October KNOTS Cartoon (opens in a new tab)
October 2013 - Jr. Knots Scout Meets Cow - Fun on the Farm Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com
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October 2013
176 posts, oldest first.
Posts in October 2013
Tuesday Talkback: Balancing family life with commitment to your Scouting family
For a few lucky Scouters out there, "Scouting family" and "actual family" are synonymous. Their spouse and all their children are actively involved in the program, meaning family time is pretty much all the time. The rest of us, however, must find a happy balance between those two important commitments.
Swing! – STEM Award for Cub Scouts (Engineering) (opens in a new tab)
Swing! – STEM Award for Cub Scouts (Engineering) Posted in ScienceSTEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. . The engineering Nova STEM award for Cub Scouts is called Swing explores levers Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content summary only.
September 2013 Customer Photos! (opens in a new tab)
Greetings happy customers and friends! Guess what? We've got more photos to share! You've had a very busy year and we've loved making t-shirts for all your super fun events. From campouts and cookouts to family reunions and outings, you have made some great memories.
Important Windows XP Update
Beg inning April 8, 2014, Microsoft is ending support for Windows XP and Office 2003 and will no longer provide: New security updates Non-security hotfixes Assisted support options, or Online technical content updates Continued use of Windows XP and Office 2003 will expose council systems to potential security threats.
Fifteen Minute Patrol Leader Training
Patrol leader training is not an event; it is an ongoing process of coaching and mentoring. Good coaching comes from a solid, simple, shared understanding of the fundamentals. To my mind a trained patrol leader knows these fundamentals. Here's how I train patrol leaders in fifteen minutes.
Cub Scout Service Project: Cubs Helping Cubs (opens in a new tab)
Not long ago, I joined a Facebook group called Cub Scout Boy Scout Uniform Exchange. It is run by Tom Polis, a Scouter with Boy Scout Troop 92 in Deleware. Tom describes the group this way: The Cub Scout Boy Scout Uniform Exchange is a place where Scout-Minded people can donate "experienced" scout uniforms for
Latest Enhancements to MyScouting Tools
A few enhancements have been made to the MyScouting Tools Training Manager: "YPT Aging Report" has been moved from the Search Training screen and placed on the YPT dashboard for quicker view. A new "Trained Leaders Report" has been developed and an icon placed on the Trained Leaders dashboard.
Backpacking to Diamond Fork Hot Springs (opens in a new tab)
I have taken scouts to Diamond Fork Hot Springs on two different occasions and have somewhat mixed feelings about this destination. Let’s start with what I like. This is a great hike for new scouts or young inexperienced backpackers. The trail is not tough at all with only a slight elevation gain (650′ in 2…
Venturing Ranger Award Requirements
Venturing Ranger Award Requirements Posted in AdvancementOutdoor RecreationThe Venturing Ranger requirements provide an opportunity for Venturers to explore a number of areas related to the outdoors. To earn the Venturing Ranger award, a young man or woman must complete eight core requirements...
International Scouter's Award Process Streamlined
As announced at Top Hands last month, the International Scouter's Award is now processed through the local council to help streamline the process and eliminate additional layers for the council and volunteer. You can find the revised application by visiting http://www.scouting.org/International/InformationSheets/22-721.aspx .
Programming Merit Badge (opens in a new tab)
New Merit Badge for Boy Scouts
Programming Patch Secret (opens in a new tab)
At the Scout Shop today, I saw the new Programming merit badge patch. It was a pretty boring looking patch, to tell the truth. Kind of bland shades of green in the green border, and no picture of a computer, or any electronic device.
High Adventure Is Closer Than You Think
High adventure comes in many forms. It can mean hiking the New Mexico backcountry or exploring your local state park's trails. It could be scuba diving off the Florida Keys or going off the diving board at your local YMCA.
Finance Impact e-Letter: Oct. 1 Issue Covers Blackbaud Conversion and IOIPAY Paperless Payroll
Click image to open e-Letter The October 1 issue of the Finance Impact Department's e-Letter has been published and is available online. This issue features steps local councils can take to start preparing for the conversion to Blackbaud CRM fundraising software, which is scheduled for 2014.
