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Did You Know........ In 2009 a group of Cub Scouts (aged 8 to 10) lobbying against the "rain tax" were banned from entering Parliament for being too young. 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…
One of my goals for summer camp was sharpening my skills at identifying and understanding rocks and minerals. I started by reading ‘Rocks and Minerals', one of a series of handbooks published by the Smithsonian Institution. Author Chris Pellant explains the basics and offers a guide for identifying rocks and minerals with excellent photographs and…
Ever wanted to be a Charity Trustee - I found this article on the Third Sector Website written by the voice of their youth trustees
We're on top of the tower at Lapham Peak - don't know who decides when a hill becomes a peak, but it's an amazing view for 50 miles in all directions! You'll need to tilt your screen to see the tower :-) We can see Holy Hill far in the distance to the north which was our…
I was the scoutmaster for one of two troops the Central Minnesota Council sent to the 2001 National Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia. I had three wonderful assistant scoutmasters, a fantastic group of youth leaders, and a great group of Boy Scouts in Troop 1417.
Family vacation, tons of free time and absolutely no homework. The very conditions that make summer a Cub Scout-age boy's favorite season can wreak havoc on a Cub Scout pack. Some packs, frustrated with the difficulty of aligning family schedules in June, July and August, simply give up and take summers off.
If I were King of France I wouldn't allow any child of under twelve years to come into a town. Till then youngsters would have to live in the open......................out in the sun, in the fields, in the woods, in company with dogs and horses, face to face with nature, which strengthens the bodies, lends…
Strange is our situation here upon earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to a divine purpose. From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: That we are here for the sake of others…for the countless unknown souls with whose fate…
Computers Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in Careers and VocationsScienceBoy Scouts learn about the development and practical application of computing devices while earning the Computers merit badge. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content summary only.
Somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico right now, an Eagle Scout is making history. CB Wren, the 16-year-old selected as this year's Eagle Scout argonaut, is aboard the exploration vessel Nautilus as part of an international team exploring geology, biology, archaeology and chemistry.
If you judge the Scoutmaster Handbook by its cover, you might assume it's solely meant for, well, Scoutmasters. Assistant Scoutmasters, it seemed, were to look elsewhere for Scouting wisdom. That's about to change. Later this year, the two-volume Troop Leader Guidebook will debut, replacing the Scoutmaster Handbook and offering helpful checklists, quick tips and fresh…
Are you the next Bobby Flay or Giada De Laurentiis when it comes to camp cooking? Share your specialty recipes with us in the new Scouting and Boys' Life magazines Campout Cuisine Contest . From Dutch oven concoctions to foil-pack delicacies and more, submit your favorite recipes and a photo of the finished products.
So just how fast (and structurally sound) was that race car built and autographed by Scouts and Venturers at the 2013 National Jamboree? We're about to find out. Scott Lagasse Jr. will drive the Scout- and Venturer-built car in a dirt-track race this Saturday at Volusia Speedway Park, located about an hour north of Orlando…
I shudder when I hear someone say that Scouting is the activity arm of the priesthood. That lessens it's role. It is really the Priesthood in action." - Elder David A. Wilson, LDS Philmont Chaplain I took this from The Boy Scout , the blog of the Utah National Parks Council. See the full post here .
Three Scouts have been awarded the prize of featuring in the Bright Sparks Project, and will work on a music single that will support adult recruitment this winter.
This series of posts looks at the basics of structural engineering, and how it is useful to you in designing pioneering projects. A structure needs to be built so that it can deal with the loads that are put on to it.
It is time for a Friday Question todays question is a Badge Question - I look forward to reading your answer in the post comments
Did You Know........ John Lennon and Paul McCartney went to Cubs together. 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.
Boy Scout neckerchiefs have been with us since Baden Powell published Scouting for Boys : The Scout Uniform is very like the uniform worn by my men when I commanded the South African Constabulary. They knew what was comfortable, serviceable, and a good protection against the weather.
Bullying can be an unfortunate part of growing up. And the prevalence of bullying among children and teenagers is shocking. Consider these bullying statistics : More than 3.2 million students are victims of bullying each year. 71 percent of students report incidents of bullying as a problem at their school.
