KNOTS Cartoon for May (opens in a new tab)
May 2014 Pack Meetings Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com
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May 2014
154 posts, oldest first.
Posts in May 2014
Now there's a new, third way to wear Eagle Scout palms (opens in a new tab)
Eagle Scout's the highest rank in Scouting, but it's not the end of the road. An Eagle Scout who earns five merit badges beyond the minimum amount (and meets other requirements ) will receive a Bronze Palm. He'll get a Gold Palm for 10 extra merit badges and a Silver Palm for 15.
What would your city be like without Scouts?
In Scouting 's April 1921 edition , a U.S. District Court judge states, "No city can afford to be without its Boy Scouts." Judge Foster argues, "I have never come in touch with a man who had Scout training without finding him efficient and proud that he had been a Scout.
Finance Impact e-Letter: May 1 Issue Highlights Termination of Legacy GL Database
The May 1 edition of the Finance Impact Department's e-Letter has been published and is now available online. This issue of the e-Letter includes a reminder that access to the Legacy GL database will terminate June 1, 2014. This database remained accessible to local council employees after the conversion to PeopleSoft Financial allowing them to…
The Lions Dinner (opens in a new tab)
The Melrose Lions Club is one of several service organizations that do a great job of helping our community. They also support our Boy Scout troop. While our troop's usual fundraisers raise enough money for our regular program needs The Lions, VFW Post, and American Legion help us out when it is time to replace…
Three Books from Eric Sloane
Author and illustrator Eric Sloane wrote and illustrated many books on early American living and artifacts. I read these books as a boy and they inspired a life-long study and interest in the subjects the author so clearly explains. I recommend these three titles to you and to your Scouts as sources of knowledge and…
Eagles' Call, the official magazine for Eagle Scouts, now available for anyone (opens in a new tab)
Now you don't have to be an Eagle Scout to read about the cool things Eagle Scouts are doing. For the first time ever, Eagles ‘ Call , the quarterly magazine from the National Eagle Scout Association, is available to anyone, not just those who have earned Scouting's highest honor.
5 ways to enjoy 2014 Kids to Parks Day (opens in a new tab)
Imagine Scouting in a world without local, state and national parks. It's not a pretty sight: Tents pitched in mall parking lots, s'mores cooked over an open tire fire, fishing in repurposed swimming pools. Thank goodness for agencies like the National Park Trust, which helps preserve America's local, state and national parks for future generations.
Gregg Hilferding to Leave ClassB (opens in a new tab)
ClassB announces today that Gregg Hilferding, Vice President, will be leaving the company. Gregg Hilferding has been a part of the company since 1986 and has held several roles during that time. Most recently, Gregg provided leadership over the customer experience and marketing at ClassB.
Use the Force Star Wars Game (opens in a new tab)
Star Wars Day is almost here. "May the fourth be with you." So here is a Star Wars themed game for your den or pack. The idea is for each player to "use the force" to keep a balloon on a pool noodle light saber.
Baloo's Bugle: Volume 20 Issue 09 - May 2014 June 2014 Core Value - Perseverance| Over the Horizon (opens in a new tab)
Baloo's Bugle: Volume 20 Issue 09 - May 2014 June 2014 Core Value - Perseverance| Over the Horizon Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com
How Scouters Deal with Disappointment
Perhaps you've asked for help, and folks let you down. Your Scout's reactions to your efforts may be somewhat less than what you expected. You've tried to apply what you've learned and it falls flat. Welcome to the club! You already know what I am to write, you've read or heard it a thousand times…
Two New Old Books! (opens in a new tab)
Saturday, May 3rd, was free comic book day so I went to St. Cloud to pick up a few at Granite City Comics. I arrived downtown early to get a good parking spot so I decided to walk around to get some exercise and to see what kind of stores were in downtown St.
B.P.'S Blog – Our Aim in Boy Scouts (opens in a new tab)
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.
