Posts in October 2013

Check Your Mailbox for our 2013 Christmas Gift Mailer

ScoutStuff Blog ·

All The Gifts of Scouting" delivers 70+ new Scout-inspired gift ideas. If you have active Scouts or Scouters in your life then you know the effect the prospect of "new gear" has. The reactions can call to mind Tim Allen's manly "Tool Time" grunt.

Top Cook Contest (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

Are you the best chef in your troop? Do the scouts rave about your meals months later? Well, here's your chance to prove it! Scouting magazine is holding a Camp Cuisine Contest this month. Submit your entry at their contest page and you might win an MSR Dragonfly stove.

Big Wins (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

On my first campout with the scouts since returning from my hike across WI. We picked a cold, wet weekend but still had a good time making a trebuchet and launching tennis balls. With just 8 poles, you can build a very nice little launcher.

Issue 367 – October 20, 2013 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

________________________________________ Dear Andy, I'm an Eagle Scout. I'm now 20. I'd earned Life rank when I was 13, but just couldn't find the right Eagle Scout Service Project that I wanted to do (I had lots of suggestions for the next more than four years about building shelves, making birdhouses, replanting shrubbery, repainting sheds, etc., but…

Why do volunteers falter?

Bobwhite's Blather ·

Scouting is a volunteer organization. We knew that already. Except for a relatively few paid staff members at the national and local council levels, almost all of the work of Scouting is done by volunteer adults, giving of their own …

Registering a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster

Scouter Mom ·

Registering a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster Posted in Adult LeadershipLeadershipYouth LeadershipReader Michael sent in this question: How do I go about registering an Eagle Scout in my troop as a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster? Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in...

Scoutmaster Podcast 192

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Scoutmaster Podcast 192 In This Podcast In this edition of the Scoutmaster podcast we get an update on a previous podcast's advice, discuss evaluating Scout Spirit, and answer questions about knives, Scouts getting credit for camping with Cubs, and helping the patrol leader's council address a concern about their calendar.

Instagram Digest (opens in a new tab)

Jabbering All Day Long · archived copy

A collection of Kiff's Instagram Photos for you to enjoy TTFN Kiff ©ChrisMeadows2013 Hello Reader – Are you new to Jabbering All Day Long can I suggest that you check out our Starter for Ten Page which will hopefully give you a guide as you take your first couple of footsteps around this site.

The Journey continues

Scouter Adam ·

Tonight I was at the old Pack. It was the Bobcat Ceremony and also a Den Chief Induction ceremony. The new Cubmaster, who is now just the Cubmaster was in full control. I got introduced to several people as the Old Cubmaster. It felt good. I basically stayed in the background and chatted a few

Hang On! – STEM Award for Venturers (Engineering)

Scouter Mom ·

Hang On! – STEM Award for Venturers (Engineering) Posted in ScienceSTEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The engineering Nova award (STEM award) for Venturers is called Hang On. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content summary only.

Life's Not Fair

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

I have said it before on this blog that stories or themes seem to come in bunches. And so it seems that the recurring theme as of late at least around me is that Life is not fair. Well, I keep hearing it, at work, in Scouts, and at my sons school, in particular the…

Join the Scouting Celebration That's a Century in the Making

Chief's Corner ·

Even as we continue on the trail toward Scouting's future, there are times when we should stop, look back and see how far we've come. That's the exciting premise behind "A Century of Honor," the special celebration of Scouting on Tuesday, Oct.

Principles of Scoutmastership

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

A reader sent a link to a venerable work published many decades ago titled " Principles of Scoutmastership in Relation to Boy Development " prepared by a commission who set themselves the task of answering these questions 1. What is this development we seek for the boy?

Tuesday Talkback: Does your troop hike in field uniform (aka 'Class A')?

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

If you're not meant to hike, sweat and get dirty in your field uniform, then what's with all the pockets for storing stuff? Why do the shirts come in an option made from breathable fabric? And have Scouts who hike in "Class A's" been doing it wrong for decades?

Cub Scout Art Belt Loop

Cub Scout Ideas ·

I'm not an artist, so every time I looked at the requirements for the Cub Scout Art Belt Loop, I would cringe and think, "I can't help my boys with that!" But today, I decided to spend some time figuring it out. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it isn't as hard as I

Really looking forward to this. "The Book Thief" is... (opens in a new tab)

Inside Boys' Life ·

Really looking forward to this. "The Book Thief" is among the all-time great YA books. zusakbooks : #TheBookThief: International Trailer "Good night…Book Thief." The international trailer is out now, and there's more of Max (Ben Schnetzer), more Rosa (Emily Watson)…and more of that dauntless Jesse Owens impersonator, Rudy Steiner (the always-gracious Nico Liersch).

New Business Practices

Wayne Brock TV ·

In this episode, I'm discussing change, and how it affects all of us in the BSA. Just as you are forced to evaluate and improve your practices on the local level, we must do the same on the national level.