We made it to Whitewater Recreational Area yesterday and finally met up with Peter and his wonderful family in Janesville (they are in Scouting). The whole story is much longer, but I misplaced my cellphone in Paul's Porsche and I'm hoping he finds it and calls my hiking buddy's phone.
Did You Know........ When Scout volunteer The Duchess of Cambridge was pictured wearing a pair of Le Chameau Vierzonard Wellies, sales of the boots rocketed over 30%. 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…
This edition of the Scoutmaster Podcast features email questions on cell phones (yes, once again, cell phones!), the patrol system and your messages in the mailbag. Mike Frame's Summer Camp and High Adventure Site Scoutmaster Podcast 183
________________________________________ Dear Andy, I'm re-reading "What Would You Do?" (page 22) in the May-June 2013 issue of SCOUTING Magazine. I'm troubled. There seems to be a disconnect between the contents of this feature and not only Scouting processes and procedures but with Scouting's fundamental principles as well.
We tend to think of Scouting as a perpetual program – something that's always been there and always will, without much changing. The ideals, the oath and law, the principle of the boys running the troop are all things that …
Did You Know........ Scouts are in the news all the time! Each month more than 70 positive mentions are made on the radio, TV and in the papers. 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…
What's a good test of any insect repellent? How about 25 Scouts canoeing their way through a buggy week in Ontario, Canada's Algonquin provincial park? In mid August we don't usually run into too many mosquitoes and the black fly season is long over.
The Downward Spiral of Spectacular The Example It was a much anticipated Scout Camping Trip. We were going to see some spectacular canyons out in West Texas. The weather was beautiful, and everything was just right. Though it was a long drive to get there, the Adult Leaders and older Scouts were really pushing for…
I have now been the bishop of my ward for almost four months. It has been a rather eye-opening experience. During that time I have had the privilege of interviewing many of my ward members regarding a wide range of topics.
Those of us who are already involved in Cub Scouts know how much fun it can be for the boys, but if a boy has never been exposed to Scouting, we need to have some good Cub Scout recruitment ideas. Many packs hold a recruiting event just after school starts in the fall. It may
We often talk about service to others as one of the core tenants of Scouting. We remind ourselves to "do a good turn daily." Our commitment to serving our communities where we live, work, and play has always been the lifeblood of Scouting.
The log is steadied on top of a corner block. The Atomic Pile as featured on Garden Ground Mountain in the pioneering area at the 2013 national jamboree inspired this smaller scale version which can be set up outdoors on a lawn for a troop meeting.
This is the first post in a series that will eventually comprise an activity-based, unit pioneering program curriculum. I. There are numerous terms pertaining to knots and working with rope, but the four presented here, along with some simple “moves” requiring a minimum amount of dexterity, will be useful when learning and applying some of…
Cub Scouting is supposed to be "fun", "exciting", "vigorous", and most importantly "outside". Why is "being outside" the most important element of Cub Scouting? It is the most important element because Scouting is deliberately designed to happen outside. But this "outside element" of Scouting is ignored on a frequent basis for many different excuses.
Canoeing Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in FitnessCanoeing merit badge is a favorite for our second year Boy Scouts at summer camp. Everyone likes to get out on the lake on a warm summer day. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content summary only.
The view from our campsite on Lake Hogan It's time for show and tell! What high adventure trip did your Scouts participate in this summer? ( I am sure the Jamboree was great, but I am looking for reports on wilderness treks) Where did you go?
I just ordered and received a book from the UK Scouting Association called Be Prepared: How to Light a Wet Match and 199 Other Useful Things to Know. It's a bit of a novelty, not exactly helpful”¦ more interesting. First, it's geared for UK Scouts, so the language is a little different. Also, there are
The weekly Scouting Plus email is being sent by a new email system. It should now reach all members who are subscribed to the mailing list.
(Article adapted from Scouting magazine's "Bryan on Scouting" blog .) Later this year, the two-volume Troop Leader Guidebook will debut, replacing the Scoutmaster Handbook and offering helpful checklists, quick tips, and fresh ideas for both new troop leaders and veteran Scouters.