May The Burro Be With You (opens in a new tab)
If case you do not know it yet, today, May 4th, is Star Wars day. That means it is time to say, May the fourth be with you! Yes, it is a bit of a silly pun, but it is a fun silly pun.
It's uniform season!
Spring is finally here, and with it comes all sorts of outdoor activity. Driving home from work I pass by several churches, schools and city parks. At one church Friday afternoon, the middle school baseball team was having their practice. …
Reflection
It is always a great idea to take time a do some reflection. I do not want to get to deep here, but reflection is a big part of learning and getting better. We do reflections after Scouting activities, games, events, and circumstances that put us in a position in which decisions are made and…
Look Up (opens in a new tab)
Since it's had over 12 million views in the 10 days it's been out on YouTube, you've probably already seen this video. But, if you haven't, sacrifice 5 minutes of your life to hopefully change your view on how you're spending your life.
This month we're pleased to present:
May, 2014 Vol. 6, No. 5 HIGH SPEED EDITION Scout's Pace Ranger Marathon Speed Knots BSA Racing From dusty backcountry trails to the Indianapolis 500, there's speed out there, and Scouts are enjoying it all. How fast are you? It depends on how you achieve maximum velocity, starting with the Scout's Pace, one of Scouting's…
When Must Belt Loop and Pin Requirement Be Fulfilled
Emily sent in this question In working on BL and pin requirements, do the scouts need to complete the requirements during a current "year" (their Wolf or Bear year for example)? Or can they work on the requirements throughout their entire year in scouts.
Single Fire Bucket Holder (opens in a new tab)
Single Fire Bucket Holder One of the essential mandates in the BSA’s Outdoor Code is: BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE. I will prevent wildfire. I will build my fires only where they are appropriate. When I have finished using a fire, I will make sure it is cold out.
The Guide to Safe Scouting you know, only more portable
Glove compartment, daypack, purse or troop trailer: It's easy to find a place to store the new, more-compact Guide to Safe Scouting . The Guide , which includes policies and guidelines established to help keep you and your Scouts safe, is now available in a form that's smaller and more durable.
April 2014 Customer Photos! (opens in a new tab)
Hi All! This Spring is shaping up to be a busy time for some of you. We've heard some great stories and have been privileged to receive super fun photos of your groups in your awesome t-shirts. Our Boy Scout and Cub Scout customers have really hit the ground running with some memorable activities.
Scoutmaster Podcast 220 (opens in a new tab)
Sponsored By ScoutmasterCG.com Backers In this podcast We talk about high adventure, answer email questions on a ‘one man show' and a bullying incident, and share a great Scoutmaster's Minute. All this and your messages in the mailbag! Listen to Scoutmaster Podcast 220 Get The SCOUTMASTERCG APP Podcast Archive
Issue 396 – May 6, 2014 (opens in a new tab)
________________________________________ Here's something different… a bona fide SUCCESS STORY! If you're a regular reader, you already know that I advocate having the Scouts themselves decide what patrols they want to be in (meaning: which friends in the troop they want to hang with).
The difference between success and achievement (opens in a new tab)
A few months ago I was invited to be the guest speaker at the Academic Awards Banquet for my hometown's school district . I had twenty minutes to talk to the top 10% of the graduating seniors for all four of the district's high schools.
Run the 2014 New York City Marathon while benefiting N.Y. Scouts
Here's a way to be a winner at the 2014 New York City Marathon no matter what place you finish. Ten altruistic individuals will get a guaranteed spot in the marathon and benefit New York City Scouting far beyond the 26.2-mile race through the city's five boroughs.
Picture Telephone Game (opens in a new tab)
Picture Telephone is a visual version of the classic telephone game. Our Crew recently played this during the Communication section of the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews leadership training course . The part our Crew enjoyed most about this game was looking at the pictures and phrases later and seeing how far off they were…
Scout Service Projects 2nd Class, Star, and Life (opens in a new tab)
Scout service projects are a basic element of any solid program, and participation in them is a requirement for advancement in rank. What service projects qualify for rank requirements? Let's begin by looking at the requirements themselves: Second Class requirement: Participate in an approved (minimum of one hour) service project.