LDS Church Safety Resource Video
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BSA Enterprise Risk Management Summit
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Home Repairs Merit Badge for Boy Scouts
Home Repairs Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in A Game with a PurposeIf you know a Boy Scout who likes to help out around the house, have him look at the requirements for the Home Repairs merit badge. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content…
Eagle Scout's ride across America can inspire your Scouts to stay the course
Editor's Note: Have a Scout who's losing speed as he nears the rank of Eagle Scout? Keep his ride going by sharing with him t his guest blog post from Rob Greenfield , an Eagle Scout from Ashland, Wisc., who recently completed a solo bike ride across America.
Scouting's Ulterior Motive
Keep before your mind in all your teaching that the whole ulterior motive of this scheme is to form character … Baden-Powell Scouting's ulterior motive, our goal as Scouters, is forming character. The methods of Scouting , (the patrol system, outdoor adventure, etc.), are the tools of character development.
New Web Training Helps Councils and Volunteers Build a Successful Membership Plan
Membership Impact is happy to announce a new resource to help your council develop its 2014 council membership plan. With the leadership of Gerard Case from Northeast Region Area 5, Web training has been created to explain what makes up a council membership plan along with a list of resources available to assist you and…
Moviemaking Merit Badge
New Merit Badge for Boy Scouts
Webelos Activity Badges "Cheat Sheets" (opens in a new tab)
A couple of years ago, I was responsible for awards in our pack. My sons were in lower ranks, so I was only vaguely familiar with the Webelos Activity Badges. That year, we had a very large group of Webelos who earned a very large number of Activity Badges in our pack. When I sat
Cinematography merit badge becomes Moviemaking merit badge
Think of it as the long-awaited sequel. Cinematography merit badge is now Moviemaking merit badge, effective immediately. The design of the badge won't change, and new pamphlets are expected in Scout shops in mid-November. Why make this change? Well, anyone who sticks around to watch a movie's credits knows that cinematography is just one specific…
Incident Review: Fatal Bear Attack in Utah (opens in a new tab)
Purpose: To further the knowledge of Scouters in regards to "Wildlife Risk Management" with a focus on "Bear Safety". Additionally, it is intended to serve as a resource in regards to developing a "Bear Safety Policy" for use at the unit, district, and local council.
Cinematography Becomes Moviemaking (opens in a new tab)
I always liked the Cinematography merit badge. Maybe it is because I like movies so well. Or maybe it has something to do with all those years I spent working with Mel TV3, our local community access television station. I did become a councilor for the badge shortly after it became available.
Pioneered Rhino Sculpture by 1st Horison Scout Group (opens in a new tab)
photographs by Liesl de Weerd 1st Horison are a Scout group on the West Rand near Johannesburg in South Africa. This project was built as a Springbok Scout construction project. With a little inspiration from the amazing Israeli pioneering sculptures , Ruan designed and led a team of Scouts to build this structure to raise awareness…
Experience The Magic Of The River
There's something about rivers that captures our imagination. Could be the way it curls and breaks and sluices through and over the rocks. Could be the sound, the way the river almost seems to sing to us. Right here in the New River Gorge, the mystical nature of water abounds.
Ruan's Rhino Pioneering Sculpture
photographs by Liesl de Weerd click to see full-sized image This pioneering sculpture was created by a Scout named Ruan from 1st Horison , a Scout group on the West Rand near Johannesburg in South Africa (map below). Ruan is working towards Springbok Scout – the highest rank in Scouts South Africa, like our Eagle Scout.
Roundtable Review: October 2013 (opens in a new tab)
Last Tuesday was my second meeting as a member of the roundtable staff once again. I have to admit, I am having fun. And I think the Scouters who have been attending have discovered my method of roundtable training is a bit different then other peoples' methods.
Beekeeping Merit Badge
The Boyscouts of America years ago had the Beekeeping Merit Badge. It was discontinued in 1995. I suspect the reason was due to not a lot of Scouts were earning it. In the past few years the plight of Honey Bee's is making the news more and more. In Wilsonville, Oregon (very close to
In letter, parents of Cub Scout victims of Sandy Hook shooting thank BSA family (opens in a new tab)
We're one big family in Scouting, and that's true in times of joy and times of sorrow. When two Tiger Cubs were tragically killed in the Sandy Hook shooting in December, the Scouting family stepped in to comfort the parents of 7-year-old Chase Kowalski and 6-year-old Benjamin Wheeler.
