How to Host a Cub Scout Geocaching Event (opens in a new tab)
Great resource for planning and hosting a geocaching event for your Cub Scout den or pack!
Browse by year
April 2015
160 posts, oldest first.
Posts in April 2015
Photo (opens in a new tab)
...
Reminder: Singing for a lost item is bullying (opens in a new tab)
Forcing a Scout into singing for a lost item is bullying, and bullying is prohibited in Scouting. Read this important Youth Protection reminder.
BSA launches updated SCOUTStrong Healthy Unit Award (opens in a new tab)
Does your unit prioritize snacking smart, drinking right and moving more at meetings? Prove it with the updated SCOUTStrong Healthy Unit Award patch.
Building Successful Kids: Making the Time You Have “Quality” Time (opens in a new tab)
Scouting offers parents and their kids the chance to make the most of their time together. That’s what they’re grasping for in these days of hectic schedules filled with work, school, sports and other time-intensive activities: quality experiences for their children that entertain, build character and teach skills that will take them into adulthood.
Boy Scout installing flagpoles for wounded veterans (opens in a new tab)
Boy Scout installing flagpoles for wounded veterans Thomas O'Gorman, a Scout from Troop 271 in Harker Heights, Texas, has come up with a great idea for an Eagle Scout project. Harker wanted to bring a special kind of recognition to veterans in his community who had been wounded in action.
What is Wilderness First Aid Training?
What is Wilderness First Aid? Wilderness First Aid expands on basic first aid training with advanced emergency management and assessment techniques. During a Wilderness First Aid course Scouters and youth members over age 14 learn how to assess, treat, and manage emergencies so they can safely take their adventures into areas beyond the reach of…
Apply to be One of the 2015 NESA World Explorers (opens in a new tab)
Eagle Scouts 18 and older with a thirst for adventure and hands-on research take note: the application deadline to become a NESA World Explorer is May 1 (that’s an extension on the original April 24 deadline). Join the legacy of other NESA World Explorers who have channeled the spirit of discovery since 1928.
Philmont and Summit Leadership Challenge (opens in a new tab)
The Philmont Leadership Challenge and Summit Leadership Challenge apply the skills acquired in Wood Badge to an outdoor experiential learning environment.
Troop turns trailer theft into opportunity to give back (opens in a new tab)
Troop 444 of Littleton, Colo., received more than $30,000 in donations after their troop trailer was stolen. They're sharing their good fortune with others in need.
Your Scouting Story: Missing Out on Eagle Scout (opens in a new tab)
Did you catch the first “Your Scouting Story” last week? Well this week we continue the series devoted to what Scouting means to you by sharing a story that many Scouts may take to heart: not earning Eagle Scout. Missing out on achieving Eagle Scout is one of the most common regrets in Scouting (and…
Submit Your Portraits to Be a Part of Scouting History! (opens in a new tab)
Want your photo to be featured at the Summit to be remembered for a lifetime? Now’s your chance to make it happen! The Summit Bechtel Reserve is the Boy Scout’s new High-Adventure base in West Virginia and home of the national Scout Jamboree.
Court of Honor Ceremony
This is one plan for a court of honor we've used in my troop for many years based on a few simple rules of thumb; Brief, formal, yet meaningful – Depending on the number of awards and presentations this court of honor should take no more than 45 minutes from beginning to end.
Summit Bechtel Reserve bikes not in Trek recall; are yours? (opens in a new tab)
The bike maker Trek has recalled almost 1 million bicycles. But those Trek bikes used at the Summit Bechtel Reserve are not included in the Trek recall.
Scouts Continue Good Conservation Practices on Earth Day (opens in a new tab)
Today may be Earth Day for the rest of the world, but the Boy Scouts of America has been tending to the planet since the organization’s inception. Guided by “Leave No Trace” principles, Scouts show respect for wildlife and wilderness everyday.