Free Summer Activities for Kids Ebook (opens in a new tab)
Check out the fun summer activities for kids ebook, and learn how they can count toward Cub Scout advancement.
How many Eagle Scouts earned Eagle palms in 2013? (opens in a new tab)
Not content at the 21 merit badges required for Eagle, some Scouts go beyond and earn additional merit badges, making them eligible to receive Eagle Scout palms. An Eagle Scout who earns five merit badges beyond the minimum amount (and meets other requirements ) will receive a Bronze Palm.
Get More Scouts to Camp This Summer
The Order of the Arrow has two campership programs available to provide Scouts with greater opportunities to attend summer camp. The Maury Clancy American Indian Campership and Get Kids to Camp Partnership have been funded by the Order of the Arrow Endowment to provide $20,000 each in support during 2014.
Your service project could be featured in Scouting magazine
Calling all Good Turns: Has your pack, troop or crew recently completed a service project in your community (or beyond)? We want to hear about it! Your unit's project might be featured in an upcoming Scouting magazine feature story. (In this instance, we're not looking for Eagle Scout Service Projects; instead, we want to know…
A Weighty Problem (opens in a new tab)
I was the runt of my class. I was the smallest boy, both in weight and in height. In fact, most of the girls in my class were taller than I was. When I was in tenth grade another guy moved into our class.
Three Things Scout Parents Can Do (opens in a new tab)
Have you seen the Gear Guide ? PDF version of Three Things Parents Can Do Infographic You'll find the Sharpie Laundry Marker comes in handy for putting names on clothing. Sharpie Laundry Marker at Amazon Three things Scout parents can do to help Scouts with their gear (and save a Scoutmaster's sanity).
Don't shoot! Why paintball's outlawed in Scouting (and the one exception)
This is a rule so obvious it shouldn't need to be said: Shooting at one another is an unauthorized activity in Scouting. But what about paintball? Participants in that popular activity shoot at each other, but they do so using nonlethal capsules of colored dye.
New Resource in the Fight to Keep Scouts and All Youth Safe
The U.S. Department of Justice's Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) offers a free-to-the-public database, the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website. This resource allows a user to submit a single query to obtain information about sex offenders throughout the United States and can be used to identify registered sex offenders in your council service…
Enhancements Coming to Youth Protection Incident Reporting (opens in a new tab)
A Youth Protection/Membership Incident Information Report form and supplemental page of reporting tips is now in production. A pad of the new reporting form, supplement pages, and tips will be forwarded to all professional staff. The estimated time for delivery to your council is early summer.
Digital Technology Joins the Merit Badge Lineup
Digital technology is part of almost everything we do these days. The new Digital Technology merit badge, launched in April, is all about using, understanding, and appreciating digital technology including computers, tablets, cell phones, and even computer-controlled coffeemakers. Scouts will also learn about digital technology rights and how to be environmentally friendly with digital technology.
A great time for Scouting…
I mean now of course.. I am not one to wish for that simpler time, we can't have that back. What we can do is keep Scouting the way it is supposed to be. Fun, Adventurous, and an organization that builds up men.
Fleur-De-Lis Knot (opens in a new tab)
This video from the author of Paracord Fusion Ties demonstrates tying a fleur-de-lis knot - I have the Kindle edition of Volume one of Paracord Fusion Ties (there are three volumes). It has very easy to follow illustrations and I recommend highly, the number of things you can make with paracord is nearly endless, and it's…
Marketing Awards Honorees Announced
Congratulations to all who submitted an entry to the National President's Awards for Marketing Excellence. The entries this year were tremendous! A complete list of the honorees in each category is now available on Scouting.org. A booklet containing examples of the honored work will be available at the Marketing booth at the National Annual Meeting…
Haymaker's bridge (opens in a new tab)
The Haymaker's bridge is a classic patrol challenge, and with the weather warming up in the Northern Hemisphere, now is a good time to try out this activity where at least one person is guaranteed to get wet. In principle this is simple- the bridge is supported by the mast, and each person crossing the…
Two New Videos Help Promote Summer Day Camps
It's time to start preparing for summer camp, and there are two new videos to help you spread the word about the life-changing experiences our camps offer to Cub Scouts. iPad Hashtag And have you heard? The Cub Scouts Facebook page has teamed up with ScoutStuff to give away a ton of great camping gear.
