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There's a scene in the old 1981 movie "Quest for Fire" where the lead character was shown how to make fire by another clan. Until that moment, fire could only be found in nature or stolen from others so it was fiercely guarded and nurtured.
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.
Very proud of our scouts today. In a field of 15 or so teams, they took first place in the sled race at Klondike. Way to go! (this update is a day late, apparently the cell phone didn't connect to the network well enough to go through)
Today we took advantage of a nice sunny day to get some gear tweekin' in. Part of our addiction to camping gear is first recognizing that I have this addiction and second that I need to get out and play with it.
A Scouter asked: What is the minimum training required for adult leadership on a Boy Scout overnight campout? There's a better question to ask, I think.
In our continuing series on changes coming this year to the Cub Scout program, this month I'll preview the Webelos changes along with some pointers on how to do some advance preparation for some of the Adventures. As always, be sure to consult the BSA's Program Updates website for the official word on the changes
Help your Webelos learn about food safety while cooking outdoors.
If the polar blast has you dreaming of warm sand, tropical waters, and no ice in sight, it’s time to register for a conference at the Florida Sea Base . This time next year, you could be basking in the sun in the Florida Keys, gaining invaluable Scouting insight (and perfecting your tan).
Need some new camping equipment? How about Pinewood Derby supplies? For all of your Scouting needs, stop by your local Scout Shop today! Check out the video below and see how you can be Prepared. For Life.™
Having a secret code can be fun. There are several simple methods of coding communication so that only those who know the "secret" know what is being said. You can make a game out of these secret codes. Start using the code to communicate.
… if we have youth leading Scouts who do we lead? Find out who the Scoutmaster leads and directs in this podcast as well as answers to questions about merit badges , Webelos wearing sashes, and adult supervision of patrol meetings or activities .
Boy Scouts belong to patrols; Boy Scout leaders don't. But in some troops, just for fun, these adults form their own adult patrol.
Long overdue for videos that are accurate and revealing, what follows are the first nineteen. In addition to YouTube, they’re on Vimeo, which is bereft of the distracting clutter, advertisements, and irrelevant links: PIONEERING KNOTS How to Tie a BUTTERFLY KNOT How to Tie a CARRICK BEND How to Tie a CLOVE HITCH and HALF…
Write a funny caption for this video! We'll print the funniest ones in the June 2015 issue of Boys' Life. Boys' Life photography editor W. Garth Dowling shot this funny video while working on a story about Eagle Scout and sled dog racer Matt Failor .
We’ve been blogging from the Chief’s office since November 2007. My predecessor, Bob Mazzuca, launched the concept with “Bob’s Blog” and I picked up the blogging baton under the newly titled “Chief’s Corner.” We’re continuing that tradition here on the new ScoutingWire.
Every so often I hear from a Scouter or parent about a Scout who has a problem with bedwetting. It goes without saying that I am not a medical expert, but I did a little research and several sources agree an estimated 3.75 -5.25 million boys (and a smaller number of girls) in the United…
________________________________________ Dear Andy, While at the Philmont Training Center for a week-long session on advancement a few years ago-which overall was very good-we spent part of one day talking about getting a new Scout to First Class in his first year.
The new Cub Scout program launches June 1, 2015. Hundreds of volunteers have been working for the past three years to make the new program more dynamic and exiting for today’s youth and families, keeping us on track for the following deliverables: March 31 – Revised position-specific training released in online and in-person versions (NOTE: a…
The Signs, Signals, and Codes merit badge is a new merit badge for Boy Scouts. This merit badge encourages Boy Scouts to explore different methods of communication, including Morse code, semaphore, braille, and cryptography. I think this badge could be the basis for a fun series of meetings for a troop or patrol.
Cortez and family (photo via Paso Robles Daily News) Carlos Cortez will take on the role of Scout Executive for the Los Padres Council in California beginning March 9, 2015. With twelve years of professional experience under his belt, along with background in serving urban, suburban, and rural areas, Cortez will be a tremendous asset…
Photo of the Week: Stripes In Season...