The new BSA Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) award-which introduces Scouts to the basics of SUP on calm water, including skills, equipment, self-rescue, and safety precautions-was rolled out just in time for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree. It has quickly become one of the favorite activities at the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base as well…
Did You Know........ Polar Explorer Ernest Shackleton took two Scouts with him on his final expedition to the Antarctic on the RSS Discovery. 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.
Composite Materials Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in ScienceBoy Scouts can learn about composites and how they are incorporated into many of the things which make their lives easier when they work on the Compostite Materials merit badge. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth...
One of my old Scouts through-hiked the Appalachian trail a few years ago. He joined us for a camping trip afterwards and showed us the camping hammock he had used for his hike, I was impressed. I bought a Hennessy Hammock (the deluxe explorer) and used it on several occasions.
During 2012, more than 3,000 Scouts received $100 grants for their Eagle Scout service projects through the generosity of the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation. The BSA is pleased to announce that the foundation has offered to continue its support with a similar number of grants beginning in July 2013.
Finding Webelos Craftsman ideas can be challenging–especially for the non-wood useful projects. Not long ago, our Webelos den made a chess set from nuts and bolts as part of the Craftsman Activity Badge. It was one of the four non-wood useful items that the boys need to make. I wanted a chess board to go
If your OA lodge is planning a council camp or service center project during 2014, you can apply now for a 2014 OA Matching Service Grant. All lodges applying for the grant must have been a 2012 JTE lodge and should not have received a grant from the Order of the Arrow during the last…
This is the second post in a series that will eventually comprise an activity-based, unit pioneering program curriculum. Two Half Hitches Over the Top of a Pole Forming a Clove Hitch II. In Pioneering, half hitches are everywhere! Two of them next to each other is a clove hitch , and that’s something we use time…
The Boy Scouts planned it. The committee approved it. And now it is time to implement it. The 2013-2014 program for Troop 68 is ready to go! Here is a look at it. September 2013: Water Safety 2, 9, 16 – Troop Meetings 2 – Dad's Belgian Waffle Breakfast Sales Kickoff 13-15 – Big Birch State Forest Outing…
Engineering for Scouts 1 covered tension,compression,bending and torsion - the different types of force that a structure can experience. This post looks at how structures can be braced to make them stable. So, if we start with the simplest possible project, a flagpole, we will see there are three things we can do to brace it…
During my last post "The Promise: What Do Cub Scouts Want From Scouting?" I discussed a couple of key things, which include Cub Scouting is an OUTDOOR activity NOT an INDOOR activity. I just have to repeat that in case you misunderstood me...........Cub Scouting is an OUTDOOR activity NOT an INDOOR activity.
It is Friday, that means Friday Questions Time and this time I want to ask you about International and Scouting - Let me know your answers in the Blog comments.
I don't think my friend Berk really cared too much about what other people had to say about the ceremonial campfires he built at our Scout camp (and they were some impressive campfires). What he cared about was what he thought of them.
Technology, technology, technology! That's all we seem to hear about these days. The Internet, Facebook, Twitter, iPhones, smartphones, and yes even ScoutNET. We recognize that to move forward, leveraging these tools of the trade is more critical than ever. Today, keeping up with the rapidly changing technological world we live in is a priority not…
I am really proud of our Scouting volunteers. Our movement would not be possible without the leadership and creativity of the 1.2 million adult volunteers that mentor our Scouts today. For more than a century, the time and dedication of our volunteers have helped provide strong leaders and terrific citizens who have helped keep our…
The Purposeful Camp I was buying into a certain way of thinking about camps that I have since found to be inaccurate. The way of thinking goes like this: “The most important thing about Scout Camping is where you camp.
