Posts in November 2013

Post Script (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

Sometimes it would be nice to have a PS at the bottom of each blog entry.. But its tough to know what that Post Script would be until emails, comments, and other pings come in. Here is a general post script.

The Mirrors (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

I have heard it said over and over again that your character is best demonstrated when no one is watching. Anyone can have an outward appereance of good character. But it is how they act when the cameras are not rolling, the spot light is not on them that their true character comes out.

October 2013 Customer Photos! (opens in a new tab)

Official ClassB Blog ·

For those of you who chose to partake in Halloween festivities, we hope you had a safe and Spooktacular holiday! October has proven to be an action-packed month for our customers. Nice weather inspired all sorts of fun outdoor activities for our Cub Scout and Girl Scout customers.

Thoughts on Religion (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

I learned long ago not to get into Politics or Religion unless you are looking for an argument. Well, I say learned… but I am not sure that I really have learned as I tend to get into these debates and they always end bad.

Social Media and Scouts (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

Yesterday I spent the day at our Council's Program and Training Conference. I assisted in instructing the Trainers EDGE class and upon arrival learned that I have an hour to kill in the morning, so I helped my buddy Adam teach his Social Media class.

Issue 369 – November 3, 2013 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

________________________________________ Dear Andy, Our troop's adult leaders have been at odds recently over the final determination of individual Scout accounts. Our troop does two major fundraisers each year-holiday wreaths and popcorn-and we split the profits with the Scouts (the troop keeps 50% and the Scouts get 50% of all profits they make from these sales).

Can Cubs go ziplining, and other questions

Bobwhite's Blather ·

Over the last couple weeks I've received questions on various issues from readers. Since they're probably subjects that others may have questions about, I'll discuss them here. (And as Joe Friday would say, the names have been changed to protect …

Den Doodles (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom ·

Den Doodles Posted in A Game with a PurposeDen doodles are used to recognize Cub Scouts for participation in activities and any other behavior which needs encouragement. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content summary only.

Staying warm in your Hammock

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

I had a fun discussion this weekend with a reader of the blog that is interested, but not sold on the whole hammock camping thing. We were talking about when I camp in my hammock. The answer is all the time, every month in every season.

700 Trained (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Adam · archived copy

This weekend was our Council's University of Scouting. We call it Program & Training Conference. It is totally wicked! As with anything there is change. It used to be called Pow-wow. I first went to Pow-Wow in 2009. I should have gone in 2008. I first went because it was part of my Woodbadge

Summit Venue Spotlight: The Canopy

Summit Blog ·

Few things are cooler–or more fun–than zip lining from platform to platform in the forest canopy. Check out the video above for a glimpse. Pretty cool, yes? The Canopy is one of four venues at the Summit that are included in the Helmets and Harnesses Program , the other three being The Zip, The Ropes and…

Great dialogue on youth protection (opens in a new tab)

Chief's Corner · archived copy

We recently wrapped up our 2 nd National Youth Protection Symposium . The common goal expressed by everyone: Keep kids safe from those who might do them harm. Scouting Magazine Senior Editor Bryan Wendell did a nice wrap-up of the two-day event in his blog, so I encourage you to read his October 16 th posting…

LAX shooting survivor says Boy Scout first-aid training saved his life

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

An Eagle Scout who was shot in the leg during Friday's deadly attack at Los Angeles International Airport credits first-aid training he learned as a Scout with saving his life. Brian Ludmer, a 29-year-old California teacher and former member of Lake Forest, Ill., Troop 48, used a makeshift tourniquet to stop the bleeding in his…

What Would You Do? Wilderness Emergencies

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Most wilderness emergencies are avoidable, but, if you spend enough time in the outdoors, one will likely come your way. What will you do? Studying scenarios and reports is a one way to sharpen your outdoor leadership skills. Canoe guru Kevin Callan is the author of 11 books, including the Paddler's Guide series and The…

Is there any guidelines in the age scouts share tents?

