Enter Philmont's 2016 lottery and then cross your fingers (opens in a new tab)
Philmont Scout Ranch's lottery for seven- and 12-day treks in summer 2016 will be open from Oct. 29 to Nov. 19, 2014.
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October 2014
210 posts, oldest first.
Posts in October 2014
Find your crew in the Philmont photo archive (opens in a new tab)
The Philmont photo archive is now open. That means if you've participated in a Philmont program in the past quarter-century, your photo's on there.
High-Adventure Week: A look back at Philmont (opens in a new tab)
Take a peek at Philmont as it appeared in the Scouting magazine archives, starting when the camp was still called Philturn.
Assistant Patrol Leader and Rank Advancement (opens in a new tab)
Elise sent in this question: For the rank advancement leadership requirement can the scoutmaster require the scout to lead an approved troop outing to qualify the leadership position ? Our scoutmaster says unless they lead an approved troop activity the leadership role (asst patrol leader) doesn't count towards rank advancement.
True North or Magnetic North?
More than once, out hiking or paddling, I followed my instincts (the campsite is right over there!) rather than my map and ended up off course. Good pilots and navigators trust instruments over instincts. Compasses point at magnetic north . Scouters have assumptions or impressions about Scouting.
Scout Strong (opens in a new tab)
This Scouting year sure seems to be getting off to a fantastic start. The Annual Plan is exciting and looks to be super fun and this year between the committee and the Patrol Leaders Council, there is a great plan in place to enhance the program en total..
As an issue of BL comes together, we pin the layouts up on this... (opens in a new tab)
As an issue of BL comes together, we pin the layouts up on this board. As you can see, the November issue is up, and it's looking great!
The USEFUL Scout Stave (opens in a new tab)
A Bundle of Scout Staves For those interested in starting a pioneering program in their unit, one of the first things often suggested is to procure a supply of Scout Staves. The BSA Supply Division’s Scout Hiking Staff is still the best deal on the market for Scout Staves.
Your Camp Stool
Here is a short video talking about just sitting around. An often overlooked piece of gear that is in the category of a "Luxury item" is the camp stool. Go without it and you sacrifice a bit of comfort on your next outing.
Florida Sea Base takes the adventure underwater (opens in a new tab)
The Florida Sea Base is currently accepting reservations for 2015 adventures. The lottery for 2016 trips is open Jan. 15 to Feb. 16, 2015.
Featured Customer: Troop 238 Welcome, NC (opens in a new tab)
This week's featured group is Troop 238 out of Welcome, North Carolina. Their Troop elected to purchase 100% polyester moisture wicking shirts for their outdoor adventures! This style of shirt is a great option for groups looking to stay cooler and drier during activities.
High-Adventure Week: A look back at Florida Sea Base (opens in a new tab)
Take a peek at the Florida Sea Base as it appears in the Scouting magazine archives, starting when the base first opened in the early 70s.
Hammock Basics
I have received a bunch of emails recently asking about this "Hammock Thing" basically wondering why I hammock camp and what does it really involve. Last summer I shot a video that answered some of those questions, so I thought I would drop it here on the blog from my YouTube channel.
This patch should have been a clue that something wasn't... (opens in a new tab)
This patch should have been a clue that something wasn't quite right at the Monster Jamboree … read the short story at http://bookzone.boyslife.org/brandon-mull/
November Pack Meeting – Gives Goodwill (Citizenship) (opens in a new tab)
The Cub Scout core value for the month of November is The November Pack Meeting Tips from BSA remind us "Cub Scouts develop good citizenship when they are learning about respecting the flag and providing service to the community."" Citizenship .
Origins of the Patrol System
The Patrol System was published by the General Council Boy Scouts of Canada in 1960 and is available in PDF format here (do make sure to check out The Dump ). The principles of the Patrol System were first introduced by the Founder, Baden-Powell, when he was with the British Army in India.
Summit Bechtel Reserve offers an array of 2015 programs (opens in a new tab)
The Summit Bechtel Reserve's 2015 offerings come in three flavors: national high-adventure base, national Scout camp and national training center.
A look back at the Summit Bechtel Reserve (opens in a new tab)
The youngest of the BSA's national high-adventure bases, the Summit still boasts a rich history. Take a look at the coverage of the base in Scouting magazine starting in 2010.
