NASCAR driver gives Cub Scout a ride to school Last Thursday,... (opens in a new tab)
NASCAR driver gives Cub Scout a ride to school Last Thursday, Cub Scout Caleb Sowinski showed up to school in style. The 7-year-old arrived at his Homestead, Fla.
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November 2014
162 posts, oldest first.
Posts in November 2014
Pioneering and Team Building (opens in a new tab)
YouTube Version (if Vimeo is malfunctioning) Striking a pose after their successful run, this knew how to work together! A Scoutmaster had the pleasure of witnessing one of the patrols in his troop out-perform 50 others at a council camporee.
Traditional Scouting 101 – The Challenge of the Wilderness (opens in a new tab)
[N.B. This is the third post in a series on this blog called "Traditional Scouting 101". It builds logically on the previous articles. If you haven't read them yet, you can do so here: Part 1 , Part 2 . Thank you for reading!
A Day in the Life (opens in a new tab)
I have been pretty quiet on the social front, not a lot to say, but I have some things to talk about…Here is an excerpt that I posted on Google + a month ago. On October 9th, our family's lives changed forever.
Coming up with interesting names (opens in a new tab)
Like coming up with interesting scout patrol names, the Missile Defense Agency had come up with some interesting flight test mission names. The latest is Stellar Wyvern. That goes with previous ones like Stellar Beowulf and Stellar Minotaur, though my favorite might be Stellar Ninja.
What's your advice for working with Scouts with autism? (opens in a new tab)
Scouting is for all young people. There's a place for everyone, especially Scouts with autism. But what strategies work for helping these Scouts succeed?
Issue 422 – November 18, 2014 (opens in a new tab)
________________________________________ CHICAGOLAND SUCCESS! The Chicago Area Council’s annual University of Scouting was tops! Broke past attendance records, great Scouters, and a fine group of Scouts to boot. Thanks to all, and especially Rich Carroll for inviting me! ========== Dear Andy, I have a Scout in the troop who’s being held back in advancement, or being forced to…
The BSA Fieldbook: It's Pretty Darn Good (opens in a new tab)
The BSA Fieldbook: It's Pretty Darn Good We've all know for awhile that the BSA Fieldbook , officially called Fieldbook: Scouting's Manual of Basic and Advanced Skills for Outdoor Adventure, is a pretty useful resource. It seems some other folks are catching on, too.
A New Scoutmaster – Chapter FIve
This is the fifth 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…
Book Review: Four Percent (opens in a new tab)
I had seen the book Four Percent several times at the local Scout Shop and had been wondering if it was a good read. After some good reviews on Amazon, I finally picked it up last summer. I found it to a capturing read and kept at it (which can sometimes be hard for non-fiction).
Merit badge counselors: Limits, counseling family members (opens in a new tab)
FAQs about merit badge counselors: Is there a limit to the number of merit badges an individual may counsel? Can someone counsel his own family member?
Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham (opens in a new tab)
Review: Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham http://ow.ly/Exeij #legobatman #lego #videogame #boyslife #gamereviews Batman in space? It's not as weird as it sounds. Comicbook creators have been placing superheroes in unusual environments since Batman and Superman began. So placing the Caped Crusader into a high-powered rocket to battle interstellar versions of Brainiac and the Joker isn't…
Scout's Project Honors Fallen Police Officer (opens in a new tab)
Scout's Project Honors Fallen Police Officer One day, Boy Scout Clark Jividen from Woodville, Ohio, was speaking with a police officer who was visiting his school. A week later, Clark received some heart-breaking news: the officer had been shot and killed.
Scouting and Money (opens in a new tab)
A reader asks: I would really like to hear how various troops handle money. While I am certain there is no "one" right way to handle Scouting and money, I feel we can learn from sharing each other's methods. How is the money collected, who collects it and when is it collected?
New Leader Orientation (opens in a new tab)
Tom sent in this question: The New Leader Meeting for our Pack was basically, read the hand book and ask us any questions. As an Eagle Scout I was able to figure a bunch out on my own and our Den is running strong.
Thoughts on Leadership (opens in a new tab)
Being a leader is tough. I've realized it at work, at play, and certainly in scouts. It is tough for many varied reasons. First, you have to have a vision of where your group or team needs to go. In some cases, that might be easy.
The difference between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts (opens in a new tab)
What's the difference between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts? Unit structure, leadership, parental involvement, advancement, camping and more.
1940s-era 'Handbook for Boys' gets rave review from NYT (opens in a new tab)
In the New York Times Sunday Book Review, an author and Eagle Scout calls the fourth edition of the "Handbook for Boys" a classic of literature.