Eagle Scout project idea: Clean up a creek! (opens in a new tab)
Eagle Scout project idea: Clean up a creek! It seems pretty clear that aspiring Eagle Scout Parker Nasman isn't afraid of a little hard work. For his Eagle project, the Florida Boy Scout is aiming to clean up a local waterway that has become so clogged with fallen trees and other debris that it's difficult…
The Lions Volunteer Dinner (opens in a new tab)
Every year the Melrose Lions Club invites folks from the various volunteer organizations in town to a special meal to be recognized for all the work they do during the year for the community. This includes members of our volunteer fire and ambulance corps, the food shelf, Project Give A Gift, the history museum, and…
BSA discourages unit-owned credit cards, debit cards (opens in a new tab)
The BSA discourages the use of unit-owned credit cards and debit cards. Event registration should be paid by a volunteer and properly reimbursed.
SBR's Scott Visitor Center seeking photos of Scouts for exhibit (opens in a new tab)
The Summit Bechtel Reserve is seeking portraits of Scouts to be a part of a new exhibit at the Scott Visitor Center.
13 big changes in the 2015 Guide to Advancement, out now (opens in a new tab)
The 2015 Guide to Advancement, your official source for administering advancement in all Boy Scouts of America programs, is now available.
Building Successful Kids: Teaching a Growth Mindset (opens in a new tab)
Earlier this week, I wrote about a recent Business Insider article that highlighted seven parental factors that can point to success in children. I focused the first of my blogs on this article on “avoiding junk time with kids.” Today, I’d like to focus on the importance of teaching kids about success from a “growth…
Build a Scout Law ladder (opens in a new tab)
This folding Scout Law ladder can be displayed at meetings, outings or any other Scouting events. What You'll Need A wooden ladder about 7? or 8? tall 13 wooden boards Saw Paint for each board and the ladder Paint, tape, sticks, stencils, letters cut from thin wood or stick-on letters to create the Scout Law…
Guide to Advancement updated (opens in a new tab)
The BSA's Advancement Team has completed its biennial review and revision of the Guide to Advancement. The complete document can be downloaded here. As usual, there are several significant changes and clarifications, and most of the changes pertain to the Boy Scout program. Here's a summary: There's a clarification that merit badge worksheets and other
Badges… we don't need no stinking Badges…
While it is true that we don't need no stinking badges… We do have a need for patches and lots of them. If you follow me on Facebook, you may have noticed that I am in a patch phase. Well truth be told, I have been a patch guy for a long time, but until…
Top 5 merit badges for Scouts getting the Apple Watch (opens in a new tab)
The Apple Watch isn't cheap. But a Scout who plans to save up can use his new gadget to earn these Top 5 merit badges for Scouts getting the Apple Watch.
Service project idea: removing invasive plants (opens in a new tab)
Service project idea: removing invasive plants Sometimes pulling weeds is about more than making an area look pretty. It's about saving it. Invasive species of plants make up 70 percent of the overall invasive population in National Park lands. According to the National Park Service, "they have the ability to displace or eradicate native species…
Look what's arrived... (opens in a new tab)
The new Cub Scout books are showing up around the country. I've seen twitter posts from councils that have them for a few weeks now. Stopped in my local scout shop today and they were just unboxing them, I might have bought the first copies locally.
Scouting Mug Museum Display (opens in a new tab)
I have collected a lot of Scouting memoribilia during my 35 years as an adult leader in Scouting. I have hundreds of patches, dozens of handbooks, a large tote of 2001 National Jamboree souvenirs, and enough coffee mugs to go over two months without needing to wash one.
Updated Museum Display (opens in a new tab)
The president of the Melrose Area History Museum and I met at the museum this morning to set up my shelf display and Scouting coffee mugs. We both thought this would be a quick process but the cabinet had other ideas.
A new page for Saturday Book Reviews (opens in a new tab)
I created a page to list all of the " Saturday Book Reviews ." There should be a button/link at the top of the site under the header image. Alternatively, you can click on the "book review" labels in the list of most common labels on the right-hand sidebar (if your viewing on the web version, but…
B-P's Blog – Camping
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.