Write a funny caption for this photo (opens in a new tab)
Write a funny caption for this photo! We'll print the funniest in Boys' Life What's going on in this picture? What is that bird doing and what is it thinking? If you can think of a funny caption for this photo, just post it in the comment form at the bottom of this page.
Build a magnetic lock and key for a storage box (opens in a new tab)
Use magnets to make your own lock and key for your footlocker or other storage box. How it works: Unlike magnetic poles attract. Like magnetic poles repel. Compression springs push the magnets into the locked position. The magnets in the key push the compression spring magnets downward into the unlocked position.
We get the most considerate letters to the editor here at... (opens in a new tab)
We get the most considerate letters to the editor here at Boys' Life.
firstbook: Fill your... (opens in a new tab)
firstbook : Fill your head! harpercollinschildrens : Illustration by Booki Vivat
kqedscience: NASA Captures Spooky 'Jack-O-Lantern' Image Of The... (opens in a new tab)
kqedscience : NASA Captures Spooky 'Jack-O-Lantern' Image Of The Sun "With Halloween looming just around the corner, NASA has captured a spooky image of our sun sporting what looks like the creepy grin of a jack-o'-lantern. The photo is actually composite of images captured in two different wavelengths by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory on Oct.
My Cook Kit
As you all know I am constantly tweaking my gear. I have been using basically the same cooking set up for a few years now. A little tweak here and there and I have to tell you I am really happy with the cook kit that I use.
Sandringham JOTA JOTI 2013 Tower (opens in a new tab)
The largest annual Scouting event in the world, The combined J amboree on the Air and Jamboree on the Internet , starts today. Around 700,000 Scouts and Guides from around the world are participating. Last year, this tower, designed and built by Sandringham Scout Group in Johannesburg was voted the best JOTA tower internationally out of…
Suggest a topic for a future ScoutCast (opens in a new tab)
The team behind ScoutCast, the monthly podcast that fills your ears with tips to make your job as a Scouter easier, needs ideas for future episodes.
Action Camera buying guide (opens in a new tab)
You've seen the YouTube videos - guys in flying squirrel suits slipping through cracks in a cliff, surfers braving mammoth waves, downhill mountain bikers biting the dust and so much more. Most videos like these are captured with small, durable, hands-free action-sports cameras that can be strapped to a helmet, surfboard, bike, etc.
Throwback Thursday: Philmont Trek 1991 (opens in a new tab)
Yeah, I know it's Friday...but I read about the Philmont Photo Archive on the Bryan on Scouting blog and had to check it out. I was hoping they've digitized back far enough to have my trek from when I was a youth.
Tonkawampus Lodge Patch (opens in a new tab)
I recently had a great visit with a couple of old Scouting friends of mine. We had not seen each other for a few years so it was great to get together for a few hours to reminisce about the "old" times and catch up on how we have all been doing.
B.P.'s -Blog – Don't (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.
B.P.'s -Blog - Scout Spirit (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.
boyslifemagazine: We get the most considerate letters to the... (opens in a new tab)
boyslifemagazine : We get the most considerate letters to the editor here at Boys' Life.
Debunking myths about wearing camouflage in Scouting (opens in a new tab)
Is camouflage clothing appropriate for wear during Scouting activities? The BSA expert says there's a simple answer and a gray area.
Q&A: Why recharter in December; extending youth registration (opens in a new tab)
Time for answers to a couple more of your questions. Why do we recharter in December? Fall is the time that we recruit for Cub Scouting. Many troops and crews recruit new members in the fall as well. So with all these applications coming in, and with our packs renewing their members for the coming
The Leaders Campfire: "I'm Not Dead Yet"? (opens in a new tab)
A week ago I was on Skype chatting with Chris (formally known as Cubmaster Chris) and we began talking about were we currently involved in the world of Scouting. Chris' youngest son is a Boy Scout, and I have been spending time assisting the local Cub Scout pack get reorganized for the new year.
Stuff We Like: Riviera Select 8' Stoft Top Standup Paddleboard (opens in a new tab)
By now, you've probably heard about-or even tried-standup paddleboarding (SUP). If not, the basics are you stand on an oversized surfboard and stroke with a long canoe-like paddle. You can do it on lakes, oceans and slow-moving rivers and there's even a new BSA Stand Up Paddleboarding Award ( http://scouting.org/OutdoorProgram/Aquatics.aspx ).
