Happy New Year
As I write this it is still 2013. We like most folks are heading out to usher in the New Year with friends and family. I thought I would take just a minute and wish everyone a Happy New Year.
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January 2014
187 posts, oldest first.
Posts in January 2014
staff: Wow, what a year! (opens in a new tab)
staff : Wow, what a year!...
A Look at Lanterns
A few weeks back, I talked about resetting. Resetting the blog and the YouTube channel. Well.. Today is New Years Day.. and the reset has begun. I am posting a video and also letting you know that I have entered a 30 day blog challenge designed to improve the blog and increase readership.
Better activities, simplified advancement coming to Cub Scouting in 2015
Improved activities, easier-to-understand advancement and some sweet-looking handbooks - yes, Cub Scouting is about to get even better than before. After finding that current achievements are overly passive in nature, activities lack connection to the missions of Scouting and the advancement model is too complicated, the Boy Scouts of America's volunteer task force created a new…
Better activities, simplified advancement coming to Cub Scouting in 2015
Reblogged from Bryan on Scouting: Improved activities, easier-to-understand advancement and some sweet-looking handbooks - yes, Cub Scouting is about to get even better than before. After finding that current achievements are overly passive in nature, activities lack connection to the missions of Scouting and the advancement model is too complicated, the Boy Scouts of America's volunteer…
Best Wishes for 2014!
A view from the shoreline of one of my favorite campsites on lake Hogan in Algonquin Provincial Park, a highlight of my Scouting year in 2013. Here's some new year's messages I found inspiring; Today, as we wish each other a Happy New Year, let us determine to be more sincere, compassionate, warm-hearted human beings…
Baloo's Bugle for February 2014 Core Value - Resourcefulness | Invention Convention is on-line (opens in a new tab)
Word Version PDF Version Baloo's Bugle Issues Baloo's Bugle: Volume 20 Issue 06 - January 2014 February 2014 Core Value - Resourcefulness | Invention Convention Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com
Art Merit Badge for Boy Scouts (opens in a new tab)
Boy Scout learn to appreciate and create art while working on the requirements for the Art merit badge . Your creative Scouts will enjoy this badge. This merit badge concentrates on two-dimensional art, specifically drawing and painting in various media, including an introduction to design applications in the fields of graphic arts and industrial design, history…
YouTube Channel bump
Again with the reset subject. Yesterday, I did some major work on the YouTube channel. I am phasing out the old channel, which became a real pain switching back and forth between accounts… so it's all in one nice bundle now.
December 2013 Customer Photos! (opens in a new tab)
HaPpY NeW yEaR! We don't know about you, but we rang in the new year with smiles on our faces. Once again, we celebrated another successful year thanks to all of our wonderful customers! Everyone at ClassB would like to send out a great big THANK YOU to you all for being such a delight…
New Year's Inspirations
One great thing about Scouting is not only having our own adventures to look forward to in the New Year, but knowing how others in our movement have laid the foundation for their own exciting futures. I'd like to share two inspiring Scouting stories to illustrate my point.
Scouting Around: A New TV Show From Boys' Life Magazine
(Article adapted from Scouting magazine's "Bryan on Scouting" blog.) Call it real reality TV. Take all the excitement and education found in Boys' Life magazine and transport it to your television. That's the clever concept behind Scouting Around , the new show from the century-old mainstay in the life of boys and the Boy Scouts of…
New Exploring and Learning for Life Certifications Open to All Level Employees
If you are wondering how to grow Exploring, increase revenue, support your staff with Exploring or Learning for Life responsibilities, or develop a district- or council-level Exploring or Learning for Life committee, we have some exciting news for you! The national Learning for Life and Exploring team is happy to announce the new Exploring Certification…
BSA Wolf Supplemental Den Meeting Plan L – Grow Something
BSA provides Wolf den meeting plans for Cub Scout den leaders. Today's plan is a supplemental den meeting plan in which Wolf Cub Scouts take a field trip to a botanical garden. This plan covers part of Plant and raise a box garden.
