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It's a tragic reality that some Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers are taken from us before their time. These young people who die in an untimely accident or illness leave behind two grieving families: their actual family and their Scouting one.
The Cub Scout core value for the month of April is The April Pack Meeting Tips from BSA remind us "Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, believed that reverence and duty to God should be an important part of the Scouting movement, and for every Scout and Scouter.
Do your camp's shooting sports programs meet the current requirements? Take a look. Day Camp, Family Camp, or Resident Camp Leadership Requirements BB gun ranges, archery ranges, and sling shot (wrist rockets) ranges require a trained range master with a 1-to-8 ratio of range master to Wolf, Bear, or Webelos shooters.
I think sometimes that you need to go through some time of reflection, ranting, and deep soul-searching before one can come to clear resolution or insightful solution to a problem. With any luck this process happens quickly so you can move on.
Click image to view e-Letter The March 15 edition of the Finance Impact Department's e-Letter has been published and is now available online. This issue highlights the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Fundamentals of Fundraising and Fiscal Management I courses offered May 18-20 in Nashville, Tennessee, prior to the National Annual Meeting.
Often described as "the best all-around guide to outdoor adventure on the market today," the Fieldbook is the go-to manual for everyone interested in backcountry challenges-from hiking, camping, and canoeing to mountain travel, ultralight backpacking, wilderness navigation, and whitewater kayaking.
CS2N, or Computer Science Student Network, has partnered with the BSA to offer free training and resources specifically for Scouts earning the Robotics merit badge . Scouts can download a 60-day copy of the Robot Virtual World Software to complete the Robotics merit badge.
There have been a lot of comments on my Belt Loops page about the proposed 2015 cancellation of that part of the Cub Scout program. The Academics & Sports program going away is just one of the changes we'll see next year.
Names are a peculiar thing. We are born and for the most part are given one upon arrival. Some names are given with much thought and consideration, while others…well, not so much. Names are creative at times and at other times follow a family lineage and history.
I've always been fascinated by the concept of a Scout hut. That's the term for a standalone building whose sole purpose is hosting Scout meetings and storing Scout stuff. Growing up, my troop met every Sunday in a large conference room on the second floor of the city municipal building where my dad worked.
Dianne sent in this question: My son has been in a very small Boy Scout Troop for 2 years now. We started with about 20 scouts, and now here are only 9 active scouts. Most have earned their Eagle rank and left.
Many acts of bravery have been attributed to members of the Boy Scouts of America - a true legacy to our motto of "Be Prepared." But it's not often that a Scout receives national recognition from The Congressional Medal of Honor Society, which March 17th announced recipients of the 2014 Citizen Service Before Self Honors Award.
Beginning April 8, Microsoft is ending support for the Windows XP operating system. Continued use of Windows XP will expose council systems to potential security threats. Action required Click here to review important information on how the end of support for Windows XP will affect your council.
On July 31, 2011, Eagle Scout Connor Stotts singlehandedly saved the lives of three swimmers caught in a dangerous riptide near Oceanside Beach, Calif. This bravery earned Connor the BSA's Honor Medal With Crossed Palms , as well as the Carnegie Medal (which came with a $5,000 reward).
During my first meeting as Senior Patrol Leader I realized something that stopped me dead in my tracks: being a Patrol Leader was a more important job than being Senior Patrol Leader! Leaving the position made me realize the huge chance the Patrol Leader has to make Scouting into a real-life adventure, not just a…
Mining in Society merit badge counselors, here's your chance to sharpen your skills before teaching the BSA's newest merit badge to Scouts. The Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) will offer two free webinars for Mining in Society merit badge counselors.