Cycling the Legacy Parkway Trail (opens in a new tab)
Earlier this year, we did a long ride on the Jordan River Parkway Trail from the Center Street Trailhead in North Salt Lake. As we began our southbound travels, I couldn’t help but look to the north and think to myself, “I wonder where that goes?”.
Plan to Eagle – 4 years (opens in a new tab)
I met an Eagle Scout this summer at camp that just turned 18 and had joined scouts at the age of 16. I always knew you could earn Eagle that quickly, but never met anyone that had. As a matter of fact, most stories that I heard were always of 12 or 13 year old
SOL Origin Survival Kit: Worth the Price? (opens in a new tab)
Q. Hey Gear Guy, I bought the SOL Origin Survival Kit, but my friends told me this was a rip-off. Do you think it was worth it? - Concerned Kenya, Sunnyvale, California A. Hi Kenya. Thanks for the question. Nobody likes to feel like they got ripped off, so I understand your concern.
Podcast 240 -Elections, Reviews, & Conferences
Elections, Boards of Review, and Conferences Should a Scout be denied a Scoutmaster's conference because, horror of horrors, he's wearing white socks? I hope you know the answer to that already, but in this podcast I answer an email question from a parent whose son is having a problem with getting though a Scoutmaster's conference…
Hip Patrol Patches (opens in a new tab)
If scouts in your troop or Webelos den are tired of the same old choices in official BSA patrol emblems, have them take a peak at ScoutStuff.org patrol emblems where they may find something new and fun. Maybe the BSA will regain some of the market lost to custom patrol patch manufacturers with these new…
Oscar de la Renta, Scout uniform designer, dies at 82 (opens in a new tab)
Oscar de la Renta, the renowned fashion designer who reimagined the official Scout uniform into a look that became synonymous with Scouting, has died.
Kansas City Royals' Kauffman Stadium named for Eagle Scout (opens in a new tab)
Ewing Kauffman, the man who started the Kansas City Royals and for whom the team's stadium is named, was an Eagle Scout.
Eagle Scout Survives Venture Into Shark Tank (opens in a new tab)
Noah Cahoon , a 14-year-old Eagle Scout from American Fork, Utah, is already the CEO of his own company, Paper Box Pilots . And he's doing quite well. Noah was recently a guest on the ABC show Shark Tank , where ambitious entrepreneurs pitch ideas to some hungry - and sometimes unpleasant - businessmen.
High Adventure (opens in a new tab)
High Adventure...
A New Scoutmaster in the Volcano (opens in a new tab)
I received this email from a new Scoutmaster a day or two ago: I was presented with the opportunity to take over as our new Scoutmaster some months ago and asked your advice. I had some concerns about the level of adult involvement in what should be a boy-led troop.
Summit Core Values: Spotlight On Adventure (opens in a new tab)
As you may already know, The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve, or just SBR for short, is guided by four core values: leadership, training, sustainability and adventure. Scouting itself is an adventure of many kinds, not just physical. The mental, emotional and even spiritual challenges to achieve all that Scouting offers are an adventure…
13 year old Eagle.
From the Facebook page of Steve Harvey I thought I would let it simmer for a bit before I weighed in.. and now I just can't keep my blog silent on this. So, at a risk of pissing a bunch of folks off..
Book Review: "Shattered Air" (opens in a new tab)
So the troop was up at Yosemite earlier this month, unfortunately I was with the pack for their campout. But in planning for the trip, we had talked about hiking Half Dome. In speaking with a colleague at work about the hike, he relayed a story about a couple that had scaled the face rock-climbing.
Steve Harvey salutes Eagle Scout, gets honorary merit badge (opens in a new tab)
Comedian Steve Harvey honored a new Eagle Scout and accepted an honorary Moviemaking merit badge on his daytime talk show last week.
Featured Customer: Pack 144 from Clendenin, WV (opens in a new tab)
This week's featured customer is Pack 144 out of Clendenin, West Virginia. We LOVE to see photos of Scouts out about about in the community. Last month, Pack 144 participated in a Fall Festival Parade. We think their float is SO COOL!
