Browse by year
160 posts, oldest first.
________________________________________ STUMPERS! Did you ever get asked a question that you're just not sure how to answer? I've had a few, so I thought I'd share them with you. Maybe you can come up with an answer. Here we go… Dear Andy, I've heard that a new merit badge-Hunting-will require bagging small game and migratory birds…
April Fools! OK, so merit badge emblems aren't increasing in size. Relive the fun in this April Fools' Day post.
It’s fascinating to watch young people communicate these days. Technology and social media in particular has rapidly changed the way we communicate – reducing conversations to 140-character tweets, six-second Vines and, of course, all of the abbreviations, acronyms and emojis. These forms of communication aren’t the only way we talk to each other – there are many…
John sent in this question: Hi, I am wondering if you have a solution to the following: With all games where the smallest person is out first and the best person stays in longest the scouts that need the most practice at something get the least.
The long-awaited Walking merit badge requirements have been released today. Though not an Eagle-required badge, I expect this one will be one of the most popular badges to collect in 2015. Requirements for the Walking merit badge: Do the following: Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while walking, and what…
Dr. E. Urner Goodman is the man that founded the Order of the Arrow. His story is one of love of Scouting and of teaching young men to grow into men of Character. I stumbled on this video the other day and thought it is worth sharing.
Scouts Canada has created a clear, uncluttered, engaging process in the "Plan-Do-Review" component of the Canadian Path . Scouting is made up of intuitive principles that are intended to be taken at face value. Simplicity can be elusive; we tend to prefer complications.
Less than a year after a wildfire burned thousands of acres not far from his own community, Boy Scout Hunter Jackson, from Provo, Utah, had organized a team of volunteers to help restore the landscape. Thankfully, no structures were damaged during the July 2014 fire in nearby Levan, but the wildlife was affected dramatically.
Need a simple, but fun game for your next pack meeting? Try Giant Marbles!
As recounted by Jackie Freeman (adult leader, trek 813 E 1991): Day 4. [Aug. 16] The day began with showers and clean clothes. We presented Teri with a NEO council patch which we had ail signed. She left and we were on our own.
Edward Abraham, the current Western Region Venturing President is poised to become the top youth leader of Venturing as National Venturing President.
It's not just a handy skill for competing on "Survivor." Knowing how to start a fire without matches is an essential thing guys should know.
The Summit Bechtel Reserve is excited to announce it will celebrate the Order of the Arrow's centennial as an ArrowTour host. ArrowTour is an interactive event for Scouts, volunteers, and Scouting alumni that will travel throughout the country during the summer of 2015.
People buy and sell cars all the time. But this wasn't just any car. In the fall of 1998, shortly after my older son (who is now in medical school) came home from the second grade and told mom and dad that he wanted to join Cub Scouts, I bought a brand-new car, a small
Baloo's Bugle: Volume 21 Issue 09 - April 2015 May 2015 Core Value - Health and Fitness | Backyard Fun Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com
The Boy Scouts of America has created awesome Cub Scout pack meeting plans for us!
As recounted by Jackie Freeman (adult leader, trek 813 E 1991): Day 5. [Aug. 17] The start of the Weekend from Hell. It had rained and stormed all night so we checked for anything left out that might have suffered.
BSA Complete Angler Recognition honors Boy Scouts who earn all three fishing-related merit badges: Fishing, Fly-Fishing and Fish and Wildlife Management.
How will Cub Scouts earn Nova Awards once the Academics and Sports belt loops go away? Here's the answer from Richard Stone of the STEM/Nova Committee.
As recounted by Jackie Freeman (adult leader, trek 813 E 1991): Day 6. [Aug. 18] The most ridiculous and frustrating day of all. We woke up and cleaned up camp quickly since there was no breakfast. One advantage. Went down the trail past the staff cabin and up to the corral for horseback riding.
