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Sandi asked this question: Ecology Elective requirement 3 — Does the Venturer and other scouts go on the field trips or just plan them? Requirement 5 states the use of req 3 and 4 so that they may learn by doing but doesn't state that the field trip is actually carried out.
A Scout works to pay his own way and to help others." This wording, or a version of it, has been in the explanation of "A Scout is Thrifty" in the Scout Law for decades. And while a Scout might …
I recently talked about my gloves and layering system for keeping my hands warm. Here is a closer look and review at the Mountain Hardwear Bandito finger-less gloves that I wear. The Stats: The body of the gloves are made of Deflection ™ Soft shell which is 100% Polyester.
The deadline is approaching for the 2013 Boys' Life Commissioner Award, which was created to recognize and thank commissioners who successfully promote the good reading and good Scouting of Boys' Life . Applications are being accepted until January 31, 2014. You may nominate commissioners who meet the following qualification requirements: Unit Commissioner: Serve at least two…
Sponsored By ScoutmasterCG.com Backers Scoutmaster Podcast 205 Announcing the new Scoutmastercg.com site, new features roll out this week! What standards do we apply for evaluating leadership? Should we create a set of standards that define when a Scout has achieved the fulfillment of their ‘leadership' requirements?
My second year Webelos wants to earn the "Super Achiever" award. This is a council-specific award given to a Webelos who earns all 20 of the Webelos activity badges. We're close–only 2 more to go. One of those is the Webelos Athlete activity badge. I'm not an athlete. Never have been. And my son isn't
2008 Toyota Tacoma Pickup Approximate mileage: 91,000 Exterior color: White Interior color: Gray Asking price: $10,000 Location: Florida Sea Base, Islamorada, Florida (Two to three nights lodging possible, if available at pick-up date.) Equipment/Features: 4-cylinder engine A/C Automatic transmission Extended cab Bed liner 2008 Ford Explorer XLT Approximate mileage: 61,000 Exterior color: Dark green Interior…
Show us your best work! The National Council is now accepting entries for the 16th Annual National President's Awards for Marketing Excellence. The entry period runs now through noon (Central time) Monday, March 17, 2014. The Marketing Awards recognize councils for their excellence in marketing on behalf of the Boy Scouts of America.
The Cub Scout core value for the month of February is Resourcefulness . BSA has a Cub Scout pack meeting plan called Litter to Glitter related to this core value. The Litter to Glitter meeting plan features ideas for the core value of resourcefulness – games, group activities, songs, and more.
At last nights Troop meeting I began my Scoutmaster minute by talking about reputation. What is it? How do we get it? Do we like it? And how do we view other people's reputations? I gave the Scouts an assignment, one that I am working on myself, you see it may take a bit of…
There's a brand new program at the Summit called the Mountaineer Weekend . What sets this apart from the other high adventure options is that it's a weekend program where Scouts can experience a wide variety of activities at the Summit in two days!
2011 GMC Terrain AWD SLE–2 Approximate mileage: 71,835 Exterior color: Onyx black Interior color: Light titanium cloth seats Asking price: $14,990 Location: Victor, New York Equipment/Features: 2.4L DOHC engine SIDI with VVT AM/FM stereo with CD/XM radio 6-speed automatic transmission Heated front seats Remote start 2011 Ford Taurus SEL FWD Approximate mileage: 58,433 Exterior color…
Ensuring every youth member is led by a trained leader is critical when it comes to providing "life changing experiences you can't get anywhere else." The year-end figures for the 2013 Journey to Excellence show that 71 percent of the councils in the BSA improved their JTE score in direct contact leaders trained.
Aren't Scout moms the greatest? Every den meeting led, patch sewed, ride provided, skinned knee doctored, smelly shirt washed, campout attended and advice dished out reinforces the point that Scouting wouldn't exist without them. And few of the boys who make it to the Eagle Scout rank do so without a mom or motherly figure…
File this one under "sad but true": Getting to and from Scouting events is by far more dangerous than participating in the program. That's why the Boy Scouts of America's Guide to Safe Scouting offers specific guidelines to help adults transport Scouts safely .