Did You Know........ During Scout Community Week, 16,000 Scouts and volunteers across the UK cleared 800 tonnes of rubbish, which is equivalent to 65 full double-decker buses. 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…
Here's a series of five videos featuring camping guru Cliff Jacobson talking about the nuts and bolts of canoe camping courtesy of the folks at Morral River FIlms A respected outdoors writer and wilderness guide Cliff is the most published canoeing/camping writer of this century.Cliff is the author of Expedition Canoeing , Camping's Top Secrets and…
________________________________________ Dear Andy, How much involvement in troop meetings by the adults is too much? In our troop, for example, the Senior Patrol Leader may be describing the activities for an upcoming campout so that the Scouts will be able to pack accordingly, and the Scoutmaster may supplement the SPL's description with a lengthier one of…
Well, it has been a long time since our last post.. I'll get you caught up real quick and then move on to the subject for this post.. Resetting… As you know if you have been following the blog for some time, my youngest son is a great football player.
Earlier this year, March to be exact, several Scouters got together at the Council offices and talked about how WE as Volunteers could get those who need to be trained, trained. There were about 20 or so people at the meeting. Over the summer there was a Task Force Steering Committee that was set-up and
This is the third post in a series that will eventually comprise an activity-based, unit pioneering program curriculum. III. In the BSA, the square knot is commonly referred to as a joining knot and tying it is a requirement to earn the new member Scout Badge.
Did You Know........ Sea Scouts helped evacuate Dunkirk during World War II. 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.
Now that school has started, many troops that scale back in the summer are in full swing again or are about to, and a new year of camping and activities is underway. Since starting this series of articles a few …
This edition of the Scoutmaster Podcast features your reports on summer High Adventure trips, a word on an important resource every Scouter ought to read, and your messages in the mailbag. Guide to Advancement 2013 PDF Version Guide to Advancement 2013 Print Version (check to be sure you are getting the 2013 version) Scoutmaster Podcast…
Historic Trails Award Posted in CampingHikingThe Historic Trails Award recognizes Scouts who have incorporated some history into their hiking and camping experiences. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]
You have seen the Introduction to COMIT 95 in 15. Here is the Connect part.
As any sports fan will tell you, numbers don't always tell the whole story. Earlier this month, I shared the final attendance figures from the 2013 National Scout Jamboree. The count was 30,037 youth and adult participants, a number that doesn't include staff or visitors.
Scouts from across Europe gathered in Berlin for a conference to shape the future of Scouting.
One of Boy Scout Troop 68′s Eagle Scouts stopped by Sunday afternoon to watch a new movie I had recently received in the mail. Both of us had been waiting for " The Last Eagle Scout " to be released since we had read about it on Facebook a couple years ago.
Hello again! As a steward to the outdoors, the Boy Scouts of America has a big responsibility. We're not only responsible for making sure our young people have a strong appreciation and respect for our outdoor resources…we also want to make sure that we leave the world a little better than the way we found…
This is a destination that has been on our list for a long time. It is also one of those places that we’ve heard so much about from other Scout troops over the years but just never pushed it to the top of our list…until now.
Here's my latest overview of the endless permutations of the humble patrol box, chuck box, or camp kitchen. We use the Rubbermaid ActionPacker to house our modest patrol cook kits. I know some of you don't care for car camping or big patrol boxes.
Onboarding is after Connect
Thoughts on the Corporate View - It has been a while since I did an Audioboo / podcast type thingy so time to do another one.
So long, farewell, Auf wiedersehen, good night… Join the forum discussion on this post
Did You Know........ In the past decade, 43,000 girls and young women have joined Scouts, Cubs and Beavers. That's the same as the population of Folkestone! 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…
In IndyCar racing, 1.1930 seconds can mean the difference between hoisting the winner's trophy and settling for second place. Justin Wilson knows that all too well. Wilson, who drove the No. 19 Boy Scouts of America IndyCar to a second-place finish at Sunday's Go Pro Grand Prix in Sonoma, Calif., knew he had a car…
Later today I'll be recording a video ‘show and tell' with the folks at Cool Tools discussing some cool camping gear that I have used this summer. Cool Tools started in 2000 as an email list, and has been a blog since 2003.