HalfEagle Answers ·

Are there any age requirements or guidelines on selecting scouts to share tents?

Venturing World Conservation Award (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom ·

Venturing World Conservation Award The Venturing World Conservation Award recognizes young men and women who increase their awareness of conservation and its impact on the world community. Many Scouting organizations affiliated with the World Organization of the Scout Movement offer this award to their members.

Scouting Around Town (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Rediscovered ·

Introduction Modern Scouting seems to have developed a simple, repetitive model for Scouting activities. Once a week, the Troop holds a meeting (almost always at the same place); once a month (or less), the Troop goes on a camping trip; and occasionally a community service project is performed.

Guardian of the Gate (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

Guardian of the Gate by F. Darnall Daley Jr. (advancement chair for Area 6 of the Northeast Region). Some of you appear to be standing guard at the gate. Like good guards you are not letting anyone pass who does not have the correct password.

Curious or Complacent?

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

When I was a kid, I was that kid that always wanted to know how things worked. I was the kid that took a part toys to see how they were made. I loved trips to museums to see where things came from and I liked to hang out with my dad in the garage…

Skating Merit Badge for Boy Scouts (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom · archived copy

Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting Boy Scouts working on the Skating merit badge can choose to fulfill the requirements by ice skating, roller skating, or inline skating. This merit badge introduces Scouts to the exciting world of ice skating, roller skating, and in-line skating.

Rocket-powered backpacks and 10 other wild predictions of Scouting in 2000

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

At Boy Scout camps in the year 2000, milk doesn't spoil, knots are rarely used and backpacks have been replaced by rockets that deliver camping gear in "near-zero time." That's according to the 1960 predictions of Nostradamus, at least. In the February 1960 issue of Scouting magazine, there's a fun, tongue-in-cheek article that channels the…

Longtime Scouter left behind template for running Eagle Scout boards of review

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Don Bennett directed Eagle Scout boards of review like a film director creating his latest masterpiece. He challenged the Eagle candidates with expertly crafted questions all with the goal of making the young man see just how his time in Scouting has formed who he is.

Making a Part-Time Passion a Full-Time Career (opens in a new tab)

Chief's Corner · archived copy

A while back, I received a question on Twitter from a dedicated Scouting volunteer who is having thoughts of joining our professional ranks. It's really a testimonial to how Scouting creates great leaders. We are always looking for great talent to help us continue our mission to serve America's youth with a quality Scouting experience.

What Generation Is This? (opens in a new tab)

A Scoutmaster's Blog ·

A scoutmaster took out his phone at the roundtable Tuesday night to show me something that was written many centuries ago about the younger generation, but seemed to be written about many of today's youth. After reading it I had him email it to me so that I could share it with all of you.

Scouting's Positive Rites of Passage (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

Carrying backpacks for the first time, Scouts leave the familiar comforts of home and strike out on the trail. Following flashlight beams through unknown territory, they arrive at the campsite with their friends. Tents are set up, a fire is lit and they gather around trying to shake off the cold.

Strategic Recruiting (opens in a new tab)

Chief's Corner · archived copy

A key challenge for any volunteer organization is increasing membership and keeping programs timely and interesting. We know we've achieved success when our programs not only keep new members coming in, but are also helping to keep those members long term.

Dude Perfect Visits The Summit!

ScoutStuff Blog ·

You may know them as Ambassadors of Fun or Trick-Shot Tacticians, but when it comes to inspiring audiences and leaving them with huge smiles on their faces, these guys have truly got game! If you haven't heard of them yet, the Dude Perfect Crew uses crazily creative basketball and football shots and their contagious Go…

Issue 370 – November 8, 2013 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

________________________________________ ARE YOU READING ADVANCEMENT NEWS YET? To get yourself started, here's where to check it out (copy and paste this link)… http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/GuideToAdvancement/Advancement_News.aspx ADVANCEMENT NEWS is the official e-newsletter of the BSA's National Advancement Committee and National Advancement Team – It's written by volunteers for volunteers!

