World Scarf Day (opens in a new tab)
Today is World Scarf Day, Wear you necker with pride
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August 2013
197 posts, oldest first.
Posts in August 2013
Pottery Merit Badge for Boy Scouts (opens in a new tab)
Pottery Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in Careers and VocationsHobbiesThe Arts and CreativityBoy Scouts learn about the craft and art of making useful and beautiful ceramic objects while earning the Pottery merit badge. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in...
Take A Shot (At The Summit): Jamboree Shooting Sports
Shooting sports have always been integral to the plans for the Summit. Because the Summit is home to the Paul R. Christen National High Adventure Base, you can be sure it will include more than your run-of-the-mill shooting ranges. To that end, the Summit features a world-class assortment of shooting sports ranging from those that…
The Spirit of the Scoutmaster (opens in a new tab)
The Spirit of Scouting and the Spirit of the Scoutmaster The Spirit of the Scout Master must be the spirit of Scouting itself. There is hardly any use of a Scout Master trying to teach the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law, if he is not living them himself. The spirit of the
Final attendance numbers from the 2013 jamboree
The photos have been shared with Mom, Dad, and everyone on Facebook; the patches found a safe place in a binder or box; and the muddy clothes have been washed (and rewashed). All that's left to do is look back on a game-changing, awesome 2013 National Jamboree .
July 2013 Customer Photos! (opens in a new tab)
With July coming to a close, we all know what that means… it's almost "Back to School" time. So many of our customers have taken full advantage of the beautiful summer weather and have created memories that will last a lifetime.
Been there, built that? Get the official BSA racing and Team SLR T-shirt (opens in a new tab)
You'd have to be crazy to get behind the wheel of a race car built by bunch of Scouts, right? Then I guess NASCAR driver and BSA Racing partner Scott Lagasse Jr. is a little crazy. At the 2013 jamboree, I reported on Team SLR's wildly popular exhibit up at Technology Quest where Scouts and…
Bear Grylls and David Walliams take to the air to visit Scouts (opens in a new tab)
UK Chief Scout Bear Grylls will fly by helicopter today to visit Scout jamborees, accompanied by actor and comedian David Walliams
Beagle Scout Snoopy Rocks! (opens in a new tab)
It is August 1st, and that means this year's new Hallmark Keepsake ornaments are in the stores and ready to sell. Beagle Scout Snoopy and his friends once again make an appearance as the Scouting series continues. This year captures the Beagle Scout as he climbs to the top of the mountain with the help…
Hike Prep (opens in a new tab)
Tomorrow starts the big adventure for my summer. I leave to start hiking the 1,100 mile Ice Age Trail across Wisconsin with my friend Papa Bear from Seattle. He arrived safely by train and we've walked a few miles here while doing last minute shopping and preparation.
Chain Reaction 'Scouter Waker Upper' (opens in a new tab)
I found this drawing on a scrap of paper in amongst some notes from the founding Scouter of my old Scout Group , and I suspect this is from John Sweet's column in the Scouting magazine. "We are indebted to Mr.
Dirt Patrol Is In Effect And You're Invited
You may have seen Mike Rowe, from the TV show "Dirty Jobs," speaking at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree. If so, you know that he's all about working hard and smart, rolling up his shirtsleeves, and getting dirty to get the job done.
Jamboree Newspapers (opens in a new tab)
With this year's Boy Scouts of America National Jamboree now a part of history, it has made me think about the 2001 Jamboree which I attended as the scoutmaster of Central Minnesota Council Troop 1417, one of two troops we sent to Fort A.P.
Scout Neckerchiefs and Uniforms (opens in a new tab)
A belated happy World Scarf Day! Scout neckerchiefs are the only unique element of the Scout uniform, I don't know of any other uniformed group that wears neckerchiefs other than Scouts. As our group prepared for our trip to Switzerland in 2011 our Scouts first asked if they needed to bring their uniforms.
ClassB @ 2013 National Jamboree (opens in a new tab)
Recently, ClassB staff ventured up to Mount Hope, West Virginia for the Boy Scouts of America's highly anticipated 2013 National Jamboree . This was the first ever Jamboree at its new permanent location, the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve . It was also the first time ClassB attended a Jamboree as exhibitors.
