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May 2015
169 posts, oldest first.
Posts in May 2015
Arrow of Light Adventures Content (opens in a new tab)
New Content for Webelos scouts
How is Scouting Works Building Value for the BSA? (opens in a new tab)
Established in 2014, Scouting Works offers brands the opportunity to partner with one of the nation’s most recognized and trusted organizations (that’s the BSA, of course). It’s more than a new department within the BSA’s National Service Center in Irving, Texas — it is an innovative new approach that seeks to foster collaboration with like-minded brands…
Webelos Adventures Content (opens in a new tab)
New Content for Webelos scouts
Webelos Scouts Content (opens in a new tab)
New Content for All scouts
Animation Merit Badge (opens in a new tab)
New Merit Badge for Boy Scouts
Meeting Mondays: 5/18/15 Troop Court of Honor (opens in a new tab)
The troop had one of our quarterly events, the Court of Honor, to recognize the achievements of the scouts from the last three months. What made this one unusual was the recognition and awarding of two Eagle Scout honors. Often these are on separate occasions with a lot of pomp & circumstance to really emphasize the…
Animation merit badge requirements (opens in a new tab)
The Animation merit badge requirements were released this week, officially making it the BSA's 136th current merit badge.
Thermacell Camp Lantern gives you light without the bugs (opens in a new tab)
The $60 lantern packs plenty of light and creates a 15-foot force field against mosquitoes, black flies and no-see-ums.
June Pack Meeting Plan – Go for the Gold (Perseverance) (opens in a new tab)
The monthly themes based on core values will be replaced with themes based on the Scout Law starting in September. But for this summer there are still core value themes. The Cub Scout core value for the month of June is Perseverance.
Issue 443 – May 19, 2015 (opens in a new tab)
________________________________________ My previous column closed on a bullying scenario-something that seems to be in the news more and more these days. When I was a kid growing up, bullies were pretty easy to handle. You got a bunch of your neighborhood buddies together, confronted the jerk, and told him to cut it out "or else" (even…
Can You See What Scouts See? (opens in a new tab)
If your perspective of developing leadership is limited to what you believe needs to happen rather than observing what is actually happening you'll miss opportunities, Let's imagine we're sitting around a table with the patrol leader's council before a troop meeting.
All Markets Strategy Summit Energizes Council Leadership at #NAM2015 (opens in a new tab)
It was like a diversity-focused Justice League assembly in Atlanta, GA, on the day leading up to #NAM2015 (that’s, National Annual Meeting ). Leaders like incoming Chief Scout Executive Michael Surbaugh and W.W. Grainger VP of Corporate Accounts Michael Dubose enlivened the All Markets Strategy Summit stage, electrifying the conversation around the BSA’s ongoing mission to…
Eagle Scout Matt Moniz helping in Nepal (opens in a new tab)
This news article is worth sharing: http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/13/travel/nepal-earthquake-teen-climber-matt-moniz/index.html
Sea Scout Ship 1000 wins 2015 National Flagship award (opens in a new tab)
Sea Scouts, BSA has named Ship 1000 — also known as the Enterprise — the recipient of its 2015 National Flagship award.
Video: Inside the Vortex, the STEM Scouts mobile lab (opens in a new tab)
I got to check out the Vortex, the STEM Scouts mobile lab. It's a whole lot of awesomeness on four wheels.
CM Scrubber for Cast Iron (opens in a new tab)
When you first see the CM Scrubber you'll probably say the same thing I did; "it's too expensive!" But the next time you have a crusty dutch oven to clean you'll agree that it's worth every penny. Put some water in the oven while it's still warm, and scrub away.
Video: Scott Lagasse Jr. offers a tour of his NASCAR truck (opens in a new tab)
Scott Lagasse and Team SLR brought the actual truck Scotty raced in Kansas a couple weeks back. He gives us a quick tour in this video.
Patch Trading
One of the fun traditions of Scouting is patch trading. I have been acquiring patches now since about 1978. I would like to say that I have a ton of patches, but I really don't. You see, I did like most Scouts and Scouters do and did, I got a patch for going to Camporee…
National President Dr. Robert M. Gates addresses BSA (opens in a new tab)
National President Dr. Robert M. Gates encouraged the Scouting family to reflect in the days and months ahead on the challenges facing the BSA.