VOS Information Now Available on JTE Dial
2013 Voice of the Scout data is now posted to the JTE dashboard dial, but the Information Delivery Group continues to work diligently to post fall 2013 VOS data to the VOS dashboard. Until this is complete, the Mission Impact team has developed a workaround to provide partial fall 2013 results for councils.
New Boy Scout Handbook, other Boy Scout program tweaks due in 2016 (opens in a new tab)
The saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" could be used to describe some tweaks coming to the Boy Scouts program in 2016. The merit badge program has been getting stronger with the release of each new merit badge , and the trail to Eagle Scout continues to produce terrific young men.
There is no Kryptonite… (opens in a new tab)
I have been at this for 10 years now. Seen a lot of ups and downs. The downs mostly come from having to make difficult decisions when dealing with adults. Go figure. The Ups come from working with the Scouts.
Scouting… Cool? (opens in a new tab)
First off.. if you are a Scout or Scouter read this post with caution. You may not agree with some of what I am going to say. Know that I love the Boy Scouts of America. I am always trying to tell our story in the best light of Scouting.
The Boy (opens in a new tab)
This is sort of a follow up to yesterdays post. As some of you know I collect Scouting Literature and memorabilia. I often like to look back at the old Scoutmaster handbooks and see how things are different. The one thing that I have seen that is constant is "the boy".
NCAC Boy Scouts: Prepared. For Life. (opens in a new tab)
The National Capital Area Council, BSA, recently posted a new promotional video to YouTube. I thought you might enjoy watching it.
New Year Giveaway (opens in a new tab)
I want to thank all of the folks that follow and subscribe to the blog. One of my goals this year is to post more and show more appreciation to those that keep me going. I don't do this for money or fame, but the emails and feedback that I get that tell me just…
A year ahead (opens in a new tab)
2013 is closed and in the books. Many people have posted their list of things that they have done and conquered. Now the lists of what I want to do start being created. 2013 was a very interesting year within Scouting. I left the position of District Training Chair and became the Cubscout Roundtable Commissioner.
Register Now for National Camping School
Ready to register for 2014 National Camping School? Local councils should submit the registration form using the instructions at: NCS How to Register . Only local council representatives are authorized to enter National Camping School registrations. Please d o not provide this link to the general public .
Mother's Ribbons at Court of Honor (opens in a new tab)
Anne wrote in with this question: Our troop is incorporating Mother's Ribbons for the first time into our awards ceremony. Starting with our next incoming group of boys, all the moms will receive a ribbon and the cost will be incorporated into the boys' troop fees.
Update on Boy Scout program changes
A bit over a year ago, we wrote about the five-year BSA 4-1-1 Strategic Plan that looked at all aspects of the Boy Scouts of America and provided ways for volunteers and professionals to provide input on the future of our …
History of the Pinewood Derby (opens in a new tab)
I LOVE the Pinewood Derby! Walking into the room for my very first Pinewood Derby was an unforgettable experience. Every year, I can't wait to watch it again! The Pinewood Derby celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2013. It started with Don Murphy who was the Cubmaster for Pack 280c in Manhattan Beach, California. Mr. Murphy's
Scoutmaster Podcast 203
Sponsored By ScoutmasterCG.com Backers Scoutmaster Podcast 203 In this podcast we share thoughts on merit badges at Troop meetings, an email question on Troop elections and crickets in the mailbag! Links Podcast Archive Scoutmaster Podcast 203
KNOTS January 2014 Cartoon! (opens in a new tab)
http://www.the-cartoonist.com/knots/2014jan.html The Trouble with Using Popular Songs for Wild Animal Identification or What the Fox Doesn't Say Presented as the January Cartoon to (and inspired by) the Firecrafters at Camp Belzer on January 4th! Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com
Latest Council Mergers and Transfers (opens in a new tab)
Effective January 1, 2014, the Potomac Council No. 757 in Cumberland, Maryland, has merged with the Laurel Highlands Council No. 527 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The surviving council is the Laurel Highlands Council No. 527, and all contact information for that council has remained the same.
