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Content is king, that is what you read about Social Media or blogging or on-line engagement,
November 1st was the Cascade Pacific Council's University of Scouting. It was a blast. I have gone to this event since 2009. I have taught a class there every year since 2010. This year I can help out on …
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.
I consider myself a traditional Scouter. What I mean by that is that I believe in the program as it has been and how it should be. I am a fan of William "Green Bar Bill" Hillcourt and the program as Baden Powell set in his vision for Scouting.
The Boy Scouts of America has added electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, to the BSA tobacco-use policy, effective immediately.
Despite the differences in aim and scope, we often make the comparison between Scouting and team sports in order to clarify the way something less familiar works (Scouting) in terms that most people can understand (sports). Each has the equivalent of players, coaches and spectators. Each has the rules and boundaries of the game. Take
Looking for some citizenship games for Cub Scout pack meetings? Check these out!
We don't say it enough… at least I know that I need to work on saying it more… THANK YOU. Thank you for hanging with the blog. Thanks you for your comments. Thanks for spending your valuable time here. Thanks for being a Scouter..
Campaigning, Conduct, Camping (with Webelos), and Content of troop meetings. Listen to my answer to the question: should we be teaching Scouts conflict resolution? (spoiler- yes and no!) In addition we'll discuss campaigning for youth leadership elections, what standards apply to Webelos camping with troops, and whether or not merit badge instruction is the right…
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs have not been allowed around youth in the BSA program for quite awhile. Recent technological and political changes have caused two items to be added to section IV of the Guide to Safe Scouting . electronic cigarettes : Adult leaders should support the attitude that they, as well as youth, are better off…
November 2014 Turkey Looking for Better Public Relations from an Eagle Cafe Press Items Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com
Here are some key findings in the 2014 BSA Sustainability Report, released last week at the 2014 Sustainability Summit in West Virginia.
________________________________________ *** 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.
Life after Wood Badge? Huh? I got my Beads and did my time. Yes, it is true. There is life after Wood Badge. Some might travel to Philmont and take the Philmont Leadership Challenge. However, if you are not …
Read up on this fun and easy way to present awards during a pack meeting about citizenship.
Doing A Good Turn...
This first of twelve installments is a story that follows a new Scoutmaster, Chuck Grant, attempting to use the patrol method in a troop that has forgotten how. I've based this work of fiction on the stories shared by readers and listeners, questions they have asked, and the advice I commonly share in reply.
Word Version PDF Version Baloo's Bugle Issues Baloo's Bugle: Volume 21 Issue 04 - November 2014 November 2014 Core Value - Respect | Stars and Stripes Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com
Many of us (including me) have to struggle to maintain a physical fitness schedule, but how often do we consider ways to keep our mental fitness healthy and well-exercised? Focusing on positive thinking is a mental exercise we can all take advantage of as part of our daily routine.
R.I. Eagle Scout publishes Minecraft novel Sean Fay-Wolfe, an Eagle Scout from Troop 1 in Kingston, RI, recently published his first novel, "Minecraft:Quest for Justice", an action-adventure novel set in the world of the popular video game Minecraft.
I just got back from walking 1/2 mile to my polling location and casting my ballot. Many of the positions were just the incumbent running for re-election unopposed. There was only one local referendum to vote on. It wasn't a really exciting election.
For today's Ask the Expert, I field a question from an assistant Scoutmaster wondering what to do when a Scout loses his Boy Scout Handbook.
This week's featured customer is Girl Scout Troop 1958, based out of Yorba Linda, California. At ClassB, we love reusing and recycling, and these girls found an AWESOME way to repurpose their old troop shirts!! Here's what one of their leaders shared with us: "We are a Girl Scout Junior Troop from Yorba Linda, CA.
West Virginia voters approved an amendment that allows the Summit Bechtel Reserve to host non-Scouting groups while maintaining its tax-exempt status.
Its all about Marshmallow, your expecting this post to be about fluffy bunnies and it about Youth Engagement.
Games Guru: Do you have any tips for #littlebigplanet3? Do you have any good tips for LittleBigPlanet3? Games Gurus: I have a few! • Sackboy carries a torch now. So watch out for those hidden areas where it might shine a light on an otherwise secret prize.
Live on the scene at the BSA SwampBase near Lafayette, La.
The November 2014 CubCast, the monthly podcast for Cub Scout leaders, comes to your rescue with plenty of ideas for activities at pack and den meetings.