For the 99.9 percent of kids who won't go pro in sports, Scouting offers a leg up
If you know a kid who dunks like Blake Griffin, runs like Adrian Peterson or hits like Miguel Cabrera, don't bother trying to recruit him to join Scouts. Because, as the Scouting recruiting video below explains, parents of these super-athletes have won the genetic lottery, and their kids are set for life.
Issue 360 – August 2, 2013 (opens in a new tab)
________________________________________ The NATIONAL JAMBOREE was a hoot! Over 27,000 Scouts and Venturers (the Venturing guys and gals looked great in green-wonderful additions!) supported by close to 3,000 volunteers. The venues, ranging from all sorts of shooting activities, dragon boats on the lake, five miles of zip lines, and spectacular arena shows, were all wonderful experiences for…
What is a Scout Vacation?
A Scout vacation doesn't fit most people's definition of a ‘vacation'. We were out walking uptown at our hometown art stroll last night talking to our friends (most of them present or past Scouts and Scouters). We chatted about the usual things; how the kids are doing, vacations, the weather.
Planning The Year 2013 (opens in a new tab)
I became a scoutmaster in 1981. I went to district and council training and learned that the Boy Scouts should do the planning for their troop's program.Boy Scout Troop 68 began holding a yearly planning conference during the first or second weekend of August.
Scoutmaster Podcast 181
This edition of the Scoutmaster Podcast features an idea about neckerchiefs and uniforms and answers an email question about the Patrol Leader's Council Plans; should they repeat things they did last year?. All this and you messages in the mailbag. Scoutmaster Podcast 181
The Monkey Bridge at the 2013 National Jamboree (opens in a new tab)
Modified Double A-Frame Monkey Bridge For those familiar with the traditional Double A-Frame Monkey Bridge design , a couple of noticeable modifications will be apparent from the outset. (Click on the photos for larger views.) Scout engineering is a fluid undertaking, and frequently variations are necessary.
Jamboree Pioneering: The Building Process (opens in a new tab)
The Crew on their Pre-stressed Triple Walkway Bridge After the spars were skinned and the initial supply of ropes were cut and whipped, there were about three days to build the pioneering area and batten down the hatches in readiness for the first troops to take the hike up to Garden Ground.
Jamboree 2013: Done But Not Over
Wow. Is it really possible to pack this many awesome activities into 10 days? Well, I guess it is. We all just spent it doing those activities. The recap of events? ATV, BMX, canopy tours, climbing, the Cloud, day of service, mountain biking and boarding, rappelling, scuba, shooting, shows, whitewater rafting, and zip-lining, not to…
The true meaning of Scout (opens in a new tab)
Our troop has experienced a rash of Eagle Scout activity in recent months, the most recent of which was an Eagle Court of Honor on Sunday in which the 48th Eagle Scout in our troop's 30-year history received his medal …
After jamboree, Connecticut Scouter returned to his car to find this…
Connecticut Scouter Gary had just finished a "wonderful week serving on the national jamboree staff" when he returned to the mall parking lot where his car had lived for the past two weeks. But when he spotted his car, his heart sank.
Jamboree Pioneering Area: Bridges (opens in a new tab)
Left to Right: Crossing Single A-Frame Bridge / Building Single A-Frame Bridge / Crossing Prestressed Triple Walkway Bridge / Crossing Double A-Frame Monkey Bridge The bridges featured in the pioneering area of the 2013 National Jamboree were a modified Double A-Frame Monkey Bridge , a specially designed pre-stressed triple walkway bridge, and two Single A-Frame Bridge s that Scouts…
Money for NESA scholarships up 165% since 2007
Being an Eagle Scout pays off, in some cases literally. The National Eagle Scout Association offers scholarships for Eagles entering college, a big help for families as tuitions continue to rise at universities nationwide. Graduating high schoolers can apply for 2014 NESA scholarships beginning Oct.
Wolf Cub Scouts: Food Pyramid Activity (opens in a new tab)
Wolf Cub Scout requirement 8A is "Study the Food Guide Pyramid. Name some foods from each of the food groups shown in the pyramid." It would be easy to just talk to the boys about it, but it's even better to make an active game for the food pyramid activity. When I was researching the
A jamboree-packed weekend for Bear Grylls and David Walliams (opens in a new tab)
Bear Grylls visited thousands of Scouts and volunteers at four of the UK's biggest jamborees last weekend. He was joined by his friend, actor and comedian David Walliams.