A simple camp cooking gadget takes minutes to build and lets Scouts boil water and cook food in style.
Scouting Wire is an official BSA site offering Scouting news and updates for volunteers and professionals. Give it a spot on your bookmarks bar today.
Welcome to Scouting Wire – your one-stop spot for Scouting news and updates for employees and volunteers. This resource is designed to help you support the BSA as we work together to mold future leaders. And, true to Scouting’s last century of programs and resources, this hub is focused on providing educational information in a fun…
The Pathfinder award is the third level award in the newly remodeled award system for Venturers. This award emphasizes leadership, responsibility, planning, goal development, and training. Venturers complete the Discovery award first, and then move on to this award. The Pathfinder award requirements are shown below.
10 funny St. Patrick's Day jokes by Boys' Life readers Even if you remember to wear green on March 17, you'll still get a "pinch" of humor with these funny St. Patrick's Day jokes submitted by Boys' Life readers. Tom: What do you get when you cross a four-leaf clover with poison ivy?
Every great team works a playbook and every great playbook has a game plan, resources, and step-by-step directions for effective execution. Fine-tune your recruitment playbook by watching Deputy Chief Scout Executive, Gary Butler, and Central Regional Director, Al Lambert, in an exciting webcast .
In the March 2015 edition of CubCast, the hosts and their guest discuss how Cubmasters and den leaders can get ready for the new Cub Scout program.
Ready to add more excitement to your troop meetings? Look to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) for activities sure to please.
I doubt there's anyone who hasn't felt frustration at how poorly or inefficiently our Scouts go about doing tasks at one point or another. We all know how to set up a tent – and could beat almost any Scout in a competition – how to cook in the outdoors, how to lead a meeting,
Our Report to the Nation delegates have just returned after sharing great news of Scouting’s accomplishments over the past year with leaders in Washington, D.C. Report to the Nation is a presentation of who we are and what we do as a community – from the organization as a whole down to each individual unit.
Voice of the Scout just launched – emails have gone out to 1.2 million volunteers, parents, Scouts and Venturers! Be sure to check your inbox and let your voice be heard. The feedback we receive helps keep focus on what matters most – delivering an exceptional program to youth across the country.
Baloo's Bugle: Volume 21 Issue 08 - March 2015 April 2015 Core Value - Faith | Soaring the Skies Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com
From the Freeman Archives (what I call my collection of scout memorabilia from my father and me) I present this map of Camp Stigwandish in Madison, OH. It doesn't give a date, so I can't tell exactly when it was made.
Know a Scout taking a spring break staycation? He can still find time for Scouting, if he chooses, by completing some spring break-friendly merit badges.
The actor Travis Tope, who has appeared in "Boardwalk Empire," "Battle Creek" and the film "Men, Women and Children," earned the Eagle Scout award in 2010.
This week's review is of an old volume I found in my dad's collection of scout material. It is about Dan Beard, one of the BSA founders. It is a collection of short stories or tales about Dan's life, from when he was a young boy in Kentucky, through the end of his life as…
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 BSA tool-use guidelines document how old Scouts should be to use certain hand tools and power tools at service projects (including Eagle projects).
Spring has sprung, or is in the process of springing, in much of the country, and with it comes the national pastime. Major leaguers have been warming up in sun country for a couple weeks, and our young people are dusting off their spikes and swinging for the fences as youth baseball leagues get ready
Cub Scouts love to help out at den meetings! A den job chart will help you spread the jobs around and keep track of which den members have already been assigned specific jobs. Your Cub Scouts will want an opportunity to do each job.
