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Do you ever feel like a broken record when you’re talking to your sons? You know, “use your napkin, not your shirt.” Maybe when they start dating we’ll see a change… While the Cub Scouts Good Manners Belt Loop and Earning Your Stripes have been retired, the Scout Law reminds us that a Scout is…
As adults, we sometimes feel the need to improve the flow in our troops. When this happens, it's all too easy to tell our Scouts what to do. Have you ever directed the setup of a weekend campout, or stepped …
No offense, moms and dads, but I may have found something that bests the letter from home. Send a JAMBOX to your Scouts attending the 2013 National Scout Jamboree later this month. The $20 care package includes candy, cookies, trail mix, glow sticks, a bouncy ball, a mini first-aid kid, two patches, and a coupon…
the This edition of the Scoutmaster Podcast features a discussion of the Main Aim and email answers about who appoints some youth positions, who signs requirements and a youth protection question. All this and you messages in the mailbag. Scoutmaster Podcast 177
Welcome to Chief's Corner! I'm Wayne Brock, Chief Scout Executive for the Boy Scouts of America, and I'm really looking forward to this cyber-exchange of ideas. I've found that social media is a great tool for reaching out to folks who want to hear more about how we serve America's young people.
Venturing Ranger Award Elective – Winter Sports Posted in FitnessOutdoor RecreationTo complete the Venturing Ranger Award requirements for Winter Sports, a Venturer must learn all about skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, or ice skating. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and... [ This is a content summary only.
Well, it's that time of year again. I've just returned from another wonderful week at Camp Friedlander. As a result of another week visit, we had to take a hard look at what not only my own boys packed (I took three boys with me), and what to tell the other 60 boys to bring.
Early spring, a complimentary box of KIND Energy Snack Bars arrived at the Scouting magazine offices. The sweet, savory, and spicy snack bars quickly disappeared. (Mmm. We take product testing very seriously.) The KIND bars make a great afternoon treat, but they're even better when enjoyed outdoors - on a hike, a long bike ride, or…
Hampshire Scouts' Ambassador and adventurer, James Ketchell, has set off on an epic global cycle journey to raise awareness about Scouting.
Volunteers gathered to celebrate the diversity of Scouting at London Community Pride on Saturday.
Hey fellow Scouts! With Jamboree just around the corner, I am sure you all are getting anxious to start packing. I know I am! We covered packing when the jamboree duffel was unveiled, but it's always good to refresh. To help you out, here is a short list of essential items to include when packing…
Wood Carving Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in ScoutcraftBoy Scouts can learn about wood carving techniques and safety while working on the Wood Carving merit badge. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content summary only.
As the Boy Scouts of America's 12th Chief Scout Executive , Wayne Brock continues a solemn tradition that dates back to November 1911 when James E. West became the first Chief. But let's remember July 2013 as the moment when Chief Brock started a new tradition, one Mr.
When I went to Summer Camp this year at LaNoChe, I took part in one of their Scouter education programs and recertified in Aquatics Supervision: Swimming & Water Rescue and Paddle Craft Safety. I have held both of those certifications …
A fascinating artifact found at Win Davis's website In April of 1987, Bill Hillcourt came to Central Florida. He visited for an evening with Scouts and leaders from Boy Scout Troop 46 in Longwood. What he had to say is pretty interesting.
A while ago, we talked about being aware of any food allergies that your Cub Scouts may have. I really hate when a Scout has to be excluded from a snack or activity because they are allergic to an ingredient.
Transform wheeled mobility into an art form with Wheels , one of four high adventure programs offered at the Summit in 2014. Check out the video above for a taste. Wheels is a smorgasbord of, well, wheels. Seriously. You'll feast on a mountain biking trail network that's no.
What, precisely, is the promise of Scouting? No one would know better than William Hillcourt: Your Life as a Scout You are an American boy. Before long you will be an American man. It is important to America and to yourself that you become a citizen of fine character, physically strong, mentally awake and morally…
Our May Campout was supposed to be this final conclusion to our Zombie theme that we had running through the year so far. In January we had a Geocaching type campout where they had to find Z0M-B formula in the …
Hello again! I hope many of you are lining up special plans for celebrating our nation's independence this week. I love this country. It has always been an honor for me to have the chance to thank our terrific women and men of the military for their service to our country, and remember those who…
You don't have to wander far down Scouting's path before you realize you're onto something big. And its inspiration takes as many forms as there are Scouts. Here, during Fourth of July week, when patriotism is at a premium and blasts of American pride are all around… it's a great time to take inspiration from…
Backpacking Troop Program Feature for Boy Scouts Posted in FitnessHikingOutdoor RecreationA backpacking programs feature offers the opportunity to learn the skills to successfully plan and carry out a backpacking trip. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content summary only.
