the term "helicopter parents." It seems to be the parenting affliction for the 21st century. These are parents who want their children to succeed so much that they involve themselves in their children's lives to the point …
If you aint cheatin' you aint tryin'"… "it's only illegal if you get caught"… "No harm.. No foul"… These three little phrases raise the hair on the back of my neck. They are attitudes that while seem harmless, they dictate an attitude that it's ok to do wrong.
During the Pin College, I saw one of my old Webelos II from last year. He was a kid that never wore a shirt and talked back a bit. Now, he's a good kid and he worked his way through earning everything he needed to for Webelos Badge and the Arrow of Light. I did
I attended the University of Scouting event in our council last month with the intent to learn more about Special Needs Scouting. With an autistic boy in our troop and having no previous direct experience with this disorder, I wanted to know how to make his Scouting experience the best it can be.
In this podcast we discuss competition and answer an email about merit badge days and Eagle required merit badges. 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 now.
Here in Texas, we don't experience many snow days. But that doesn't mean we don't dream about them. And when dreaming up a picture-perfect snow day, a couple things come to mind: exploring a hushed, snow-covered trail, building a lumpy snowman, and drinking a steaming mug of hot cocoa-with extra marshmallows.
Going to Philmont this summer? Congratulations! Your final payment to Philmont is due in less than a month. In just a few weeks, your crew will need to submit trek choices. Of the 35 various treks available, you'll need to decide on your top 5 and hope you get the one you want.
F or the past few years, Cub Scout leaders have had an opportunity to listen in on some really great program ideas and useful tips for packs and dens from experts all across the nation, as well as getting the latest and greatest news about Cub Scouting, just by downloading the monthly podcast known as…
The following text is by Adolph E. Peschke as presented in the 1998 printing of the 1993 edition of the Pioneering Merit Badge Pamphlet: This simple crossing bridge uses only a single trestle and two walkways . The legs of the trestle are extended up above the walkway to provide a way to attach a handrail.
Single Lock Bridge Photo Scanned from 1967 Field Book The following text is by Adolph E. Peschke as presented in the 1998 printing of the 1993 edition of the Pioneering Merit Badge Pamphlet: The single lock bridge shown here is a well-established and basic design.
[Note: I originally planned on making this topic one single post. However, I feel it is important and complex enough to deserve a series of posts. So instead of one post, I will be covering this topic in three different posts.
The former Southern New Jersey Council, No. 334, in Millville, New Jersey, has merged with the former Burlington County Council, No. 690, in Rancocas, New Jersey, to form the new Garden State Council , No. 690, in Rancocas. The effective date of this consolidation, as recorded with the state of New Jersey, was Jan.
Posted in Fitness Hockey Pin for Cub Scouts Cub Scouts who like to ice skate or roller skate might be interested in the Hockey pin from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program. Scouts can learn more about the sport while earning this recognition.
The Park is taking shape at the Summit. Check out the slideshow above for a peek. Dirt has been shaped and concrete forms have been, well, formed. As of this post, the first pours of the base concrete are going down.
The icicle hitch is an interesting knot because it won't slip on a smooth and/or tapered surface (like an icicle). When tied and arranged carefully the icicle hitch is surprisingly slip-free when pulled parallel to the stave or pole or icicle it is tied on.
So we started a new troop in January. We peeled away from a large troop and, starting last December, I began meeting with the older boys that wanted to serve as leaders. My mission for the leaders was to create …
Eagle Scouts are "Prepared. For Life." But are they prepared for the high cost of college? College tuition was weighting on the mind of Scouter Pam K. from Westlake, Ohio, when she sent me this note last week: Hello Bryan, I am helping my Eagle Scout (Ricky) prepare for college in the Fall of 2013…
Baloo's Bugle for February's Roundtables with March's core Value (Compassion) and Supplemental Theme (Planting Seeds of Kindness) is on-line!! Go to: www.usscouts.org/bbugle.asp Take a few minutes to read it and prep for your Scouting meetings (RTs, Den Meetings, Pack Meetings, and more) Have a great month!!
Waiting just gets tougher and tougher. But with less than four weeks until the premiere of Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout? on the National Geographic Channel, news about the series is coming faster than you can say "Be Prepared."