Is it the Council President, commissioner, or Scoutmaster? Nope, listen to find out which volunteers Scouting can't do without, and to answers to email questions about a new Scoutmaster , Scouts who won't lead , and new Scout patrols . LINKS Bedwetting and Scouts Kandersteg 2016 MUSIC in this podcast By a Campfire on the Trail Sponsored By…
Want to know how you can leverage the latest, greatest digital tools to strengthen your Cub Scout Pack? Look no further than this week’s Cub Chat Recap. Learn how to navigate through every social resource from Twitter to Pinterest to Facebook to blogging (and more) in a way that best suits the recruiting needs of…
Working on your Cub Scout recruiting plans for 2015? Whether you’re perfecting your council’s strategies for the year or not sure where to begin, taking a look at some of 2014’s major successes can help get your team on track to spread Scouting to more kids.
________________________________________ Dear Andy, I have all the original "See-N-Do" series of slides from the 70s, but I don't have the script to go with them. I'd like to make a PowerPoint presentation out of these and add a narration. Would any of your readers happen to have anything that resembles the original script, or a guide…
Even amid all the challenges of living with the disease, many Venturers and Scouts with diabetes find a way to survive — and thrive — in the program.
As Harrison Ford recovers from a California plane crash, a story has emerged about the time he rescued a Boy Scout in 2001.
Jay sent in this question I am currently the Bear Den leader, and have had four boys most of the year and they have all earned their Bear Rank. This past week I was lucky enough to have two more boys join our Den.
Everyone has heard the mantra about how “every boy deserves a trained leader”, yes? …and many of you reading this may automatically associate that phase with adults and Wood Badge , right? Have you ever thought about that phrase applying to your youth leaders as well??
Are folks in your community tired of wreaths, mulch, and bulbs? Your troop could be one of eight that receive a big fundraising starter kit from Country Meats via Scouting Magazine's sweepstakes through the end of April. It's no secret that I love their snack sticks, and there's a good chance your troop could be…
Tony Mei, chairman of the National Disabilities Awareness Committee, got in touch to share a variety of resources for special needs Scouts. Every unit leader ought to take the time to read The Guide to Working With Scouts With Special Needs and Disabilities Reach the committee task force for answers to questions about special needs…
Incorporating STEM (that’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education) into you troop meetings will energize your Scouts and can boost participation big time. To get in on the STEM trend, check out March’s ScoutCast . Electrify your troop – pun intended – with soda and Mentos explosions, mini roller coasters, and other STEM-focused activities highlighted on Bryan on…
With changes to the Cub Scout program on the horizon, the March CubCast was not one to be missed. And thanks to the magic of streaming audio, you can still catch it here . In this edition of CubCast, you’ll become an expert on how to make the transition to the new program as seamless as…
June 1st is quickly approaching, so I'm sure you're all getting excited about the new Cub Scout adventure program. I know I am! There are so many fun activities for the boys to do. But even if you're excited, you may have questions and concerns. That's understandable. Change can be scary. To help address your
Click to open high-res PDF. ScoutingWorks-Adweek-Americas-Youth The BSA’s Scouting Works team recently created this piece sharing a few insights into what makes America’s youth tick. Spoiler alert: It might not be what you think. T oday’s kids and teens are using tech to be connected and inventive.
Over the past two weeks we have had a wonderful Scouting experience learning about the fantastic people that we have in Scouting. Our Council Court of Honor was held a few weeks back honoring those that received their Silver Beaver award this year.
Utah sits atop the Eagle Scout state rankings for 2014; California, Texas, Pennsylvania and New York round out the top 5. Where does your state fall?
The Summit award is the highest award a Venturer can earn. This award emphasizes leadership, mentoring, planning, and service. Venturers complete the Pathfinder award first, and then move on to this award. The Summit award requirements are shown below. Upon completion of this adventure, Venturers receive a patch and an emblem.
A recent column in the Washington Post , “Why schools are failing our boys,” really resonated with me. As the author, Jennifer Fink, a mother of four boys , writes that the traditional school environment can be restrictive. She says, “The stress of school, of trying to fit into an environment that asks him to suppress the…
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire gametips #pokemon #videogames #tips Do you have any tips for Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire? Games Guru: When choosing your Pokémon party (the Pokémon you take with you in the field), make sure you have a good selection of Pokémon types.