Prestressed Triple Walkway Bridge (opens in a new tab)
STRONG Bridge! For information, contact: Albert Crowsky, 847-809-4593 Sound engineering, deliberations, and a dose of creative improvisation entered into the picture during the building process. The finished bridge is decorated with pennants. JAMBOREE PIONEERING AREA: BRIDGES JAMBOREE PIONEERING AREA: MAIN PAGE
Paracord 550 (opens in a new tab)
This summer I took on a new fun hobby. Using Paracord to create lanyard, key fobs, bracelets and other items. I have always been fascinated with knots. I know a few knots and use them often. Most of the paracord knots really are not ones used out in the woods or tying down a load.
Snake Bite Poster Available
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Messengers of Peace in Athens, West Virginia (opens in a new tab)
Check it out! When we did our Messengers of Peace day of service as part of the Jambo experience, a local reported was covering this story about out troop… Utah troop takes on projects in Athens By TOM BONE, Bluefield Daily Telegraph ATHENS — Block after block, 36 Boy Scouts from Utah scraped weeds from the…
Ice Age Trail Hike (opens in a new tab)
We've had 3 great days of hiking and met some winderful people along the trail. We camped in one guy's backyard forest, in an old camper a restaurant, and in a family's basement. Today, we're heading to Manitowoc where we hope to camp at a scouting family's property.
Bezos mentions 'Scout troops' in letter to Washington Post employees
Everyday Americans care about the Boy Scouts of America. You know it, I know it, and, as it turns out, Amazon.com CEO Jeff Bezos knows it. Bezos made headlines yesterday when he bought The Washington Post for $250 million. But what you might not have seen was this letter from Bezos to employees of The…
Here are 5 inspiring letters from some satisfied jamboree customers (opens in a new tab)
After I posted this heartfelt letter from a mom about her son's jamboree experience, even more positive jamboree anecdotes poured in. I heard from Scoutmasters, Venturing advisors, visitors and even members of local West Virginia communities. Every last one was a glowing review of the BSA's first jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve.
Mosquitos, finally (opens in a new tab)
This morning, we've walked about 17 miles from Mishicot to Two Rivers via the Point Beach state forest. We found where all the mosquitos have been hiding!!! Our bug suits worked wonderfully and were a real fashion statement. We have about 11 more miles today - it's a long one!
The Hourglass Tower at the Jamboree (opens in a new tab)
Hourglass a.k.a. Pyramid Tower, erected next to the Camp Gadget / Skills Instruction area. Hourglass Tower Display: Rope Ladder Side The Hourglass Tower in the 2013 National Jamboree Pioneering Area was set up as one of four tower displays. “The Hourglass Tower is something of a classic for Scout pioneering.
Building real-life skills through STEM
As we look ahead to Scouting's next century, we know that giving our Scouts solid skills in Science, Technology, and Engineering and Math – or STEM – is what will make the difference in having a qualified workforce where it's needed to help keep our nation strong.
Outfitted for Adventure: The Scout Uniform (opens in a new tab)
The correct wearing of the Uniform and smartness of turnout of the individual Scout makes him a credit to our Movement. It shows his pride in himself and in his Troop. One slovenly Scout, on the other hand, inaccurately dressed may let down the whole Movement in the eyes of the public.
The Stilt Tower at the Jamboree (opens in a new tab)
Stilt Tower Display in the Pioneering Area on Garden Ground Mountain Pioneering Staff Member Surveys the Progress around Peschke Field Of the four display towers featured in Peschke Field at the 2013 National Jamboree, the Stilt Tower was the second to be constructed, hoisted, and anchored.
AT&T Spoof "Signal" Tower at the Jamboree (opens in a new tab)
After a supply of bamboo was used for the gateway to Peschke Field up on Garden Ground Mountain, a team of Pioneering staff received the inspiration to use most of what was left over to comically copy one of AT&T’s nearby cell towers.