Gary's JTE Leadership Club: Building Blocks for Scouting's Future
The theme for the Wednesday, October 9, JTE Leadership hour is "Building Blocks for Scouting's Future." Our show segments are aligned with the five building blocks of council sustainability: sufficient community capacity, effective council leadership, durable financial position, solid membership health, and an outstanding program experience.
Top Shot Competition (opens in a new tab)
Our last outing was just for the day rather than a weekend event. Our scouts elected to hold a "Top Shot" Competition within the troop. They competed in 4 different categories: .22 Rifles, Tomahawks, Archery and Sling Shot. The .22 competition was pretty typical based on a paper target point system. Our NRA Range Safety
Huevos Rancheros
I was introduced to huevos rancheros or "rancher's eggs' by one of my Scouts (Jesus Torralba) nearly twenty years ago when Jesus was our grubmaster for a cabin camping trip. Since then it's been one of my preferred camping breakfasts.
Scouting For Food 2013 (opens in a new tab)
The Boy Scouts of Melrose Troop 68 have completed another Scouting For Food drive this morning, October 5th. The Scouts began shortly after 9:00 am and finished about an hour later. (Melrose is not a very big town.) The troop has been participating in this national Good Turn since it began in 1985.
TurtleDog Hammock Stand
Here is a quick video of a DIY project I did today to solve a couple issues. First Camporee is always in a meadow... so I needed a way to hang my hammock that was light weight and portable. 2.
Pioneering Tower Challenge (opens in a new tab)
Pioneering tower challenge; build this tower using this sketch. Send me a picture of the result! It won't be easy, certainly, but is it possible? You may want to refer to this book for a little help. Pioneering Tower Challenge
Pioneering and the Order of the Arrow (opens in a new tab)
Scouts from Santee Lodge wave from a Single A-Frame Bridge built during OA Week at Camp Coker. A member of Santee Lodge, 116, Order of the Arrow, helps Webelos Scouts cross the monkey bridge his chapter built during a District “Webeloree.”
Know the rules! (opens in a new tab)
Every game has its rules. They can be very basic or highly complex. Any baseball fan who knows the infield fly rule can tell you just how complex the rules of the game can get. Scouting is a game. Our …
Messengers of Peace (opens in a new tab)
Messengers of Peace Posted in CharacterService The Boy Scouts of America joined the Messengers of Peace initiative in 2012. This program encourages Scouts around the world to work for peace by being a positive force in their communities. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth...
Religious Emblems Coordinators can help you retain Scouts
Looking for a time-tested method for retaining Scouts? Put your faith in religious emblems. The research is clear: Scouts working on their religious emblems remain in Scouting longer. And considering that more than two-thirds of our chartered organizations are faith-based, religious emblems represent a way to make your relationship with your unit's chartered organization more…
2014 NESA scholarship window opens; this year's application online only
Eagle Scouts, get your typing fingers ready. The application window for the prestigious and highly competitive National Eagle Scout Association scholarships is officially open. For the first time, NESA will only accept applications submitted online. So forget the printer and stamps and switch on the laptop.
Scoutmaster Podcast 190 – Do You Have What It Takes? (opens in a new tab)
Scoutmaster Podcast 190 In This Podcast In this edition of the Scoutmaster podcast we discuss training patrol leaders in fifteen minutes and ask if you have what it takes. All this and your messages in the mailbag. Links Scoutcircle.org Podcast Archive Podcast Archive Scoutmaster Podcast 190 – Do You Have What It Takes?