I've been reading the Handbook for Patrol Leaders, World Brotherhood Edition that was given to me by another Scouter. While I have nothing against the current Patrol Leader Handbook, it has nothing on the depth of information in the earlier …
The BSA Foundation is offering a special major gifts seminar, "Gift Planning for Your Council's Second Century," March 6–8 at Harrah's Hotel in the heart of the Strip in Las Vegas, Nev. The seminar will focus on: How to create an ask strategy for every major council donor Learning more about the best gift strategies…
Simple Self-Standing Trash Bag Holder Getting that garbage bag off the ground has all kinds of advantages, but sometimes, you can’t hammer sticks into the ground to make the easy three stake holder . There might be any number of reasons.
Click to open Feb. 15 issue The Feb. 15 issue of the Finance Impact Department's e-Letter newsletter has been published and is available online. The deadlines for submitting the applications for the Major Gifts Award and the National Endowment Achievement Award are approaching.
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The Boy Scouts of America's executive board has directed committees to continue an exhaustive review of the BSA's policy barring gays and lesbians from the program. The approximately 1,400 voting members of the national council will take action on the resolution at the national meeting in May 2013 in Grapevine, Texas.
The Boy Scouts of America have postponed decision on membership policy changes until the May, 2013 national meeting. Here's the news release: For 103 years, the Boy Scouts of America has been a part of the fabric of this nation, providing it's youth program of character development and values-based leadership training.
This statement concerning the BSA membership policy decision was released today from the Executive Board ( Link ): For 103 years, the Boy Scouts of America has been a part of the fabric of this nation, providing it's youth program of character development and values-based leadership training.
A new reality television show that pits Scouts against adults in feats of outdoor skills-"Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout?"-is set to debut March 4 on the National Geographic Channel. To help promote the show in your area/region/council, head to the Marketing Toolbox (see link below) and share the range of downloadable digital and…
From: Assistant Chief Scout Executive Gary Butler I am very pleased to announce that after a 13-year drought, we achieved growth in Exploring at the end of 2012. This was a 3.3 percent growth, with 3,701 more young adults now experiencing real-world careers than did in 2011.
Posted in Science Radio Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Even in a world where the internet is becoming a favorite method of communication, radio still plays a vital role. Boy Scouts can learn more by earning the Radio merit badge.
It may be a little early to start packing for the jamboree this summer, but I've got a sneak peek at what you'll stuff all that gear into. Take a look at the Osprey Transporter BSA, a sturdy, well-reviewed bag with detachable backpack straps and a classy 2013 National Scout Jamboree logo stitched on the…
Frank Maynard has written brilliantly about the idea of ‘helicoptering' Scouters : Are you a helicopter Scouter? Do you think it's so important to have a well-run productive troop that you'll get in the middle of the boys' business to do it?
Words can't adequately describe our gratitude for the sacrifice that Silver Buffalo recipients have made to Scouting over their lives, but I'll offer two anyway: Thank you. Thank you to the 12 men and women who will receive Scouting's highest honor for adults .
For 103 years, the Boy Scouts of America has been a part of the fabric of this nation, providing its youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. In the past two weeks, Scouting has received an outpouring of feedback from the American public.
Racing over to the log! If the site where you hold your meetings can feature a “permanent” crossbar about 10′ high, then your Scouts can frequently practice and enjoy this activity whenever the opportunity is presented. Otherwise, erecting the crossbar is itself a mini-pioneering challenge, and if you have the grounds, can be regularly put…
Attention, Willard Scott: Grab some Smuckers because the Boy Scouts of America is 103 years old today. On this date in 1910, the country's coolest youth-serving organization was born. More than 10 decades later, the BSA is still here and going strong.
Posted in Scoutcraft BSA Bear Den Meeting Plans – Tying It All Up This Bear Cub Scout den meeting plan covers Bear Achievement 22 – Tying It All Up Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing [ This is a content summary only.
A simple camp seat made from a piece of closed cell foam will provide a bit more comfort around camp, you can recycle an old foam sleeping pad or buy a new one to share with two friends. Either way you'll have a cheap, lightweight camp seat, a dry place to stand when you change…
Today, February 8th, is the official anniversary date for Boy Scouts of America. This is generally celebrated across America by Troops and Packs with Scout Sunday or Sabbath Observations on the Sunday prior or the Saturday following this date. Packs …
How so you handle discipline issues in your troop without spoiling the fun or spending all your time going over rules and regulations? Well, you start by listening to this month's ScoutCast , a monthly podcast for Boy Scout leaders that debuted last month .
The following text is by Adolph E. Peschke as presented in the 1998 printing of the 1993 edition of the Pioneering Merit Badge Pamphlet: KEY FACTORS TO CONSIDER There are several important factors to consider when selecting the kind and size of rope to use in pioneering and camping activities.