Jamboree Pioneering Area: Towers (opens in a new tab)
From left to right: 14′ Double Ladder Signal Tower, Hourglass Tower, Stilt Tower, AT&T “Signal” Tower, 4′ x 4′ x 5-1/2′ Climbing Tower, 5-1/2′ x 5-1/2′ x 4-1/2′ Climbing Tower Six towers were featured in Peschke Field . Four were for display and two were for climbing.
Registration Now Open for Next Session of Naturally Slim
The Boy Scouts of America is offering Naturally Slim to you and your spouse at no cost! Naturally Slim is an online health improvement program that helps you lose weight, reduce stress, increase exercise, and improve your overall health-all while eating the foods you actually like to eat!
Family Camping (opens in a new tab)
I have always love camping, I can remember as a cub going on camps and getting the chance to sleep in a sleeping bag or I remember going camping with my family and getting to the point aged about 10 where I got to sleep in my own tent, right next door to my parents…
Scouting Software – What's Next? (opens in a new tab)
Once he's completed the last requirement for First Class a Scout opens an application on his smartphone or tablet. He scrolls to his advancement records (past his membership records, training records, camping log, OA information and the weekly messages he get's from his patrol leader) and has someone virtually sign off the requirement.
kasuminews: Men perpetually doing pushups - now on SFMOMA (San... (opens in a new tab)
kasuminews : Men perpetually doing pushups - now on SFMOMA (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art) site! kasumi ©2013 Artists Rights Society (ARS) New York / ADAGP, Paris This is mesmerizing.
Ensure Your Council's Incentive Products Are Approved for Scouting-Age Youth (opens in a new tab)
In 2012, as part of the incentive program offered by one of our product sale vendors, the Z-curve bow was made available as an incentive item for Scouts. After delivery of this prize, it was discovered that it had three warnings plus a label on the product itself that stated "Age 8+."
Climbing Towers at the Jamboree (opens in a new tab)
3 Display Towers Small Towers, Large FUN! Three signal towers (14′ Double Ladder, Hourglass, and Stilt Tower) were presented in what was referred to as “Tower Town” in the pioneering area up on Garden Ground Mountain during the 2013 national jamboree.
Bear Cub Scout Requirements Warning (opens in a new tab)
A word of caution about the requirements for the Bear Cub Scout rank… There are 24 Bear Cub Scout requirements listed in the Bear handbook. They are divided into four categories: God, Country, Family and Self. Bear Cubs must complete 12 of these requirements–one activity from the God category, three from the Country category, four
Scouts join Iftar under the stars (opens in a new tab)
Iftar under the stars was celebrated during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan at Scout venues across the UK.
Trail Journal (opens in a new tab)
I traveled about 28 miles today. Camp Rokilio Rox! We hiked here from Manitowoc today on almost all roadwalking. The hike wasn't too exciting but the destination is great! We arrived just at dinner and the staff was very welcoming.
2014 ATV and PWC Program Applications Available Soon
Applications will soon be available for the 2014 All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and Personal Watercraft (PWC) Program. Stop by the Outdoor Programs/Properties booth at Top Hands to pick up the forms. If you can't make it to Top Hands, forms will be available online by September 1.
Chemistry Merit Badge for Boy Scouts
Chemistry Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in ScienceChemistry is called the central science because it connects physics with astronomy, geology and biology, and other sciences. Boy Scouts can learn about chemistry by earning the Chemistry merit badge. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for...
Early Morning Walk (opens in a new tab)
We got an early start with a ride from a very helpful scout back to the trail at 6am. We've hiked 7.5 miles - all on roads - and are now resting on the front porch of the old hotel at the Rhine Center intersection.
Picture books DO boost literacy: It doesn't matter what you read to your children as long they are interested in the story (opens in a new tab)
Picture books DO boost literacy: It doesn't matter what you read to your children as long they are interested in the story : Hothousing toddlers with complicated story books does not give them an advantage over other children, researchers have found.
Customize Your Own Jamboree Souvenir Photo Book
The 2013 National Scout Jamboree was pretty amazing. Judging from some of the pics, people had a hard time saying goodbye. Well, cheer up, because we've put together a souvenir book from the first-ever jamboree at the Summit. The best part?
Apply Now for a 2013 Shooting Sports Grant for Your Council
Shooting sports programs are popular activities for Scouts of all ages, and the Boy Scouts of America adheres to its longstanding policy of teaching its youth and adult members the safe, responsible, and intelligent ways to handle, care for, and use firearms, rifles, and BB guns in a planned, carefully managed, and supervised program.