As recounted by Jackie Freeman (adult leader, trek 813 E 1991): Day 7. [Aug. 19] Deer had been in the camp in the early morning and the dining fly was partially knocked down. Nate found his jacket. We ate breakfast and picked up quickly resolved to have a better day.
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.
As recounted by Jackie Freeman (adult leader, trek 813 E 1991): Day 8. [Aug. 20] Day 8. We got up, ate, packed, and were on the trail by 7:30am. A record for us. The hike up to Shafer's Pass was very UP and very slow.
The Boy Scouts of America's "no one-on-one contact" rule applies to electronic communications like texting, email, Facebook and Twitter. Here's how.
...
Last month we took a look at the changes to the Webelos program coming in June 2015, with an eye toward the required Adventures that'll require some nontrivial advance planning on the part of the Webelos den leader. This month we'll dive into the rather lengthy list of elective Adventures that the Scouts can choose
Merit Badge Madness has faced an intense week of match ups. But champions have arisen. First up this week was the Eagle required Swimming badge versus the Outdoors category champ Wilderness Survival badge. Despite Swimming’s flawless freestyle and reputation as a fan favorite, Wilderness Survival proved resilient and took the challenge.
The National Sea Scout Service Committee is rolling out the Sea Scout Adult Leader Basic Training – new and improved! Three of the six total modules are available online now, with the final three modules soon to follow. Training will continue to be offered by trainers around the country, but the online course gives flexibility to…
What's the difference between a patrol and a herd? In this week's podcast we'll look at what the founder had to say about the scale of Scouting and I'll answer email questions about patrols choices and presenting badges. LINKS The Big Three Resources every Scouter should read Music A Boy Scout in Switzerland Sponsored By…
You’ve got the scoop on updated award requirements . You know where to find the new Cub Scouting images . But are you in the loop on one of the most crucial parts of the new Cub Scout program launch? Pack meeting plans for the next two years are ready so read on to find where you…
As recounted by Jackie Freeman (adult leader, trek 813 E 1991): Day 9. [Aug. 21] The final day at Philmont had us up, pecking, hitting the trading post several times, and out of the tents by 10:00am. We visited the museum and were impressed by the books and the Ernest Thompson Seton paintings and the…
In the April 2015 ScoutCast, learn how Venturing can help (not hurt) the success of your Boy Scout troop.
I've been contacted by a number of companies who offer Scout fundraiser opportunities and I've turned them all down until today. When Paul Geatches from Country Meats contacted me I had my guard up. Most of the opportunities I hear about don't meet two very basic personal criteria; value for money, and pricing that corresponds…
Commemorating the Order of the Arrow’s 100th anniversary, the Summit Bechtel Reserve will host ArrowTour for it’s 2015 centennial celebration! What’s ArrowTour, you ask? It’s a summer-long, interactive event for Scouts, volunteers, and Scouting alumni, and this year, it’s bigger than ever.
Grab your limited edition "Do Good Deeds - Not Just for Scouts" t-shirt today!
http://media.boyslife.org/onlinegames/flightacademy/ Train with Pedro as he pilots his airplane through trees, forest fires, rescue missions and even UFOs. Train with Pedro as he pilots his airplane through trees, forest fires, rescue missions and even UFOs. View On WordPress
What is this stormtrooper saying? Write a funny caption for this photo! What's going on in this picture? What are those stormtroopers doing and what are they 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.
As recounted by Jackie Freeman (adult leader, trek 813 E 1991): Day 10. [Aug. 22] The entire day was spent on the train. Some like Jon spent most of the time sleeping, while others played Battle Tech or just sat and watched scenery.
The National Eagle Scout Association is looking for its 2015 Eagle Scout Biologist for a once-in-a-lifetime research trip to the Galápagos Islands.
________________________________________ Hi Andy, Great April Fool's column last week… or I truly hope it was I've been an avid reader for quite a well and have always found useful information in your columns. I've also reached out a few times with questions, and your replies were consistently prompt and to the point.