Centuries of Service (opens in a new tab)
This year for the third time in the history of the Order of the Arrow a patch may be worn on the Sash. This patch represents the Centuries of Service Award available for all Arrowmen to earn this year. The program started in July of 2014 and will conclude in December of 2015.
It’s Here! Why the 2014 Annual Report is Cooler than Ever (opens in a new tab)
Today, the 2014 Annual Report is available for your perusal and what you’ll soon find is this year’s report is our most exciting one yet. Why? It’s gone digital! Instead of flipping through a huge report or scrolling through a massive PDF, you can browse the annual report online to get a comprehensive look at…
National President Dr. Robert M. Gates Delivers Remarks During 2015 National Annual Meeting (opens in a new tab)
During the 2015 Boy Scouts of America National Annual Meeting, National President Dr. Robert M. Gates encouraged the Scouting family to reflect in the days and months ahead on the challenges facing the BSA and potential alternatives for addressing them.
Meet the 2015 Silver Buffalo Recipients From #NAM2015 (opens in a new tab)
The BSA’s highest honor for adults is not handed out to just anyone. Silver Buffaloes are rare and the title is hard-earned for adult volunteers who pour tremendous dedication into Scouting and the BSA. As the National Annual Meeting in Atlanta wraps up, the honor and accompanying red and white medals are about to be…
VIDEO: Recipients of top 2015 NESA scholarships (opens in a new tab)
Shane Uribe, Frank Nash and Trevor Case received the three top NESA scholarships for 2015. These are their stories.
What is ArrowTour? (opens in a new tab)
ArrowTour will bring all of the excitement surrounding the Order of the Arrow's 100th anniversary this year to council camps across the country.
Meet Imagine Dragons lead singer (and Eagle Scout) Dan Reynolds (opens in a new tab)
Meet Imagine Dragons lead singer (and Eagle Scout) Dan Reynolds Hear audio from our interview with Dan: https://boyslifeorg.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/dan-reynolds-audio.mp3 The spotlights go out, the crowds go home and the fog clears. It's after midnight, but Dan Reynolds' night is just getting started.
Congrats to the 2015 NESA Scholarship Winners at #NAM2015 (opens in a new tab)
Before thousands of Scouts and Scouters this morning, the 2015 NESA scholarship award recipients were honored at #NAM2015 ‘s Americanism Breakfast. From leading the future of STEM innovation, to changing how San Diego runs the foster care system to serving the medical needs of those in underserved areas, the award recipients’ service to their communities…
Duty to God Breakfast Brings American Hero to #NAM2015 (opens in a new tab)
The National Annual Meeting’s Duty to God breakfast is long anticipated for the ever-reverent Scouts and Scouters in Atlanta this week. Emceed by Scouter Don Dare, this year’s breakfast brought best-selling author and Air Force pilot Scott O’Grady to the stage, where he shared how he survived six days eluding enemy troops after his plane…
Meet your 2015 Silver Buffalo Award class (opens in a new tab)
The 2015 Silver Buffalo class consists of 13 Scouting volunteers who have given tireless service and dedication to Scouting on a national level.
Pearson Exhibit Hall Takes Scouters to the Summit and Beyond (opens in a new tab)
What do you get when you mix zip line simulations, a Sasquatch photo opp, a wilderness survival Eagle Scout celebrity, a real life NASCAR driver, and the chance to shoot arrows at a moving target? The answer: really excited Scouters.
Honoring Our Fallen (opens in a new tab)
As we approach Memorial Day, let's take time to thing about what it symbolizes. It is a day to honor those who have died serving our country, protecting it and the freedoms we enjoy. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier pictured above is one of those symbols to honor the many of have fallen in…
Americanism Breakfast Wows Scouts at #NAM2015 (opens in a new tab)
One of the most long-awaited and popular events of #NAM2015 delighted Scouters and Scouts from across the nation with a breakfast few are likely to forget. Sponsored by the National Eagle Scout Association, the Americanism Breakfast concluded this morning and featured some of the most outstanding Scouts in Boy Scouts of America.
Rollout of interactive digital merit badge pamphlets begins (opens in a new tab)
Starting now, Boy Scouts (and troop leaders and merit badge counselors) can download interactive digital merit badge pamphlets for four merit badges.
How to buy interactive digital merit badge pamphlets (opens in a new tab)
Here's the simple, step-by-step guide to purchasing and downloading the BSA's new interactive digital merit badge pamphlets.