When I went to Wood Badge in 2005 I was introduced to a goal setting and achieving process called "The Ticket". The term comes from an old British Army practice of earning a ticket home. British soldiers that were assigned afar would begin working their ticket closer and closer to England, through assignments, favor, and…
Shelly sent in this question: I'm trying to understand how to add up the electives so my son can get arrow points. Do you have to complete an entire elective to count as one point or does each part of an elective count?
I ended up going to Joey's pack meeting last week. We did the raingutter regatta, and other than a couple of parental hiccups, it went pretty good. I got to talk to some of the Webelos, also. With a series of unfortunate events, I haven't had a chance to talk with any of the Webelos.
In news that makes a tragic story hit painfully close to home, today we learned Andrew Boldt, the victim of Tuesday's fatal shooting at Purdue University, was an Eagle Scout. Boldt, a 21-year-old undergraduate teaching assistant and electrical engineering major at Purdue, earned Scouting's highest honor in August 2009, Boy Scouts of America records confirm.
The other day some discussion on Google + about cook kits got a few us talking. I thought it was time to show what I am currently using. I know that I tinker a lot with gear, but this cook kit seems to be the go to kit and really the only thing that changes out…
Reader Evelyn asked this question: Our Webelos are crossing over to Boy Scouts and I was trying to think of a project for the tiger cubs to make or do for the boys crossing over? Just so that the TC can be a part of the excitement.
________________________________________ Dear Andy, It seems, of late, that boards of review are being treated more like job interviews-a discovery process that's very difficult to keep from devolving into re-testing-rather than what I think the BSA intends for them to be: more like job "performance" reviews where, in conclusion, Scouts are given, in effect, merit promotions.
A boy is naturally full of humor," Scouting founder Baden-Powell once said. So it's completely appropriate for us to share a good-natured laugh about those funny, spontaneous moments that make Scouting great. In that spirit, I've gathered 20 of my favorite Scouting cartoons from the 1960 to 1963 issues of Scouting magazine (available for anyone's…
Get a life! I mean for your Patrol! Many Patrols are lifeless. These are called "paper patrols". They have a name on paper, but it doesn't mean much in real life. Your Patrol can be different. An active Patrol is a real team: a real group of friends!
Scouts worldwide have lived the "Be Prepared" motto since 1907. So who better than a Boy Scout or Venturer to serve on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Youth Preparedness Council? Right now FEMA's seeking out "youth leaders who are dedicated to public service, who are making a difference in their communities and who want to…
I am going to tread lightly on this subject as I have some unpopular opinions when it comes to money and Scouting, but bare with me as I make an attempt to articulate my thoughts on this. When we talk about money and Scouting there are always a couple of concerns.
Hey, soon-to-be Eagle Scouts: Don't stop at Page 2 when filling out your Eagle Scout Rank Application (PDF) . Complete the online survey, linked to on the third page (titled Supplemental Eagle Scout Information Form), and you'll get a free MP3 of the song "Ma, You Earned Your Eagle."
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 learn about emergency preparedness. This plan covers part of Talk with your family about what you will do in an emergency.
It is amazing the amount of stuff you can collect when you are a scoutmaster for thirty years, especially the paperwork. What should you throw away? What should you keep? What do you file away and than forget about? I played it safe and kept a lot of it.
I always enjoy hearing from our units when they share how proud they are of their Scouting activities. It sends a message that no matter how large or small the unit, they are committed to teaching Scouting's values and great things happen that benefit their communities.
They store and catalog more than a half-million precious pieces of Scouting history. They handle 200 requests a month from individuals wanting their Boy Scout artifacts identified. They even consult on Scouting props and costumes for movies and TV shows like HBO's Boardwalk Empire .
In part 1, I said that your Patrol shouldn't be just a ‘paper-patrol'. Your Patrol will only become a great Patrol if you care enough to make it so. You've got to really care about your Patrol! I mean really care!