For Service's Sake (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

In the cold and wind yesterday, the scouts provided service to some elderly citizens in their community. We joined a church's project to rake leaves from the yards of seniors that needed assistance. It was a great excuse to be outside enjoying a fall day before the snow finally arrives.

Honoring Our Veterans

Chief's Corner ·

In 2012, there were 21.2 million living veterans on record. Every year, we honor their service and the memory of those who have passed on or died in battle. Citizenship is among the important values we teach our Scouts, and remembering those who have served our country in military service is one of the responsibilities…

Scoutmaster Podcast 195 (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

Scoutmaster Podcast 195 In this podcast we discuss the combination of maturity, leadership and participation that makes an Eagle Scout. There are answers to email questions concerning the Eagle application, advancement, and an requirement-based event. All of this and your messages in the mailbag.

Veterans Day 2013 (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

This Veterans Day marks the 10th Veterans day since we deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today was the 9th Veterans Day celebration at home. Today in our little corner of America we stopped for an hour and celebrated Veterans Day.

Honoring the Scouts Who Defended Freedom (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Rediscovered ·

It is hard to imagine a better reason to look into the past than to simply say "Thank You!" to those who sacrificed their time, money, and lives to build a better world for us today. The Scouting Movement, in particular, has distinguished itself for being populated by members and volunteers, young and old, who…

Designed to Crunch – STEM Award for Boy Scouts (Mathematics)

Scouter Mom ·

Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Today's students will need to become proficient in these areas in order to excel in our changing world. The NOVA award program is part of the BSA's STEM Initiative.

LFL and Exploring Today: November Issue Highlights Middle School Explorer Clubs, Career Interest Surveys and 2014 Conferences

Scouting Wire ·

Click image to view newsletter The November issue of Learning for Life and Exploring Today has been published and is available online. In this issue, read more about the new Middle School Explorer clubs and learn how to use Career Interest Surveys to kick off an Exploring program.

Wearing Too Many Hats? (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

Frank Maynard's excellent blog " Bobwhite Blather " addresses one of the most common problems in Scouting: wearing too many hats! "An hour a week," we were told, and soon found that it's not always an accurate estimate, "but who's counting?" we reason, because it's for our sons and those of our friends and neighbors.

Finance Impact e-Letter: Nov. 15 Issue Highlights Social Security Tax Modification

Scouting Wire ·

Click image to view e-Letter The Nov. 15 issue of the Finance Impact Department's e-Letter has been published and is available online. In this issue, you will find an important update to the 2014 Budget-Building Bulletin -the Social Security tax has been modified and is $1,500 more than initially reported.

Aiming High

Chief's Corner ·

Recently, I read a column that gave me a new perspective on how we can advise our young people to not just take the middle road of life, but to push a little harder and raise the bar on what they can accomplish.

Lease Car: 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Scouting Wire ·

The National Council has the following lease vehicle for sale: 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid Approximate miles: 56,384 Exterior color: Magnetic Gray Metallic Interior color: Bisque Leather Asking Price: $11,600 Location: Westlake, Texas Equipment/features: 2.4L I-4 hybrid engine JBL AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD/MP3 Electronic continuously variable transmission Power windows/locks/driver's seat Cruise control Leather-trimmed bucket seats…

Training Manager Enhancements Launched in MyScouting Tools

Scouting Wire ·

We've received wonderful reviews regarding the MyScouting Tools as well as great feedback from our volunteers. As a result, two enhancements have been made to the Training Manager tool: Initially, the Trained Leaders Report and the YPT Aging Report were available only at the staff and unit levels.

Dutch oven dishes are a fun way to involve the whole family in holiday meal preparation

ScoutStuff Blog ·

Two birds. One stone. These activities can keep younger family members happy and occupied while the kitchen's at its busiest this holiday season. The kids get to contribute to the family meal in a uniquely Scout-y way and they'll learn something in the process as well!