Catapults at the Jamboree (opens in a new tab)
Soldiers play with the “giant” Catapult Before the Pioneering Area catapults were all completed and positioned in readiness for the thousands of jamboree participants who would be hiking up to Garden Ground Mountain, a little change of pace occurred which translated into a memorable moment.
Pioneering Area: Activity Stations & Games (opens in a new tab)
Peschke Field featured a wide range of interactive pioneering structures and projects. In addition to bridges, towers, catapults and the camp gadget/skills area, Scouts and Venturers could experience the following Pioneering Games and Activity Stations: CHALLENGING FUN Atomic Pile Like all good team building challenges, the “Atomic Pile” requires concentration, cooperation, and strict attention to…
Jamboree Pioneering Area: Camp Gadgets, Rope Making & Instruction (opens in a new tab)
This Area Saw Plenty of Action During the building process , an area adjacent to the Hourglass Tower saw a lot of action for whipping rope and sharpening pioneering stakes. During the jamboree, it was set up for rope making, for hitching and lashing instruction, and as a display of camp gadgets.
3d printing Turkshead knots (opens in a new tab)
Freakin Sweet Knots ( http://knots.freakinsweetapps.com/ ) is a web app that generates Turkshead knots in real time, generating a 3D model on the screen with a few slider you can adjust to change the properties. I modeled a PLTU Lexden woggle , 3 leads with 5 bights, in a few seconds.
Top Hands Event to Honor Certified Fundraising Professionals
On Thursday, August 29, the Development and Corporate Alliances Department will be hosting a special reception at Top Hands to recognize all those individuals who have been designated by CFRE International as Certified Fundraising Executives while providing information for those individuals who might be interested in pursuing the certification in the future.
Finance Impact e-Letter: Top Hands Events, Customized PeopleSoft Reports, More in Aug. 15 Issue (opens in a new tab)
Click to open Aug. 15 issue The August 15 issue of the Finance Impact Department's e-Letter has been published and is available online. In this issue, Scouters are invited to join the Development and Corporate Alliances Department, along with representatives from CFRE International and the Association of Fundraising Professionals, at the Top Hands conference on…
Racetrack Shortcut
Xxb2 Xxm19 As we approached the Elkhart Lake area, some very loud mosquitos could be heard in the distance. Over the next hour of hiking, it became clear they were racecars at the Elkhart Speedway - amazing how far across the country the sound carries!
First Adventure
Friday should be about the weekend and the weekend is a time to get out and explorer or to have an new adventure.
Sea Scout ship to honor Tiger Cubs killed in Sandy Hook shooting
Like all of us, Todd Skiles was overcome with grief when he heard about the school shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December. But when news broke that two of the young victims were Tiger Cubs , Skiles and the Sea Scouts of Ship 100 in Gainesville, Va., wanted to find a way to honor…
September is Boy Scout Month at Bass Pro Shops!
The BSA is proud to announce that September is Boy Scout Month at Bass Pro Shops. This promotion will run in all of the Bass Pro Shop stores for the entire month of September 2013. The Bass Pro Shops promotional partnership is in its sixth year and is a multifaceted event created to give families…
LFL and Exploring Today: July Issue Available Online
Click to open July issue The July issue of Learning for Life and Exploring Today has been published and is available online. In this issue, you can read more about the new Middle School Explorer Club program, which opened for registration August 1.
"Atomic Pile" Activity at the Jamboree (opens in a new tab)
Atomic Pile Team Building Challenge From left to right: Corner Rope Handler, 2 Observers, Signal Caller This activity is so named because it’s supposed to simulate the manipulation of radioactive graphite discs in an atomic pile. Like all good team building challenges, it requires concentration, cooperation, and strict attention to the Scout who’s calling the…
Day 8 - Kettle Moraine (opens in a new tab)
I traveled about 28 miles today. We made it to the hwy H trailhead to end the day. Bug suits were used the entire day and we got a few jealous looks from folks passing us on the trail. At a water stop at a campground, we met Gary and his family and friends.