This month's JTE Leadership Club continues the series on experience-oriented Scouting through a closer look at how the BSA incorporates STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math into our programs. STEM is one of the fastest growing areas of interest requested by parents and youth, and Scouting is vigorously looking to enhance the STEM experience in…
This weekend is a long weekend in South Africa, and the organizers of Western Cape Kontiki have taken advantage by extending the competition, giving the Scouts two nights on the water. I'll post photos if I come across any, but here are three resources that are likely to be posting photographs this weekend: South African…
It is a requirement for all Scouts to build their own First Aid kit. This gets them in tuned with what they need, have, and how to use it all. Being a backpacking Troop, building the personal first aid kit is an important task and requires a little more thinking than just band aids and…
A merit badge sash is like a trophy case you can wear. Each tiny circle represents one of the 136 interest areas a Boy Scout has conquered. But what restrictions are placed on merit badge sashes? In what order should they be sewn on?
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.
Every Patrol Operations Plan includes special times to get together outside of the Troop meetings. Whatever you call this time, it's not going to be a dusty "meeting". I don't like the word "meeting". "Meeting" makes me think of businessmen in suits sitting around a table discussing business for an hour.
Once your Patrol starts taking on a life of it's own your Scouts will want to do more ambitious activities. A field trek is hiking adventure with a purpose, and it's a great thing to do with your Patrol. Make sure field treks are part of your Patrol operations plan.
Since word is out that our Troop is doing a 10 day backpacking trip this summer as our summer camp, there has been some concern as to how we are going to incorporate all of the "Scouting Methods" that normally come with the summer camp experience.
I have been receiving emails lately requesting information about leadership. I have been pretty heavy on the leadership subject matter as of late. New youth leaders in the Troop, a batch of great new Assistant Scoutmasters and the idea that we really need to focus our attention on leading and not just reacting to the…
There are a lot of ways to visualize how Boy Scouting works. We can look in the handbooks and training literature and read all about the patrol method, how elected patrol leaders make the decisions and how the Scoutmaster and …
New Merit Badge for Boy Scouts
To borrow a phrase from a certain smartphone maker: The next big thing is almost here. Digital Technology merit badge, set to debut in mid-April 2014, will guide Scouts through the exciting, complex, ever-changing world of smartphone apps, computer software and tech-focused careers.
Heather sent in this request for advice: I am currently a Wolf Den Leader (my son is a Wolf) and I was the Tiger Den Leader last year. Up until recently, we had all planned on continuing to "move up" in leading Dens as our sons progressed through the program.
Sponsored By ScoutmasterCG.com Backers In this week's podcast I discuss building positive peer pressure and answer email questions about direct donations to Scout Troops, immediate recognition and the Eagle Scout rank, and the appointment of youth positions of responsibility in a Scout Troop. Listen to Scoutmaster Podcast 216 Podcast Archive
Are you looking for Cub Scout neckerchief slide ideas for Pinewood Derby? Check out this one!
Sponsored By ScoutmasterCG.com Backers What advice do you have for a Webelos Den leader who just crossed over with his Webelos into a Scout Troop? In this podcast I give my best answer. Also a number of email questions concerning a lost handbook, questions about "duty to God", faith specific prayers and reflections, working with…
At the end of every Troop meeting our Troop circles up, joins hands, and sings Scout Vespers followed by reciting the Scout Law. This has concluded our meetings for years and has become a great tradition in our Troop. A couple of weeks ago a young Scout asked why we sing that particular song, since…
It sounds like an infomercial you'd see on QVC: "It's a pantry, a spice rack, a utensils drawer and a portable kitchen. Yes, the Boy Scout patrol box does it all, and it can be yours for three easy payments … " But patrol boxes aren't a gimmick.
BSA has a set of troop programs which can help PLCs plan activities around a theme. This business program feature offers the opportunity to plan a month's worth of troop activities with business theme. The plans for the Business troop program feature can be found in Volume 1 of Troop Program Features from BSA: In…
After enduring one of the worst winters we've seen in quite a while, it was a GREAT pleasure last week to turn the 2014 calendar page to the first day of Spring. As eager as many of us are to embrace those first warm Spring moments by pulling out the tent and hiking shoes, there…
The author's 5-year-old son, Gideon, playing at the Land playground in North Wales. (Hanna Rosin) In her Atlantic Monthly article, The Overprotected Kid , Hanna Rosin writes: It's hard to absorb how much childhood norms have shifted in just one generation.