Well it's a safe bet to say that if participants from the 2013 National Scout Jamboree had to write a "What I did this summer…" essay, they'd blow it out of the water. Their time at The Summit's just a memory now, but it's a memory of the chock-full-of-thrills variety that will remain crystal clear…
Stellar accomplishments, like earning the Eagle Scout award, reap stellar rewards. Eagle Scout Tristan Bullard can attest to this, as he watched astronomers take one step closer to completing the Giant Magellan Telescope at Saturday's rare mirror-firing event. During a Mirror Lab tour, visitors watch as the massive mirror is "fired" in a spun-cast furnace…
You'd expect a bunch of welding experts to forge some strong bonds, but the folks at Lincoln Electric have gone above and beyond. Their work bringing welding and the Welding merit badge into the Boy Scouts of America has already helped introduce tens of thousands of Scouts to this hot career.
Dentistry Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in ScienceThe Dentistry merit badge encourages Boy Scouts to think about the many aspects of caring for their teeth. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content summary only.
Organizations that do nothing but measure the numbers rarely create breakthroughs. Merely better numbers. Seth Godin via Seth's Blog: Colors or numbers? One responsibility of every Scouter is keeping track of numbers. We track advancement, participation, membership, and fundraising numbers at the individual, unit, district, council, regional, and national levels because these numbers are indicators…
Proud to be an American? Absolutely, but this hurts a little: American fourth- and eighth-graders are far from No. 1 in math and science. In fact, we're just outside of or barely in the top 10 in both categories, lagging behind countries like Korea, Singapore and Finland, according to a study released late last year…
Hello again! We are very proud to be celebrating the 101 st anniversary of the first Eagle Award that was presented on Labor Day 1912. Since then, more than two million young men have achieved that top honor in Scouting, with nearly 58,000 Scouts earning their Eagle just last year.
Engineering for Scouts 1 looked at the four different types of forces in a structure, and Engineering for Scouts 2 looked at bracing a structure for stability. This week we'll look at the forces in a structure, understanding where they go and what they're doing to the structure.
Role up Role up, here it is again another Friday and therefore time for a Friday question.
Did You Know........ Scout Leaders contribute the equivalent of 37 million hours of voluntary work every year.........worth an estimated 380 million Euros. 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.
UDAP, the folks that make pepper spray for fending off bears, also offer (of all things) an electric fence as an alternative to hanging food in bear country. Powered by 4 D -cell and 4 AA batteries the fence packs a 7600 volt punch into a 9 pound package.
Not sure where to start? Go to www.bsauniforms.org Scout moms – let us know you're out there! Tell us how you made the entry into Scouting work for you and your family. Scout mom Lynda Harris had this to say: "When my son became a Cub Scout many years ago and I found myself standing in…
Authentic, gritty, visceral. That's how I describe three new videos released today by the Boy Scouts of America. They're yours to view, download for offline viewing , share and use as you see fit. Each gives a compelling picture of what effect Cub Scouting and Boy Scouting can have on local communities like yours.
Six Boy Scouts of Melrose Troop 68, along with two adult Scout leaders, joined 170,000 other people on Saturday, August 24, at the great Minnesota Get Together, otherwise known as the State Fair. Despite the hot temperatures and the high humidity, the Scouts had a great time exploring the buildings, eating food on a stick…
Here are two videos that will reveal something of what went on in the Pioneering Area up on Garden Ground Mountain at the Summit. MUCH better when viewed in Full screen!
As a Dallas Cowboys fan, it hurts me a little to type this, but here goes: Joe Theismann is the man. I mean, how many Super Bowl-winning former quarterbacks can recite the Boy Scout Law without notes? The former Life Scout and Washington Redskins star did just that tonight, causing the gathered group of hundreds…
This tip comes from Field & Stream Magazine via Pinterest: Use straws to store salt, pepper, and spices for camping trips. Heat one end of a clear plastic straw with a lighter, then crimp it with your fingers or a multitool.
There is a discussion on Scout Nation, about a Cubmaster crossing over with his son and there not being a replacement…nobody is stepping up to assume the role. On the same note, the CC, an ACM and the treasurer are all crossing over at the same time.
I get back on the trail tomorrow, picking up where we left off around Lodi, WI. The high humidity and heat stayed around longer than hoped and rides to the trailhead worked out that made Sunday the best day to start.