Just wanted to do a quick post to display the transformation of Scout to Zombie (click images to go to the albums): Here's Josh, he was the first to be made up: Here's Joey, they put an effect …
We just celebrated 150 years of statehood in West Virginia on June 20 and today-the fourth of July-we celebrate the nation's 237th birthday. As we prepare for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree , we invite you to spend the day in the company of friends and family and take a moment to reflect on the humble…
click the image to see full-sized On Independence Day we celebrate; We celebrate the trust our nation's first leaders invested in one another. We celebrate loyalty they mutually pledged: their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. We celebrate the helpfulness of those who aided our fledgling country.
So last month 5 Venture Patrol Scouts and 3 adults from our troop went on a 50 miler. It was our first time trying our own long-term canoe / kayak trip and from the outset we were cautious not to …
I wanted to do a follow-up to a blog post that I wrote in January about our TLT. It's about time for another TLT session, because we hold them within a month after each troop election. It helps to refresh the Scouts who were on the last PLC, and obviously, help the new Scouts find…
Click the image to see full sized Any good outdoorsman knows how to make a fire in the rain. Once you've mastered the skill of building fires when the weather is dry you'll want to hone your skills for starting a fire when the weather goes bad.
This structure is based on the 6 strut tensegrity icosahedron , and is a relative of the tensegrity gateway I posted here before. A few tips: - All ropes should be anchored as close to the end of the struts as possible.
You’ve probably wondered what your Pack Committee does . You know you have a Cubmaster, and you assume that he or she is in charge of the pack. I think of the Cubmaster as the “face” of the pack . He or she interacts with the Scouts and runs the pack meetings.
A few weeks ago, my wife Ernestine and I visited the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, where my granddaughter plans to attend college in the fall of 2014. It is also the home of the George H.W.
BSA Arrow of Light Den Meeting Plan 7 – Readyman Posted in Be PreparedThis Webelos den meeting idea from the Arrow of Light series of Webelos den meeting plans covers part of Readyman Activity Badge. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content summary only.
Just a quick post touting one of the best canoe / kayak day trips I've been on. For a shakedown trip for our Suwannee River adventure, the Venture Patrol spent the day on the Silver River. As the Silver River …
________________________________________ If you're going to be at the NATIONAL JAMBOREE, stop by the NESA exhibit tent at the Summit Center's Legacy Village. I'll be there on Monday or Tuesday, July 22-23, for short talks and some quality Q&A time with you!
Did you know that David Bowie's first public performance happened at Scouts? The Scout Association have published a list of 30 amazing scouting facts.
Ultimate Tic-Tac-Toe is a perfect game for a rainy day under the tarp, or an evening lazing around camp. All you need is a clear patch of dirt and a stick, or a paper and pencil. As you may have discovered yourself, tic-tac-toe is terminally dull.
FACT The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America, incorporated on February 8, 1910, and chartered by Congress in 1916, is to provide an educational program for boys and young adults to build character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to develop personal fitness.
Did You Know........ David Bowie's first performance happened at Scouts. Source: http://scouts.org.uk/news/2013/06/30-amazing-facts-about-scouts/ Yours in Scouting Service Mark West Eagle Scout ASM Troop 1316/Troop 0669 Council Aquatics/Outdoor Ethics Council Program/Training/Camping If you are paid to do Scouting, you are called a professional.
For Better or For Worse Comic Strip, July 06, 2013 on GoComics.com . Scout Camp – For Better or For Worse
I saw it many times during my 30 years as a scoutmaster. That first year at a week long summer camp causes some boys to grow up a bit, sometimes more than a bit. It is their first time away from home, parents, and family for that long of a period.
Premise: When Scouting is WELL-PROMOTED in its true and irresistible light, as a value-based movement providing experiences found nowhere else , there will be a manifold increase in membership comprised of those families who not only want to get involved, but who will knock on the doors of individual Scout units and their local councils to…
Thought I would pass on an email that was forwarded to me about Scouting Radio's coverage of ten Jamborees in July at http://scoutingradio.com . Dear Scouting Radio Listener, July is just around the corner and it is the month of Jamboree, Jamboree, Jamboree!