In Memoriam: Elliott Waite "Chope" Phillips (opens in a new tab)
I received the following news on the Philmont Mailing List : "A sad day for the Phillips family, and a sad day for our Philmont family. Elliott "Chope" Phillips was the son of Waite Phillips who so kindly donated the land to the Boy Scouts that we now call Philmont.
'Lizard Bites,' a new travel book by Distinguished Eagle Scout (opens in a new tab)
Michael J. Manyak, a Distinguished Eagle Scout and expert in preventing and treating travel emergencies, shares those lessons in "Lizard Bites," a new book.
Chope Phillips, son of Philmont benefactor, dies at 97 (opens in a new tab)
Elliott Waite "Chope" Phillips, Silver Buffalo Award recipient and son of Philmont donor Waite Phillips, died April 26 at his home in Amarillo. He was 97.
Arrow of Light changes (opens in a new tab)
Wrapping up our series on the upcoming changes to the Cub Scout program, this time we'll discuss what is changing with the requirements for the Arrow of Light award. Although these changes take effect on June 1 of this year, bear in mind that current Webelos Scouts can continue to use the current Arrow of
Eagle Scout helps rescue effort after Everest avalanche (opens in a new tab)
Eagle Scout climber Matt Moniz was at an Everest base camp when a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal, causing an avalanche on the world's tallest mountain.
Podcast 265 – Scouting Source Code 2
Who was the voice of Scouting? How did a Danish Scout become the voice of Scouting in the United States? He knew the source code! What must we have to have to call what we do "Scouting"? This podcast is the second installment of a great story that ought to inspire us all to think…
Illinois Scouts make annual Grant pilgrimage (opens in a new tab)
Illinois Scouts make annual Grant pilgrimage For more than 60 years, Scouts from Illinois and surrounding states have gathered in Galena, Illinois, for the Blackhawk Area Council's U.S. Grant Pilgrimage , a weekend full of Scouting activities with a Civil War theme.
Thanks for the memories (opens in a new tab)
I look at the calendar, see it is April 28th, and just like that I remember sitting in Cathy Mulligan’s AP Calculus / OSU Math classroom, first period after lunch, on a Friday afternoon in the spring. Worried about whatever it is an eighteen year old worries about at that point in life.
Webelos History Revisited (opens in a new tab)
I got my first browse through the new Webelos Handbook. The new program looks interesting, though a lot of the required stuff for Arrow of Light looks like things our den has already covered working toward the old Webelos requirements, so we'll probably finish off with the old book since we have that option this…
12 other uses for merit badge pamphlets (opens in a new tab)
Crack open some merit badge pamphlets and you'll find books that offer an excellent overview on everything from American Business to Woodwork.
Issue 441 – April 28, 2015 (opens in a new tab)
________________________________________ Dear Andy, The last requirement for the Mile Swim patch reads as follows: "Swim 1 mile over a measured course that has been approved by the trained instructor who will supervise the swim." Can you please clarify the meaning of this requirement?
Putting Scouting to Work (opens in a new tab)
What I learned as a 16-year-old chapter chief in the Order of the Arrow has helped me throughout my Scouting career. During a lodge fellowship weekend the chapters competed in the Quest, a day of competitions in water sports, shooting sports, tug of war, Scoutcraft, and more.
Pledge to Attend Cub Scout Day Camp 2015! (opens in a new tab)
Are you ready to join in on the coolest, most highly-anticipated Cub Scout event of 2015? Day Camp comes around only once a year and you won’t want to miss out on all the fun this summer. Take the Day Camp Pledge Whether you’ve registered or not, pledge to attend this year’s Day Camp by…
CSE Wayne Brock in USA TODAY: Kids Embrace STEM (opens in a new tab)
Hear it straight from the Chief: kids (and parents) are excited for youth-focused STEM activities like the BSA’s new pilot program. By now, you probably know the acronym stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The STEM Scouts program was recently expanded to 12 councils nationwide after igniting initial success in the Great Smoky Mountain…
A Troop Revolution (opens in a new tab)
Vilhelm Hans Bjerregaard Jensen was a Danish Scout who became a Scoutmaster during the early years of the Scouting Movement . He decided to see something of Scouting around the world, worked his way through Europe and England, arrived in the United States in February 1926 and took a job with the national headquarters of the…
Pinewood Derby Has Scouts and Dads Alike Hooked (opens in a new tab)
Cub Scouts go nuts for Pinewood Derby, but as The New York Times reported on Sunday, they aren’t the only ones getting a rush from racing intricate blocks of wood – dads are getting in on the action, too. Fathers of Cub Scouts are taking the Scouting sport to another level.