Social Media in 2013
2013 across Social Media for Jabbering all day long.
Temporary Alternate download location for Baloo's Bugle for February 2014 Core Value - Resourcefulness | Invention Convention (opens in a new tab)
We regret that our USSSP web sites are currently unavailable to visitors at this time due to technical difficulties. Please try visiting at a later time. We are working to bring our web sites back online as soon as possible.
USSSP Web Sites Unavailable (opens in a new tab)
ATTENTION USSSP Consumers!!! We regret that our USSSP web sites are currently unavailable to visitors at this time due to technical difficulties. Please try visiting at a later time. We are working to bring our web sites back online as soon as possible.
Latest Baloo's Bugle Edition (opens in a new tab)
For those of you wanting to get your hands on the latest edition of the USSSP's Baloo's Bugle, you can download it at these alternate locations: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0WqgAQVIxewbGdIVWZRaGRST2s/edit?usp=sharing (Word) https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0WqgAQVIxewcnlfaEUwNHJBeGs/edit?usp=sharing (PDF) Please be advised that it may take a few minutes for each of these to load due to their size.
Conflict Resolution (opens in a new tab)
So who here has a perfect Troop? A group of Scouts that get along with no issues? A unit that has a culture of absolute peace and harmony? Yeah? If you have that Troop, please let me know what side of Utopia you live on and I will come and check that out..
Merit Badge Resources Just One Click Away
Looking for the latest merit badge fliers? Want to know which new merit badges are in the works? Check out http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/GuideforMeritBadgeCounselors.aspx . There you can download fliers, resources, and more to distribute or add to any roundtable meetings, newsletters, or training sessions. Be sure to bookmark this page so you can easily access the latest information.
Combining Bears and Wolves (opens in a new tab)
Tracy asked this question: Has anyone had experience combining the wolf and bear dens (due to low numbers)? Is it possible and what is the best way to do this? I have heard of some dens which do this. The Wolves did the Wolf achievements and the Bears did the Bear achievements, but they worked…
Scout Accounts (opens in a new tab)
If your Troop, Pack, or Crew assigns proceeds from fundraising to individual Scout accounts you may have been taken aback by this statement in the Fiscal Policies And Procedures For BSA Units FAQ I shared last week Can my unit credit amounts from fundraising to an individual toward their expenses?
USSSP Web Sites Back Online (opens in a new tab)
All U.S. Scouting Service Project, Inc. web sites are back in service and available. Technical issues that caused them to be offline starting yesterday afternoon have been resolved. Thank you for your patience.
New Commissioner Award of Excellence Recognition Items Now Available
The Commissioner Award of Excellence in Unit Service was developed as a nationwide effort to engage Scouting volunteers and professional Scouters in working together to focus on unit retention. The award was designed to recognize volunteers who are providing excellent commissioner service with a knot and to let those commissioners lead by example.
Girls girls girls (opens in a new tab)
We need to be inclusive in our scouting, it is true that there are a large number of people who don't know that girls are allowed in scouting
Introducing the Commissioner IT Toolbox (opens in a new tab)
With the introduction of MyScouting Tools, all volunteers and professionals now have access to a new set of resources based upon their position in Scouting. For volunteers, these tools provide critical information they did not previously have access to unless they requested it from their council office.
Crossover and Webelos Who Did Not Complete Requirements (opens in a new tab)
Reader Pamela asked this question Hello Scouter Mom, I am the Assistant Cubmaster for Pack 234. This is my first year, as well as our Cubmaster's first year doing a crossover ceremony. I've read all of your amazing ideas. However, what should we do if we know some of the boys won't be continuing on…
WINTER … Weather it wisely.