If recruiting recent college grads or young professionals with fresh perspective is on your radar this hiring season, understanding the sometimes mysterious millennial is a must. To add digitally savvy, fresh faces to your team, mind Inc.’s 3 Do’s and Don’ts for Hiring Millennials by Evan Burns.
Left to right: Scoutmaster Rich Gambrill, Eagle Scout Nicholas H., and Cubmaster Tom Ernst. (Photo: Lauren Amberman, The Avenue News) For any Scout, earning Eagle is a huge accomplishment. Scouts with special needs who achieve the honor are even more rare – that’s why these Scouts often have an extension to achieve the rank after their…
Did you catch yesterday’s Waypoints newsletter ? If not, have no fear, because we’ve got you covered. Check out the latest news from the high-adventure bases by clicking on each box below. Find out how you and your Scout can sign up for the coolest upcoming events and be a part of all the action!
BSA has acquired Scoutbook, the web app that makes tracking advancement easier — so you can get back to enjoying those life-changing Scouting experiences.
#MLBTheShow15 #gamereview #ps4 #videogames There's no more rewarding way to get to know all the baseball players and all the legendary American stadiums than with MLB 15 The Show. But because the game is so packed with features, it sometimes hard to figure out how to play and where to find what to play in…
Sometimes identifying new unit opportunities can come from the likeliest of places (like a quick phone call). That’s what the Orange County Council found when they launched their new recruiting plan in January. Let the council’s story inspire your team.
Beginning May 1, 2015, Richard Christ will join the ranks of the Baden-Powell Council in Binghamton, N.Y., as the new Scout Executive. With an impressive Scouting background and a passion for delivering quality Scouting experiences, Rick will be an incredible asset to the team.
Two of the BSA’s priorities in the last few years have been ensuring that we offer Scouts fresh, new experiences that instill the values of Scouting, and providing unit leaders with the tools, training, and support they need to deliver the kind of life-changing experiences Scouting is capable of providing.
I’m pleased to share the latest development in Scouting’s efforts to expand our presence into the digital space. Today, we announced the BSA has acquired Scoutbook, a web application designed for mobile devices. Scoutbook delivers a suite of easy-to-use Web-based tools that are helpful to Scouts, parents and unit leaders.
It might sound fun, but "body-sliding" — diving onto and sliding across a wet sheet of plastic on the ground — is dangerous for teens and adults.
The updates affect the National Den Award, National Summertime Pack Award, Cub Scout World Conservation Award and Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award.
Knowing how to go to the bathroom outside — you know, when no *actual* bathroom is nearby — is an important guy skill.
Q. Gear Guy, my troop is getting ready to go on a backpacking trip. I need a backpack. I would like a hydration bladder in it as well, but I don't know where to start looking. - Arid Adisson, Cameron, North Carolina Here are two good options for you, depending on how big a pack you'll…
Did you know district executives can register in as many districts as they are assigned to support? What about the tools and reports on my.Scouting district executives can access for each district they serve? In order for district executives, senior district executives, and district executives m/p to access district info and be identified as Key…
STEM, Careers, and Eagle-required badges made way for the crowd favorite Outdoor badge: Wilderness Survival. The month-long competition Merit Badge Madness pitted favorite badges against one another and tasked Scouting America Instagram followers with choosing the most epic merit badge of all.
My wife frequently tells me that I look for ways to say no – that I'm always finding reasons why something can't be done. In reality, I'm going through a list of obstacles in my head that need to be overcome in order to turn that no into a yes. We tend to do the
I had the opportunity to visit the New Orleans area this week. The French Quarter has some amazing history and unique old architecture, but Bourbon Street isn't a place I'd recommend taking scouts... The trip was for work, so I didn't get to check out many scout related places, but a cool stop might be…
To learn how one week spent at Scout summer camp can change a life, look no further than the story of Dylan, who is legally blind and has mild autism.
