Posts in July 2014

Recognize Deserving Volunteers With the Silver Buffalo

Scouting Wire ·

It is time to nominate deserving volunteers for the 2015 Silver Buffalo Award. The deadline to submit nominations is Aug. 31. Only electronic nominations will be accepted, using the Silver Buffalo nomination form . Complete and submit this fillable PDF before the deadline to [email protected] .

Issue 403 – July 1, 2014 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

________________________________________ Independence Day is just three days away so let's consider what Benjamin Franklin had to say about democracy and liberty… "DEMOCRACY is two wolves and a lamb deciding the lunch menu; LIBERTY is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." ========== Dear Andy, Can an Assistant Scoutmaster sign off on a merit badge requirement if he is…

Commissioner Tools Undergo Final Testing Before Fall Launch (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire · archived copy

Earlier this year, we announced the development of Commissioner Tools, a set of resources within MyScouting that will replace the Unit Visit Tracking System. The following 16 councils are currently testing these Commissioner Tools, with the assistance of 67 individual testers who have a broad range of experience and computer skills: Atlanta Area Council Capitol…

Why reaching out to new cultures is so important

Chief's Corner ·

Our commitment to expanding Scouting's reach to new neighborhoods came to mind as I read a recent Bryan on Scouting blog about a group of refugee families that fled brutal treatment by government leaders in their home country of Myanmar in Southeast Asia to find new homes in the U.S.

New Policy Ensures Safe Use of Aquatics Play Structures

Scouting Wire ·

Innovative and creative aquatics play structures currently exist in many Scouting settings, with more councils and Scouting groups evaluating the many play structure options entering the marketplace. Many local councils have asked about safety requirements for use of aquatics play structures and guidance in how to operate them.

Arrow of Light Adventure Requirements: Scouting Adventure

Scouter Mom ·

[cs2015] Scouting Adventure is one of the Arrow of Light CORE Adventure Requirements. In the current Webelos Cub Scout program, it is similar to some of the Arrow of Light requirements and the Outdoorsman activity badge . For this adventure, Webelos learn what it will be like to join a Boy Scout troop and they learn…

Scout Neckerchief Knots and Folds

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

The cattle rustler's and good-turn knots are decorative ways to tie off the ends of a Scout neckerchief. For a dressier look try tucking the ends before you roll the neckerchief as shown. Free PDF file formatted to print out on 81/2 X 11 paper The Neckerchief Knots PDF file and over 40 more infographics…

Announcing 2014 Boys' Life Mini-Mag

Scouting Wire ·

The 2014 Boys' Life mini-mags will arrive at council offices around July 21, 2014. Quantities per council will be approximately the same as last year. The 51/2-by-71/2-inch mini-mag is a miniature edition of Boys' Life magazine. Editorial content will be reprinted columns and articles from recent Cub Scout editions of Boys' Life .

Webelos Transition into 2015-2016 New Cub Scout Program

Cub Scout Ideas ·

One of the biggest concerns that most of us had about the new Cub Scout program was how boys in the middle of their Webelos years would be impacted. At first, we were told that boys would have to switch to the new program. I, along with many of you, thought this was the wrong

40B440 Veggies

Jabbering All Day Long ·

Last night I realised, Veggie - tastic I had done it! completed a #40B440 Challenge - But what Veggies were they

Celebrating Independence Day (s)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

We set aside today to celebrate the United State's 238th year of independence. Have you considered the individual "independence day" that is the aim of a Scouter's work? It's independence day when Scouts stand on their own two feet, overcome obstacles, best challenges, and take the initiative to set their own path forward.

Independence (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

Today is Independence Day. As you may have noticed I have not been blogging since about mid month in June. For reasons that I think, looking back are real silly. I found myself in a bad place when it came to my internet presence.

Do You Know your Bugle Calls?

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

How Well do you know your bugle calls? Bugling merit badge was among the 57 original merit badges issued by the Boy Scouts of America in 1911 and serving as Bugler can apply towards positions of responsibility requirements for Star and Life ranks.

Bear Adventure Requirements: Grin and Bear It

Scouter Mom ·

[cs2015] Grin and Bear It is one of the Bear CORE Adventure Requirements. In the current Bear Cub Scout program, it is similar to Bear Achievement 15 – Games, Games, Games! and Bear Elective 18 – Backyard Gym . For this adventure, Bears play a game and hold a Cub Scout Carnival at a pack meeting.

B.P.'s Blog – Religion

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

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.

Welcome to the new Bobwhite Blather!

Bobwhite's Blather ·

As you can see, Bobwhite Blather has moved to a new home. I'm hoping the new look and location will be able to better serve readers and provide better resources. Please adjust your bookmarks to replace the previous location (www.fmaynard.com/scouting) with our new address, www.bobwhiteblather.com, and excuse any minor issues that may arise from things…

What are you getting? (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

On the eve of my youngest son departing for college it is once again a time to think back on the past 18 years watching him grow into this great young man. I can't help but think about getting the most out of life when I think about Josh's childhood and so it reminds me…

Summit Gear Online (opens in a new tab)

Summit Blog ·

A trip to The Summit not in the cards this year? No worries. You can still get your hands on Summit gear. Whether on a day hike or a week-long trek, check out 37 North Outfitters , the Summit store over at ScoutStuff.org, for official Summit Bechtel Reserve gear .

Podcast 229 – Resolving Serious Misbehavior

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Sponsored By ScoutmasterCG.com Backers Working with Scouts means dealing with routine behavior problems from time to time, but… While serious misbehavior, at least in my experience, is thankfully rare - we do have to be prepared to resolve it when it occurs.

Scout Video Picks – Ninjas and Birch Bark Canoes

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

My Scout video picks for this week include a great game from Spain and birch bark canoes. Ninja Slap – Jugeo Scout This sophisticated game of tag shown in this video of Spanish Scouts was very popular with my Scouts for a year or two.

Webelos Adventure Requirements: Stronger, Faster, Higher

Scouter Mom ·

[cs2015] Stronger, Faster, Higher is one of the Webelos CORE Adventure Requirements. In the current Webelos Cub Scout program, it is similar to the Athlete activity badge . For this adventure, Webelos work to improve their physical fitness, play some games, and try a new sport.

To Parents at an Eagle Court of Honor

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Here's an idea of what can be said at an Eagle Court of Honor to help parents understand their role in Scouting. This is a big day, and it all goes by fast. Before we go any further; mom and dad, take a moment to look at your Scout.

Scout Champions the Environment One Drop at a Time

Chief's Corner ·

I am always fascinated by the mechanisms by which our Scouts serve their communities. We often see Scouts who have a love for the outdoors, enjoy helping the elderly, or are driven to gather food for the needy. But it's not often that you find a Scout serving his community with barrels.

Issue 404 – July 10, 2014 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

________________________________________ Hi Andy, About those patriotic veterans who found fault with Cub Scouts carrying the American flag horizontally, yes, the US Flag Code does say it shouldn’t be carried flat. But it goes on to say that “This code is the guide for all handling and display of the Stars and Stripes.

Major Gifts Seminar Dates Announced

Scouting Wire ·

Is Journey to Excellence on your radar? If you are striving to achieve the Gold level recognition, a new set of seminars can help. The Boy Scouts of America Foundation will be conducting three Major Gift Seminars this year as follows: Madison, Wisconsin: September 11-12, 2014 - Madison Marriott West Boston: September 25-26, 2014 - Omni Parker…

What Does Scouting Do For Kids? (opens in a new tab)

Inside Boys' Life ·

Many of today's Scouts are just the right age to remember Reading Rainbow , a TV series that aired on PBS and encouraged children to read. (Guess what else encourages kids to read? Boys' Life magazine, people!) It was definitely an honor when the kind folks who run the Reading Rainbow website approached the BSA about…

Do You Know Your Stars? (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

How well do you know your way around the stars in the night sky? Here's a quiz on the circumpolar constellations and stars seen from the Northern hemisphere you'll want to know to find the North Star. Before starting this star quiz you may want to study this Sky Tour Infographic .

Day camp helpers (opens in a new tab)

Jeff's Scouting Blog ·

Thursday I had the opportunity to serve as the adult advisor to some Arrowmen who went up to Cub Scout Day Camp and put on the campfire program. They did skits and songs and the closing flag ceremony. Very proud of the two scouts from my troop who showed up to help.

B.P.'s Blog – The Other Fellow's Point of View

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

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.