Posts in October 2014

Discuss, Demonstrate, Show (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

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…

Top 10 Life Skills Merit Badges (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

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…

Observing Nature (opens in a new tab)

Jeff's Scouting Blog ·

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 2015 Summit Program Catalog Is Here! (opens in a new tab)

Summit Blog ·

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.

2014 Fall VOS: Three Tools to Address the Scouting Experience for At-Risk Members

Scouting Wire ·

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…

Venturing Award Requirements (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom ·

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.

2014 Fall VOS: 10 Quick Facts About the Voice of the Scout

Scouting Wire ·

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.

Eagle Scout Lands New Skate Park (opens in a new tab)

Inside Boys' Life ·

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…

Six journeys begun (opens in a new tab)

Bobwhite's Blather ·

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

2014 Fall VOS: Incentive Gives Units $500 to Reinvest Into the Scouting Experience

Scouting Wire ·

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.

Fishing Troop Program Feature for Boy Scouts

Scouter Mom ·

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.

FIFA 15 Review (opens in a new tab)

Inside Boys' Life ·

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…

Fun with Skits (opens in a new tab)

Jeff's Scouting Blog ·

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…

Summit National Training Center: 2015 Programs (opens in a new tab)

Summit Blog ·

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…

Whose advancement is it, anyway? (opens in a new tab)

Bobwhite's Blather ·

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

Illinois Boy Scout Uses Goats To Remove Weeds (opens in a new tab)

Inside Boys' Life ·

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.

Podcast 238 – Patrol Method 4

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

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.

November Cub Scout Theme – Gives Goodwill (Citizenship)

Scouter Mom ·

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…

Big Update! (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Rediscovered ·

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.

LOTS (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

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.

Trophic Cascades and the Scout Law (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

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…

Discovery Award Requirements

Scouter Mom ·

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.

Issue 416 – October 8, 2014 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

________________________________________ 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.”

Scoutmastercg Index

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

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!

Through the eyes of a leader

Chief's Corner ·

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.

De Tan Nguyen Added to ScoutingU Team (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire · archived copy

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.

SPOT Special (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

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.

Listen to Scouting Topics on the Go with ScoutCast Podcasts

Scouting Wire ·

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"...

Inside Boys' Life ·

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…

United Methodist Church Works to Grow Scouting Membership (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire · archived copy

(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…

Put Your Scouts in Touch With Other Youth From Around the World at JOTA/JOTI

Scouting Wire ·

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!

Tiger to 2nd Class

Scouter Adam ·

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 …

How to Instruct Scouts

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

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…

Surplus Philmont Trail Meals Now for Sale

Scouting Wire ·

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.

Budget Building Bulletin Now Available on scouting.org (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire · archived copy

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. Review (opens in a new tab)

Inside Boys' Life ·

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.

When parents get their hands dirty

Chief's Corner ·

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…

Tatogear AB-13 Alcohol Stove

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

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.

Let BSAAM Help With Your Council's Investment Returns

Scouting Wire ·

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).

Finance Impact e-Letter: October 1 Issue is Out (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire · archived copy

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.

New 'Paddle Ready' App Available for Paddlers

Scouting Wire ·

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…

Reserve Your Spot Now for 2015 Season at the Summit Bechtel Reserve

Scouting Wire ·

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.

Commissioner Tools Rollout Continues

Scouting Wire ·

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…

B.P.'s Blog – Patrols (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

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.

New Unit Sales Kit and Chartered Organization Resource Guide Now Available

Scouting Wire ·

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.

Philmont 2016 Unit Reservations Opening Soon!

Scouting Wire ·

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…

LDS-BSA Relationships Newsletter Covers Philmont Summer Conference

Scouting Wire ·

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.

Esquire Asks, 'Are There Still Boy Scouts?' in Profile of Dr. Robert Gates

Scouting Wire ·

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.

How do I quell a parent revolt? (opens in a new tab)

Bobwhite's Blather ·

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

Getting outside of our comfort zones

Chief's Corner ·

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.

Help Spread the Word About Voice of the Scout Survey

Scouting Wire ·

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.

Twisted Dogs (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

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…

Issue 417 – October 14, 2014 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

________________________________________ 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.