Although we want our boys to simply enjoy nature, that often doesn't happen without some type of entertainment–especially in today's "there's an app for that" society. Hiking games are a great way to entertain your boys while getting (and keeping) them outside. Recently, I gave you a list of hikes you can take with your
________________________________________ Dear Andy, Our troop that is advancing Scouts that haven't met the requirements. During a recent board of review, it was evident that a Scout advancing to the rank of Star did not even know the basics: the Scout Law, Oath, Motto, or Slogan.
I have been giving this some thought lately, especially since becoming our Boy Scout Round table Commissioner. But Scouting is in the trenches. To use an overused cliché. What I mean by that is this. Far to many units and unit leaders rely on the District and Council to make their program happen.
Sure, spring's swirling around in a mess of snow and sunshine, but before you know it, summer will be here and with it Summit high adventure programs . To get the most out of your experience at The Summit, you'll want to be prepared.
The Forces of Flight game would make a fun addition to a pack meeting for the "Faith is having inner strength and confidence based on your trust in a higher power. When you try something new, innovative, or dangerous, it takes faith to make the attempt-faith that a higher power will guide you and keep…
A few weeks ago I went to an awesome conference on Servant Leadership for work. Often I go to these things and think that I'm hearing the same thing dressed up differently, but there was something unique here. As I often do, I came home and was talking to my kids about the conference and
During the late Middle Ages the practice of a master craftsman employed laborers ten to fifteen years of age (apprentices) in exchange for food, lodging and instruction became a formal tradition. For a few centuries we passed our skills and knowledge of craft from generation to generation through apprenticeship .
Someone's going to win a Scout ring from Joy Jewelers in 5 days - why not you? In March, April, and May, the Boy Scout Trail monthly give-away includes a custom ring, valued at $250! All you need to do is enter your email address on my Contest page for a chance to win.
Cub Scout Pack 68 held their Blue and Gold Banquet last night, Tuesday March 25, at the American Legion in Melrose. Pizza was brought in with hot dogs, chips, and desserts provided by the families. The Cub Scouts were pretty excited to receive their achievements during the award ceremony.
Camp Cooper, 2005 Troop is 2 years old. I have been digging through my collection of Troop Pictures and wanted to find some good annual pictures of our Troop, you know, the Summer camp shots that show what a great year of Scouting we had.
It's important for all youth-serving organizations to find new ways to offer outdoor programs that are not only relevant for today's young people, but teach the importance of safety and respecting the environment as well. I'll use our new partnership with Polaris , the leading manufacturer of off-road vehicles, as an example.
A friend of mine recently posted a link on Facebook to something called International TableTop Day which will be held on Saturday, April 5th. I have never heard of this but it caught my interest so I decided to check it out.
All-terrain vehicles combine dirt and a motor - what's a Scout or Venturer not to like? Recognizing this winning mix, the BSA launched council-level ATV programs at camps across the country. And today, Polaris - a leading manufacturer of off-road vehicles - enters a 10-year partnership with the BSA, providing top-of-the-line ATVs, side-by-sides (SxS) and safety equipment to…
Patrols who build community service in their Operations Plan build Patrol spirit. I'd say that nothing builds Scout spirit quite like service to others! When Scouts do real good in the world, something great happens. When we serve others, we become part of something bigger than ourselves.
Polaris Industries Inc., the leading manufacturer of off-road vehicles, has entered into a 10-year exclusive partnership with the BSA to provide all-terrain vehicles, side-by-sides, and safety equipment to select council camps across the country. As part of this arrangement, Polaris will take over the existing pilot program that was launched in 2012 with Honda.
Though our magazines are crafted in offices nearly 5,000 miles apart, the editors of Scouting magazine (U.S.) and Scouting magazine (U.K.) share more than just a name. We have similar philosophies in how we cover the Scouting movement. And we must overcome similar challenges in doing so.
In Scouting For Boys , B-P refers to the Imperial War Office's 1905 Manual of Military Engineering for more information on Pioneering. 106 years later, that same manual is freely available online, and while some chapters are not really relevant to pioneering (eg.