The New Millennials and How They Affect Your Council (opens in a new tab)
You hear the word “millennials” and you imagine a kid with a hipster beard sipping lattes. A girl with eyes glued to her Instagram feed. Maybe a group of college kids who share an ambitious startup idea. But millennials aren’t kids anymore.
Scouts' a cappella version of national anthem is the best ever (opens in a new tab)
Over the weekend, three Scouts from Westport, Conn., Troop 100 performed an a cappella version of the national anthem at an Eagle Scout court of honor.
Winner of 2015 March-April Where Am I contest revealed (opens in a new tab)
Did you cast a vote in the 2015 March-April "Where Am I?" contest? See if you were selected as the lucky winner, and check out the newest geography contest.
Did bug spray melt my watch? Q. Dear Gear Guy, I got bug spray... (opens in a new tab)
Did bug spray melt my watch? Q. Dear Gear Guy, I got bug spray all over the face of my watch. It is waterproof, so the watch still works, but there is a dirty residue on the face of the watch.
Stuff We Like: Jetboil MiniMo When it's time for a quick... (opens in a new tab)
Stuff We Like: Jetboil MiniMo When it's time for a quick boil in camp, our JetBoil system has never failed us. That's why we're excited for the new-for-2015…
Professional Scouter Runs Boston Marathon for Sandy Hook Cub Scouts (opens in a new tab)
Professional Scouter Jonathan Pleva’s Boston Marathon run has a big story behind it. Did you catch what it is on Scouting Newsroom ? Pleva was the interim Scout Executive for the Connecticut Yankee Council during a tragedy that rocked the Scouting community and the nation: the Sandy Hook shooting.
Boys' Life post about 20-person, 10-room tent goes viral (opens in a new tab)
A Boys' Life Facebook post abut a 20-person, 10-room tent has gone viral. More than 45 million people have seen the post and counting.
Eagle Scout Climber Matt Moniz Aids Relief Operations on Everest (opens in a new tab)
Eagle Scout Matt Moniz had plans to summit Mt.Everest for the first time last year, yet after an avalanche tore through the Himalayas, he was forced to cancel. This year he decided to make attempt number two. However, history seems to have repeated itself once again on Saturday in the wake of Nepal’s most horrific…
Take the Winners’ Podium with Olympic Day 2015 (opens in a new tab)
Scouting promotes healthy, active lifestyles for youth. Through the SCOUTStrong Healthy Living Initiative , we bring you ideas and activities you can put to work in your units to get your Scouts moving. That’s where Olympic Day 2015 comes in. Olympic Day happens all month long in June, with the official day falling on June 23.
5 Questions with New Market Intelligence Manager Scott Olson (opens in a new tab)
Whether he’s scoping out new research data or zeroing in on American consumer preferences, our new market intelligence manager is leading the way to understanding just exactly what kids, parents, and Scout nation wants. Chicago native Scott Olson is taking on the position with an arsenal of market intelligence skills.
Eagle Meter (opens in a new tab)
Thing 1's troop is on a roll. They started in 2004 or so, and have finally hit that stage of consistency and critical mass where we are seeing a number of scouts reach the goal of Eagle Scout each year.
1958 flier tells of BSA's new Exploring program (opens in a new tab)
In January 1959, the Boy Scouts of America replaced its Explorer program with the Exploring program. This was more than just a suffix change, though.
Why do Scouts go Camping? (opens in a new tab)
I was dumbfounded when the parent of a Webelos visiting our troop asked; "What about a Scout who doesn't really like camping?" How would you answer that question? The best I could come up with was; "I don't really know what Scouting is if we aren't camping, I don't think it's an option."