Here's another fun Pack meeting idea - bring a HumVee to the meeting! This was another favorite of the scouts, what young boy doesn't like seeing military vehicles. We had a military chaplain come talk as a special guest (he's also one of the dad's in the pack).
Scouting, including outdoor experiences a young person can't get anywhere else, aren't available in app form. In other words, "There Is No App for This."
An update to Camp Scout, the free camp-finding app from Boys' Life, makes it easy to share your favorite camp with fellow Scouters and Scouts.
Before the bands, films, and Hollywood stars pour into Austin, TX, for South by Southwest (SXSW), Scouts shook up the SXSWedu Pearson Learning Lounge yesterday. In a presentation titled, “Boy Scouts Explore ‘What Makes Robots Work,'” Scouts demoed some pretty awesome technology.
I was watching the birds fly around in my back yard the other morning. Among others, we have a pair of cardinals who have returned for the last couple years. Here's a picture my wife took as they relaxed in our magnolia tree. I'm not absolutely sure it's the same birds but a friend told
Watching an old episode of Bonanza the other day and as with most of the stories, the guys with the white hats typically come out on top while the bad guys in their black hats seem to have the opportunity to listen to Mr.
The 2014 Eagle Scout Yearbook, which will showcase the 51,820-member 2014 Eagle Scout class, promises to be another great volume.
Monica sent in this question: Hi, We have our blue and gold coming up in a few weeks. Most boys are earning their Arrow of light but we have one boy who is only crossing over and one boy who is ending his scout career this year and not joining a boy scout troop.
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.
Bet you didn't know the Scout Law is really about the importance of getting your kids vaccinated. All jokes aside, the Vaccinated Scout Law is a fun read.
If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be ‘meetings.' The humorist Dave Barry pretty much had his finger on the pulse of things with that observation. Economists seem to have a good grasp on the
With the new Cub Scout program launching June 1, youth can prepare for more fun than ever and unit leaders can look forward to a program that’s easier to execute. Hundreds of volunteers have been working for the past three years to make the new program dynamic and the transition as easy as possible.
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Hornaday Award, Eagle Scout and Hornaday Award recipient Robert Marks has embarked on an adventure many could only dream of, yet yesterday, his dreams became a reality. Marks, along with 75 other participants from across the globe and famed polar explorer Sir Robert Swan, are taking on…
Can a Scoutmaster save their brains by using their ears? Baden-Powell thought so! In this podcast we'll explain and discuss the art of Socratic Scouting. I'll also answer email questions about merit badge blue cards (there's always a question about them!)
2-23-15 Den meeting We continued working on the Showman badge. [The scouts had a homework assignment from the past meeting to bring a song from an American composer to share with the den. req't 12] We started off with a guest Boy Scout (Thing 1) to talk about music and explain 2/4, 3/4, 4/4 time…
Trying to catch up as you can see. Last week's den meeting (3/9/15) we worked on the craftsman activity badge. Specifically leatherworking to requirement #4 to make four useful items. We started with a simple wristband that they could use various stamps and punches to but designs or words on.
It was an 'interesting" troop meeting. Probably more so for the parents in attendance than me. I attempted to hold my first "parents meeting" to set the tone for how I view scouting to happen. The punchline: I try to follow the Scoutmaster Handbook.
A 16- or 17-year-old Boy Scout can serve his fellow Scouts in the position of junior assistant Scoutmaster. But how best to use these young leaders?
Introducing Merit Badge Madness, a fun chance for you to decide which merit badge will be crowned the champion. Voting takes place exclusively on Instagram.
Here are the top 5 merit badges where luck might play a role. Not in completing a requirement but perhaps in maximizing its potential.
I taught my step-son to drive from the passenger seat of a beat-up, old, standard transmission Honda Civic. I am pretty sure the best way to learn how to start from a stop with a clutch is sitting behind the wheel, feeling the clutch engage, pressing the gas pedal, and stalling the car a couple…
Looking to update your Cub Scout presentations with new graphics? Want to add some pizazz to your handouts? Check out the Marketing Toolbox for images like the new Tiger logo, adventure loop and pin icons, youth handbook covers, leader resource covers, and so much more!