You want me to do what?! Sleeping outside when it's 40 degrees (or below) can sound like an invitation to days of unrelenting discomfort, but perhaps it can be something more. For generations, Boy Scouts have known how to weather the winter months with style, and it only takes some specific know-how to make this…
Salamanders and Limitations
Do you know why the Smoky Mountains have so many species of salamanders? I didn't. After watching this video I do. I ‘m sharing this with you because there's more to it than salamanders. Part of our work as Scouters is encouraging the joy of learning and discovery.
Lessons about environmental stewardship
I am really impressed with the stories I see and hear about how our Scouting units step forward to be stewards of the environment in their communities. A while back, I read about how Scouts in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin have a terrific project going to monitor water quality in Little Lake Wissota.
2014 Local Council Charter Renewal Applications Due Feb. 1
Click image to download form It is time to complete the 2014 Local Council Charter Renewal Application . The signed application must be submitted to the Mission Impact Team at the national office (SUM 210) by February 1, 2014 . Make sure you fill in all the information requested on both sides of the application and supply…
Tools for setting goals with JTE (opens in a new tab)
As we kick off another year in Scouting, my PLC spent some time last weekend setting goals for our Troop using the framework of JTE. If you're unfamiliar with this program or why you should be using it, read this post first .
Track Your JTE Progress for 2014 With New Spreadsheets
New unit spreadsheets for the 2014 JTE year are now available at http://www.scouting.org/JTE . Navigate to the Spreadsheets box and click on 2014. These spreadsheets are new this year and will be very helpful to units as they chart their course throughout the year to provide the best quality program.
Gardening Merit Badge for Boy Scouts
The Gardening merit badge helps Boy Scouts develop their green thumbs. While working on this badge, the learn all about growing plants. Humans have been growing plants for thousands of years. Farmers and horticulturists make their living growing food and other plants, while other people grow gardens for pleasure.
Gratitude
No matter how many times I say it, it seems to always be there.. a theme… Like the opportunity to do a good turn daily is just a matter of opening your eyes, a another theme for this week has rendered itself in front of me.
Movember – 40B440
Movember after 30 days I was sporting a full tash and had raised the sum of £115 to support research into prostate and other male cancers.
At Philmont Training Center's Region Weeks, you'll learn with Scouters who speak your language
Here's a great chance for y'all, yinz, you guys and you-uns to get top-level training alongside people who speak your language. I'm talking about this summer's Region Weeks at the Philmont Training Center . Yes, you'll gather with folks who can agree on whether that sweetened carbonated beverage you're drinking is a soda, a pop, a…
Eric Sloane's Weather Book
There you are, beyond cell phone range, without having seen a weather forecast in a day or two, looking at the sky and trying to read what the next day will bring. Will it rain? Is it going to get windy?
6 Blue and Gold Banquet Planning Guides (opens in a new tab)
The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated on February 8, 1910, so most packs celebrate our anniversary in February with the Blue and Gold Banquet. According to the BSA website, "the purpose of the blue and gold banquet is to celebrate the pack's anniversary, thank pack leaders and other adults who have helped the pack,
Get the 411 on the NEW Cub Scout Adventure Program
Click on image to view flier The new program updates to Cub Scouts are coming, and the team is ready to share the details. Discover the adventures that Cub Scouts will experience-from the team that wrote them-as the BSA's new Cub Scout program rolls out for 2015!
Cub Scouting should be disbanded (opens in a new tab)
Yeah, pretty strong words. I have a bunch of reasons as to why the BSA should just fold up the Cub Scout program. There is no big payoff by having the Cub program. Boy Scout troops don't get any dividends for having Cub Scouts come to their troops.
BSA Arrow of Light Den Meeting Plan 12 – Sportsman
BSA provides Webelos den meeting ideas for Cub Scout den leaders on the Scouting.org website. The eleventh in the Arrow of Light series of Webelos den meeting plans covers part of the Webelos get a chance to try different sports while working on the Sportsman activity badge.
