Posts in August 2015

NOAC 2015: It Starts With Us (opens in a new tab)

Bobwhite's Blather ·

More than fifteen thousand Arrowmen – Scouting's best – converge on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing starting today to take part in the largest Scouting event in the United States other than the National Jamboree. The National Order of the Arrow Conference, or NOAC, gives these young men the opportunity to

Scoutmaster Podcast 278 – Eagle Scout History

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

This encore presentation features an interview with author Mike Malone about his book about what it means to be an Eagle Scout, Four Percent. Mike is an award-winning author and experienced Scouter with an impressive resume of leadership. Four Percent is much more than a simple history of the award – it is a significant contribution…

New Eagle Rank Requirements

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

This is seventh in a series of posts about the new rank requirements that take effect on January 1, 2016. Scout | Tenderfoot | Second Class | First Class | Star | Life | Eagle Exactly how the new requirements are phased in is explained in this PDF document – Notes on Transitioning to the New Requirements .

Ain’t No Party Like an Order of the Arrow Party (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire ·

When Scouting’s honor society gets together, the camaraderie and collaboration don’t stop. This week Arrowmen are celebrating Order of the Arrow’s Centennial at the National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC). The conference is happening on Michigan State University’s campus, drawing 15,000 Arrowmen together for competition, recognition, and plenty of recreation (5Ks, scuba diving, and…

How this Family Is Keeping the Scouting Tradition Alive (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire ·

Grandfathers and dads have long shared the memories and experiences of their Scouting days, in hopes of continuing the tradition with their sons and grandsons. So when Priscilla Hedline of The Wheelchair Mommy heard of her husband’s memories and lifelong friendships from Scouting, she knew it would be the perfect program to introduce to her…

Inclusive Scouting Map (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

A reader has taken the initiative to create a map of inclusive Scouting – they write: Though we may not always agree on the policy, we can always agree that more youth in Scouting is a good thing. So for parents, youth, and volunteers that haven't considered Scouting in the past because of inclusivity concerns, we've…

Dare To Do! (opens in a new tab)

Jeff's Scouting Blog ·

Last night we were challenged by the Order of the Arrow National Chief: "Dare to Do" for the next 100 days. Do an act of unselfish kindness, a good turn, each day for the next 100 days. What will you do? #DAREtoDO http://dareto.do

#DareToDo (opens in a new tab)

Bobwhite's Blather ·

What's that hash tag doing in the title of this article? It's the latest initiative to spring forth from this year's historic centennial National Order of the Arrow Conference at Michigan State University. Conceived by a handful of Arrowmen and their adult advisors and unveiled by national chief Alex Call during the arena show Wednesday

Travels of the Jungle Refugee Troop (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire ·

Here’s a story of Scouting values that is reaching global proportions. There is a troop in Salt Lake City known as the “Jungle Refugee Troop,” or more formally as Troop 1262 . It was formed in 2006 under the direction of Scout leaders and sponsored by the Columbus Branch of the South Salt Lake LDS Stake…

B-P's Blog – Bad Camping

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

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.

Just tell me what I need to do! (opens in a new tab)

Bobwhite's Blather ·

School starts in most places in just a few weeks, which means we're heading into our big recruiting season. Packs will be going out into the schools to spread the word about Cub Scouting, enticing boys with the thrill of adventure, exploration and fun, and hoping they'll run home to tell their parents that they

Scoutmaster Podcast 279- Les Stroud

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

In this encore presentation I interview Les Stroud of Survivorman about his book Will to Live . Will to Live is written with skill and honesty. I've read many survival accounts, accident reports and how-to books, but Will to Live weaves all of these together.

East Carolina Council Welcomes New Scout Executive (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire ·

Join us in congratulating Doug Brown on his new position as the Scout executive for the East Carolina Council , Kinston, NC. He’ll assume the role on Sept. 1, 2015. Brown is currently a member of the Regional Operations office and began his professional Scouting career as an Exploring executive at the Crossroads of America Council…

S'mores (opens in a new tab)

Cub Scout Ideas ·

Enjoy the perennial Cub Scout tradition of making s'mores even if you don't have a fire! Find out more about these gooey favorites including some fun games.

4 Ways This Website Helps the Joining Process (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire ·

Have you checked out beascout.org lately? Well stop what you’re doing and head over there now, because this site has undergone a facelift to help in your council’s recruitment strategy. The site received several major updates, helping in the process of signing up for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturing.

The uniform every kid's gonna want (opens in a new tab)

Bobwhite's Blather ·

That's the subject line on an e-mail advertisement I received this week from a popular athletic gear company. (I won't say which one.) They're known for making high-quality apparel that keeps athletes comfortable in hot and cold weather, and their lines have broadened to include casual clothing as well. The e-mail pictured a young man,

Fall recruitment is just around the corner (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire ·

It’s hard for me to believe that most of the summer has already passed and school is starting in many of our councils — a sure sign that fall recruitment is underway. I really appreciate the many innovative approaches our councils and leaders are taking to reach new audiences in an effort to build their Cub…

Wanna Sticker? (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

Do you know any scouts that like stickers? My son's water bottle is plastered with layers of stickers! I have a bunch of these stickers to hand out to scouts I meet on my Appalachian Trail trek starting next week for those lucky ones that track me down.

As Our Scouts Head Back to School (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire ·

When I think about the Scout law, it reminds me to meet my responsibilities and demonstrate to others that I care. Lately, I’ve been reflecting a lot on these principles and thought the “back to school” season would be a good time for us to give our young people a refresher on the Scout Law…

Cub Scout Ideas (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

If you've been involved in the new Cub Scout program over the summer, I expect you've probably come up with some neat ideas for some of the adventures. If your Pack's program year starts in a couple weeks with the new school year, then you're getting ready to lead scouts through their adventures on the…

Plastic Tarp: No Grommets (opens in a new tab)

Scout Pioneering · archived copy

Plastic Sheet Shelters In the light that Pioneering has been referred to as “Scout Engineering,” many projects can be considered a pioneering-related venture when Scouts are confronted with fashioning and building something requiring intelligent use of their resources, consideration of angles, trajectory, and some campcraft skills.

Doing your Good Turn (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

At the Wednesday show at the National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) the National Chief rolled out a social media blitz. Staying with the theme "It Starts with Us", the National Chief challenged.. no Dared each person in the Breslin Arena to remember that to change the world we must first love one another.

Scoutmaster Podcast 280 – The Happy Camper

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

This encore presentation features an interview with Kevin Callan, the happy camper, the most famous camping and canoeing expert you've never heard of. Kevin is a Canadian, a famous Canadian on Canadian television and radio, he's a well-known author; a famous canoeist and camper in a country full of canoeists and campers.

Why Scouting is for Families Like Mine (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire ·

Citizenship. Perspective. Community involvement. Independence. Collaboration. These are the qualities and strengths Scout mom Catherine watches develop in her son as he participates in Scouting. As a Scouting volunteer or employee, you’ve probably witnessed countless similar stories of young men and women who have thrived within the BSA’s programs.

It's been awhile…..

Scouter Adam ·

Hey, you are still here reading this blog? I have been away due to work and SUMMER. I wanted to catch-up with a few items related to Scouting. District: Our two District's merged on July 1st. We are now called …