Completing Cub Scout Rank Requirements While Camping
Cub Scouts always enjoy a fun camp out! As den leaders, this is a wonderful opportunity to complete some rank requirements. But if we haven't reviewed all of the requirements looking for activities that can be done on Cub Scout camp outs, we may miss out on the opportunity. That's why I compiled lists of
The Alternative Promise (opens in a new tab)
The SA have announced the following - The Scout Association (TSA) has launched an additional alternative version to the core Scout Promise in order to officially welcome atheists into the Movement. Following an extensive 10-month consultation process within and outside of the Movement, TSA has introduced an additional alternative version of the Scout Promise that can…
Tuesday Talkback: How do you get other Scouters to get trained?
Randy has tried begging, peer pressure and guilt-tripping, but no matter what the Scoutmaster does, he still can't get every adult in Troop 339 trained. "I have a handful of parents in my troop who say they don't have time to get trained," he writes.
Did You Ever Do a Den Meeting on Bullying? (opens in a new tab)
Did You Ever Do a Den Meeting on Bullying? Posted in CharacterThis question was sent to me by reader Barbara: It has come to my knowledge that one of my boys (Webelos) is being bullied in school. Now, one of my new recruits is one of the bulliers.
Getting involved in Scouting: A Venturer's Story (opens in a new tab)
Our Venturing crews do great service for our communities. It's our co-ed branch of Scouting for young men and women ages 14 (13 if they've completed the 8 th grade) to 20. Because they are a bit older, they can take on some of the tougher community projects, like one I just read about in…
Physically Strong Monday: The Warm Up (opens in a new tab)
Introduction In the last post, “Building Blocks of Fitness” , I introduced a new series on becoming physically fit. As Scouts, it is our duty to be prepared in body for everyday service, for challenging adventures, and for any emergency which may arise.
Smaller Double Tripod Chippewa Kitchen (opens in a new tab)
A Smaller Double Tripod Chippewa Kitchen for a Single Patrol Basically, this is a mini version of the full-sized Double Tripod Chippewa Kitchen . Same procedure, just scaled down, and a perfect fit for one patrol. The only things different here are the dimensions: 2 6′ x 2-1/2 to 3″ platform support spars 6 6′ x…
November Cub Scout Theme – Your Vote Counts (Citizenship) (opens in a new tab)
November Cub Scout Theme – Your Vote Counts (Citizenship) Posted in CitizenshipThis Cub Scout theme revolves around the ideas of citizenship, duties, and community service. Have a mock election in your pack. Find ideas here. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved...
UK Scouts Announce Alternative Scout Promise (opens in a new tab)
From The Scout Association (UK) website : The Scout Association (TSA) has launched an additional alternative version to the core Scout Promise in order to officially welcome atheists into the Movement. Following an extensive 10-month consultation process within and outside of the Movement, TSA has introduced an additional alternative version of the Scout Promise that can…
Tuck everlasting: Scout uniform shirts should always be tucked in, BSA says (opens in a new tab)
To tuck or not to tuck. That was the question on the minds of hundreds of parents who have called the BSA headquarters over the past several months. Their query: Does the Boy Scouts of America require uniform shirts to be tucked in?
Journalism Merit Badge for Boy Scouts (opens in a new tab)
Journalism Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in ScholarshipThe Journalism merit badge provides Boy Scouts who like to write or report the news with a way to investigate the various aspects of the journalism profession. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content summary only.
Afghan Scouts Good Turn (opens in a new tab)
This report of an impressive good turn performed by Afghan Scouts was filed by the WOSM today Scouts and leaders under PARSA , a non-government organization operating in orphanages in Afghanistan, did their good turn as they helped residents of Sarobi District, in Kabul Province, which is worst-hit by the flooding August this year.
KonTiki Chairman's Challenge preview (opens in a new tab)
KonTiki Chairman's Challenge is an invitational competition, normally held in spring here in South Africa, open to the top 20 teams from Gauteng KonTiki . The challenge differs from year to year, but this year it consists of a raft race down the Vaal River .
BSA Bear Supplemental Den Meeting Plan H – Space (opens in a new tab)
BSA Bear Supplemental Den Meeting Plan H – Space Posted in Aims of ScoutingBSA provides Cub Scout Bear den meeting ideas for den leaders on the Scouting.org website. This plan covers part of Bear Elective 1 – Space. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in...
How can an Eagle Scout best thank the troopmates who helped get him there?