Did You Know: TSA Edition #21 (opens in a new tab)
Did You Know........ The current and youngest ever Chief Scout, Bear Grylls, was one of the youngest people every to climb to the summit of Mount Everest at the tender age of 23. 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
Rope Climbing at the Jamboree (opens in a new tab)
The Rope Climbing Area in Peschke Field Climbing with Prusik Knots Climbing with the Aid of Wooden Discs The Rope Climbing Area in Peschke Field featured three varied rope-climbing challenges for Garden Ground Mountain visitors. Scouts and Venturers could: 1) Climb a rope by learning to adjust the position of prusik knots , using them as…
Cabin-Building Station: Derricks at the Jamboree (opens in a new tab)
Helping Control the Swing Derrick When building their log cabins, how did the old pioneers lift and position those very heavy logs? Derricks. Those visiting Garden Ground Mountain had a chance to check them out. A Gin Pole could be placed at a fixed point at each corner, a Boom Derrick could be positioned on…
Rope-Toss-Log-Lift-Challenge at the Jamboree (opens in a new tab)
Getting Ready For the Toss Tying that Sheep Shank Those visiting the Pioneering Area on Garden Ground Mountain had an opportunity to find out how well and how fast they could lift a log off the ground by coiling a rope and tossing it over a crossbar, tying a Timber Hitch around a log on…
Camp Counselor's Manifesto (opens in a new tab)
I am a Summer Camp Counselor.............. I believe in camp. I believe in shorts, t-shirts, and sandals. I believe in singing at the table. I believe everyone should know five games to play on a bus. I believe in early morning dip (even if I don't always go).
Planning The Year 2013 Update (opens in a new tab)
Boy Scout Troop 68 now has a program plan for the 2013-2014 year. I talked to the scoutmaster at last week's troop meeting to ask how things went at the year planning conference. If you recall from the last blog article, I was a little concerned over an item or two, namely that he invited…
Mallet Making at the Jamboree (opens in a new tab)
Those Scouts and Venturers visiting Garden Ground Mountain could make a mallet, perfectly-sized for driving in large tent and dining fly stakes and strong enough to even handle small pioneering stakes. Making Their Very Own Customized Wooden Mallet The process consisted of: selecting a mallet head and handle boring a hole in the head shaving…
Tic-Tac-Toe at the Jamboree (opens in a new tab)
Yellow wins! Two Scouts strike a pose after their game of tic-tac-toe. Playing Tic-Tac-Toe Just like the game where X’s and O’s are drawn on a piece of paper, this game is played by tossing large, weighted monkey fists through 2′ x 2′ areas formed in a vertical Tic-Tac-Toe board built by lashing together four…
Carnival at Campdowne
Over 1,000 Scouts and Guides from all over the world enjoyed 10 days of challenge, excitement and adventure at Campdowne.
The Carousel at the Jamboree (opens in a new tab)
After their hike up to Garden Ground Mountain, members of a Venture Crew take a ride. The carousel has been a mainstay for the past several jamborees. It was located at the entrance to Peschke Field just beyond the Indian Village, and was one of the most popular attractions in the pioneering area.
The Swing Boat at the Jamboree (opens in a new tab)
Learning the Ropes on the Swing Boat Getting the Hang of Swinging Situated adjacent to the catapults , like a giant, rope-propelled see-saw, the swing boat up on Garden Ground Mountain repeatedly attracted Scouts and Venturers. The pull rope on each side allowed the riders to raise themselves up and back as high as they wanted…
Battering Ram at the Jamboree (opens in a new tab)
Positioning the Battering Ram to Knock Open the Gate Builders Proudly Display Big Green Fist Along with the AT&T Spoof “Signal” Tower , another exceedingly creative pioneering project provided a fun challenge for groups of Scouts and Venturers. The structure was designed and built completely out of wood—axles, wheels, the works—all lashed together.
Issue 361 – August 12, 2013 (opens in a new tab)
________________________________________ "Okay," I began, "How many kids are there in a troop of perfect size?" I paused. Then, "Okay, everybody have a number in mind? Good. Now, here's the answer to 'how many kids are in a perfect-sized troop'… are you ready?
Did You Know: TSA Edition #22 (opens in a new tab)
Did You Know........ Robert Baden-Powell, the Founder of the Scouting Movement wast voted the UK's 13th most influential person of the 20th Century. 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.