Relentless Encouragement

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

If a Scouter concentrates on what Scouts aren't doing it tends to blind them to what they are doing. Lay aside your expectations and enter into their expectations. If we look for problems, we'll find them; there will always be plenty of room for improvement.

September-October 'Where Am I?' winner, location revealed

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

One look at the photo is all it took for our September-October "Where Am I?" winner to recognize the mystery location: the Wind River Range in Wyoming. 142 readers submitted their guesses and random number 35 was chosen as our contest winner: Scouter Kathy Borrell of Cochranville, Penn., who says she's backpacked the rugged terrain…

More details on the Jan. 1 update to Cooking merit badge

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

It's a secret recipe no longer. I've got new details to share on Cooking merit badge, set to be updated and join the list of Eagle-required merit badges on New Year's Day 2014. While the requirements are still being finalized, the questions and answers provided here should tide you over until the full course arrives.

What level of youth-led is appropriate?

Adventures and Accidents ·

I had an interesting Scouting discussion last night. A very well-intentioned someone was trying to explain to someone else how much the adult leaders should be involved in the different programs of Scouting. They said that for Venturing, the program is 75% youth led, Varsity is 50% youth led and Boy Scouts is maybe 25%…

Behind The Scenes With Dude Perfect At The Summit

Summit Blog ·

So. You've seen the trick shot video shot right here at the Summit , right? Well, we kicked around with the guys from Dude Perfect while they were on-site working their trick shot magic. As you might guess, there's a lot of work involved in getting the shots set up.

Scouts don't care Rhod Gilbert's motto for scouting.

Jabbering All Day Long ·

Were you annoyed with Rhod Gilbert's motto for scouting. "Scouts Don't Care" - This is my changing view

BSA Tiger Supplemental Den Meeting Plan N – Display a Picture

Scouter Mom ·

BSA Tiger Supplemental Den Meeting Plan N – Display a Picture Posted in FamilyHobbiesBSA provides a set of Tiger den meeting ideas for Cub Scout den leaders. In this den meeting plan, the Tiger Cub Scouts make a picture frame Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved...

Uses for Pioneering Projects – Ropes and Poles Blog

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

South African Scouter Peter Le Roux maintains the excellent Ropes and Pole s blog. Here's a recent post on expanding the use of pioneering projects: 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…

STEM and NOVA become RAD in the hands of SCOUTS (opens in a new tab)

ScoutStuff Blog · archived copy

Not long ago, recording artist, songwriter, and entrepreneur wil.i.am (of The Black-Eyed Peas) teamed up with inventor Dean Kamen to make sure STEM (the acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) becomes a household name through wider news coverage and the i.am FIRST: Science is Rock and Roll primetime TV special.

Issue 368 – October 25, 2013 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

________________________________________ The letter from the young Eagle Scout who became subject to a "bait-and-switch" by his own board of review that appeared in my October 20th column sparked any number of responses. Here are two… Dear Andy, I just read your October 20th column-in particular the letter from that young Eagle Scout whose council rep.

Character Connection Activities

Scouter Mom ·

Character Connection Activities Posted in CharacterA reader writes in asking for help with Character Connection activities. See my list of resources and add your own. 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! ]

Scoutmaster Podcast 193 (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

Scoutmaster Podcast 193 In This Podcast In this edition of the Scoutmaster podcast we get an update on a previous podcast's advice, discuss several emails about working with Scout parents and fellow volunteers. Listen as I tell the harrowing true story of the infamous Pumpkin Man's visit to a Camporee campfire.

Lease Cars: 2011 Lincoln MKS and 2012 Ford Taurus SEL

Scouting Wire ·

The National Council has the following lease vehicles for sale: 2011 Lincoln MKS FWD Sedan Approximate miles: 61,373 Exterior color: Gold Leaf Metallic Interior color: Camel Premium Leather Asking price: $17,300 Location: National Council Equipment/features: 3.7L 24-valve Duratec V6 with VCT AM/FM stereo CD/DVD/MP3 player with Bluetooth THX II certified audio 6-speed automatic transmission with…

Scouts Take to the Airwaves at JOTA

Scouting Wire ·

The 56th Jamboree on the Air took place Oct. 18–20, connecting Scouts across the country and around the world through the fun, technology, and magic of amateur radio. Although final results are being tabulated, the initial numbers are impressive. More than 400 stations, representing 46 states and 173 councils, registered their operations in the U.S.…

New Look Coming for MyScouting Tools (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire · archived copy

Some exciting changes are being made to MyScouting Tools ! Soon, the site will have a new look and feel. Plus, it will run faster and be more mobile-friendly and dynamic to fit on any mobile device. New graphics and videos also will be part of this new look, which will launch in November.

Listening and Observation (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom · archived copy

Listening and Observation Posted in Adult LeadershipLeadershipYouth LeadershipIf you make listening and observation your occupation you will gain much more than you can by talk. Robert Baden-Powell Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content summary only.