Issue 371 – November 13, 2013 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

________________________________________ Here's an interesting question about the "Statement of ambitions and life purpose and a listing of positions held in your religious institution, school, camp, community, or other organizations, during which you demonstrated leadership skills. Include honors and awards received during this service."

How to Delegate (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Rediscovered ·

Here is some great advice on proper delegation in Scouting that I recently ran across in an old pamphlet published by the Boy Scouts of Canada in the 1960's: The Importance of Delegation The Scout way of running things by the Patrol System is an excellent way for young men to get practice in leadership.

Have You Been to the Cub Hub?

Scouting Wire ·

The Cub Hub is the new online gateway into the world of Cub Scouting. Through vivid pictures, videos, and stories, the Cub Hub illustrates that the Cub Scouting experience goes way beyond the uniform. Think of it like a giant idea factory!

Pioneering Merit Badge for Boy Scouts

Scouter Mom ·

Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting Boy Scouts can practice their knot skills and build amazing projects when they work on the Pioneering merit badge . This is another one our Scouts often earn at summer camp.

Voice of the Scout Fall Results Delayed

Scouting Wire ·

The much sought-after district-level data on the Voice of the Scout dashboard has been delayed until later this month. Due to some issues encountered during software development, the Mission Impact team is still working to finalize the expansion of the JTE dashboard, with the goal of pushing the council NPS score and response rate to…

Engage Your Unit Membership Chair With Ideas and Tools

Scouting Wire ·

Units that have membership growth and retention have three key components: a strong, vibrant Scouting program; engaged volunteers; and someone on the unit committee who is responsible for membership. The unit membership chair is the unit committee member who will focus on membership growth and retention of the unit.

Fire By Friction

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Fire by friction history was made by ‘World Champion Fire Starter' Eagle Scout Dudley Winn Smith from Independence, Missouri who held the record for starting a fire using a bow and drill. The 1937 book Games and Recreational Methods for Clubs, Camps and Scouts , C.F.

The 2013 Jamboree Story Map

BSA National Scout Jamboree 2010 Bulletins ·

The Summit is a big place. No doubt about it. And the adventure, well, it has a way of bringing out the best in Scouts and Venturers, of taking them to the next level. To capture the scale of the Summit and give an idea of the experiences that await, the Summit team has put…

Webelos to Scouts|November 2013 ScoutCircle

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

PDF Resources The New Parents Quick Guide Webelos_to_Scout – BSA information webelos-to-scout-transition-plan-1 Heart of America Council WebToScout Webelos to Scout Transition: A Parents' Guide

Inspirational Teamwork (opens in a new tab)

Scout Pioneering · archived copy

THESE SCOUTS WERE FULL-THROTTLE AWESOME! Team Building Opportunity. The challenge referred to as Crossing the Alligator Pit is an activity that requires 100% cooperation and teamwork. The Scout on the A-Frame “walker” is totally reliant on his fellow Scouts to keep him aloft and facilitate his forward progress.

50 Mile Canoe Trip Pin

Scouter Mom ·

Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting Reader Bruce asked Does anyone know where I can buy a pin for scouts who completed a 50 mile canoe trip? I would ideally like a paddle shaped pin with "50 Mile" on the paddle.

Feeling overwhelmed? (opens in a new tab)

Bobwhite's Blather · archived copy

Last week we discussed ways to keep from taking on too many jobs. As a follow-up, let's consider ways to keep the one job you supposedly have from being overwhelming. I realize that many of us have multiple responsibilities in …

Scoutmaster Podcast 196

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Scoutmaster Podcast 196 In this edition of the Scoutmaster Podcast we discuss being a positive influence, a reluctant Senior Patrol Leader, a Scout who won't swim, and working with younger Scouts. All this and your messages in the mailbag! Links Get The Scouting Journey : Be a ScoutmasterCG.com Backer Podcast Archive Scoutmaster Podcast 196

Christening of the Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)

Chief's Corner ·

It was a proud moment for the Boy Scouts of America when Gerald R. Ford became 38 th President of the United States, the only Eagle Scout to serve as the nation's Chief Executive. Now we can honor his memory again with the christening of the nation's newest aircraft carrier, the Gerald R.