At an Eagle Scout Court of Honor, Mom, Dad and other key Scouting mentors get recognized for their role in helping a young man reach the Eagle Scout rank. As they should. But what about the young man's troopmates? Didn't they have a part in helping him get to Boy Scouting's summit?
ScoutCircle – Scouts and Backpacking
Scoutmaster Joe Jacaruso shares his backpacking knowledge. Joe Jacaruso, Scoutmaster and an avid backpacker, will join us at ScoutCircle.org Sunday October 13 9-10 PM EDT to talk about Scouts and backpacking. ScoutCircle is a monthly live presentation with questions from viewers, you can see our past ScoutCircles presentations here .
Kontiki Chairman's Challenge 2013: rafts on the water (opens in a new tab)
Early this morning, the Scouts taking part in Chairman's Challenge started building their rafts, and recently launched them onto the Vaal River for a 17km race down the river. First Benoni's Puddle pirate Rover Crew are providing canoe escort for all the rafts on the water.
The Guide to Scout Formation Drills (opens in a new tab)
Why Have Formation Drills? Since Baden-Powell first introduced the concept in “Scouting for Boys”, Scout Troops have always used specific formations to bring order and discipline to Troop Meetings. Most commonly, a Troop “falls in” to the formation at the beginning and end of meetings and on any occasion where special announcements are made.
Issue 366 – October 13, 2013 (opens in a new tab)
________________________________________ So here I am, with some time to spare between Scouting events, my family's goings-on, and business priorities. I'm happily reading another issue of a Scouting blog-an official one, in fact. I've been reading its issues for some time now.
The Somewhat Ambiguous Shear Lashing (opens in a new tab)
Scouts Lash the Tops of Their Shear Legs with a SHEAR LASHING to Begin Their Single A-Frame Bridges DEFINITION: ambiguous |amˈbigyoōəs|adjective(of language) open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning; unclear or inexact From the 1981 Printing of the Pioneering Merit Badge Pamphlet One Thing is NOT Ambiguous!
Finding the Adventure (opens in a new tab)
This weekend our District held its annual Webelos Woods camp out. The attendance was very bad this year, some blamed it on a date change, while others placed the blame on Homecoming weekend at most of the high Schools in our area.
Just Because I Love Philmont
This was past on to me and I have to share it with you all… I wanna go back to Philmont!
What Cub Scout advancement chairs need to know
Last month we explored one of the essential but often neglected committee functions in a Cub Scout pack – the membership coordinator. In this article we'll look at another position that's essential to smooth operations – that of the advancement …
Genealogy Requirements and Non Traditional Families (opens in a new tab)
Genealogy Requirements and Non Traditional Families Posted in Aims of ScoutingHow do you do Cub Scout genealogy requirements when you have children from non-traditional families who may not know who their grandparents or even parents are? Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth...
Getting involved in Scouting: Adult volunteers (opens in a new tab)
We owe a lot to the members of our volunteer force in Scouting. They are the lifeblood of our mission to provide a quality Scouting experience for America's young people. Without the support of our terrific and dedicated adult volunteers, our youth would be missing out on great Scouting experiences and the opportunity to learn…
2014 NESA Scholarship Window Now Open
The application window for the prestigious and highly competitive National Eagle Scout Association scholarships is officially open. For the first time, NESA will only accept applications submitted online . All applicants for the academic scholarship must have a minimum 1800 SAT or 28 ACT score.
Scoutmaster Podcast 191 – Courts of Honor
Scoutmaster Podcast 191 In This Podcast In this edition of the Scoutmaster podcast we discuss the Court of Honor and share the idea of the Scouter as a guide. All this and your messages in the mailbag. Links Scoutcircle.org Podcast Archive Scoutmaster Podcast 191 – Courts of Honor
Dude Perfect Visits the Summit: Watch the Video
YouTube sensation Dude Perfect recently visited the Paul R. Christen National High Adventure Base at the Summit, bringing their "Extreme Trick Shots" to several of the Summit's high-adventure venues, including the zip line, BMX area, and rock climbing walls. Take a look at the video, then share it with your volunteers and Scouts to show…
Whoosh! – STEM Award for Boy Scouts (Engineering)
Whoosh! – STEM Award for Boy Scouts (Engineering) Posted in Aims of ScoutingSTEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. . The engineering Nova STEM award for Boy Scouts is called Whoosh explores machines and motion. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth...
