Posts in November 2014

University of Scouting 2014 (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Adam · archived copy

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 …

Tradition

The Scoutmaster Minute ·

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.

How many coaches does a team need? (opens in a new tab)

Bobwhite's Blather ·

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

Here's your sign… (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

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..

Podcast 242 -Campaign, Conduct, Camping, & Content (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

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…

No e-Cigs or Weed (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

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…

Issue 420 – November 4, 2014 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

________________________________________ *** 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.

Keeping an eye on our mental health

Chief's Corner ·

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.

Vote - Support Citizenship (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

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.

LittleBigPlanet3 game tips (opens in a new tab)

Inside Boys' Life ·

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.

Announcing our 2017 National Jamboree

Chief's Corner ·

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."

Make a Recycled Twig Picture frame (opens in a new tab)

Inside Boys' Life ·

#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…

Does "Honor" mean anything anymore? (opens in a new tab)

Bobwhite's Blather ·

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

The Great Knife Debate (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

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.

2K Likes - Thanks! (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

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.

Venturing Ranger, Leadership Award Updates

Scouting Wire ·

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.

Scouting Safely Alert: OSHA Reporting Criteria Changing Jan. 1 (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire · archived copy

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…

E-cigarettes, Vaping Added to BSA's Tobacco Use Policy

Scouting Wire ·

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…

Finance Impact e-Letter: Shared Services Can Save Councils Money and Reduce Leadership Hassles (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire · archived copy

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.

B.P.'s Blog – Self-education

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Each Sunday I'll publish a selection from his writings in the hope that you'll draw inspiration and understanding from his timeless ideas.

B.P.'s Blog - Scout Education (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.

Advancement at the Park (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Adam · archived copy

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 …

Commissioner Tools Update

Scouting Wire ·

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.

Scoutmaster Reflects on Contingent's Northern Tier Experience

Scouting Wire ·

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.

LFL Newsletter: November Issue Is Out!

Scouting Wire ·

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.

What we've got here is failure to communicate! (opens in a new tab)

Bobwhite's Blather ·

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

Look Beyond

Jabbering All Day Long ·

We often find it difficult to look beyond thing. Surprisingly when it comes to disability it we are very good and do look beyond.

Issue 421 – November 11, 2014 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

________________________________________ 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.

NCAP Updates: Annual COPE/Climbing Inspections, Zip Line Regulations Reminders

Scouting Wire ·

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.

WV Voters Approve Amendment to Extend Usage of Summit Bechtel Reserve

Scouting Wire ·

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…

Honoring our Veterans (opens in a new tab)

Chief's Corner · archived copy

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…

A New Scoutmaster – Chapter Three

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

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…

Veterans Day Ceremony (opens in a new tab)

Jeff's Scouting Blog ·

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.

Youth Protection Incident Information Report Forms, Tips Now Available

Scouting Wire ·

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).

2017 Jamboree Theme, Logo Invite Members to 'Live Scouting's Adventure'

Scouting Wire ·

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.

A New Scoutmaster – Chapter Four

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

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…

Connections in the 2015 Cub Scout Program Changes

Cub Scout Ideas ·

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

Be a Scouting VIP (opens in a new tab)

Bobwhite's Blather ·

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

Cubscout Changes Blog (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Adam · archived copy

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 …

GoLite Gone :-( (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

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 ?

B.P.'s Blog – Retention of the Elder Scout

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Each Sunday I'll publish a selection from his writings in the hope that you'll draw inspiration and understanding from his timeless ideas.

Podcast 244 – Listen to Your Scouts

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

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…