Most Troops already have a committee member or Assistant Scoutmaster that focuses his or her attention on membership. The BSA has created a new position on the Committee at the Unit level to address membership. This position was launched back in November of 2013 and should be in place in all units by now.
BSA provides Webelos den meeting ideas for Cub Scout den leaders on the Scouting.org website. The fifteenth 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.
Yep. It is that time of year. Boy Scout councils are conducting their annual Friends of Scouting campaigns to raise money to support the local council and its program. Our district executive from the Central Minnesota Council visited our troop's court of honor on Monday, March 24th.
Our Troop split up into Patrols for part of our weekly Troop meetings; we called this "Patrol Corners". Most of the time we did this to "work on rank advancement" and Patrol Leaders would do little more than having everyone read their books a half hour.
Honestly, the original Gilwell Park in London looks no different from any other field. Sure, the grass is green, the trees towering and the air clean. But put a normal civilian here, and they won't see anything special. Wood Badgers, though, aren't normal civilians.
Adam Grant, in his book "Give and Take" identifies people in three classifications: Givers, Takers and Matchers (or people who carefully balance their Givings with Takings so that everything comes out fair.) In his studies of Medical Students, Salespeople and Engineers, he found that in all three careers that the category of people who consistently
As I was looking online for a name of that Norman Rockwell painting mentioned in my last post, I came across a picture of a set of figurines based on six of his more popular Scouting themed paintings. I wish I had seen this sooner.
My best friend in my Scout Troop and I had completely opposite personalities. I was serious; he was the ‘class-clown'. He found plenty of ways to pick on me and I looked for the best way to frustrate him. We considered each other the most annoying Scout in the Troop.
A collection of Kiff's Instagram Photos for you to enjoy As always I would love to hear from you, please feel free to comment below on the post or share with others using the social media buttons. TTFN Kiff ©ChrisMeadows2014 Hello Reader – Are you new to Jabbering All …
back after a little break did you miss me. Have you noticed that everything looking a bit different. Your asking the question why the Change
Scoutmaster Jerry : Fantastic post from Bryan from the Scouting Magazine Blog. For those of us that love Scouting and the Wood Badge experience, we can follow along with Bryan as he takes to Scouting's Mecca. Great article Bryan, thanks for sharing.
During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Each Sunday I'll publish a selection from his writings in the hope that you'll draw inspiration and understanding from his timeless ideas.
The National Council has the following lease vehicles for sale: 2010 Lincoln MKS All-Wheel Drive Sedan Approximate mileage: 25,010 Exterior color: Brilliant Silver Metallic Interior color: Steel Gray Asking Price: $17,953 Location: National Council, Irving, Texas Equipment/features: 3.5L 24-valve Duratec V6 engine Lincoln Premium Sound System, 6-disc CD/MP3 player, Sirius satellite radio 6-speed SelectShift automatic…
If you've been reading for a while, you've picked up on our monthly summary of things the committee chair needs to give attention to for the following month. We finished up the year last month with the March version, so …
As if you needed another excuse to shop at Amazon.com. Now every purchase you make from the Earth's biggest online store can support the charity of your choice, including Scouting. Through its new AmazonSmile program, Amazon will donate 0.5 percent of the price of your eligible purchase to the 501(c)(3) public charitable organization of your…
This past weekend our Venturing Crew did the Introduction to Youth Leadership Skills for Crews (ILSC). This course teaches Crew members basic leadership skills. There is a corresponding course for Boy Scout troops (ILST). ILSC (or ILST) is a prerequisite for National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) and Kodiak Challenge.
Sponsored By ScoutmasterCG.com Backers Reflection is a powerful tool for developing character and leadership, in this podcast I share some thoughts on mastering the art of reflection. Listen to Scoutmaster Podcast 215 Podcast Archive
Scouting U and the Center for Professional Development are proud of all of our commissioned executives who have completed District Operations Basic. As part of this new course, students who excel in all aspects of becoming commissioned have the opportunity to graduate with honors.
Do you need a fun Cub Scout pack meeting that will teach the boys compassion and disabilities awareness? Check out on pack's fun ideas!