Tuesday Talkback: What are your thoughts on 12-year-old Eagle Scouts? (opens in a new tab)
A select few very motivated boys are now earning the Eagle Scout Award before they can (officially) see a PG-13 movie. Yes, the latest members of the "youngest Eagle Scouts ever" club are 12 years old. First, the facts. It is, technically, possible to earn Eagle at 12.
Finding the Advisor's Voice (opens in a new tab)
If I could change one thing about Scouting I'd do away with the term ‘adult leader'. Leaders are directive, they tell people what to do and how to do it. Advisors and mentors , on the other hand, are motivational – they help people develop skills and find the inspiration in their work.
Check Out the Newest Resource for Onboarding New Professionals
Adjusting to a new job is one of the top stressors in life, and that adjustment can be a daunting challenge. Unlike the traditional first day of employee orientation and onboarding when an employee generally spends a large amount of time completing paperwork and reviewing the policies of the organization, the Boy Scouts of America's…
International Spirit Award (opens in a new tab)
New Award for All scouts
Clarification of Uniform Policy Requires Uniform Shirts to Be Tucked In
Effective Oct. 1, 2013, the official stance on the Boy Scouts of America's uniform policy is that shirts are to be worn tucked in, regardless of whether the wearer is a Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Venturer, or adult Scouter.
Science Troop Program Feature for Boy Scouts
Science Troop Program Feature for Boy Scouts Posted in Aims of ScoutingThis science program feature offers the opportunity to plan a month's worth of troop activities with a weather and energy theme. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content summary only.
Pistol Safety and Marksmanship Pilot Now Accepting Applications
The Boy Scout Pistol Safety and Marksmanship Pilot Program is accepting applications for the 2014 pilot program. Twelve councils will be selected to take part in the pilot. The goals of the program are to provide youth with the knowledge and skills to safely handle a pistol, retain youth by offering a quality program taught…
Tune in to Jamboree on the Air, Sat. Oct. 19 (opens in a new tab)
One of Scouting's priorities is to reach into underserved neighborhoods, where we can help provide the resources and leadership to young people who otherwise would not have the opportunity to live Scouting's values and experience great outdoor adventures. Thanks to the wonders of Amateur Radio, we are able to spread the word about Scouting around…
Permanent On-Line World Jamboree (opens in a new tab)
If you haven't visited Scout.org (the website of The World Organization of the Scouting Movement, WOSM) in a while you are in for a big surprise! For the last ten months we have been reviewing and analysing feedback from our readers, which resulted in the developing of an innovative concept for our Movement's web presence…
BSA hosts 23 other organizations at National Youth Protection Symposium
The Boy Scouts of America is continually working to remain a leader among youth-serving organizations in the fight again child abuse. And kids who are abused outside of Scouting have a better chance of recovering and thriving by joining youth-serving organizations like Scouting.
Pioneering Program Curriculum V: Two-Spar Shear Lashing (opens in a new tab)
This is the fifth post in a series that will eventually comprise an activity-based, unit pioneering program curriculum. V. With the square lashing under their belts, Scouts can start to actually build pioneering projects. Though the basic and oft-used A-frame can be readily completed using three square lashings, the Two-Spar Shear Lashing is most frequently…
The Scout's Review (opens in a new tab)
I learned early on that promoting Scouting seems to fall into the hands of the local troops and packs. During my 33 years of being involved with the Boy Scout program I have very rarely seen the national office or the local council do much to promote the Scouting program outside of the Scouting program.
Chief's Corner: A Venturer's Story
A recent post on the official blog of Chief Scout Executive Wayne Brock shares the story of Venturing Crew 225, which partnered with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management for a unique fundraising opportunity. By salvaging scrap metal from a section of land, the crew learned not only the value of hard work but also…
Painting Merit Badge for Boy Scouts
Painting Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in The Arts and CreativityOur local painters union does a skill center for the Painting merit badge every year. Boy Scouts learn all about the proper techniques for painting. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content summary only.