Philmont, A love letter
Found this as I was bouncing around the internet. Tucker Prescott pretty much sums up my feelings for Philmont in this short video. I WANNA GO BACK TO PHILMONT.. Enjoy.. And great job Tucker! Have a Great Scouting Day! Philmont: A Love Letter from Tucker Prescott on Vimeo .
Perfect Eagle Project? (opens in a new tab)
(click pic for larger view) On my afternoon hike this weekend, I ran into what very well may be the perfect Eagle Scout service project! This is a hands-on Knots and Lashings kiosk and can be found at Lowry Nature Center west of Victoria, MN.
The Authority of Youth Leadership.
Compel Force or oblige someone to do something. Delegate To give or commit (duties, powers, etc) to another as agent or representative. Empowered Give someone the authority or power to do something. The authority of youth leadership is not based in compelling young people to do something.
Civilization V (opens in a new tab)
Civilization V: Help with Siam When I was playing as the Bismarck German Empire, Siam declared war on me and had rocket artillery, bombers and modern armor. How do I defend? They already captured three of my cities! Help! Games Guru: With any Civilization battle, there's a lot of strategy involved.
Disney Infinity (opens in a new tab)
Disney Infinity: Tips for the battle with Davy Jones and the Kraken In the Pirates of the Caribbean Play Set, I'm having trouble with the final ship battle against Davy Jones and the Kraken. Do you have any tips to help me finish?
Cub Scout Halloween Skits (opens in a new tab)
Read a mini-roundup of Cub Scout Halloween skits for your spooky pack meeting!
"Philmont: A Love Letter" (opens in a new tab)
In his four-minute film, "Philmont: A Love Letter," Tucker Prescott offers a stunning glimpse into why many call Philmont "God's country."
Build a Display Table (opens in a new tab)
What You'll Need: Two pallets in good shape Work gloves and safety goggles Flat pry bar and claw hammer Crowbar for stubborn nails Crosscut saw Pocketknife Coarse sandpaper Sanding block or electric sander Drill and drill bits to predrill screw and nail holes Countersink bit for screws 100 ?11?4?
Leadership? Yeah, we do that. (opens in a new tab)
Last weekend my son was inducted into the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, an honor society for students with high grade-point averages and in the top 20 percent of their class. NSCS is notable in that inductees are freshmen and sophomores, recognizing early achievement and acclimation to the rigors of college academics. At the induction
Nominate inspirational youth for Winter Market's Outdoor... (opens in a new tab)
Nominate inspirational youth for Winter Market's Outdoor Inspirations Awards A true outdoor community event, the Outdoor Inspiration Awards celebrates individuals, groups, and companies whose efforts go above and beyond in inspiring others in their communities to participate in outdoor activities.
Fall camporee patches that scare up excitement (opens in a new tab)
Halloween is coming, so what better time to check out some spooky, creepy and ghastly camporee patches?
Jeremy Guthrie is an Eagle Scout (opens in a new tab)
Jeremy Guthrie, the Game 3 starter for the Kansas City Royals, is an Eagle Scout
Issue 418 – October 24, 2014 (opens in a new tab)
________________________________________ Dear Andy, I’m a pretty new Scoutmaster. About a week ago I met an “old” Scout in our troop for the first time in a very long while. He hasn’t been to a troop meeting, he told me, in probably two years, and hasn’t been to more than maybe five meetings over the last four…
SansBug Photo Contest (opens in a new tab)
One of these tents is not like the other - can you tell the main difference? Canvas tents are an old stand-by of Scout Camps across the country. I've stayed in them at Philmont basecamp on both of my treks there.
Bronx Scout honored for saving elderly neighbor and toddler from apartment fire (opens in a new tab)
A 17-year-old Scout received the Honor Medal on October 16 after racing into a burning apartment building in January to save his elderly neighbor and a toddler. Jack Dailey – a member of Troop 240, Riverdale, N.Y. – had just returned to his seventh floor apartment in the Bronx when he smelled smoke.
Whittling Chip Card Corners (opens in a new tab)
Ben sent in this question: We recently had an issue with some scouts on a camp out where a knife was used improperly. There was an incident and although no one was injured I realized there don't appear to be clear guidelines on what is a "minor" vs.