The 2017 National Scout Jamboree will feature the theme "Live Scouting's Adventure," with a logo that embraces the energy of the Summit Bechtel Reserve.
Take a look at every national Scout jamboree logo from 1937 to 2017. They've come in multiple shapes over the years but all embody the Scouting spirit.
It seems like we just finished catching our breath from the 2013 National Jamboree when we are now announcing the official theme and logo for the next Jamboree in 2017 – where has the time gone? From going big and getting wild in 2013, in 2017, we will "Live Scouting's Adventure."
This second of twelve installments is a story that follows a new Scoutmaster, Chuck Grant, attempting to use the patrol method in a troop that has forgotten how. I've based this work of fiction on the stories shared by readers and listeners, questions they have asked, and the advice I commonly share in reply.
#boyslife #workshop Make a Recycled Twig Picture frame #crafts #diy #nature You can build this picture frame with common materials you have around the house or just re-use an old picture frame and cover it with twigs. What you'll need: 1 piece of scrap lumber (The frame shown is based on an 1"x 8"x 10…
Here is the Scoutmaster Minute that I gave to our Troop the other night… Hope you find it useful. As you travel on the trail to First Class Scout you find that there are many skills that you develop. You learn them and eventually master them well enough to use them in your daily lives…
sdzsafaripark : Sometimes it feels good to get dirty. Learn more in ZOONOOZ . …acting just like the guys at many of our summer camps!
What is this dog doing?!? Write a funny caption for the photo What's going on in this picture? What is that dog 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.
Citizenship is at the bedrock of Scouting. One of our aims is developing citizenship in our youth, who pledge "on my honor" to do their duty to country. One of the most fundamental aspects of citizenship in America is that we elect our leaders and representatives to govern us. Voting is a sacred right accorded
mentalflossr : Beautiful Nature: Pygmy Seahorses...
Merit Badge Maintenance Task Force member Steve Bowen reveals facts about merit badges you probably didn't know in the November 2014 ScoutCast.
Giving Tuesday" is a world-wide effort to focus the public's attention on giving, particularly through online giving. This year, Giving Tuesday falls on December 2 and the BSA is providing some support to local councils who want to encourage people to participate.
It's here! The BSA has officially released the logo and theme of the 2017 National Scout Jamboree . At the second jamboree to be held at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, you'll be able to explore the mystery, adventure, and beauty of a West Virginia summer.
You can always tell when we have officially run out of real problems. We make some. In a recent discussion with a group of Scouters the issue of knives came up. What is the "Official Policy" on what a Scout can and can not carry.
Need $25 for Scout Stuff? Boy Scout Trail just hit 2,000 Likes on Facebook. To celebrate, someone gets a $25 Scout Shop gift card. For a chance to win: Go to Facebook and LIKE http://facebook.com/boyscouttrail if you haven't already. Then, leave a comment on this Status post there.
Go racing in Pedro's Nitro Derby Collect nitro boosts as you race your car on nine challenging courses in Pedro's Nitro Derby.
The next few years promise to be exciting for Scouting as our traditional programs will be updated based on several years of volunteer-led research and development. These changes are part of the BSA's current strategic plan that emphasizes the need for dynamic and relevant programing for today's youth.
So Thing 2 is in his first year as a Webelos. In the past years, I let the parents sign-off the scouts books, and I'd just log things in the database we use. But now we are moving toward Boys Scouts, and are in that Webelos transition phase.
Venturing Ranger Award Due to an oversight, the electives for Shooting Sports and Scuba were left out of the new Venturing Awards and Requirements (SKU 618767). These will be added to the e-pub and will be included in the next printing of the book.
Effective January 1, 2015, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration is lowering the threshold of when you must orally report injuries to them. While the mandatory reporting of work related fatalities has not changed (within 8 hours), the new standard now requires the reporting of any work related in-patient hospitalization of one or more employees…
In May 2014, the Risk Management Advisory panel (RMAP) which is made up of two Scout executives from each region passed a motion recommending to the Chief Scout Executive that vaping be added to BSA's tobacco use policy. Chief Scout Executive Wayne Brock has approved this recommendation and therefore, effective with the October 2014 "Guide…
Boy Scouts of America Unemployment Plan Most states require employers to pay unemployment insurance premiums to the state. The council is then responsible for handling all unemployment claims, appeals, etc., as they arise. Participants in the BSA Unemployment Plan can potentially save money on unemployment insurance costs by reimbursing claims in a secure environment.