We're Scout Leaders! We're All Crazy! (opens in a new tab)
I saw this picture online and it brought a huge smile to my face. I could not help but picture a Scout Leader standing up in front of a council or district training session and yelling this to all the attendants.
How Facebook's new privacy policy for teens affects your Scouts, Venturers
For your Scouts and Venturers on Facebook, the reminder to "think before you post" just got a lot more important. Yesterday we learned that Facebook has changed its privacy policies for users age 13 to 17, a move with real implications for the social media users in your troop, post, ship, team or crew.
Finance Impact e-Letter: Oct. 15 Issue Covers Accounting for Lowe's Gift Cards
Click image to view newsletter The October 15 issue of the Finance Impact Department's e-Letter has been published and is available online. This issue explains proper accounting procedures for distributing and recording Lowe's gift cards, which are available to Eagle Scout candidates to assist with the financial costs of Eagle Scout projects.
Trick-shot tacticians Dude Perfect use the Summit as their latest playground
What happens when you send the purveyors of insane basketball and football trick shots to the BSA's newest high-adventure playground? You won't believe me until you see for yourself. Last month the guys at Dude Perfect, with 1.7 million YouTube subscribers to their name, visited the Summit for their latest round of extreme trick shots.
An Eagle Scout and astronaut fact-checks the film 'Gravity' (opens in a new tab)
Like many who saw the new movie Gravity , I was curious how much of what happens in the big-budget thriller could happen in real life. Fortunately, astronaut and Eagle Scout Scott Parazynski did the fact-checking for us. In an article for Vulture , the man who has spent 47 hours on spacewalks answers questions about how…
Showing Off The Summit, Dude Perfect Style - Summit Blog!
The guys from Dude Perfect have made taking crazy trick shots an art form. No, it’s true. “So?” you might say. “What does this have to do with the Summit?” Well, when we turned Dude Perfect loose on the Summit, they put their imaginations to work and came up with some amazing shots that capture…
Unit Performance Guide Methodology: The BSA-Approved Strategy for Starting and Sustaining High-Performing Quality Units
A new Unit Performance Guide will be released on November 1 to help start and sustain high-performing quality units. Under the new methodology, "No Unit Before Its Time," there are four pillars (or steps) of new unit organization and retention: 1) Know the Market 2) Make the Call 3) Build the Team 4) Grow the…
Uses for pioneering projects (opens in a new tab)
Pioneering projects are great fun to build, and there is a good sense of accomplishment that can be achieved, but I'm always looking for a pioneering project to be a bit more useful in the long term. When I was a Troop Scouter, if a Scout proposed a project, I always looked for another angle…
BSA Wolf Supplemental Den Meeting Plan I – More Make It Yourself
BSA Wolf Supplemental Den Meeting Plan I – More Make It Yourself Posted in Aims of ScoutingBSA provides Wolf den meeting plans for Cub Scout den leaders. Today's plan is a supplemental den meeting plan in which Cub Scouts make a bench fork and a door stop Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource...
Scouting Thomas iPad App Review and Giveaway (opens in a new tab)
Recently, I was asked to review a new outdoor activity-inspired iPad app called Scouting Thomas. To make sure that this is a proper review, I asked Grant, my Wolf Cub Scout, and Parker, my Webelos II, to play with it. I even let them to play it during the school week when video games typically
Wood Badge Christmas (opens in a new tab)
Yes, I know it is not even Halloween yet, but Christmas commercials are already on television and the stores have already begun decorating for the season, so I thought now would be a great time to tell those of you who have completed their Wood Badge training to check out the scoutstuff.org website for this…
BSA and Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Sign New MOU
Click on image to view document The Boy Scouts of America and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod recently developed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU). This is the first MOU since the National Council passed the resolution that amended the membership policy for youth.
What Do Scouts Decide?
There's a lot of discussion about who makes decisions about what activities Scouts put on their schedule. What do Scouts decide? Should adults be part of that process, or must we always allow Scouts to make these decisions? Some would argue that who makes these decisions is a good test of whether a troop is…