While I am camping with my Troop this weekend I thought I would leave you with some great entertainment and a message that is priceless. I stumbled on this video on YouTube the other night while my wife and I were talking about our experience at the National Meetings that we got to attend.
Let's face it. Many Boy Scouts would not become an Eagle Scout without their parent's support, especially their mother's support. She probably learns as much, if not more, than the young man does on his road to Scouting's highest award.
Action-Packed Meetings! In part 1, I said your Patrol should have a life of its own! In Part 2, I explained how you were the only one that can make this happen. One of the most important things you can do is have your own Patrol Meetings!
If you search for "Pinewood Derby cars" on the internet, you will find a plethora of information. Whether this is your first derby and you just want to know what to do with that block of wood or you're searching for all the latest and greatest speed tips, you'll find just what you need! To
One of my goals for this year and in particular in working on the blog is to use tools to be more successful. There is nothing worse than a goal that is not attainable because of lack of want to or know how and sometimes tools can assist in making a goal more attainable.
My brain is a tad fried right about now. I have a new position within my company. I applied four or five times, the last being granted acceptance. I am now a Systems Analyst. It is my third position within my company. Who I work for isn't relevant, but my journey with it is relevant.
Each of these four lashings can be used to join two spars together to make an extension. With each there are no frapping turns. The manner in which these lashings need to be applied results in the spars being in a position where they are already tightly touching.
This weekend I was able to spend time setting up my Yeasu 817ND HF Ham Radio. I recently bought a Buddiepole Antenna. Both are portable and pretty simple to use. I have not worked with the 817ND for a while since I had lost interest for the most part. This year I am working to
Back in 2009, I posted this recipe and a video on my YouTube channel. Well since I have been consolidating the channel and working hard on Blog content, I stumbled on this recipe and the video on an old hard drive.
As we move through the cold winter months, here are some thoughts of things to keep you and your committee occupied and looking forward to warmer days ahead. Webelos Scouts are putting the ribbons on their Arrow of Light requirements, …
A reader sent this question in: What do you call the little activity patches that that circle around a larger patch "Great Activities" that goes on the red brag vest? I have quite a number of different little patches that I would like to give out to my scouts.
Ahoy, Sea Scouts and adult advisors! While it's true that the BSA is transitioning to the Scout Oath and Scout Law in all programs, I confirmed this morning that the Sea Promise isn't going anywhere. In October 2012, I first reported that the resolution to move away from the Cub Scout Promise, Law of the…
We say it in different languages, but Scouts worldwide live by Lord Baden-Powell's appeal to "leave this world a little better than you found it." Over the weekend the King of Sweden and Scott Teare, former director of the Boy Scouts of America's International Division and current Secretary General of World Scouting, visited the Philippines…
It's easier than you think to send Scouting support worldwide. Since BSA's World Friendship Fund was created at the end of World War II, more than $11 million has been donated by American Scouts and leaders eager to support worldwide Scouting in a personal way.
That bright red arrow atop a crisp white band is an unmistakeable symbol that the wearer is one of Scouting's best. The sash is an outward sign that the man or woman wearing it is a member of the Order of the Arrow , Scouting's national honor society.
Sponsored By ScoutmasterCG.com Backers Scoutmaster Podcast 206 Listening is, perhaps, the single most important yet neglected skill any Scouter can use to better serve their Scouts. I talk about why and how we ought to listen to our Scouts. A listener asks if I support Scouting organizations other than my own.
When I think of a kazoo, I think of the little plastic ones that are often found in birthday treat bags. Even though kazoos have been around as long as I can remember, I had no idea they were invented so long ago. Warren Herbert Frost patented the first recognizable kazoo in 1883. Yep, over
When the Seahawks and Broncos take the field for Super Bowl XLVIII this Sunday, Cub Scout Thomas Brown won't be watching from his couch like more than 100 million other Americans. He won't be sitting in the frigid seats at MetLife Stadium, either.