This edition of the Scoutmaster Podcast features a discussion of what all Scoutmasters should be trained to do from someone who ought to know exactly what that is. All this and you messages in the mailbag. Mike Malone's book Four Percent Win Davis's book Men of Schiff The video of Green Bar Bill discussed in…
Did You Know........ Herge's legendary character Tintin is based on a Scout. Source: http://scouts.org.uk/news/2013/06/30-amazing-facts-about-scouts/ Yours in Scouting Service Mark West Eagle Scout ASM Troop 1316/Troop 0669 Council Aquatics/Outdoor Ethics Council Program/Training/Camping If you are paid to do Scouting, you are called a professional.
Hello everyone! We are just days away now from the start of the 2013 National Scout Jamboree at our new Jamboree home, The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in the beautiful New River Gorge region of West Virginia. While this is a pivotal time for Scouting as we venture into our second century of…
Venturing Quest Award Posted in FitnessVenturing is all about letting teens explore what interests them and achieving the aims of Scouting at the same time. The Quest award provides recognition for Venturers who pursue an interest in sports. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth...
Of all the attributes we associate with Scouting, certainly the uniform is the most directly visible, but the advancement program is certainly the most palpable (and visible when the insignia of recognition appear on the uniform). Scouting is measured by …
Forget everything you think you know about conferences. Forget the long lines at the buffet, the windowless meeting rooms at hotels, the boring PowerPoints, and the awkward social gatherings. Conferences at the Philmont Training Center , Scouting's paradise in the mountains of New Mexico, are anything but typical.
We all have our favorite campfire skits. Sometimes they are short ones and other times they are a bit on the long side. They usually make us chuckle or laugh out loud. If they are really a good one, it will be one we want to be a part of when it is performed in…
C+R Research provides youth-market research for a variety of businesses and organizations, including the BSA. Learn more about the attitudes, behaviors, beliefs, and values of youth today in this review of the YouthBeat 2012 report . Significant differences between Scouts and non-Scouts are noted in the review.
Grab your climbing gear and head to the Summit to spend seven days on the No. 1 ranked zip and challenge course facilities in the United States with the Helmets and Harnesses program at the Summit , one of six programs offered next summer from June 8 and Aug.
Did You Know........ David Bowie's first public musical performance was at a Scout Camp on the Isle of Wright in 1958. David accompanied his friend George Underwood while George played washboard bass and sang . Source: http://scouts.org.uk/news/2013/06/30-amazing-facts-about-scouts/ Yours in Scouting Service Mark West Eagle Scout ASM Troop 1316/Troop 0669 Council Aquatics/Outdoor Ethics Council Program/Training/Camping If you…
In a life-threatening situation outdoors, a Scout's skills are only as good as his memory. That's why mnemonic devices - popular for schoolchildren memorizing the order of the planets, the metric system, or the colors of the rainbow - are also useful when the pressure's on you to react to a health or safety emergency.
Power Up – STEM Award for Venturers (Technology) Posted in ScienceSTEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The technology Nova award (STEM award) for Venturers is called Power Up. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content summary only.
The summer camp season is upon us, so it's an important time to remember how important incident reporting is to the organization. As our Key 3 has stated in the BSA Commitment to Safety, it is a good time to: Communicate the importance of incident and near-miss reporting and hold staff members accountable for implementing…
Grab the mic and practice those show-stopping tunes - The Bright Sparks Project is coming to a Scout event near you.
I just saw a news story about a faith-based group that has formed an alternative organization to the BSA. To quote from the article: A faith-based group opposed to the Boy Scouts recent decision to allow gay youth to join has formed their own program for kids and teens in response -- but they will also…
There are many styles of leadership. There are those that insist that leaders must lead from the front. There are is the camp that won't have those they lead do anything that they would not themselves do. There are screamers, directors, instructors, and those that won't make a decision without consent and debate.
Chief Scout Executive Wayne Brock has launched the "Chief's Corner" blog ( www.bsachief.com ) to discuss his thoughts on a range of issues important to the Scouting movement-from the upcoming jamboree, to service to the community, to what the future holds. The site will be updated frequently, so be sure to bookmark it (or subscribe via RSS…
Reblogged from Bryan on Scouting: In a life-threatening situation outdoors, a Scout's skills are only as good as his memory. That's why mnemonic devices - popular for schoolchildren memorizing the order of the planets, the metric system, or the colors of the rainbow - are also useful when the pressure's on you to react to a health…
Without an underlying system of core values, the Paul A. Christen National High Adventure Base at the Summit is just another camp to do fun stuff. Really, really fun stuff. As the new 2014 high adventure programs at the Summit take shape, you might be asking, "What does all this high adventure mean for Scouting?"