New details on the rollout of using One Oath and Law in all programs

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

It's been more than a year since I blogged about the switch to the Scout Oath and Scout Law in all programs, a change that primarily affects Venturing and Cub Scouting. The resolution, passed by the National Executive Board last year, means that soon every Scout of any age will use the Scout Oath and…

Venturing TRUST Award (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom · archived copy

Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting The TRUST award is the religious and community life award for Venturers. A young man or woman can earn this award by completing requirements related to each letter in the word TRUST: T: Tending Your Faith R: Respecting the Beliefs of Others U…

Focusing on hunger in America

Chief's Corner ·

Over the next few weekends, Scouts will be out in force to gather canned good and other non-perishable foods for our annual Scouting for Food collection. These goods are a critical lifeline for food pantries across our country that give help to individuals and families in need.

Assume Goodwill

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Sometimes all we need to solve our biggest problems is a slight shift in attitude. What would things be like if our first assumption was goodwill? The patrol leader who forgot to do something may have honestly forgotten to do it, not just ignored their responsibility.

Meet the Unit Membership Chairman, your new best friend in recruiting

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Your best recruiting and retention tool is an adult volunteer already in your unit. He or she just doesn't know it yet. Don't delay in filling the newly created Unit Membership Chairman position. This Scouter is a member of your unit's committee whose sole focus is membership growth and retention.

December Cub Scout Theme: Passport to Other Lands (Respect)

Scouter Mom ·

Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting BSA offers supplemental pack program ideas for each month. One theme for the December core value of Respect s a Passport to Other Lands theme. Here is what the program helps say about this theme: Today we recognize that people of many different…

New Learning Experiences (opens in a new tab)

Wayne Brock TV · archived copy

The BSA has always put a high value on people-both employees and volunteers. Our training methods have evolved to take advantage of new technologies and techniques. We are continuing to evolve to move beyond training in the traditional sense and create "learning experiences" that will prepare our employees and volunteers at every level to succeed…

Theater Merit Badge for Boy Scouts (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom · archived copy

Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting The Theater merit badge will appeal to Boy Scouts who enjoy being on stage. Many have opportunities at school to do some of these requirements. While earning the Theater merit badge, Scouts will learn to appreciate live performances as members of the audience…

An Eagle Board of Review study guide, created by Scouters

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

Students pore over countless study guides for their midterms, but where's the study guide for Scouting's biggest evaluation? Right here. The Eagle Scout Board of Review study guide, created by two Pennsylvania adult leaders, will better prepare your prospective Eagle Scouts for this potentially stressful final step in the journey to Eagle.

Issue 372 – November 21, 2013 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

________________________________________ Dear Andy, There doesn't seem to be a requirement for two-deep leadership at troop meetings. There's only a requirement for trips and outings. The only additional rule is that of no one-on-one private contact between an adult and a Scout.

'Meal-salting' Machine (opens in a new tab)

Ropes and Poles ·

51 years ago this week, this letter appeared in the ' Scout ' newspaper (24th November 1962)" "Dear Editor, during this years Summer Camp in North Devon our Troop held, as an item in the Patrol Competition, a Crazy Gadget Contest. The crazy gadget had to work as well as being as crazy as possible.

Remembering John F. Kennedy, the first president to have been a Boy Scout

Bryan on Scouting / On Scouting ·

When he was 12 years old, John F. Kennedy asked for a raise. The year was 1929, and Kennedy was a new member of Troop 2 in Bronxville, N.Y. Now that he had reached Scout age, Kennedy reasoned, it was time for his allowance to match his new Boy Scout-level maturity.