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.
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.
This weekend several Scouts of T150 got out to Gabriel Park to complete a few lingering Tenderfoot requirements and also to work on Orienteering. While T150 has had a lot of Camping events over the last four months, not every …
We're excited to announce that to date, 18 councils have successfully transitioned to the new Commissioners Tools. Councils that wish to know more about this new tool are encouraged to visit the Commissioners website for important information.
Recently, all Scout executives received an email with details on how to submit an invitation list to the Philmont Training Center (PTC) for 2015 conferences. The PTC invitation process enables you and your council staff to submit names of Scouters from your council to receive a personalized invitation from the Chief Scout Executive to attend…
If you're looking to attend Northern Tier, Philmont, Sea Base or the Summit Bechtel Reserve in 2015 or 2016, I've got the details you need.
Northern Tier's Ely Trail staff director received the following letter from a Scoutmaster. The letter is a true testimonial to the benefit of having a Northern Tier interpreter and the value of a Northern Tier trek: Good afternoon: I wanted to provide some feedback on our troop's Northern Tier experience.
Click to open November issue The November issue of Learning for Life newsletter has been published and is now available online. In this issue, you can read more about the 2013 Learning for Life Annual Report, preparing for year-end, and information on how to order LFL and Exploring resources.
Our pack committees and leaders meet and plan the details of our pack programs, starting before the program year with updates frequently thereafter. Den leaders make plans for outings, activities and rank achievement work. The coming weeks and even the entire year are scheduled with the boys in mind, so everyone can have maximum fun
We often find it difficult to look beyond thing. Surprisingly when it comes to disability it we are very good and do look beyond.
What is the context of Scouting, and why does it matter? The game of Scouting has it's own set of rules, it's own playing field, or context. I discuss a couple of common questions that are answered by understanding this context.
With Veteran's Day coming, and schools closed tomorrow, they did an assembly today. Thing 2 was asked by the Webelos 2 den leader to help in the ceremony, and he agreed. I hear they did great and had fun. Way to go!
The 2015 National Camping School informational brochure is now available online. National Camping School provides adults with training needed to operate council camps. These key staff members will, in turn, train and supervise other staff personnel in your council camping program.
With the release of the new program updates, there are lots of questions regarding the Venturing program. Here are a few answers to the most commonly asked queries … Training: There is now training for Crew advisors and the Crew committee.
So Thing 2's den is working on the Webelos Citizen activity badge. It;s one of those that can be a little dull to go over, so I was trying to think of ways to make it exciting. I have seen a kickstarter project for a couple merit badge programs that put a theme behind a…
12-year-old Logan from Troop 34 of the Chickasaw Council, headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., is a competitor on Fox's "MasterChef Junior."
________________________________________ 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.
For The Fallen With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children, England mourns for her dead across the sea. Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit, Fallen in the cause of the free. Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres.
The BSA's National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) require professional challenge course inspections each year. To help reduce the cost of these inspections and to bring consistency to the process, councils in some regions have banded together to contract group inspections by area or even multiple areas.
On November 4, the voters of West Virginia overwhelmingly approved an amendment to the state constitution that will allow the Summit Bechtel Reserve to be leased or used to generate revenue while still being exempt from property taxation. The use of the SBR will be guided by the BSA's tax-exempt bond funding and laws prescribing…
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It's always inspiring to witness how many communities involve Scouting in their annual Veterans Day observances. Whether it's placing flags on military grave sites, marching in parades or holding a recognition breakfast, Scouting plays a major role in honoring those currently serving our country, those service men and women who have passed away, and those…
Today is Veteran's Day. I'd like to thank all of the veterans who have kept us safe and free over the years. If you have a Scouting event today, this is the perfect opportunity to teach your Scouts to thank these heroes.
This is the third of twelve installments in a story that follows a new Scoutmaster, Chuck Grant, attempting to use the patrol method in a troop that has forgotten how. I've based this work of fiction on the stories shared by readers and listeners, questions they have asked, and the advice I commonly share in…
We had a great turnout today from across the district for the county's annual Veterans Day ceremony. It's a great service project for the scouts. We get there early to set up chairs for the guests, then have about an hour break.
As announced in the May 8, 2014, issue of Scout Wire , a Youth Protection/Membership Incident Information Report form and sheet of incident documenting and reporting tips has been produced for inclusion in the existing Incident Reporting Kit (680-147, burnt orange folder).