Its been a few days since my keyboard and I sat together and jotted down some thoughts… It's been a long week and a pretty eventful one at that. Monday we had our weekly Troop meeting, and to be honest..
New Dutch Oven Recipe for Boy Scouts
Reblogged from Harper Faulkner: I have neglected my duties in responding to so many well-deserved accolades from my fellow bloggers. By my count, I owe you a list of 47,332 things about myself. I had filled five, yellow, legal pads and was up to 41,765 things when I decided that maybe I should just tell…
The following text is by Adolph E. Peschke as presented in the 1998 printing of the 1993 edition of the Pioneering Merit Badge Pamphlet: Before you begin learning new knots, you need to know some of the basic terms used in knot tying.
Join us on Sunday, February 10 9-10PM EST for our next ScoutCircle Join us at ScoutCircle.org We are pleased to welcome author David Scott for a discussion of his book ‘The Scouting Party' to our February ScoutCircle. February marks the anniversary of the founding of the Scouting movement.
A bit late in the day to get the post out. We just got home from our Annual Red and Green Dinner/ Court of Honor with the Troop. It is always wonderful to recognize the hard work and accomplishments of our Scouts.
As this article is being written, we are in the midst of National Signing Day, the day on which the talented and sought-after high school football players announce their intentions on which college to attend and continue not only their …
This weekend was Trainer's EDGE in Cascade Pacific Council, in the Pioneer District. There were about 26 participants who got either certified or re-certified for three years. Eight of the participants are incoming Troop Guides for the W1-492-13 Wood Badge Course this year. Five participants were from the Pioneer District who needed for certification and/or
For one day of the 2013 National Scout Jamboree , you're doing a day of service. Here's the deal with that: First , you're a Scout. It's what you do. Pitching in and helping-it's in your blood. It takes work, some sweat, and some muscle, but you're prepared for the challenge.
In this podcast a discussion with Scouter Dean and Alex Dean of Scouts Canada and answers to emails about standards and planning. The Scouting Party by David Scott Visit our sponsor Conohocreek.com Check out Scoutcircle.org - our latest program was a great success and is available for viewing now.
Steps in Tying the Timber Hitch The following text is by Adolph E. Peschke as presented in the 1998 printing of the 1993 edition of the Pioneering Merit Badge Pamphlet in the Lashing Section describing the traditional diagonal lashing… When putting crossed braces on a structure to keep it from racking (as used when making…
I was reading one of Scoutmaster Jerry's recent posts the other day and it contains the news that PTC Media is closing its doors. PTC hosted a number podcasts made by Scouters in the USA and was run by Cubmaster Chris.
This Monday night was the Pack's Blue & Gold. Our Pack has been around for since 1951. We have had many Blue & Golds celebrations. However, as of late, we have been pretty lax on them. It changed on Monday night. The theme in the back of my head was Tradition. I spoke to everyone
When we think about a patrol leader's council we form a picture of Scouts sitting around a table talking and making plans but what's really going on? The Senior patrol leader is in charge, the patrol leaders are assembled , the scribe is ready, the Scoutmaster is on hand to advise… what happens next?
After their Blue Gold banquets and cross-over ceremonies, many Webelos will be joining troops over the next month. A new adventure for young boys full of excitement and apprehension about camping without parents, cooking their own food, and hanging out with older guys.
Introduction In Part I of this series, I began the process of looking into the "older Scout problem". This is where Scout Troops have trouble retaining and recruiting boys from the ages of 15-18. In the last post, I began the discussion by examining just why this is a very important issue and why older…
________________________________________ Dear Andy, I'm supposedly a "hover" parent. I'm trying to learn not to be, even though my son's considered on the immature side. He's had a fear of the unknown since he was an infant, and it persists. Does this make him "immature"?
Scouter Mom 1 (200 x 200) Scouter Mom 2 (120 x 150) Scouter Mom 3 (200 x 200) Scouter Mom 4 (120 x 150) Scouter Mom 5 (200x 200) Scouter Mom 6 (120 x 150)
James Keller, Director of the Pioneering Action Center for the 2013 National Jamboree, related a story about the Japanese Mark II Square Lashing. He described how back in 1993, Adolph Peschke had mandated that his staff should just use the Japanese Mark II square lashing for the Jamboree’s pioneering projects.