Scoutmaster Podcast 182 (opens in a new tab)
In this edition of the Scoutmaster Podcast a rebroadcast of my interview with Distinguished Eagle Scout, author and canoeing guru Cliff Jacobson. Links in this Podcast: Cliff Jacobson's website Expedition Canoeing – 20th anniversary edition Here's my review Camping's Top Secrets 3rd edition Here's my review Woodcraft and Camping by Nessmuk Here's my review New Way…
We're in the creativity business
Like most readers of this blog, I'm a parent of teenagers (well, my older son turns 22 this week, so there's just one teenager left) and as we all have come to realize in recent years, our kids and most …
Sign The Jamboree Shirt (opens in a new tab)
When Troops 1417 and 1418 from the Central Minnesota Council attended the Boy Scouts of America National Jamboree in 2001 we traveled to Virginia and back by chartered bus. Each troop had it own bus, but the busses stayed together.
Kids v. Scouts (opens in a new tab)
I just read a fantastic post on the Ask Andy blog. He describes so well some of the things I have thought about over the years. Make sure you check it out: http://netcommissioner.com/askandy/2013/08/issue-361-august-12-2013/
How to suggest a new merit badge (opens in a new tab)
Don't sob about Sewing or mope about Magic. Send those ideas for new merit badges to someone who can actually act on them. Over the years, several of you emailed me with suggestions for merit badges about Sewing, Magic, Guitar, Hunting, Surfing and lots more.
A Scouting Relay (opens in a new tab)
In High School I used to run on the track team. While my usual events weren't often involved in relays, I did participate in one or two in those years. In order for a relay to be successful, there are certain things that have to happen.
Fern Finder
I'm pretty confident with identifying trees and wildflowers, even with a lot of the understory plants we encounter but I draw a blank when it comes to ferns (the best I can do is ‘that's a fern!'). To increase my fern identifying skills I purchased the Fern Finder before we left for summer camp this…
2013 National Jamboree Patches, CMC (opens in a new tab)
Yes, the 2013 National Jamboree may now be nothing but a memory, but I just received my set of patches from the Central Minnesota Council's Jamboree troop. Now I am ready to attend! Well, if I would have gone that is.
One Scout dad's quest to lose 75 pounds and hike with his son at Philmont
Kent, before his Philmont-inspired transformation. See the after photo after the jump. Sometimes to gain, you have to lose. Kent Cantrell, a Scouter from the Houston suburb of Bellaire, knows that all too well. Kent wanted nothing more than to hike at Philmont with Luke, his Life Scout son.
Backup, Backup, Backup! (opens in a new tab)
Hello there! How've you all been? I've not been round here much recently, but that doesn't mean that I've not been doing lots of Scouting! I think one of the best things we've done recently was our 3rd Family Camp we had back in May.
Eagle Projects (opens in a new tab)
Along the trail, there have been quite a few Eagle Projects done to improve this great resource for people exploring the natural world of Wisconsin. Here is an example of a bench. We notice 3 benchs in this project but there were probably more.
It's no secret: NSA Deputy Director is a Distinguished Eagle Scout
While you were probably surprised to learn about the National Security Agency's secret spying programs back in May, you might not be shocked to find out one of the top officials at the NSA is an Eagle Scout. After all, we already know Eagle Scouts make great politicians, athletes, entertainers, businessmen, Scoutmasters, dads and well-rounded…
Helping kids cope with stress during the school year
Hello again! It's hard to believe that summer is quickly coming to a close and the kids are headed back to school. As part of our commitment to healthy Scouts, I think this would be a good time to take a look at how we can keep an eye out for symptoms of stress as…
Ask the Expert: Is cutting corners off the Totin' Chip allowed?
Play around with a knife, lose a corner on your Totin' Chip. In my troop growing up, it was that simple. If a Scout lost all four corners of his Totin' Chip (essentially a Scout's license to carry pocketknives, axes and saws), his blade-carrying privileges were revoked until he re-earned the card.
Cub Scout Leader Training Secrets (opens in a new tab)
The Boy Scouts of America has training courses that are required for leaders and parents who work with the boys on a regular basis. Most councils or districts hold face-to-face sessions so that volunteers can get the required training. However, many people opt to take the courses online. It's convenient and can be done on