Scoutbook: Great Alternative to a Cub Scout Tracking Spreadsheet (opens in a new tab)
Tired of using a Cub Scout tracking spreadsheet? Scoutbook offers a great alternative that's FREE to use for one Scout.
Philmont Video (opens in a new tab)
I've seen this video mentioned on a couple of sites recently, so I figured I'd check it out. All I can say is beautifully done. I hope scouts in my troop want to go experience the magic of Philmont someday and have memories like this. Philmont: A Love Letter
Rumor control: Cub Scout uniforms aren't changing (opens in a new tab)
There seems to be a rumor out there that all Cub Scouts will begin wearing the tan Boy Scout uniform shirt. This is absolutely false.
University of Scouting (opens in a new tab)
I'm at University of Scouting today. My LNT presentation went well but I missed this Great dutch oven cooking session. :-( The fella doing this session is fun, and was in a first aid training I did a couple years ago. UofS is a nice opportunity to reconnect with other scouters in your council. Scout On
The Membership Discussion
Lets talk about membership. We all know that we need members to keep Scouting alive. There are many different angles and directions to answer the membership question. I am not going to solve this issue in this post, rather, I am opening up the dialogue to see what you all think.
B.P.'s Blog- Calm and Cheery (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.
Troop Leadership Corps (opens in a new tab)
From 1972 to 1989 the Boy Scouts of America had a program called the Troop Leadership Corps. This program was designed for Scouts 14-16 to serve their Troop in leadership roles. They were not a member of a Patrol within the Troop, but held direct leadership within the Troop.
B.P.'s Blog- Cheerfulness (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.
The Solo Stove
I have been talking quite a bit as of late about the Solo Stove . In fact, I became an affiliate of the Solo Stove this week. The more I use this stove, the more I like it and realize I should use it more.
Scouts save dog's life in Oklahoma (opens in a new tab)
Scouts save dog's life in Oklahoma ' Four Scouts from Troop 65 in Harrah Okla., are being called heroes after saving a the life of a dog. The Scouts were recently camping outside a church, when they heard a woman screaming for help.
Striving for the Ideal Boy Led Troop (opens in a new tab)
So, I'm just about a year into my role as Scoutmaster in the troop. It's been quite a journey, and I must say, quite taxing. In my previous role on the committee, I was (briefly) the outdoor activities chair. I tried to take care of the background stuff like reservations for campsites (though I pushed…
Watch, tweet, chat during BSA's Sustainability Summit (opens in a new tab)
At the BSA's Sustainability Summit, Scouts, volunteers and professionals meet with corporate leaders and sustainability experts. Join the conversation.
The Marshmallow Test (opens in a new tab)
If someone set a marshmallow in front of you, would you eat it? If that person told you that if you didn't eat it, but watched it for 15 minutes, they'd give you another marshmallow. Would you eat it or wait? Now imagine you're a kid. Do you think you'd have the patience to wait
A good, durable camp saw (opens in a new tab)
Gear Guy: A good, durable camp saw Q. Hey Gear Guy, I want to buy a camp saw that will really last. Something that can take a beating. It doesn't need to be lightweight for packing since we usually drive to our campsites.
Stuff we like: Patagonia Kids' Capilene 3 Midweight... (opens in a new tab)
Stuff we like: Patagonia Kids' Capilene 3 Midweight Crew The key to dressing for the outdoors in cool or cold weather is wearing a base layer that?s warm and wicks sweat away from your body.
Campfire Doughy Maker (opens in a new tab)
Few Scouts don't enjoy a campfire and even fewer dislike cooking over one. I wonder how many marshmallows have been roasted by scouts this past summer? Poking food on a stick, wrapping it in tin foil, or tossing it on a grate have been the main ways to cook over fire.
Tune-in Online to the BSA Sustainability Summit
(Reposted from Scouting magazine's "Bryan on Scouting" blog … To learn more about how to tune-in to the BSA Sustainability Summit and participate in the conversation via social media, read the full post here .) Sustainability has been a part of the Boy Scouts of America's DNA since the Conservation merit badge was introduced in 1911.
Podcast 241- Reviewing, Retesting, O.A., and Webelos (opens in a new tab)
Reviewing, Retesting, O.A., and Webelos More questions and answers about the Scoutmaster's conference and our review process. In addition we'll discuss Webelos woes; how can we get them excited about being in a Scout troop?, encouraging cooperation between Order of the Arrow and the troop when it looks like O.A.