“In a well-run Troop camp one of the first things that ought to happen is that the Scouts report the night before with their kits packed ready for inspection.” – The Patrol Leaders' Handbook (John Thurman, 1950) Too Military? The Patrol Inspection is one of those aspects of the Scout Program that has a military-like appearance.
Jillene asked this question What exactly is an adventure trail (Wolf Elective 18F)? Thank you. An adventure trail is five activities or games set up in different areas of a park or playground. The Wolf handbook gives a few details and several examples including flag folding, jelly bean guess, and more.
Unless you live within a 10-hour drive from one of the BSA's high-adventure bases, you're in for a minimum two-day trip. And staying overnight at a motel or state park increases everyone's share of the travel costs. Enter Zack, a Scout from Houston who contacted me last week.
This weekend I sat with a Scout and talked with him. It was a Scoutmaster conference, but unlike other Scoutmaster conferences that I have done, this was a first. It was the first time I sat with a Scout for Eagle Palms.
A troop's tradition of passing the same position patch from one Scoutmaster to the next has been forever encapsulated in a beautifully written poem. The piece, from the pen of Troop 159 Assistant Scoutmaster Nick Dorosheff, ponders the Scouting magic stored in that "small circle of tan cloth."
________________________________________ Hi Andy, I enjoy reading your column-it's extremely helpful. Now, I have a question… We're a troop of 17 Scouts. Seven of these are Life rank, two are Eagles, and only one is under age 13. We have two patrols.
Blogger Sheryl Canter offers this Recipe for Seasoning Cast Iron based on what looks like a very well-thought out scientific analysis. After researching the subject she concluded: The seasoning on cast iron is formed by fat polymerization, fat polymerization is maximized with a drying oil, and flaxseed oil is the only drying oil that's edible.
I make my rounds on the social media sites, commenting on public forums, or managing some of my pages. I can honestly say, that every post I read, will illicit a response from me, whether good, bad or otherwise. I don't comment to be condescending or a know-it-all, moreover to give my thoughts, albeit outside…
Holly and Ron Miller never want another parent or Scout leader to suffer like they have. On Jan. 16, 2010, their 12-year-old son Ian Joshua Miller was on a Scout trip to a north-central Pennsylvania ski area. He became separated from the group and was taking his final sledding run of the evening when his…
One of the main functions of the Scoutmaster is to train the Junior Leaders, in particular, the Senior Patrol Leader. I take this responsibility serious and am in a constant mode of looking for opportunities to train the Scouts to be better leaders.
It is that special time of year. Plans are being made. Special designs are being considered. Bodies are being formed. Weights are being adjusted. Tracks are being calibrated. No, I am not talking about your local Snap Fitness center or the local gym.
Keith sent this in: Just want to say your site is awesome. I have learned alot about scouting and have used quit a bit of your ideas on here for my den. I do have one question being it is a little confusing with the different patches I have come across.
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The B.S.A. has published a helpful guide - Navigating the Eagle Scout Service Project Information for Project Beneficiaries - that defines the way an Eagle Project works from the perspective of the benefiting organization. Key elements of the process are explained : The Eagle Scout Rank and the Service Project Typical Projects Project Restrictions and Limitations Approving the…
Sunday will be a big day at churches across the country. And no, I don't mean Broncos and Seahawks fans stopping by to say a prayer for their teams. I'm talking about Scout Sunday, a chance for faith-based chartered organizations to celebrate and recognize Scouting and for Scout units to show their appreciation for the…
Would you like paper or plastic? Or maybe you'd prefer some cold, hard cash. One troop says bagging groceries for tips at the local supermarket is "the best fundraiser our troop does by far." Would it work for your unit?