2013 BOYS' LIFE Growth Award: Did You Qualify?
Click image to view flier The BOYS' LIFE Growth Award is given twice annually (June and December) to recognize and thank BSA professionals who achieve a 3 percent or greater BOYS' LIFE subscription growth and/or serve a 68 percent or greater market share of the total of Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, Boy Scouts…
Issue 379 – January 10, 2014 (opens in a new tab)
________________________________________ IMAGINE… It's 1936. Berlin. Jesse Owens is running away-quite literally-with a bunch of Gold Medals. But he's not the only American to do this. Marjorie Gestring has just taken Gold in the 3-meter springboard. And-get this-she's just 13 years old!
Help for Webelos leaders
My wife is currently serving as the Webelos den leader in our ward. Most weeks we get to do den meetings together, which is a lot of fun. We were able to go to Wood Badge together last fall, too.
Winter Camping | January 2014 ScoutCircle (opens in a new tab)
Who is Kevin Callan? Kevin Callan is the author of thirteen books, including the best selling "The Happy Camper", the incredibly popular series of paddling guides, and most reviewed "Wilderness Pleasures: A Practical Guide to Camping Bliss". On a regular basis, he presents across North America and has been a key speaker at all the…
A funny thing happened on the way to the forum (opens in a new tab)
I really didn't know what the uproar was until last night, when Darrin messaged me and said that his comment wasn't directed towards me. Well, that started a discussion, and I laughed about it. Then as I found out, there are some who felt the need to delete it, and then they promptly left the…
Instagram Digest (opens in a new tab)
A collection of Kiff's Instagram Photos for you to enjoy TTFN Kiff ©ChrisMeadows2014 Hello …
Pardon the Interruption
It is early Saturday morning and instead of firing up the alcohol stove, rigging up some hammock stuff, or prepping for a gear review, I am adding to a response post that I have been working on for two days.
End Boy Scouting now! (opens in a new tab)
Along the lines of what I wrote about Cub Scouting, in all fairness, I really shouldn't have just attacked one aspect of Scouting. I should have jumped all over things and just said to do away with all Scouting. I mean, really, what does the BSA stand for?
The Eagle Scout Wall (opens in a new tab)
Melrose Boy Scout Troop 68 does not have a building or a room to call its home, so my basement family room is the place I have created a "Scout Room". It contains collections of Scouting coffee mugs, awards, and other stuff.
Interview w/ Greg Cieply
I recently was asked to review a new "Scouting Book" by new author Greg Cieply. I quickly read the book and posted a review on Amazon . After reading the book, I thought it would be a great idea along with Greg to interview him here on the blog.
How to Reboot a Venturing Crew (opens in a new tab)
Karah sent in this question My crew has never been extremely active. Meetings were dull and half of the activities were canceled before we even did them. But this fall I was in for a shock. Almost all the members left, either for college, or because they were simply bored with crew.
The New Cub Scout Adventure Program
I don't often write about Cub Scouting – there are lots of resources out there for Cub leaders. But once in a while, something super exciting comes along that merits a look, even for old jaded "seen-it-all" Scouters. Last week, …
One-stop shopping for news on what's changing in the BSA and when
New Cub Scout handbooks are just part of the story. Keeping up with one BSA program change after another (after another ) can feel a little like drinking from a fire hose. It doesn't have to. Just consider scouting.org/programupdates your one-stop shop for promotional fliers, training information and the latest news about changes coming in 2014…
17 Ideas for Planning the Webelos Craftsman Projects (opens in a new tab)
The Webelos Craftsman activity badge is my favorite of all the activity badges. The boys have an opportunity to make very fun projects, and they learn valuable new skills in the process. In fact, I've learned new skills too. Check out my Pinterest board to see a few of the awesome projects your Webelos can
Scoutmaster Podcast 204
Sponsored By ScoutmasterCG.com Backers Scoutmaster Podcast 204 In this podcast we share thoughts on evaluating Scout Spirit, Brick Mason ties a bowline and we answer an email queston about when Scouts cross over from Webelos, all this and your messages in the mailbag! Podcast Archive Scoutmaster Podcast 204
Sharpen your Ax (opens in a new tab)
Abraham Lincoln is a man often quoted, but not always in the context of Scouting. I stumbled on a great quote that speaks directly to Scouts and Scouters. "If you give me 6 hours to cut down a tree, I will take 4 hours sharpening my ax."