This weekend at the Trainers EDGE training we got into a discussion about "letting Scouts fail to learn". About half of the room agreed with the idea and the other half agreed that the Scout needs to learn, but using the term ‘fail' did not sit well with them.
The National Scouting website says this about what a Blue & Gold represents: "The purpose of the blue and gold banquet is to celebrate the pack's anniversary, thank pack leaders and other adults who have helped the pack, and inspire the leaders, Scouts, and parents. Packs often like to invite former members and other Scouting
Kiffs thoughts on a recently seen tweet about a campaign for votes at 16; but what are your thoughts on votes at 16?
Posted in Outdoor Recreation Snow Day Giveaway Enter daily for a chance to win the following: a pair of Kamik KeystoneG winter boots ($240), a set of lightweight MSR Evo snowshoes ($100), and a pair of durable Mountain Hardwear Spearhead Mitts ($100).
Would you like to serve on Wood Badge staff?" It was one of the easiest questions I've ever been asked. It sounds sentimental, but the truth is I had never really left Wood Badge, at least in my mind. That made saying "yes" to Debbie Sullivan, course director for the upcoming Wood Badge course this…
In the never ending search for the perfect chuck box here's another interesting chuck box design by lupinsea found at the Expedition Portal . Looks like a lightweight, compact and functional idea (there's a video below showing how it is set up.
Posted in Science Science Everywhere – STEM Award for Cub Scouts (Science) STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. There is an award for each discipline at each level of Scouting. The science Nova award for Cub Scouts is called Science Everywhere.
Posted in Science Science Everywhere Nova Award – STEM Science for Cub Scouts STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. There is an award for each discipline at each level of Scouting. The science Nova award for Cub Scouts is called Science Everywhere.
Scoutmaster Clarke Green, from Scoutmastercg.com, sent me the link to this gem. Scouting.org is a wonderful site with tons of great material that nobody ever sees and this is one of the better documents. I've yet to figure out how …
Last night was our Pack's Blue and Gold. It's the culmination of a lot of hard work by a lot of people, not only for the event, but for the whole Scouting year. We all work our tails off to make the event a success, and I will say, other than a couple of awards…
Wanna see how things are coming along at the site of the 2013 Jamboree? With a little over 100 days to go, check out this bird's eye view of the construction effort at the Summit . Rock climbing Mountain biking Canopy tours Zip lines Challenge courses Shooting sports Archery Skateboard ramps and rails BMX jump track…
What do fresh snow, mud, and dirt have in common? They're perfect for finding animal tracks on your next hike! But, once you've found the tracks, you need to figure out what animal made them. That can be a challenge, especially for people just starting their outdoors adventures.
From certain perspectives, the following pioneering kit presented in the informative older Pioneering Merit Badge Pamphlet is undoubtedly very extensive for a single unit, and better suited for a kit stored in a large shed or storage facility earmarked for multi-unit use in a District or Council.
Posted in Nature and the World Bird Study Merit Badge for Boy Scouts The Bird Study merit badge is a good elective for the Boy Scouts in your troop who enjoy watching birds. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing [ This is a content summary…
I asked Jay to write about his experiences in Scouting because I think it’s important to get to know and understand each other, that young men like Jay, a gay Scout, are not new to Scouting, they have always been there – Clarke To all my fellow Scouters – We are all engaged in a conversation about…
I asked Jay to write about his experiences in Scouting because I think it's important to get to know and understand each other, that young men like Jay are not new to Scouting, that they have always been there – Clarke To all my fellow Scouters – We are all engaged in a conversation about whether or…
Despite what car dealerships seem to believe, subtlety in advertising isn't dead. Case in point: the BSA's new "We Are Venturers" promo video, a 90-second glimpse into a typical day in the life of a real group of Venturers. Watch the video after the jump.
The following text is by Adolph E. Peschke as presented in the 1998 printing of the 1993 edition of the Pioneering Merit Badge Pamphlet: Building pioneering projects often requires some type of strong point for attaching a guy line for a tower or derrick.
From The April 3 1952 edition of The Scout, p 549. Drawn by Les Saward
Have a read of the full post on Bobwhite Blather and make us your own mind. Have you ever been guilty of being a Helicopter Leader?
Posted in Aims of Scouting BSA Wolf Supplemental Den Meeting Plan D – Swimming and Boating Safety Rules Wolf Den Meeting Plans: This meeting is a pool party where Wolf Cub Scouts learn about swimming and boating safety and earn their Swimming belt loop.