Although it seems like the 2013 National Scout Jamboree just wrapped up, the official theme and logo for the next jamboree-planned for July 19-28, 2017-have been released. The 2017 theme, "Live Scouting's Adventure," symbolizes the adventurous spirit and exciting high-adventure and outdoor opportunities available to youth and adult members in Scouting.
You don't have to reformat your entire meeting plan to help your boys earn the Webelos Scout Supernova Award. Here's how.
This week's featured customer is Pack 765 out of San Diego, California. From camping, to boating, to hiking and climbing – we LOVE to see photos of Scouts enjoying outdoor activities! This Pack looks like a lot of fun, and they look so sharp and uniform in their shirts.
Watching a TV programme at the time it is shown does not often happen in my house. Here I my 5 for Watching Later
Experience Recovery reports from the Voice of the Scout fall session are now available for Scout executives to view on MyBSA. These reports list requests made by members to have someone from their council contact them about their Scouting experience.
A reader sent in this question: What if the troop committee board is planning everything and the Scoutmaster is out of the loop? This is a difficult and frustrating situation for a Scoutmaster. In most troops, the Scoutmaster and youth leadership work together to plan and execute a program.
Every Unit within the Boy Scouts of America has a Charter partner or Charter Organization. These organizations come from within the community in which the unit belongs. It can be a Church, a School, or a Civic group like the Elks, the VFW, or Lions Club just to name a few.
BSA magazines — Boys' Life, Scouting, Eagles' Call — received seven nominations in the prestigious Eddie & Ozzie awards.
House Of Snow And Ice...
This is the fourth of twelve installments in a story that follows a new Scoutmaster, Chuck Grant, attempting to use the patrol method in a troop that has forgotten how. I've based this work of fiction on the stories shared by readers and listeners, questions they have asked, and the advice I commonly share in…
I have a great resource to share with you! With the Academic and Sports program (aka belt loops) being incorporated into the new adventures, many of us are concerned about program planning for multiple ranks. For example, we could offer a baseball or geography program where all boys–Tigers through Webelos–could earn a belt loop. The
Our council held its annual kickoff for key donors and supporters of Friends of Scouting this week. I'm sure it was a mistake, but I was invited to attend the reception and program, held at the historic Greenfield Village. While I am an annual supporting contributor and conduct presentations for packs and troops in our
I have followed this blog for a while. Both on the Website, Facebook and Google+. With the huge change in the Cubscout program in June 2015, this post really has a lot great information. If you're in Cubscouts, a …
For Throwback Thursday, here's Thing 1 with his Tiger Den visiting the local newspaper for one of their Go-See-Its. Of the 9 Tigers in the picture, 7 are still scouts. 4 of them are still together in the same troop.
Nominations are being accepted now in the youth category of the Outdoor Inspiration Awards. Consider nominating an eligible Scout or Venturer age 16 to 21.
Cub Scout Caleb Sowinski got a ride to school from NASCAR driver and BSA supporter Scott Lagasse Jr. on Thursday in Homestead, Fla.
Take out a dollar bill, and hold it vertically. Now imagine an opening 3 feet wide and as tall as your dollar. Could you fit your whole body through? That's the challenge facing Venturers and Explorers who have entered the Squeezebox competition, one of 70 events at the annual Winterfest in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
When it comes to building igloos, Troop 392 in Normandy Park, Washington, knows where to find paradise. Almost every winter since 2000, the troop has sent Scouts to Paradise - a popular recreation area on the southern slope of Mount Rainier - to spend the weekend building and sleeping in igloos.
Do you remember what it felt like when Mighty Casey struck out? "Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright; The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light, And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout; But there is no joy in Mudville ?
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.
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.
When (and where) adult and youth Eagle Scouts should wear the Eagle Scout medal is the subject of our latest Ask the Expert.
You may not have noticed, but earlier this year the Scout shops and Supply Division replaced the Troop Committee Guidebook with a new edition. The previous version, item 34505B, was originally published in 1998 and was reprinted several times since. The new version has a bright red and green cover with photos of Scouts in
Listen to your Scouts… and you'll hear lots of answers! I discuss listening in this week's "Scoutmaster in Seven Minutes or Less". In the email segment of this podcast we answer questions about activities that fulfill more than one requirement, how adults can train youth leaders to provide a good, quality program without taking it…