Medicine Merit Badge for Boy Scouts
If you know a Boy Scout who thinks he might want to be a doctor, have him look at the requirements for the Medicine merit badge . The practice of medicine has a rich history that spans several centuries. Since the first use of plants and other items as simple medicines and balms, many men and…
What Scouting did for me: A recent Eagle Scout tells his story
For Scouts, earning the Eagle Scout Award feels like the satisfying end to a long journey. What they soon discover, though, is that the journey has just begun. Just ask Ryan Eberle, an Eagle Scout from Oaklade, Pa., who earned the honor two years ago this month.
Tuesday Talkback: 3 big questions to ask before your next pinewood derby
Even the most finely tuned pinewood derby event needs an occasional tune-up. So before your pack waves the green flag this year, ask yourself three questions to make sure your derby doesn't have any red flags. With each question, I'd love to read your thoughts in the comments section below.
Eagle identity: More than just a rank
As you might imagine, I have been to many Courts of Honor to see Eagle Awards presented during my Scouting career. It's always a proud moment, whether I know the recipient personally or have been requested by their council to attend.
Winter Camping on January ScoutCircle
In his second appearance on ScoutCircle author and outdoorsman Kevin Callan joined us from his home in Peterborough, Ontario to discuss winter camping. In a broad ranging discussion Kevin and host Arlen Ward donned their winter camping hats and talked about hot tents, quinzees, mukluks, snowshoes, and other interesting topics that should get you well…
Three Promises (opens in a new tab)
Last night at our Troop meeting I had the pleasure of meeting with a group of super enthusiastic Webelos. They came to the meeting to wrap up their Arrow of Light requirement of participating in a Scoutmaster Conference. During the course of our discussion, we did it as a group, I talked about the Scout…
Surprises are a good thing (opens in a new tab)
As we enter into the cross over season, I got a very nice surprise. Just to set the table, my troop is going into it's fifth year. The first 2 years, we only recruited from one pack, our "brother" pack, the pack that is chartered with the same CO as us.
February Cub Scout Theme – Litter to Glitter (Resourcefulness)
BSA offers supplemental pack program ideas for each month. One theme for the February core value of The February Pack Meeting Tips from BSA remind us "Cub Scouts will gain the knowledge and the means to meet situations effectively whether they are working on a service project or completing a den activity."" Resourcefulness is a…
Gloves
Gloves play a major role in your warmth system when cold weather camping. Your gloves and your boots are key to keeping you warm. Think about it. Your hands and your feet are the farthest body parts from the core and when they get cold you are cold all over.
Issue 380 – January 15, 2014 (opens in a new tab)
________________________________________ Dear Andy, I'm a Scoutmaster and find myself with a bit of a dilemma between a Scout and a small group of irate parents. This Scout is presently Life rank. He's just about completed all requirements for the Eagle Scout rank.
What's that age again? A complete guide to when Scouts can do what (opens in a new tab)
MPAA ratings - G, PG, PG-13, R - take the guesswork out of deciding which movies are appropriate for your son or daughter. Fortunately, deciding which Scouting activities are age-appropriate is just as easy, thanks to this Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities PDF .
Martin Luther King, and Today's African-American Scouts
With Martin Luther King, Jr. Day here and African-American History Month fast approaching, it inspires some fascinating "Did You Know?" info. Today's African-American Scouts and Scouters have a profound impact in communities throughout the United States and at every level of Scouting and, yes, they include beloved icons and dignitaries among their numbers (we'll get…
God and Queen
So for the best part of 30 years the word god in my promise has meant something to me, I therefore don't feel the need to change that.