Pinewood Derby Award Certificate Template (opens in a new tab)
Here's another file template to share, our Pinewood Derby Award Certificate . (link is to a zip file of the PowerPoint document) For the few years I ran the Pinewood Derby for my sons' pack, I would make these certificates and print them out on cardstock to be presented at our Blue & Gold (which was always…
B-P's Blog – Sunday in Camp (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.
Scouting and Amateur Radio meet at Dayton (opens in a new tab)
Last week I attended the Dayton Hamvention®, the largest annual gathering of Amateur Radio operators in the world. Amateur, or "ham", radio and Scouting grew up almost in parallel at roughly the same time. Scouting just observed its hundredth anniversary a few years ago, while radio as a hobby started gaining in popularity in the
One Nation Under God (opens in a new tab)
Whenever I’m in a group setting that recites the Pledge of Allegiance, there always seems to be some inconsistency between those who say: one Nation, under God (with a pause between these two segments) and one Nation under God (spoken as a single statement).
Memorial Day 2015 – Peace Scouting
On this Memorial Day we honor the memories and continuing dedication of women and men who have served our country. We must rememebr that when meet, when we camp, when we march in parades and decorate the graves of those who served, the great debt we owe.
Memorial Day Ceremony (opens in a new tab)
Scouts from several units joined together to help the Friends of the Veterans Monument conduct the annual county Memorial Day Ceremony. Here they are lined up waiting to march in the flags. We had a create mix of Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts ranging from Cub Scouts to Venturers, Daises to Ambassadors.
Meeting Mondays: 5-25-15 Den Meeting (opens in a new tab)
(picture courtesy of R. Johnson) Den Meeting 5/25/15 - Handyman For this den meeting we worked on Handyman, which is mostly fixing stuff around the house, car, or bicycle. As much as I wanted them to wash my car, and it needs it, it didn't seem right, so we skipped that requirement, they can do it…
Keeping younger siblings entertained at Scout meetings (opens in a new tab)
Virginia Scouter Rob H. doesn't want the younger siblings of Scouts or Venturers sitting around feeling bored for an hour or two. What do you think?
Choose Pedro's Wacky Adventure (opens in a new tab)
Choose Pedro's Wacky Adventure http://media.boyslife.org/pedro-story/index.htm View On WordPress
Summer Camp Resources (opens in a new tab)
It's a privilege for adults to accompany Scouts to summer camp. Camp is a great place that may well be the most important week in a patrol and troop's year. While at camp I put myself and the other adults of guests and observers.
Meet the Creator of Scoutbook – Shawn Jackson (opens in a new tab)
Last week at #NAM2015, you heard about the web app that tracks the Scouting experience from the first campout to completing an Eagle Scout service project. Now, hear from the creator of Scoutbook himself in the video below. Shawn Jackson has been part of Scouting for 15 years and has three Scout sons.
Issue 444 – May 26, 2015 (opens in a new tab)
________________________________________ Hello Andy, I just read your Issue 443 (May 19th). BRAVO! That letter to you about a troop equipment trailer and insurance hit the nail on the head! We have a "troop shed" that requires no insurance of any kind.
Securing the Future of Scouting with BSA National Foundation (opens in a new tab)
The Boy Scouts of America National Foundation exists to help secure the future of Scouting. For decades, the Foundation has worked with our local councils and donors to nurture the philanthropic culture of Scouting. Fiscal security enables councils and volunteers to dream big and create innovative ways to engage today’s youth.
Build a Wooden Yo-yo (opens in a new tab)
What You'll Need: 3?4? thick hardwood or plywood board, large enough to cut out two 21?2? disks Safety goggles Drill 21?2? hole saw with 1?4? pilot bit Sandpaper Tongue oil 1?4? x 2? bolt with locking nut Two 1?4? washers 1?4?
Video: Scoutbook creator Shawn Jackson chats with us (opens in a new tab)
Scoutbook creator Shawn Jackson says having his game-changing web app acquired by the BSA is the best thing that could've happened to it.
Pedro the Mailburro Takes Up Tennis Pedro wants to be a tennis... (opens in a new tab)
Pedro the Mailburro Takes Up Tennis Pedro wants to be a tennis star, and has begun his training. How well do you think that went? Special thanks to the Arlington Tennis Center for use of the facility!