If you're looking for a fun, family-friendly movie, check out Down and Derby!
Minnesota Troop 283 has a unique approach to Friends of Scouting that has lifted participation from less than 50 percent of families to nearly 80 percent.
Dr. Robert Lee Edmonds and wife Linda Edmonds are a dynamic duo eager to engage others with the spirit of Scouting. Active members of the Longhorn Council, Dr. and Mrs. Edmonds are celebrating a century of the Boy Scouts of America’s rich, faith-based roots with the upcoming release of their book, Scouting Our Way: A…
Kansas Boy Scout Devin Prock is a proud American who wants to join the military someday and already has a tremendous amount of respect for the American flag. Collecting flags, folding them and sending them overseas to members of our Special Forces was a natural fit for a service project.
Within a 20,000 square foot facility in Denver, CO, lies a world of adventure. As the Colorado Adventure Point (CAP) boasts a two-story climbing gym, archery and rifle ranges, adventure labs, camping areas and more, Scouts enjoy hundreds of enthralling activities focused on “challenging experiences in new environments”.
Did you get your votes in for the 2015 Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Photo Contest? This year the stakes and competition were fierce! All five winners will receive a $50 gift code to ScoutStuff.org and bragging rights for the entire year.
Today is your last chance to have your voice heard in this year’s Voice of the Scout! Experience Recovery Reports on MyBSA will be updated as soon as Monday, so check in next week with your Scout Executives to leverage the member retention power of VOS!
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________________________________________ Here's a letter I received from Paul Wolf, the USSSP.ORG's resident guru on advancement requirements… Hi Andy – In your column last week (No. 436 – March 10, 2015), one of your readers asked, "Is there a process by which changes to the requirements for merit badges are introduced?"
Traditional Scouting programs and media campaigns can be effective in reaching large segments of the middle class population, but different efforts may be necessary to connect with African American, Asian American, Latino American, and other minority groups. Some of the youth from these communities may also include low-, middle-, and high -income, from non-English-speaking backgrounds…
I read a great quote today on Ask Andy 's blog: " But I’d recommend letting it alone. Yes, you can try to “fight city hall.” But, if you do, keep in mind that whatever energy you put into this will subtract from the energy you could be giving to the Scouts of the troop you…
An official Boy Scout bugle has been found, and one courteous and kind Scouter desperately wants to help it find its way to its original Scouting home.
With the renewed emphasis on leadership – something Scouting has always produced as a by-product of our program – we're compelled to examine just what we mean by leadership. It's been said that leadership is all about getting results. That's truly the bottom line, when you think about it. Without leadership, people and organizations would
Amy wrote me and asked me if I would post a Cub Scout song book she made to fill a ticket for her Woodbadge course. My answer was yes! Her song book is below. It contains a lot of classics your pack will enjoy singing also.(...) Continue reading the article at http://scoutermom.com/17018/cub-scout-song-book/
Addressing the basic and ongoing quandaries, HERE’S A VIDEO: You Tube Version (if Vimeo is malfunctioning) Some Questions and Some Answers about Rope for Lashing: What kind of rope should we use? For most projects, 1/4 manila. Refer to: Rope for Pionering and Camp Use What length(s) should we cut the rope into?
Kontiki season is picking up here in Southern Africa, with Windhoek, Namibia hosting their event this weekend, and the Western Cape hosting theirs next weekend. The diagram above shows one way of fastening barrels that worked well for my troop .
The new Cub Scout program is coming. Use these high-res Cub Scout graphics and logos to update your handouts, PowerPoint presentations and web pages.
The search for the most epic merit badge is on. Are you getting in on the action? Scouts’ favorite merit badges have been going head to head on the Scouting America’s official Instagram this week in a quest to find which one is the coolest among Scouts and Scouters, alike.