Kansas Scouts Drive In, Camp Out (opens in a new tab)
A long time ago, these things called drive-in movie theaters were super popular. They're still around , but they aren't nearly as common as they used to be. Stick with us, kids. It goes like this: You drive your car into a giant parking lot and watch a movie on a giant outdoors screen … while staying…
Throwback Thursday: Two in the Family (opens in a new tab)
For today's Throwback Thursday we look at uniforms of two Eagle Scouts from different generations. One in the 1950's, another of the 1990's. The first one on the right is some of my dad's memorabilia. I had his sash, some patches, and his medals, but not his uniform shirt.
A New Scoutmaster – Chapter Six (opens in a new tab)
This is the sixth 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…
Build a Rustic Clothes Rack (opens in a new tab)
Build a Rustic Clothes Rack #boyslife #diy #diyprojects Gather some branches, make a simple frame and create this handy clothes rack. Safety First: Ask an adult to help with tools you haven't used before. Respect private property: Make sure you get permission from land owners before going onto private property.
The Den Chief (opens in a new tab)
I know I’m a hopeless romantic, and I’m aware that I shouldn’t let what I think and feel be the empirical measure for the thoughts and feelings of others. But, I love to share, and the memories of my Den Chief, and much of Scouting, are embodied in Norman Rockwell’s paintings.
How to Make a Tape Ball for Cub Scout Activities (opens in a new tab)
One of the most fun Cub Scout activities is the Tape Ball game. Watch this video to learn how to make one!
Don't stress out! (opens in a new tab)
Adult Scout leaders sometimes try to take on too much, try too hard to be perfect or try to out-do one another. Usually, these actions are because we are focusing on our own needs or want others to see what great things we are doing. This kind of thinking can lead to stress. That's not
Young Women Leaders Attending Wood Badge (opens in a new tab)
Once again, I am completely blown away by who attends Wood Badge! Last year as a Troop Guide, I couldn’t believe how many LDS Ward and Stake leaders took this training without even having “direct contact” roles in Scouting. You’d naturally expect to see a room full of Den Leaders, Scoutmasters, Varsity Scout Coaches and…
BSA's Fieldbook wins 2014 National Outdoor Book Award (opens in a new tab)
The "Fieldbook: Scouting's Manual of Basic and Advanced Skills for Outdoor Adventure," has won the National Outdoor Book Awards' Work of Significance honor.
'Where Am I?' Contest winner, location revealed (opens in a new tab)
The winner of Scouting magazine's 2014 September-October "Where Am I?" contest is revealed.
Cub Scouts Help Paralyzed Dog Get Moving Again (opens in a new tab)
Cub Scouts Help Paralyzed Dog Get Moving Noah, a 1-year-old Beagle/Dachshund mix, had just hours to live. The poor guy had likely been hit by a car and had lost the use of his back legs. Animal Control workers in Atlanta say he was dragging his back legs around, creating multiple wounds and making his…
Fire Pit Diaries (opens in a new tab)
Fire Pit Diaries...
The Meet And Greet: Committee & Charter Organization (opens in a new tab)
It has been an interesting fall as we work to reorganize the leadership of Cub Scout Pack 68 and carry out the new program. It has also been fun and rewarding. The boys have been telling their parents they are having fun.
A New Scouting Role, For One Year! (opens in a new tab)
Tis the season for all units… in the Central Minnesota Council to complete their recharters. Begin the caroling and pass the eggnog. The new committee of Cub Scout Pack 68 is about to learn how it is done. The recharter was one of the things on the agenda at last Monday night's Pack committee meeting.
B.P.'s Blog - Scout Shorts (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 – Shorts (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.
One day left to vote for Boys' Life in Adweek poll (opens in a new tab)
You have just one more week to vote — as many times as you want — for Boys' Life in the Adweek Hot List Readers' Choice Awards.
It's waaay different! (opens in a new tab)
It's been said that change is inevitable, and that nothing worthwhile is accomplished without change. We cannot start to change until we move out of our comfort zone. Cub Scout leaders, prepare to be uncomfortable! We're a little under a year away from the national rollout of the new Cub Scout structure and program, initiated
The Villa Philmonte (opens in a new tab)
When you participate in a program at Philmont Scout Ranch, whether a 12 day trek or a training session, you should try to schedule a tour of the summer home of Waite Phillips, known as the Villa Philmonte. The home now serves as the anchor of the Philmont Training Center (PTC) and is only a…
Podcast 245 – The Emperor has no clothes
When the Emperor has no new clothes… it's sort of embarrassing for everyone isn't it? Listen to my response to those (thankfully few) troops who decide to create their own requirements. Adding to the requirements is as misguided as subtracting from them, and sends a mixed message to the youth we serve.