Summit Visitor Passes let anyone experience the thrills this summer (opens in a new tab)
This summer, while everyone else is stuck at home or the office, treat yourself and your family to a weekend at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. Zip down the zip lines, glide around the skateboard park, test your accuracy shooting a bow and arrow at moving targets and so much more.
Congratulations (opens in a new tab)
Last night when I got home from meetings my wife gave me a gift. It was the last goal toward her Wood Badge ticket, all finished. Congratulations, Christine!
Gary Butler Shares Experience-Oriented Scouting Overview With Councils and Volunteers
Every employee and volunteer plays an important role in the development and delivery of life-changing experiences to our members. Last week, Gary Butler shared an overview of our transition from a member organization to an experience-oriented organization during a special edition of the Journey to Excellence Leadership Hour.
Patrol Spirit and Family Spirit (opens in a new tab)
One Mother's Day, when I was a Senior Patrol Leader, I sent an email thanking all the mothers for their contribution and expressing appreciation for all they do. I was surprised by the number of appreciative replies I received! As I've gotten older, I've realized more and more how much mothers and fathers do for…
We're Going to Philmont!
I'm headed to Philmont Scout Ranch to find out all about the new Cub Scout program!
New Jersey Scouts help rescue NBC journalist Ann Curry (opens in a new tab)
Scouts learn first-aid skills in Scouting without ever knowing when they'll need to use them. Or on whom. Last month a group of New Jersey Boy Scouts helped rescue the NBC journalist Ann Curry after she had broken her ankle while hiking.
Growing young leaders
Finding young leaders can sometimes be a simple task. You find kids who excel at sports … or in academics … or in politics … where leadership just seems to come naturally to them. Then there are those who need some guidance, and finding the right way to guide them through life's challenges can be a challenge in…
Council Market Analysis Report Now Available
Council Market Analysis Reports for 2014 are now available. These reports are specific to each individual council and include information about the youth and families each council currently serves and those who live in the council area who are not being served.
Troop 68 2014 Spring Fundraiser (opens in a new tab)
Boy Scout Troop 68 of Melrose conducts three fundraisers during the year. In the fall we participate in the council's popcorn sales. For the last few years the other two fundraisers have been a Dad's Belgium Waffle meal. We have been holding a supper a week before Good Friday and a breakfast the first Sunday…
A Time To Tell (opens in a new tab)
The theme for the Boy Scout Troop 68 meetings in April was personal safety. The troop had a local police officer come to the first meeting to talk to the Scouts about how to stay safe and what sort of things officers look out for when dealing with youth.
Maryland mom raised all seven of her sons to become Eagle Scouts
Talk about setting the bar high. Mary Agnes Lewis, 86, was honored by the Baltimore Area Council earlier this month as its first Eagle Scout Mom of the Year. Her accomplishment? Helping all seven of her sons achieve the Eagle Scout Award.
B.P.'S Blog – Efficiency Badges (opens in a new tab)
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.
Heart and Mind (opens in a new tab)
Maybe it's that I am getting a little older. Could be that my mind tends to view things a little different with the kids growing and moving on with their lives. It may be that I have a clearer understanding of what is really important in my life.
Let boys be boys!
For most kids, play dates can be fun. You get dropped off at a friend's house, play a few games, maybe have lunch or a snack that Mom prepared, the go play in the backyard, watch TV or play video …
Webelos Fitness Activity Badge (opens in a new tab)
Use the booklet, Choose to Refuse, for the Webelos Fitness Activity Badge.