Tuesday Talkback: When should Scouts wear hats indoors?

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Wear your hat outside; don't wear your hat inside. Seems simple, but it's not that easy. Take, for example, this exception from the BSA's Guide to Awards and Insignia [PDF] : Official headgear may be worn while the unit or individual is participating in an indoor formal ceremony or service duty, except in religious institutions where…

Registration Open for 2015 Philmont Trek

Scouting Wire ·

Now is the time to register for your Philmont 12-day or 7-day adventure of a lifetime! Philmont is currently accepting crew reservations for the 2015 camping season. Registration will close Dec. 1, 2013.

Finance Impact e-Letter: Nov. 1 Issue Explains ACH Payment Option in Blackbaud Sphere

Scouting Wire ·

Click on image to view e-Letter The Nov. 1 issue of the Finance Impact Department's e-Letter has been published and is available online. As of Sept. 30, 2013, 62 BSA local councils were using Blackbaud Sphere, generating more than $3.5 million in transactions.

One Hundred Years of Scouting in the Church

ScoutStuff Blog ·

If you're a fan of the Bryan on Scouting Blog like we are, you may have already seen his post about the 100-year anniversary of the partnership between the Boy Scouts of America and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

2014 National Camping School Dates Announced

Scouting Wire ·

An updated 2014 National Camping School informational brochure is available online at https://www.ncsbsa.org/resources/ncs/ . National Camping School provides adults with training needed to operate council camps. These key staff members will, in turn, train and supervise other staff personnel in your council camping program.

Just Launched: Membership Volunteer Resources

Scouting Wire ·

Membership Committee volunteers are the backbone in our efforts to recruit more youth and adults into Scouting. To impact the lives of youth in each unit, volunteers need to be more involved in the process of recruiting and retaining youth.

Former Secretary of Defense Dr. Robert M. Gates elected to National Executive Board; will serve as an executive vice president and national president-elect (opens in a new tab)

Chief's Corner · archived copy

I am pleased to announce that the BSA National Executive Board elected former Secretary of Defense and former CIA Director Dr. Robert M. Gates to the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America. Dr. Gates will serve as a member of the board's executive committee and as the national president-elect.

Robert M. Gates, former defense secretary, joins BSA national executive board, serves as national president-elect

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Robert M. Gates, a Distinguished Eagle Scout and our nation's 22nd secretary of defense, has been elected to the national executive board of the Boy Scouts of America. Gates will serve as a member of the executive committee and as the national president-elect.

The Disc Golf Tri-O (opens in a new tab)

A Scoutmaster's Blog ·

I think the first time I ever played disc golf was in 1981 at Crow Wing Scout Reservation near Nevis, Minnesota. I was a 20 year old assistant scoutmaster attending camp with the Boy Scouts of Melrose Troop 68. It was their first time at a week long summer camp.

Deadline Extended: 2013 Shooting Sports Grant

Scouting Wire ·

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 safe, responsible, and intelligent ways to handle, care for, and use firearms, rifles, and BB guns in planned, carefully managed, and supervised programs.

Save Money on Food for Your Council (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire · archived copy

Councils spend more money on food annually than any other item. Saving money without giving up quality or service can be a challenge. Good news! National Purchasing has made a national agreement with U.S. Foods to help local councils save money through nationwide volume food buying.

Eagle Scout delivers critical hit to win second World Series

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Shane Victorino already had Eagle Scout, 2008 World Series champion and three-time Gold Glove winner on his list of accomplishments. Tonight, the Boston Red Sox outfielder added 2013 World Series champion to his résumé, and he did so with a timely swing of the bat in the bottom of the third.

Public Health Merit Badge for Boy Scouts

Scouter Mom ·

Public Health Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in Be PreparedBoy Scouts learn about their personal responsibilities and the community aspects of public health while working on the Public Health merit badge. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content summary only.

Now That's a Multi-Tool! (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

Just for fun, here's something you don't see everyday. Imagine casually taking this out of your pocket around the campfire! This 9 lb, 1-foot-diameter "multi tool" was designed as a calling card by the F.W. Holler Company of Solingen, Germany, who were seeking to make a name for German knife manufacturers in Solingen (who had…

Cinematography Now Moviemaking Merit Badge

Scouting Wire ·

Lights, camera, action! The Cinematography merit badge has been renamed Moviemaking. The change was made to reflect the many elements that go into creating a movie. Aside from some minor updates from the Merit Badge Maintenance Task Force, the requirements and content for the merit badge are essentially the same.

Dr. Robert M. Gates To Serve as National President-Elect

Scouting Wire ·

The BSA National Executive Board has elected former Secretary of Defense and former CIA Director Dr. Robert M. Gates to the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America. Dr. Gates will serve as a member of the board's executive committee and as the national president-elect.