Tomorrow's astronaut could be today's Scout or Venturer. So check out these Top 5 merit badges for the aspiring astronaut.
During this month, you have the opportunity to understand the importance of prevention of emerging threats to youth. Youth Protection depends upon the shared involvement of everyone in Scouting. What can you do? Have you done the following? Do you know your Youth Protection Champion?
“Go big or go home.” That’s the motto of the Three Fires Council in St. Charles, IL which will seek to set a Guinness record for the world’s largest welding lesson on April 11, 2015. The event will bring together 14,000 Scouts at ETI School of Skilled Trades to earn the Welding Merit Badge .
Think of the fun your Scouts could have on a weekend adventure at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. A few days in the fresh air with countless outdoor activities at your fingertips could make for trip your team will remember for a lifetime.
Well the blog ticked past 10,000 views this week and has just about 150 posts. Not too bad for the first 9 months. Hopefully I can keep it going. Feel free to share with your scouting friends and post comments on the blog page.
Philmont - Where Spirits Soar is a coffee-table style book capturing the majesty and beauty of Philmont. I think it is out of print now unfortunately, as it was published in 1989, though it can be found online from a few sellers.
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.
Hey gang.. Been awhile.. certainly got away from my blogging goals over the last couple weeks. No real excuse other than to say other things have taken priority. The Troop obviously, Staffing Wood Badge once again, and of course family life.
The concept of STEM in a Box is simple: Everything you need to help Scouts earn a Nova Award fits into one big plastic tub.
Do you ever feel like your leadership efforts are like the engine of a locomotive, but it seems like you're working a lot harder than you have to in order to get somewhere? Some organizations seem to operate that way. It can take a lot of effort and a long time to achieve results that
Summit Bechtel Reserve signs were named Best Sign Systems of 2015 by the appropriately named industry magazine called Signs of the Times.
Wilderness First Aid is highly recommended , but when is it required ? In this week's podcast we'll do our best to tell you when wilderness first aid training is required (although it's just good common sense too!) , I'll also answer questions about uniforms, the effective date a Scout earns a rank, and how Venturing Crews use…
If you're a firefighter and Eagle Scout, join the NESA Firefighters Affinity Group. You'll network, learn new things and get a special helmet decal.
________________________________________ Hi Andy, Is it a requirement to have a ceremony after becoming an Eagle Scout? My son says he doesn't want one, and I'm saddened by this. Maybe he will change his mind, but I'm not very hopeful and getting grayer by the minute.
The next time you are out camping take a moment or two to be in the wild, stroll around and take it all in. No intention, no agenda, just be there until your mind quiets down and you begin to see what's in front of you.
How to buy a stand-up paddleboard It looks like walking on water. Kinda feels like it too. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is one of the most fun things you can do on the water, and it's one of the fastest-growing outdoor sports.
Today in Scouting History - April 14, 1970 It was on this day the memorable words "Houston, we've had a problem" were spoken by the astronauts on the Apollo 13 mission. You can see the entire transcript of the mission here .
Pack meeting plans for the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 Cub Scouting years make planning incredible monthly pack meetings easier, more rewarding and more fun.
The BSA's National Executive Board approved a plan to expand STEM Scouts, a new program of the Boy Scouts of America, to 12 additional councils.
I enjoy listening to New York Times Columnist David Brooks both on NPR and as part of the Shields and Brooks pundit pair on the PBS Newshour. Brooks describes himself as a recovering secularist so the topic for his new book struck a cord with me.
You can read about Scouts overcoming incredible challenges or even saving lives , but there’s nothing like discovering firsthand how Scouting has made a difference in the lives of Scouting families like yours. So today, we’re kicking off a special Scouting Wire series devoted to YOUR Scouting stories and what Scouting means to you.
Combine Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) with Scouting and you’re preparing kids for challenging and rewarding careers. As first shared on Scouting Newsroom , that’s what the BSA envisions as the STEM Scouts pilot program expands to councils across the country.