Scouts Who Don't Enjoy the Outdoors (opens in a new tab)
Jenny sent in this question There is a cub in our pack that has no interest in the outdoors. He and I were talking about our upcoming family camp and he is dreading it. Our pack is quite small and his den only has 2 boys in it, so its difficult to have other boys…
Scoutmaster Podcast 221 – "Real" Responsibility (opens in a new tab)
Sponsored By ScoutmasterCG.com Backers In this podcast we discuss ‘real' responsibility, answer email questions about getting folks to lend a hand with a Cub Pack and see if we can help out a new Scoutmaster. All this and your messages in the mailbag! Listen to Scoutmaster Podcast 221 Get The SCOUTMASTERCG APP Podcast Archive
Father-son team on 'The Amazing Race' includes Eagle Scout
He's already earned Scouting's highest honor, so racing donkeys in Italy, dancing in Malaysia and becoming a barber in Seville, Spain - all with a million bucks on the line - seems like a cake walk for Connor O'Leary. Connor is the younger half of the "David & Connor" father-son team competing for $1 million on the Emmy-winning…
MSPP #137: Eagle Scout Thomas Schwinghamer Scouting Life (opens in a new tab)
Has it really been five months since I last posted a video to the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast? I guess so. Time to get busy with that once again. After all, I do have a few more videos to share with you.
Get Your Summit Visitors Pass Now! (opens in a new tab)
With the Summit Visitors Pass, we've got you covered. The Summit is opening up to visitors this summer! A one- or two-day visitors pass is great for the Scouting family and friends. We're all set and can't wait for you to visit.
The Patrol Leader's Mission (opens in a new tab)
“Get all the fun you can out of being a Patrol Leader! But remember that there's much more to it than fun. Your greatest thrill as a leader will be your chance to turn an ordinary gang of boys into a real Patrol, to help five or six or seven fellows become good Scouts.
Learning life's lessons from … bats?
In Scouting, we use every education tool imaginable to help our young people grow to be great community supporters, strong leaders and friends to the environment. I can't remember the last time one of our Scouts captured all those values by helping bats .
Flags For The Parade (opens in a new tab)
The Boy Scouts of Melrose Troop 68 will be doing it again this summer. I believe this is the fifth time they will be doing it. The Scouts have fun and the people in the community enjoy it. What am I talking about?
Cycling the Jordan River Parkway Trail (opens in a new tab)
If you’re a troop in the Salt Lake area with scouts wanting to work on the Cycling merit badge , I hope you have found the Jordan River Parkway Trail . This paved non-motorized bike path follows the Jordan River from its headwater at Utah Lake 40+ miles northwards through Salt Lake County to I-215 where it…
To help other people at all times…
You may have seen news reports recently about a troop of Boy Scouts from New Jersey stopping to help an injured woman they came across on a hiking trail in Harriman State Park in New York. Asked if she was alright, she responded, "No, not really.
June Cub Scout Theme – Over the Horizon (Perseverance)
BSA offers supplemental pack program ideas for each month. One of the Cub Scout themes for the June core value of Perseverance is an Over the Horizon theme. Here is what the program helps say about this theme: It is easy for a Cub Scout to become tired and want to quit while out on…
At Scouting Newsroom, get BSA breaking news straight from the source
Admit it: You like to be the first to know what's new in the Boy Scouts of America. I'm with you. So I was excited this week to learn about Scouting Newsroom , the new, official site for BSA news, updates and information.
Scoutmaster's Minute – The Sun and the Wind
This Scoutmaster's minute is based on one of Aesop's Fables. The Wind and the Sun were arguing. It's a little know fact but, every once in a while, the forces of nature have an argument, and I happened to overhear them the other day.
Get Your Summit Visitor Pass Now!