Quiz: What Thanksgiving food are you? (opens in a new tab)
Boys' Life Quiz: What Thanksgiving food are you? //dcc4iyjchzom0.cloudfront.net/widget/loader.js View On WordPress
What do you do when a den leader stops pulling his weight? (opens in a new tab)
A committee member tells you her son's den, Den 3, has had just one den meeting in the past several months. What do you say to the den leader?
Holiday Safety Tips
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A New Scoutmaster – Chapter Seven
This is the seventh 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…
Decoding the art of merit badges (opens in a new tab)
Merit badges represent days, weeks or even months of work by Scouts. But what isn't always clear is what the art on the merit badges themselves represents.
Issue 423 – November 26, 2014 (opens in a new tab)
________________________________________ Hi Andy, You do a great job with those merit badge worksheets! But while I was downloading the ones for Rifle Shooting I noticed that the last requirement changes were shown as 2002. This should be 2012. The requirements are correct, but the year isn't.
Scout Shops Black Friday, Cyber Monday 2014 (opens in a new tab)
Here's a way to save a little cash: Shop at ScoutStuff.org or a Scout Shop near you on Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
I chose to Look the Other Way (opens in a new tab)
I saw this the other day while on site at a customer's site. I was not busy since due to an upgrade I was performing on equipment. As I read this, it hit me that yes, people are needed to …
Patience is a virtue (opens in a new tab)
Scouters sometimes get impatient with the way things are working. We're frustrated that committee members aren't getting things done. Youth leaders are clumsy and inept and we don't fully grasp that this is the process of leadership in the learning stages. It's not an uncommon problem. It happens all the time in business, school and
Gifts for Scouts & Scouters – Camping Tools
Sturdy, reliable tools are important components of any camping kit and make great gifts for Scouts or Scouters. There are cheaper alternatives to some of my choices, but I have chosen tools that I think are a are great value for cost.
Turkey Games (opens in a new tab)
Turkey Games...
Boyslife.org Thanksgiving Poll Inforgraphic Throughout... (opens in a new tab)
Boyslife.org Thanksgiving Poll Inforgraphic Throughout November, we've been polling our readers on boyslife.org about their thoughts on Thanksgiving. Here's a few of our findings:
Ferguson or Scouting? (opens in a new tab)
photo courtesy of nbcnews.com I believe it was Will Rogers that said, "The only problem with the Boy Scouts…There's not enough of them." Most of us in the Scouting community know this quote and have seen it around for some years now.
Four resources I'm thankful for (opens in a new tab)
(Although I'm not American, being thankful is something I can get behind, and today seems an appropriate day to reflect on some of the resources that have helped me as a Scouter over the years) I've been fortunate to have great mentors, from Patrol Leaders as a Scout, to Troop Scouters, Group Scouters and training…
What Scouters are thankful for (opens in a new tab)
I asked Scouters on our Facebook page to share — in just a word — what they're thankful for this year. Here's what they said.
A time to celebrate and give thanks (opens in a new tab)
As we approach Thanksgiving, I find it appropriate to reflect on special moments from the year. It goes without saying that I have a lot to be thankful for as a husband and father, and my role as Chief Scout Executive gives me additional opportunities to give thanks.
A New Scoutmaster – Chapter Eight
This is the eighth 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…
Cast a vote for Boys' Life
Boys' Life magazine has been a wonderful source of enjoyment for Scouts and others more than a century, and now the advertising industry is taking note of its notoriety, thanks to its many readers. Adweek is conducting a poll to celebrate the many magazine brands that are still alive and kicking in this digital age…
5 Top Networking Skills for a Scout Leader
5 Networking Skills for a Scout Leader and number 3 is a essential.
Gifts for Scouts & Scouters – Handiwork (opens in a new tab)
My favorite gifts for Scouts and Scouters are the ones that keep giving by encouraging making and doing. Here's some simple ideas that could spark young and old imaginations alike. Paracord Craft Scouts and Scouters can make tons of practical projects with paracord, get them a few 100 foot lengths of different colored cord and…
You make the call…
At the end of the summer myself another leader and a couple of Scouts from my Troop, both Eagle Scouts, took a four hour road trip South to attend our Sections Conclave. It was just another four hours in the car until we started a conversation that lasted the better part of three hours.
How do you stop Christmas tree theft? (opens in a new tab)
Theft is always unacceptable, but this takes “wrong” to a new level. How do you stop Christmas tree theft from your Boy Scout lot?
B.P.'s Blog – Camping Season (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.
Gear Alternatives
As you know by reading the blog, I am a fan of gear. I like to play around with gear, test it, try it, and change it often. There are pieces of gear that I love and pieces of gear that I am always looking for the newer, better, more efficient, or just cool.