Did You Know........ During World War II over 50 thousand Scouts trained to undertake National War Service jobs including acting as Police Messengers, Firemen, and Stretcher bearers. Source: http://scouts.org.uk/news/2013/06/30-amazing-facts-about-scouts/ Yours in Scouting Service Mark West Eagle Scout ASM Troop 1316/Troop 0669 Council Aquatics/Outdoor Ethics Council Program/Training/Camping If you are paid to do Scouting, you are…
When I was looking at Pinterest recently, I saw several neat Cub Scout scrapbook layouts especially on this Pinterest board . Since I loved the ideas that I saw, I looked online and found some great products that you might be interested in.
Everything's bigger and better at the 2013 jamboree, even the Wi-Fi and cellular networks. Early reports from staff members on the ground indicate impressive data speeds, legitimizing all that talk about this being the most-connected jamboree ever. But how fast is fast?
Aquatics Troop Program Feature for Boy Scouts Posted in Fitness This aquatics program feature offers the opportunity to learn more about swimming and boating. Your PLC can plan a month of activities around this theme. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content summary only.
Hello again! As we count down the final days and hours to the opening of our 2013 National Scout Jamboree , I got to thinking about how we are breaking ground on many new traditions for our Scouts to carry on for future generations.
If you're hoping to register as staff for this year's jamboree, time is running out! With just one week to go until the jamboree, there are still departments with openings for staff. This is a great opportunity to partake in the first jamboree to be held at the Summit.
Produce the next official recruiting video for Scouting, and get a chance to win one of three iPad minis! Three grand prize winners (one in each category: Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturing) will each receive an Apple iPad mini with a 16GB hard drive!
We are delighted to announce that Ben Crabb has been appointed as East Midlands Regional Commissioner from October 2013.
The Scout Association has been given a limited number of free tickets to Go Local on Friday 19 July 2013 at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London.
Our troop elections were last week and PLC was last night with the new cadre. Our calendar is pretty set with themes and campouts, so the new leadership is pretty informed and prepared. Our next 3 months' theme is shooting, …
Click to open the July 15 issue The July 15 issue of the Finance Impact Department's e-Letter has been published and is available online. In this issue, readers can learn about two opportunities to attend the BSA National Foundation's major gift seminar at Philmont Training Center , Sept.
Did You Know........ 31 million people are active in Scouting across the world........that's equal to the population of Peru. Source: http://scouts.org.uk/news/2013/06/30-amazing-facts-about-scouts/ Yours in Scouting Service Mark West Eagle Scout ASM Troop 1316/Troop 0669 Council Aquatics/Outdoor Ethics Council Program/Training/Camping If you are paid to do Scouting, you are called a professional.
Aviation Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in ScienceBoy Scouts learn all about the history and science of flight when they earn their Aviation merit badge. There is an annual skill center for this badge in our council at a local airport.
Even if you're not among the fortunate few attending, staffing, or visiting the jamboree next week, you can still play along at home. Scouting magazine will cover the jamboree from a Scouter's perspective, sharing news about programs; requirements for new merit badges released at the jamboree; interviews with Scouts, Venturers, and leaders; and compelling anecdotes.
Wisconsin Scoutmaster Gordon Bain authored this collection of eleven campfire stories for his Scouts. Imagine hunkering around the fire and hearing a very credible account of someone you know, or a place you have been. Just enough factual information to draw you in, but with an eerie twist that raises the hair on the back…
Two new merit badges-and a long-anticipated update to an existing badge-will be available beginning July 15 at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree and online: Cycling update with mountain biking option Sustainability Programming More information will be released next week, but the merit badge pamphlets for all three should hit Scout shops (and scoutstuff.org) in early…
Good morning! I'll be posting some of my favorite snapshots from the official Boy Scouts of America Flickr page leading up to and through the Jamboree. Scouts and volunteers are on the ground now preparing for what will be a great event that truly showcases the magic of Scouting.
If BSA founder James E. West were around today, how would your Scouts address him? Mr. West? James? Mr. James? Jimmy E.? The way Scouts and Venturers address leaders was on the mind of Scouter Terry (or is it Mr.
Here's one for your browser's bookmarks bar: The newest edition of the Boy Scouts of America Guide to Advancement released today. The PDF version contains answers to pretty much any advancement question that might come up, and it's essential reading for your unit's advancement chair and others who like to be kept in the loop…
If this is Wednesday, it must be "Jambo-Laya" Night! Attention Jamboree 2013 Participants! We know you're going to be pushin' it , draining this historic event of every last drop of adventure, so we plan to provide the fuel to keep you going all ten days!