The Summit Visitor Pass. We've got you covered. The Summit is opening up to visitors this summer! A one- or two-day visitor pass is great for the Scouting family and friends. We're all set and can't wait for you to visit.
Environment Troop Program Feature for Boy Scouts (opens in a new tab)
BSA provides the troop program feature guides as a resource for Boy Scout troops. A PLC can use these guides to plan a series of meetings and outings around a single theme. My post Troop Program Features for Meetings and Outings has more information about these guides.
Scout Law at Summer Camp – Infographic
While the twelve points of the Scout law at summer camp isn't different than the Scout law anywhere else the week we spend together in the company of other Scouts is a great opportunity to discover how the Scout law applies to everything we do.
How do you decide which movies are appropriate for your Scouts, Venturers?
Parents decide which movies are OK for their children and which contain too much violence, bad language or sexual content. But what happens when that guardianship temporarily transfers to you, the Scout leader? How do you decide whether it's OK to watch that PG movie on a Cub Scout overnight or a PG-13 movie with…
Loyal Cat (opens in a new tab)
I'm not a cat person, but this cat has cornered the market on LOYAL, HELPFUL, and BRAVE . I usually think of cats as being self-centered, pampered, and nonchalant. I guess I really need to expand my view on felines. This short video also shows that our motto "Be Prepared" needs to be followed everywhere and…
Remember Sept. 11 with this Greater New York Councils tribute patch (opens in a new tab)
This morning President Obama will officially dedicate the National September 11 Memorial & Museum . It opens to the public May 21. Two years ago this month, I blogged about a special-edition council shoulder patch that the Greater New York Councils created to remember the attacks of Sept.
Sleeping Bags 101 (opens in a new tab)
Your choice of sleeping bags starts with figuring out where it will be used, what size you need, and the types of fill and construction are available. See the sleeping bags I recommend for Scouts (and all kinds of other gear recommendations) on the Outdoor Gear Guide .
Boy Scout finds bag containing $4,500 in cash, does what Boy Scouts do
What would you if you found a bag with $4,500 inside? Caribbean vacation, maybe? Shopping spree at Best Buy? For 15-year-old Boy Scout James Villeneuve from Latham, N.Y., there was never any question about the answer. As reported by WNYT-TV , James spotted a money bag while strolling with his family through a park in Albany…
A look back at 'Cubbing' (opens in a new tab)
At next week's National Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tenn., the BSA will announce revisions to the current Cub Scouting program. ( You can read more about these changes in this post , and Bryan will have more live updates next week from Nashville.)
Price tag for childhood obesity
Making sure our kids are healthy is a priority for Scouting. It's part of our legacy for encouraging outdoor adventures and helping our young people get the exercise they need for healthy lifestyles. Josh Drosos attempts to win a free t-shirt by doing 20 chin ups at the US Marine Corps Challenge at the National…
One Life
The other night I had the pleasure of sitting in as an advocate for a Scout in my Troop at his Eagle Board of Review. I enjoy the position that the Scoutmaster is placed in as the advocate, physically the Scoutmaster sits behind and out of the view of the Scout and mentally, it is…
On the Radio (opens in a new tab)
Matt Hyde, the Scout Association's Chief Executive, was on Radio 4′s Today Programme this morning talking in the business section about Scouting and the report published saying employers need to give people time off to volunteer (see here) . It was a very good interview and talked about the need for more adult volunteers, girls in…
Nice jobs! High-adventure bases have a few staff openings left for Summer 2014 (opens in a new tab)
It almost seems unfair. A few older teens and 20-somethings will work at Northern Tier, Philmont, Sea Base or the Summit this summer, and they'll get paid for it. Most of the summer staff is locked in for 2014, but the BSA's four national high-adventure bases still have a few spots they're looking to fill.
Faux Campfire Awards Ceremony (opens in a new tab)
Hobo meal awards around a faux campfire makes for a fun Blue and Gold awards ceremony!