Their own words: Watch Scouters and Scouts say why they love Scouting (opens in a new tab)
They live in different time zones, and their paths may never cross. But this mom in Miami, dad in Dallas and Scouter in Seattle share one thing in common. All have seen their lives and the lives of their families improved by Scouting.
23 bizarre but true fundraising ideas from Scouting's past
Popcorn's all the rage these days, but Scout fundraisers haven't always been so mainstream. T hroughout history Scouts have sold a variety of less-conventional products to raise money for their pack and troop. I'm talking candles and fire extinguishers, road atlases and safety flares, candy and oranges - if you could slap a price tag on…
Helping all cultures communicate
One of Scouting's priorities is to reach out to underserved communities and introduce the values of Scouting to both young people and their parents, many of whom have never heard of the movement before. In many cultures, activities like Scouting can quickly evolve into a family experience, and we welcome parents and other family members…
The Boy-Man (opens in a new tab)
[N.B. - Sorry for being a little scarce for the past couple of weeks! I've been working on a really cool project with Clarke Green of ScoutmasterCG.com. I'll be announcing more about that soon! I will now be continuing my regular posting schedule of roughly once a week.
BSA Bear Supplemental Den Meeting Plan M – Boats
BSA provides Bear den meeting ideas for den leaders on the Scouting.org website. These Cub Scout Bear den meeting plans are step by step guides to carrying out a den meeting. In addition to the basic den meeting plans, there are supplemental plans which can be used if you have additional meetings left.
Heading out for the Weekend
Tonight I will get getting up on the mountain for my first "Winter" camp of the year. I have the pulk loaded and everything is double checked… except it looks like old man winter has taken a nap. I checked the weather service yesterday..
Why do Scouts Play Games?
Scouting is a game, not a science. - Baden-Powell Games suffer from a bad reputation. Why have Scouts play games? What about some serious learning? Aren't games just fillers? Are they a waste of time? Fun has a bad reputation too; many adults think that learning is a rigorous, difficult, serious endeavor.
Alex's Eagle Board Of Review (opens in a new tab)
I would be willing to bet that most young men who go before their council Eagle board of review are a little nervous. I know that many of the Boy Scout from Melrose Troop 68 were when it was their turn.
Transferred Hidden Knowledge (opens in a new tab)
Required Training" can be a dirty phrase to some. You can also call in Continuing Education to soften it up a bit. Every position within anyone career is needed. It can be formal training within a college, institute or via online. It also could be stages within on-the-job training for plumbers, electricians or the medical
Dashing All the Weigh Winners Announced
Congratulations to all of you who participated in the 2013–2014 Dashing All the Weigh/SCOUTStrong PALA Challenge. A total of 179 people from all over the country did their part, and more than half of you lost weight over the holidays.
NEW Videos: Inspiring Stories of Scouting
Looking for some inspiring new videos about Scouting? The Marketing Team has released a new series of videos that features Scouters across the country sharing in their own words how Scouting has changed their lives for the better. Whether it's the mom, the Scoutmaster, the Venturer, or the Cub Scout, you're sure to find a…
We have a Winner!
I am back from an awesome weekend out with the Cascade Hangers for our annual winter Hammock Hang. I'll have a video up on that soon. It was a great weekend of fun and hanging (no pun intended) with some really neat people.
Fun Pinewood Derby Music (opens in a new tab)
Last year, my pack decided to change up our Pinewood Derby a bit. One of the things we did was play music during our weigh-in time. It created a more festive atmosphere and added to the excitement of the race! I searched for car-related music, and I found some fun songs! I created a Pinewood
Finance Impact e-Letter: January 15 Issue Highlights Fund Development Certificate Program Through Rice University
Click image to view e-Letter The January 15 edition of the Finance Impact Department's e-Letter has been published and is now available online. In this issue, readers will learn about the Comprehensive Fund Development Certificate program offered through a partnership with the prestigious Rice University Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership.