KNOTS or Not Cartoon for October (opens in a new tab)
October 2014 Scary Campfire Stories Cafe Press Items Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com
Browse by year
210 posts, oldest first.
October 2014 Scary Campfire Stories Cafe Press Items Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com
When it comes to advancement in the Boy Scouts, it's not really rocket science. First, the Scout needs to want to advance. Second the Scout needs to do the work. And finally, the Scout needs to be tested. This process can be easy for some Scouts while harder for others, but what I have learned…
#boyslifemagazine...
For Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, read nine signs your child is being bullied — and eight signs your child is the bully.
Two brothers, one a Cub Scout and the other a Star Scout, made a "Frozen"-inspired parody called "Do You Want to Buy Some Popcorn?"
Fulfilling the vision of the BSA to prepare scouts as responsible, participating citizens and leaders is a real challenge. A responsible citizen can take care of himself, his property, and his family. Very few of the boys I've met in Scouting came with a built-in sense of responsibility and none have had an innate ability…
We liked both options for the January-February 2015 issue of Scouting magazine so much that we couldn't decide which one to use. So it's your call.
It was a busy summer for these cycling Eagle Scouts In between finishing out the school year last spring and starting another one this fall, the Eagle Scouts of Troop 165 in Fredericksburg, Va., had a busy summer. As in, cycling-3,800-miles-across-the-country busy.
Help Tiger bounce, fly and roll in Backyard Bounce, the newest game from BL … How far can Tiger bounce, fly and roll? Help him in Tiger's Backyard Bounce. How far can Tiger bounce, fly and roll?
A reader sent in this question: My son is now a Webelo I, been in cub scouts since the end of kindergarten he signed up. Our den leader does 90% paperwork and talking at den meetings on the items in the handbook.
Wow! 10,000 Arrowmen already signed up for next August. It'll be an event to remember. Let's see if Thing 1 and I can get into our council's contingent... https://www.facebook.com/oabsa
One activity we often don't spend enough time doing is observing nature. It is something I learned to do as a scout and a youth (it helped having a mother and grandparents that were bird watching enthusiasts). Many merit badges require hours of nature observation and study, and scouts are in the outdoors quite often…
The October 2014 CubCast is all about storytelling, and the way parents and adult volunteers can harness the power of their photos and videos to help recruit new boys.
THE catalog for choosing the right Summit program for your Scouts and Venturers. Ready to plan? The latest Summit program catalog delivers the goods on everything going on in 2015 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. This catalog is divided into three sections for your convenience: Paul R.
The Vernon family Eagle Scouts share more than a rank in common: each family member dons a special pair of pants at his Eagle ceremony.
Hiking Hydration...
During VOS surveys, those who rank themselves as detractors are asked if they want someone from the council to contact them. Those who opt-in will be asked to provide their name, phone/email, and preferred contact time. This information will be included on the Experience Recovery Report on the MyBSA homepage of Scout executives after the…
The Venturing award is the lowest level award in the newly remodeled award system for Venturers. It is a joining award, with an emphasis on commitment and personal safety. Vemturers who were registered before June 1, 2014 skip this award.
Get the word out to units! While we need feedback from all of our members, the biggest opportunity to increase response rates is to hear more from our parents and Boy Scout/Venturer youth. The unit incentive above should help you generate some excitement as well.
Click to see Spring 2014 results The purpose of the Voice of the Scout is to ultimately deliver a Scouting experience that surpasses the expectations of members. In doing so, Scouting will generate powerful, grassroots recommendations that galvanize others to join.
The BSA asks its members to affirm a belief in God. That doesn't mean the Boy Scouts of America tells its members which religion to practice.
The window for 2015 National Eagle Scout Association scholarships opens today. You have three months to submit your application; the deadline is Dec. 31, 2014.
Clark Gudas has a passion for skateboarding, and a passion for Scouting. The result: a new skate park for his community, and an Eagle rank for Clark. "The feeling you get when you finally land something you've been working on for a long time - the satisfaction of knowing you finally got it - it's rewarding," Clark…
Last night I assisted the fledgling pack that I commission with their Join Scouting Night presentation. The pack arranged for a local yo-yo scientist (think Bill Nye with a pocket full of yo-yos) to entertain the boys and families with some stringy hijinks, and the Cubmaster talked about the fun activities to come over the
For the fall 2014 release (October 7-22), those unit leaders who see a response rate of at least 50 percent for Cub Scout parents, Boy Scouts/Venturers, or Boy Scout parents will be entered into a drawing to win $500. Drawings will be done at the area level, with a potential of 27 total awards.
On October 7, thousands of Scouts, parents, volunteers, and chartered organizations will receive the fall edition of our twice-yearly Voice of the Scout survey. Launched in 2012, VOS is designed to measure the value of Scouting in the community and help us deliver experiences that surpass the expectations of our members.
There are many preplanned programs available to PLCs who are planning meetings and activities for their troops. One of these is the Fishing Troop Program Feature . This fishing program feature offers the opportunity to learn more about how to have fun when something fishy is going on.
BL's review of the FIFA 15 game at FIFA 15 and I got off to a rough start. When I first put the disc into my PS4, I was thrown into a match between Liverpool and Manchester City. FIFA 15 Gameplay: 8.8 Graphics: 9.3 Sound: 9.7 Replay Value: 9.4 Overall Score: 9.3 Pros: Great online…
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.
It's not often I get to join in a skit. Usually we leave those things for the scouts. But for Cub Scout family camp, throwing in an adult skit can really top off the evening. We had our pack family camp this weekend, so the whole family went, Things 1, 2, & 3, along with my…
On Oct. 7, Scouting members and parents will receive a link to the biannual Voice of the Scout survey. The results yield insight into Scouting trends.
The Summit National Training Center is set to officially open in 2016, but hey, that doesn't mean we're skipping 2015. Next summer, you can elevate your game with a new spate of rock-solid development and adventure training courses. Whether you are a Boy Scout, Venturer, or Scout leader, you'll get massive amounts of hands-on adventure…
A friend in a nearby troop sent me the following: I was talking with a former Scoutmaster of our troop about how we have some Second-Class and Tenderfoot Scouts who would like to take part in a high adventure activity offered by our council which permits only First-Class Scouts and above. He mentioned: "If we
Lawnmowers and weed whackers are super-effective at cutting grass and chopping down weeds. They're also noisy and they smell bad. Another alternative? Goats. Gavin Burseth, a 16-year-old Boy Scout from Illinois, recently brought in 38 goats to remove invasive species from the Blackwell Forest Preserve Family Campground.
Q. Dear Gear Guy, Where do I go to find a cheap, good-quality hammock? I have been looking all over the Internet but I can't find one for under $100. Please help me. - Sleepy Ryan, Murfreesboro, Tennessee A. Hey Ryan.
What, exactly, is the Patrol Method? Why did our founder emphasize the importance of the patrol method over all else in Scouting? In this week's podcast the fourth of four installments that discusses how basic ideas to practically apply the patrol method.
BSA offers supplemental pack program ideas for each month. One theme for the November core value of Citizenship s a Gives Goodwill theme. Here is what the program helps say about this theme: Cub Scouts learn about the true spirit of Scouting this month as they show an act of goodwill by being good citizens…
Thank you for visiting ScoutingRediscovered.com! This website is dedicated to spreading information and awareness about the framework of traditional Scouting. The big idea behind this site is that Scouting is a set of timeless principles and techniques – a framework – that can be applied to many different situations.
In the Bill of Rights Institute's Boy Scout essay contest, Scouts write an essay for a chance to win $1,000 (and $500 for their troop).
An Everett, Mass., Cub Scout says he forgives the heroin addict who stole $261 from a box storing popcorn proceeds.
LIFE OTHER THAN SCOUTING (LOTS) And the great sports debate continues. Last night I attended our parent meeting where the annual plan was discussed. The plan is set, so now it is time for the Troop Committee to figure out how they are going to fund and support it.
One of my favorite writers and noted American naturalist Aldo Leopold is, perhaps, the first to describe what is now known as a "trophic cascade". Leopold observed over-grazed mountain slopes and connected this with the extermination of wolves. How trophic cascades work, and how they can be restored is explained in this video about the…
KC sent in this question: I have my very first ever tiger cub meeting tomorrow night and your site as been super helpful, thanks! Question, do they have to do the scrapbook page the first night? Seems like we are trying to fit a TON of stuff in that first night.
This is the tenth post in a series that will eventually comprise an activity-based, unit pioneering program curriculum. Double Floor Lashing Floor Spars and Platform Supports X. This lashing is useful when building any kind of raised surface for a: platform, deck, raft, table, bench, chair, or Chippewa kitchen.
Take a look at the five-step process behind Scouting magazine's eye-catching cover for our September-October 2014 issue.
Baloo's Bugle: Volume 21 Issue 03 - October 2014 November 2014 Core Value - Citizenship | A Cub Scout Gives Good Will Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com
Before our youngest son left for college, he wanted to get a tattoo. I am not a big fan of "ink" even though I now have two tattoos. But that was something he wanted and to top it off, he wanted me to get one with him.
The regular meeting of Boy Scout Troop 68 began its usual way Monday night. The Scouts had an opening and then began the skill development session of the meeting. The theme was the Scout Law. It was time to review the twelve points and their meanings.
The Discovery award is the second level award in the newly remodeled award system for Venturers. This award emphasizes participation, skill development, and goal setting. Venturers who were registered before June 1, 2014 begin with this award. Venturers who registered after that date complete the Venturing award first, and then move on to this award.
________________________________________ Dear Andy, We’re in a pickle… We have two early high school-age Scouts: “Zack” and “Zeke.” Recently, one of their classmates at school posted a Facebook photo of Zack and, seeing it, Zeke posted a comment that Zack “looked like a faggot.”
I am happy to be able to announce the (at least partial) completion of a lengthy project; creating an index of Scoutmastercg.com . Going back over the 1700 posts I've created in the past nine years has been a daunting task, kind of like emptying a bathtub a teaspoon at a time!
We are fortunate at the Boy Scouts of America to have a huge cadre of trained volunteer leaders – close to one million – to help teach the principles of Scouting to America's young people – all while having a great time out-of-doors, building adventures, providing service in their communities, or learning new skills.
We're really excited to announce that we'll be featuring individual groups in many of our upcoming blog posts throughout the season! Our first featured group is Pack 4030 out of Bountiful, UT. They sent us an awesome photo of their Pack on a Scouting adventure in Millcreek Canyon, Utah, and had some great things to…
Next month (November) will be the annual Philmont registration lottery when many thousands of units will sign up for a few thousand 2016 treks. Best of luck to you all! If your troop or crew is already accepted for a trek next summer in 2015, then you won't be participating in that lottery, but you…
De Tan Nguyen has been named learning delivery team leader at Scouting University. De gives leadership to the Learning Delivery Training Team in ScoutingU and is responsible for the operations to ensure our customers are appropriately qualified, certified, and trained to deliver training content to volunteers and professionals throughout the organization.
#boyslifemagazine...
Paddle Ready, a new app from the American Canoe Association, helps Scouters take responsibility for their safety on the water. The free app is out now.
This Scout dishwashing rack made out of hiking poles is brilliant and keeps your dishwashing tubs off picnic tables and the ground.
I was a little nervous before that meeting on Monday, September 29th. It was to be my first time as acting as a cubmaster. Being a scoutmaster was no problem. I did that for 30 years. But this was a whole different age group, and a new set of parents and family members.
Our troop started carrying a SPOT Messenger on high adventures about seven years ago. A SPOT is a satellite pinging device that can be used to request aid in an emergency. Parents felt much more comfortable knowing this extra bit of safety was along on each trek.
If you haven't had a chance to download and listen to the Scouting podcasts created each month by the National Council for Cub Leaders (CubCast) and Scout/Venturing leaders (ScoutCast), new October topics are now available at scouting.org/scoutcast (or via iTunes by searching for "bsa scoutcast").
Keep your loose change or other small stuff safe with this handy pouch. What You'll Need: About 24" of artificial sinew or strong waxed thread Glover's needle Sharp leather awl Hobby knife Ruler Mallet or light hammer Rectangle of soft thin leather 5" x 6 3/4" Beeswax (if you use thread) 12" strip of soft…
(Reprinted from the September 9 issue of the United Methodist Reporter .) The number of young people involved in Scouting declined from 2.85 million in 2012 to 2.49 million in 2013 (the last full year of reporting). The number of youth involved in scouting programs within the United Methodist Church declined from 365,565 in 2012 to…
Jamboree-on-the-Air and Jamboree-on-the-Internet will be held October 18–19. JOTA and JOTI are annual World Scouting events that provide an opportunity for Scouts to communicate with other Scouts from around the world! Visit JOTA's webpage, www.scouting.org/jota , and JOTI's webpage, www.scouting.org/joti , for how to participate, download participation certificates, order this year's patches, and much more!
Rank privilege, the practice of older Scouts eating first or getting the best sleeping spots, isn't endorsed by the Boy Scouts of America.
Metalworks...
Now was my big moment. Here I was, a new Senior Patrol Leader, formally opening my first Troop meeting. I had everything prepared – I was going to lead the opening recitation of the Scout Law and Oath; I would then make announcements; finally, I was going to give a rousing pep-talk.
Wednesday is Troop night. It was also the night Webelos II from my former Pack and another were going to be attending. It was also the night for a Board of Review for a Scout. I have done several …
Classroom methods are one way to instruct Scouts, but they are the least effective, (and least fun) way to get the job done. Many of us just don't know how to instruct Scouts without the classroom approach. Baden-Powell encouraged us to do better; Our aim is merely to help the boys, especially the least scholarly…
The Philmont Commissary is now offering surplus 2014 trail meals to anyone who has a need for packaged, ready-to-eat meals. Sales are open from now through whenever they sell out. You may purchase any quantity of meals simply by emailing Barry Harper to obtain a 2014 ordering package.
The 2015 Budget-Building Bulletin is now available. This resource is published annually to help local councils develop their upcoming fiscal year budgets. Please note, councils' executive boards must approve their 2015 budgets no later than December 31, 2014. Several departments within the National Council contributed to this bulletin.
Super Smash Bros. isn't just a cool game. Most of the fighting games in this lengthy series have been fun, but there's so much to this particular entry - it's almost incredible. Super Smash Bros. Gameplay: 9.5 Graphics: 9.0 Sound: 9.5 Replay: 10 Overall: 9.5 Pros: So many characters; interactive stages; endless replay value.
One thing we have learned in Scouting is that parents often find the Scouting experience just as rewarding as their sons or the other Scouts they serve as leaders do. Parental involvement keeps our volunteer base strong and provides a consistent stream of quality leaders to make sure our Scouts receive the best possible training…
Here is a quick review of the AB-13 Max hybrid Alcohol stove by Tatogear . I really like this stove for a couple of reasons. First, it's small and light but produces the same energy to get your trail cooking done.
As of August 31, 2014, 61 local council affiliated partners representing $123.9 million in assets now use BSA Asset Management, LLC (BSAAM) as an investment manager. In the three months ending on August 31, the fund earned 2.21 percent while the one-year return was 14.93 percent (net of fees).
Click to open the Oct. 1 issue The October 1 issue of the Finance Impact e-Letter has been published and is available online. In this issue, you can read more about new credit card technology that will affect councils, an audit referral program, group vendor discounts, Blackbaud webinars, and much more.
We're thrilled to announce the release of Paddle Ready-a free, user-friendly iPhone/Android mobile app designed just for paddlers. This resource for a safer aquatics program has been provided by one of our partners-American Canoe Association. The ACA has created Paddle Ready to empower individuals to take responsibility for their safety on the water, build their…
Register now for the 2015 season at The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve ! From leadership training to high-adventure, find the program that's right for you and your Scouts.
Chris talks about his problems with his Scout and Steve talks about his experiences with the local Cub Scout Pack. Tonight's show sponsored by The Boy Scout Store
We're excited to announce that the following councils have gone live with Commissioner Tools: Crossroads of America Council (9/18/14) Los Padres Council (9/18/14) Theodore Roosevelt Council (9/18/14) Capital Area Council (10/1/14) Chester County Council (10/1/14) Cradle of Liberty Council (10/1/14) Great Salt Lake Council (10/1/14) Greater Niagara Council (10/1/14) Before councils can start using Commissioner…
The BSA's 2014 Sustainability Summit at the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia on Oct. 27-30 is fast approaching. This platform will enable you to create a unique sustainability vision that can help you grow your membership, raise more money, and make a tremendous impact in your community.
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.
A New-Unit Sales Kit called "Strengthening Your Organization Through Scouting" and the Chartered Organization Resource Guide have both been redeveloped for use by local councils to focus specifically on properly researching, planning, and making productive visits to multiple prospective chartered organizations.
Are you or someone you know interested in a 2016 High Adventure experience? On October 29, the registration entry period for 2016 Philmont 12-day and 7-day expeditions begins. This short period lasts only through November 19. Who Can Register? Each unit (troop, Venturing crew, Varsity team, post, or ship) is entitled to register for one…
It is that time of the year when we share our knowledge of camping with those youngsters that are preparing to cross over into our troops. For many of them, their camping experience has been family camping and not straying to far from the car.
I'm always on the hunt for interesting Scouting history articles. Here's a good one to about the history of the Order of the Arrow logo. I've seen many of the various handbook covers over the years, and have seen how the images have changed, but this article ties it all together.
The latest issue of the LDS-BSA Relationships newsletter has been published and is available online. In this issue, you can read more about the Priesthood Leadership Conference on Scouting held at Philmont each summer, excerpts from the Scouting Handbook for Church Units, and more.
In the October edition of Esquire magazine , writer Mike Sager profiles our national president, Dr. Robert M. Gates, and the Boy Scouts of America. Click on the link above to go to the site for the full story, which is available on newsstands now.
Northern Tier, the premier canoeing program of the BSA, has three bases and offers treks across 6 million acres of canoe-country wilderness.
William E. Moerner, an Eagle Scout, was one of three individuals who jointly received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry on Oct. 8, 2014.
Take a peek at Northern Tier as it appeared in the Scouting magazine archives, starting in the '40s.
Has this ever happened to you? The following question was posted on one of the Scouting forums in the last few weeks. I thought it was an interesting conundrum and offered my comments. Since it's unfortunately not an uncommon situation, maybe you can relate. I'll paraphrase: Last month at the troop committee meeting, I [a
Q: Hi Gear Guy, I want to buy a sailboat but don't want to break the bank. What is an affordable 35 to 40-foot boat with a nice cabin I can sleep in? - Captain Theodore, Trenton, New Jersey A: Wow, a 40-foot sailboat with a cabin?
We all have our comfort zones – the places where we feel safe, whether at home or work. So when we are challenged to reach outside of those comfort zones, it can be tough duty until we master the ability to take on these new responsibilities.
Bears and Wolves have electives related to Native American culture. They should be used to help our Cub Scouts learn about the rich culture of American Indians. Below you'll find some activities and resources that can help complete these electives. Wolf Elective 10 – American Indian Lore 1. Read a book or tell a story
Recently there have been some questions and misunderstandings about the process for COPE and climbing training program evaluations. The COPE and Climbing National Task Force is committed to providing support to local councils and multi-council collaborations as they work through this process.
Help! Everyone needs help, right? Most Scouters, at one time or another, find ourselves overwhelmed, discouraged and help-less. Don't worry, you aren't alone, and there's a way out! See if the email answer about getting volunteers to help in this podcast helps you.
On October 7, thousands of Scouts, parents, volunteers, and chartered organizations received the fall edition of the BSA Voice of the Scout survey. Voice of the Scout is designed to measure the value of Scouting in our community and to help us deliver experiences that surpass the expectations of our members.
Do your scouts ever cook hotdogs? Here's a new way - it's called the Twisted Dog . Hotdogs and brats are all-American summer food seen around countless campfires and 4th of July family gatherings. They are an easy introduction to campfire cooking for Cub Scouts, and a simple, quick meal for older scouts (even though there's not…
________________________________________ Dear Andy, Looking at the Cooking merit badge requirements, I’m wondering how to handle the requirements on planning and preparing meals, for instance as sole individual tasks or as patrol member and patrol cooking tasks, for example requirement 4(a): “Prepare and serve for yourself and two others, the two dinners, one lunch, and one breakfast.