N.J. police and National Guard camporee is one of 2014?s largest Scouting event (opens in a new tab)
Later today, 10,000 Boy Scouts will converge in New Jersey for what organizers are calling the year's largest Scouting event (though the Scouting 500 event this weekend in Kansas City may beg to differ). This weekend's New Jersey State Police and New Jersey National Guard Camporee will gather 300 troops from all over New Jersey…
Take Scouts Backpacking! (opens in a new tab)
My first backpacking trip was a family hike to a trail shelter in Shenandoah National Park in the early seventies. My brother and I carried frame-less canvas backpacks with webbing shoulder straps that my dad padded with upholstery foam. I don't recall much else about the gear we used because my brother and I were…
Kontiki 2014 - raft construction (opens in a new tab)
Kontiki 2014 is under way. This year, the theme is 'Going Green', and so far teams are getting in to the spirit of things,with most teams using LEDs instead of halogen floodlights,and recycling bins for the sorting of waste during raft construction. More photos to follow when the sun rises tomorrow.
Legacy is vital to an organization's sustainability
Thanks to 21st century technology, one important chapter of Scouting's history has been preserved for generations to come. A rough draft of the first Boy Scout handbook – "Scouting for Boys," authored by Scouting's founder, Lord Robert Baden-Powell – was found recently in the archives of the British Scouting headquarters in London.
Kontiki 2014 - Saturday (opens in a new tab)
Kontiki 2014 is running at Arrowe Park this weekend, and while I'll post some detail later about some pioneering projects I've seen here, I wanted to share these pcitures tonight. Firstly, the pictures above qwere taken bu Jenny Hamman from a Robinson R44 helicopter that got permission to do some flyovers.
B.P.'S Blog – Playing the Game (opens in a new tab)
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.
2014 Camporee
During the first weekend of May, Pioneer District held their annual Camporee at Champeog State Park just outside of Newberg, OR. This was my second Camporee. Our first was with another Troop in 2013. The Troop has gone to …
The role of "other" adults, part 1
Nearly all of us grew up with our sons in Scouting, starting first with Cub Scouts. We remember the pleas for help from the Cub parents. You were always in need of a parent to head up the next outing …
Swimming merit badge revised in time for summer camp (opens in a new tab)
Swimming merit badge, that Eagle-required summer camp staple, has been upgraded and revised just in time for the 2014 summer camp season. The new requirements focus more on teaching Scouts correct stroke mechanics while continuing to emphasize basic water skills.
KonTiki 2014 wrapup (opens in a new tab)
KonTiki 2014 is over, and 1st Horison won both the raft competition and the overall competition - congratulations! 9th Benoni (my former group) won the overall supporter's (land) competition. Over the next few weeks, I'll be posting some details about some of the rafts, gadgets and techniques I saw over the weekend.
Youth Religious Emblem Knot (opens in a new tab)
Jessica sent in this question: Hi there – I am wondering if the religious emblems of faith carry over from a cub scout uniform to a boy scout uniform or if it must be earned again in boy scouts. I know our religious organization has different programs for different ages for our emblem.
2014 Pioneer District Award of Merit
Apparently, someone thought enough of me that they submitted my name and information to be considered for the District Award of Merit. Of which, the selection committee also thought I did something good for Scouting.
How did the Eagle Scout do in 'The Amazing Race' finale?
Talk about great odds. Eagle Scout Connor O'Leary and his dad, Dave, had a one in three shot at winning $1 million in last night's season finale of The Amazing Race . Appropriate to any discussion about odds, the 35,000-mile race around the world ended in Las Vegas.
Scoutmaster Podcast – Interview with Darnall Daley
Sponsored By ScoutmasterCG.com Backers In this podcast I am joined by F. Darnell Daley Jr, Author of The Commissioner's Corner . I am sure you'll find Darnall's good cheer and enthusiasm for Scouting inspirational. Here's Darnall's website Listen to Scoutmaster Podcast 222 Get The SCOUTMASTERCG APP Podcast Archive