Need A Tonkawampus Lodge Patch? (opens in a new tab)
The time has come. The selling begins today. This week I am beginning to sell the Order of the Arrow Tonkawampus Lodge Patches that I wrote about a week ago. As far as I can tell, these are had to come by, especially since this lodge does not exist any longer.
Issue 419 – October 28, 2014 (opens in a new tab)
________________________________________ *** CHICAGOLAND ALERT *** The Chicago Area Council’s annual University of Scouting is coming up on Saturday, November 15th. It’s going to be held at the Veterans Memorial Campus, 4248 West 47th Street, Chicago. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., and the program kicks off at 8 a.m.
The value of 'no' when selling Scout popcorn (opens in a new tab)
The "no" does nothing to help a Scout's fundraising efforts, but it does offer something almost as valuable: lessons in salesmanship and achievement.
The Missing Trading Post (opens in a new tab)
If you have been following this blog then you know my frustration in not being able to find the missing piece to my Scouting Village collection, the Trading Post. I was not quick enough that first year in buying the pieces and missed that building.
Campcraft Challenges, Interpatrol Activities, and Troop-wide Games (opens in a new tab)
CAMPCRAFT CHALLENGES Related to Scout Pioneering are a variety of campcraft challenges that can be incorporated into the troop meeting agenda. A relevant upside is, these activities require putting into action skills gained during instructional sessions. Appropriately, these skills come into play in a way that is challenging and fun.
BSA's First Sustainability Report Creates Roadmap for Future Efforts
Click to view the 2014 BSA Sustainability Report The Boy Scouts of America has created its first-ever Sustainability Report as part of an effort to define what this important topic means to our organization. The interactive online report features thoughts from Chief Scout Executive Wayne Brock, as well as a timeline of the BSA's sustainable…
Instant Recognition for Cub Scouts (opens in a new tab)
Jessica sent in this question: I am a new Cubmaster. I would like to start awarding the progress toward ranks beads for wolves and bears and also the tiger immediate recognition beads at Pack meetings instead of Den meetings. This is our preference and my husband and I have thought it out and we would…
Traditional Scouting 101 – The Vision of the Scout (opens in a new tab)
The term "Scout" or "Boy Scout" will bring many immediate associations to our minds. This is true for the rest of society as well. I believe what people think of when they think of the term "Scout" is very different from what it was upon Scouting's genesis.
Vote Boys' Life in Adweek readers' poll (opens in a new tab)
Vote Boys' Life as the "Hottest Kids/Teen Magazine" in the Adweek Hot List Readers' Choice Awards. Vote as many times as you want through Dec. 1.
Featured Customer: Girl Scout Troop 70 from Olathe, KS (opens in a new tab)
This week's featured customer is Girl Scout Troop 70 out of Olathe, KS. They chose to print one of our many Girl Scout designs on Heliconia shirts, and they were thrilled with how easily members of the Troop can be spotted at a distance.
The Boy in the Bubble
I am often critical of how our boys are being, or seem to be being led down a path that is removing them from adventure, fun, and testing their ability to grow into men. I am talking about how we hypocritically rail on about how things were when we were kids..
A Disc Golf Course in Melrose (opens in a new tab)
The Boy Scouts of Troop 68 were asked to help by providing an activity for last August's Night To Unite in Melrose. I volunteered my disc golf practice basket and the Scouts brought their discs. People had fun trying their putting skills, or discovering that they did not have any putting skills.
Setting a Sustainable Example
I just wrapped up our 2014 Sustainability Summit and wanted to give you some highlights of what we covered the last few days. It was a terrific experience. We had environmental experts with both national and global credentials helping us define what our next steps should be to build upon and expand our existing vision…
BSA's Cyber Chip, NCMEC partnership hailed as successes (opens in a new tab)
We'll never know how many Scouts and Venturers avoided online harm because of lessons learned while earning the Cyber Chip. But we know it's working.
Constructive Scouting Discipline (opens in a new tab)
Sitting down, a sigh of relief, a cup of coffee, close your eyes, and think about a nap. What's that? Somebody walking through the leaves. You open your eyes just enough to see the senior patrol leader striding purposefully in your direction, he stops a couple of feet away, wondering if you are awake.