The summer edition of Training Times has been published and is available online (and as a downloadable PDF ). In this issue, you can read more about staying current on your Youth Protection Training, proposed updates to the Venturing program, the new Rayado Ridge Leadership Camp at Philmont Scout Ranch, and the first-ever NAYLE course planned…
Disclaimer: work at heights is dangerous. This activity was supervised by an IWH certified professional from SA Rope Access . All relevant safety procedures including fall protection plans should be followed for activities involving high structures Last week I wrote about the tensegrity structures we built at Pop Bolton 2013 in Benoni.
Did You Know........ Scout Groups in Merseyside hold the current world record for the longest handshake chain. Source: http://scouts.org.uk/news/2013/06/30-amazing-facts-about-scouts/ Yours in Scouting Service Mark West Eagle Scout ASM Troop 1316/Troop 0669 Council Aquatics/Outdoor Ethics Council Program/Training/Camping If you are paid to do Scouting, you are called a professional.
Ever heard someone tell a story and think to yourself that is not how I would do it, I would do it different. Here is your chance
Off to Camp - Well would you do it different? What problems you have noticed or what you would have told Calvin to do differently.
With the jamboree coming right around the corner, we at Patrol Z can't wait to start covering all of the excitement! Here is how you can make sure you don't miss a minute of it: 1. Stay tuned right here at the Summit Blog.
T-minus three days and counting… Time to Go Big. Get Wild. And ClassB will be there when it happens! After a much anticipated wait, the 2013 National Scout Jamboree is almost here! In less than a week, Scouters from all over the country will gather in Mount Hope, West Virginia to celebrate the new permanent…
Hello again! I really have to hand it to the W.D. Boyce Council in Peoria, IL. They sure know how to stir up interest in raising money! I just watched a YouTube video produced with these Peoria Scouts trying to raise money for a new shower house at the Ingersoll Scout Reservation , one of the…
Losing Interest in Boy Scouts Posted in Aims of ScoutingRecruitingA reader asks "The fun is gone. I know Boy Scouts is different than Cubs, but is it supposed to be no fun? Is there a suggestion I can take to the Scoutmaster that might help him keep these boys interested?"
The Membership Impact Department is pleased to announce the development of two new pre-recorded webinars to assist regional and area volunteers in supporting councils in the area of membership growth. Council Membership Plan Implementation Webinar This webinar was created to assist councils with preparing a council membership plan.
If you are headed out into the wild and run into a real gully washing, frog-strangling rainstorm here's ten more tips for camping in the rain that should help you get through the storm in style (the first ten tips are here .)
Enjoy the smile game as a fun Cub Scout Gathering activity!
Images courtesy of Boy Scouts of America Flickr More to come! Wayne
Did You Know........ Baden=Powell's Scouting for Boys has sold 150 million copies since 1908, making it the fourth best book of all time after The Bible, The Koran and Chairman Mao's Little Red Book. Source: http://scouts.org.uk/news/2013/06/30-amazing-facts-about-scouts/ Yours in Scouting Service Mark West Eagle Scout ASM Troop 1316/Troop 0669 Council Aquatics/Outdoor Ethics Council Program/Training/Camping If you…
We're still a couple of days away from the 2013 National Scout Jamboree but the fun is already starting. Here are some of my favorite shots from Friday. All photos courtesy of BSA Flickr . Much more to come as we get closer to July 15! Wayne
‘Bannock" is a name for quick flat bread that originated in Scotland and was adopted by most Native Americans, voyagers, mountain men and pioneers. With a minimum of fuss and bit of practice anyone can bake a bannock loaf in a frying pan or wrapped around a stick.
Did You Know........ Roller Stones rocker Keith Richards credits Scouts with nurturing his music career. "I got to be Patrol Leader within six weeks.............I just shot to the top. Once I had a bunch of guys together, it doesn't matter if it was Scouts or a band, I could see my way clear to pull…
I've been truly blessed to meet so many great people over these past few days and see such tireless hard work go into preparing what will be our finest Jamboree yet. Below are some of my favorite snapshots from Saturday.
The 2013 National Jamboree is a sprinter on the starting blocks, muscles flexed, brimming with the potential energy of things to come. Can you feel it? Tomorrow morning, the first buses arrive onsite, and that potential energy becomes kinetic. You'll see it manifesting itself on zip-lines, BMX tracks, skate parks and climbing walls.