OK, so maybe it's unfair to blame Paul Siple for the cold weather blanketing the country this week, including below-freezing temps from Washington State to the Florida Panhandle and all across the Northeast. But Siple, who earned the Eagle Scout rank in 1923, is responsible for coining the term we use to describe just how…
The Arrow of Light is the highest award a Cub Scout can earn. It is also the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on the Boy Scout uniform. The Arrow of Light requirements are intended to help prepare the Webelos to become Boy Scouts. The requirements familiarize the boys with the Boy Scout
Karen asked this question: How many boys from a Patrol does there need to be to qualify as doing "anything" as a Patrol? I was told 3 or more. It is normally up to the Senior Patrol Leader and patrol leader with the Scoutmaster to interpret requirements and pass that information along to other leaders…
For those of you looking to play around with other stoves for backpacking you know that I have played around with a couple different Wood gas or Wood burning stoves. I currently use the Solo Stove for wood burning, but I found this older video of my first shot at wood burning stoves.
It is that time of year again. Next week the Boy Scouts of America will celebrate its birthday. For 104 years boys and young men have enjoyed participating it the exciting program Scouting offers. I was one of those boys in the 1970′s.
Last week we looked at 20 funny cartoons from the pages of Scouting magazine . But BSA publications aren't the only places you'll find Scouting-related cartoons. Artists have been sharing some good-natured laughs about the BSA for years. In Scouting magazine's March-April 1992 issue (which you can find in our digital archives ), we published a roundup…
A few years ago I was the "new guy"; all I knew about Boy Scouts was what I had seen in movies and had never held any kind of leadership position in my life. Fast-forward to now: I've been a Patrol Leader and a Senior Patrol Leader.
I stand corrected. Yesterday I blogged about a troop that raised money by bagging groceries for tips at a local supermarket. Today I learned that such fundraisers aren't permitted by the Boy Scouts of America. Mark Moshier, team leader for the BSA's Development and Corporate Alliances and Council Fund Development teams, was friendly and helpful…
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Hello! And thank you for reading ScoutingRediscovered! I wanted to make a brief, formal announcement of another Scouting project I have been working on this year with Scouter Clarke Green of ScoutmasterCG.com It is called "GreenBar Life" , and it is a running series of articles aimed at youth leaders in Scouting Troops.
The biggest annual Scouting event in my province is Kon Tiki , a weekend rafting competition. The theme this year is ' Kon Tiki goes Green ' so I'm kicking the year off by looking at the various components of the raft and how you can reduce, re-use and recycle the various components.
The other day I talked about the four "C"s that when added to the leaders tool box makes for ease in decision-making and better leaders. I will add that when our young leaders start using the four "C"s they will also become Confident leaders.
BSA provides Webelos den meeting ideas for Cub Scout den leaders on the Scouting.org website. The thirteenth in the Arrow of Light series of Webelos den meeting plans covers part of the The Communicator activity badge helps Webelos learn how to share information.
When I was elected as a Patrol Leader, I wanted to be the best possible leader for my Patrol! I decided that I was going to try to learn how to be a good communicator, planner, and organizer. Problem is I didn't have any leadership skills.
Well, it's only January and our customers are already diving right into the fun! As chance would have it, all the photos we received this month were from our Cub Scout customers. Between camping, meetings and bowl-a-thons, it looks like many of you are already gearing up for an event-filled year to remember.
Scoutmasters can retire or move away, but their legacy lives on. You'll find this imprint in the troop's traditions, in signature meals and in frequently visited camping destinations. And it remains even after every Scout who was there during the Scoutmaster's tenure has grown up.
NOTE: Before doing any fundraiser, you must get approval from your local council. You must complete the Unit Money-Earning Application to request approval. Often, dues and popcorn income won't cover all of a pack's expenses, and we have to hold another fundraiser. But what should we do? There are many options available which makes it
The Boy Scouts of America annually celebrates its founding on February 8, 1910, based on the program started by Lord Baden Powell in England on August 1, 1907. Scout Sunday was subsequently added to the celebration in the mid-1940s. Scout Sunday is always the Sunday preceding February 8th, unless the 8th is a Sunday, in…
Jonathan Ive, who designed the iMac, iPod, iPhone and iPad, was born the same year the BSA introduced Computers merit badge. That should give you some idea just how old Computers merit badge is and just how much has changed in the world of technology since then.