BSA Goes Off-Road with Polaris (opens in a new tab)
Did you get a chance to check out the Pearson Exhibit Hall at #NAM2015? If so, you definitely caught a glimpse of the front-and-center Polaris booth that was crowded with off-road vehicles for Scouts of all ages. And if you walked in little closer to the booth you probably learned about the BSA’s ongoing partnership…
5 Questions with Directors of STEM Programs April McMillan and Trent Nichols (opens in a new tab)
If you’ve been following Scouting Wire, you’ve undoubtedly heard about the STEM Scouts pilot program extending to 12 councils nationwide. But how much do you know about the leadership behind the innovative program? As part of our #BSA5Questions series, we’re helping you get to know Directors of STEM Programs April McMillan and Trent Nichols.
Share #NAM2015 Stories with One Easy Click (opens in a new tab)
Did you attend the National Annual Meeting and leave inspired with a story you’d like to share with the Scouting nation? Well luckily for you, Scouting Wire makes it easy to share volunteer or employee news and stories in seconds.
2017 Jamboree Staff and Youth Registration is Open! (opens in a new tab)
Experience the best of Scouting, all in one place! Where can you do that, you ask? The 2017 National Scout Jamboree , of course! From stadium shows to merit badges, patch trading to adventure sports, you’ll want to be at the Summit Bechtel Reserve from July 19 to July 28, 2017 .
Help Wounded Veterans and Their Families Experience the Summit Bechtel Reserve (opens in a new tab)
This summer a group of tremendous individuals and their families will be enjoying kayaking, archery, fishing and zip line canopy tours at Scouting’s newest national High-Adventure base . Laughter will fill the air along with cheers for those who are enjoying the thrill of competition and quality family time together.
21 funny summer vacation jokes (opens in a new tab)
Celebrate the end of school and the beginning of summer with these 21 funny summer vacation jokes sent to us by Boys' Life readers. Brendan: Where do sharks go on summer vacation? Jordan: Where? Brendan: Finland! Submitted by Brendan G., Kirkland, Wash.
Troop recruiting Brochure Template (opens in a new tab)
Here's the template for a troop brochure I made last year to help promote our troop when we have Webelos events. It's kind of like a sales brochure, highlighting what's important about our troop and what kind of things to expect. Obviously, update it to fit your own troop as needed.
2017 National Jamboree registration now open (opens in a new tab)
2017 National Jamboree registration is now open. Get ready, because 2017 will be here before you can say "Live Scouting's Adventure."
Making Sushi (Cub Scout Style) (opens in a new tab)
We made some sushi last night for a party one of the kids was having. It looks like a great treat for a scout group, maybe even a fun activity that can be done. Or even a campout idea (I've seen scouts make rice krispies treats, it wouldn't take them much more to make them…
Meet three of the creators of the new Animation merit badge (opens in a new tab)
The talented team tasked with creating the new Animation merit badge includes experts in the fields of animation and digital media. Meet three of them here.
Did Ferris Bueller's dad earn the Silver Beaver award? (opens in a new tab)
It's the question on everyone's mind since the film "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" debuted in 1986: Did Ferris Bueller's dad earn the Silver Beaver award?
Cub Scout Camping (opens in a new tab)
One good thing I like about the new Cub Scout program is its stronger push for outdoor activities, including camping. Only a couple years ago, Tigers were finally allowed to camp, now every rank except Tiger requires camping. This may mean a scramble for some Packs to offer the needed camping opportunities over the next…
How Volunteerism Brings Special Meaning to Our Mission (opens in a new tab)
Through the dedication of its many volunteers, the Boy Scouts of America remains the foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training in America. Today, nearly one million adults provide leadership and mentoring to Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers.
Jambo 2017 Registration is Live! (opens in a new tab)
BSA National just went live with registrations for the National Jamboree to be held at The Summit Bechtel Reserve near Beckley WV from July 15 – 29, 2017. We are stoked! Both Bear Bait and Tangled were able to go to Jambo in 2013, the first to be held at The Summit.
Cub Scout Outdoor Ethics Award (opens in a new tab)
New Award for Cub Scouts
Boy Scout Outdoor Ethics Award (opens in a new tab)
New Award for Boy Scouts
Bridging to Brownies (opens in a new tab)
Thing 3's troop bridged over to Brownies from Daises tonight. Great job girls!
B-P's Blog – A Scout is Thrifty (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.