You may have heard me mention STEM Scouts briefly in past posts . But today, I’m pleased to reveal that STEM Scouts has taken root and is set to grow. STEM Scouts will help Scouting grow and bring many new kids into the movement who will grow their potential.
Walking into work today, I noticed the flags were at half staff. I didn't recall hearing of anything in the news about a tragedy, so I wasn't sure why. Thank goodness for Google and the website www.halfstaff.org . It turns out, today was declared a "Day of Remembrance for President Abraham Lincoln."
Cub Scout Pack 813, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, has 115 registered boys and a clear mission: build friendships with Scouts from other countries.
Independent Sector, a nonprofit network dedicated to supporting other nonprofits, recently updated its national value of volunteer time estimate.
As former district training chair, I strongly believe in the value of training and the necessity of a good training program for our adult volunteers. I acknowledge that training is never perfect, and that leaders who complete basic training are not experts in their position. Training "wets the sponge" and sets new leaders off in
Dissipate is a project being planned by a group of architects and engineers (including a few former Scouts) for the upcoming AfrikaBurn Burning Man regional event near Cape Town, South Africa. The tower consists of an hourglass tower with a tensegrity on top of it, gradually 'dissipating' into the sky.
Know a Scout who's a big fan of our planet? Have him prove it by earning one (or all) of these top 5 merit badges for Scouts who love the Earth.
Scouting aims to develop healthy kids. But did you know Units can be rewarded for their Scouts’ commitment to great health practices? Scouts can earn the SCOUTStrong Healthy Unit Award along with their den, pack, troop, or crew. Patches for the achievement are now available on ScoutStuff .
On May 16, 2015, Daniel A. Templar will take on the role of Scout executive of the Cradle of Liberty Council in Wayne, PA. Templar’s experience as a leader in Scouting is extensive. He began his Scouting career as district executive at the Hiawatha Council in Syracuse, NY.
Published in 2009, ArrowCorps5 - A Higher Adventure is another coffee-table style book that commemorates the work of thousands of Arrowmen (5000) over a 5 week period in 2008 at 5 national forests. ArrowCorps5 was one of the largest service project the Order of the Arrow has performed in a single combined effort (over 280,000 combined…
Its never late to learn, you are never to old to figure things out… you don't know it all. You know what famous person this quote is from? Yeah..me neither.. I just wrote it, but I am sure that there are lots of great leaders out there that share my sentiment when I say there…
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.
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?
The past two weekend were good weekends for the Troop and Scouts. The first was our Pre-Camporee outing. It was my second time with the Troop and it was good. We were back at Camp Lewis which our Council owns. …
Knowing how to skip rocks won't save your life — unless a bridge-dwelling troll agrees to let you live if you can do it — but it could save you from boredom
Do you attend your district Roundtable? When I was first recruited to be a den leader, our Cubmaster told me that, besides basic leader training, I needed to attend Roundtable each month. I viewed it as part of my commitment to the boys in my den, and found it to be really valuable as a
Wondering how the transition to the new Cub Scout adventure program will affect units chartered by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS)? Boys enter the program in LDS units and move from one den to the next based on their birthdays instead of their grade in school.
This story really explains it all… .. told by a man who ought to know Scouting if anyone does! What must we have to have to call what we do "Scouting"? Must we have an organization? If we understand how Scouting started a century ago we can better understand its relevance today.
This story really explains it all… .. told by a man who ought to know Scouting if anyone does! What must we have to have to call what we do "Scouting"? Must we have an organization? If we understand how Scouting started a century ago we can better understand its relevance today.
Illinois Scouts help clean up after another tornado In the November 2014 issue of Boys' Life , we told you about several Illinois Boy Scout troops that participated in an event they called Service-O-Ree. The Scouts traveled a short distance across their state to the town of Washington to help clean up after a devastating outbreak…
