Posts in September 2015

Favorite thing at Conclave? (opens in a new tab)

Jeff's Scouting Blog ·

Had a great time at @SectionW3N conclave, met @OANationalChief Alex Call and @OAWestChief Nathan Lee. The "Meet the Man" Q&A with them and the 6 or so section chiefs was inspiring. Ironically OAWestChief started following my twitter earlier that morning before I met him I think.

Wear Your Scout Neckerchief! (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

During my first visit to Kandersteg International Scout Center it was immediately apparent that Scouts the world over wear neckerchiefs, they wear them all the time, and they wear them with either the uniform or informal clothing. This immediately made sense, the Scout neckerchief is a symbol that identifies Scouts as members of a worldwide…

Issue 451 – September 1, 2015 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

________________________________________ Hi Andy, I'm told that a Webelos II den will be ready to cross over right now, in September. Seems to me this is too early. They haven't even started their second year yet. Makes me wonder if the Den Leader is anxious to be done with that position and the sooner the boys are…

Let’s Get Down to Business, Shall We? (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire ·

Technically the BSA isn’t in the business of anything. We don’t manufacture goods. We don’t sell products or services. Rather, we’re a mission-driven, non-profit organization focused on serving America’s youth by inspiring great leaders, providing life-changing adventures and helping young people grow according to the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

Write a funny caption (opens in a new tab)

Inside Boys' Life ·

Write a funny caption for this photo What's going on in this picture? What are those dinosaurs doing and 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.

BSA Hornaday Award Program – Introduction (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom ·

This is the first in a series about the BSA Hornaday Award Program . This award program recognizes Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venturers who make significant contributions in the area of conservation. The award is challenging to earn, with only 1,100 medals having been awarded over the past 80 years.(...)

B-P's Blog – Jollifying Scouting

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.

The Message (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

If you pay attention to more than just your monthly camp outs and weekly meetings you will have seen or are noticing a very loud message in Scouting. Over the past few years Scouting has turned up the volume on its message of Peace.

Podcast 283 – Self Organized Learning

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Camp is… the real school of the out-of-doors, where all the best in the future man's character can be brought out and developed" B-P This week's podcast departs from our usual format (it's a long holiday weekend!) to explore an idea that could revolutionize the way you approach your work as a Scouter.

Issue 452 – September 8, 2015 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

________________________________________ Hi Andy, I must have looked this up twenty different ways on Google, and still can't find an answer anywhere… What part(s) of a Cub/Webelos uniform "carries over" to a Boy Scout uniform? For years I've been told it's only the Arrow of Light; are there any others, like the Cub Scout Religious Emblem or…

Adventure Pocket Card Help? (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

Cubmaster Ramon is trying to make the new Cub Scout Adventure recognitions a bit easier to administer in his Pack. He has a request from all you fellow Scouters... Have you created a mail-merge, fillable PDF, or other such document into which you can enter Cub Scout names and print onto the new Cub Scout…

A Scout's Duty to God (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

Members of the BSA we are specifically asked to affirm the Declaration of Religious Principle – The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God. In the first part of the Scout Oath or Promise the member declares, "On my honor I…

Patch displays (opens in a new tab)

Jeff's Scouting Blog ·

I came back from NOAC having traded for a few more past conference patches. So I decided to make a display like they had on display in the museum, showcasing the collection. I have to thank my late father for collecting most of the ones after 2000.

Facebook and Twitter and Blogs oh my! (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

In my last post I talked about Scouting's message. If you look at the mission statement of the World Organization of the Scouting Movement (WOSM) it states; "The Mission of Scouting is to contribute to the education of young people, through a value system based on the Scout Promise and Law, to help build a…

Learn More About Scoutbook in One Hour! (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire ·

Are you getting questions about what Scoutbook can offer parents, Scouts, and volunteers? Here’s a chance to help your team understand what you gain with this revolutionary Scouting web application. From the first knot tied to final hours of service performed, the Scouting experience is a journey like no other.

Twitter Tackles Building Confidence in Youth (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire ·

Building confidence in youth is no small feat. As an organization that works to empower young people, we at the BSA know this as well as anyone. That’s why I was particularly interested in a recent Twitter chat on the topic co-hosted by two organizations that reach parents of young children — Mom.me , an online source…

Telling Cascade Pacific Council's Scouting Story

Scouter Adam ·

What do you really know about Cascade Pacific Council? Ok, outside of the annual Friends of Scouting presentation……. Did you know that in 1994 two Councils merged into Cascade Pacific? Can you name them? Columbia and Cascade Area Councils. What …

OA Troop Rep & Advisor #DareToDo

Scouter Adam ·

I am Troop 150's Order of the Arrow's Adviser. I was just elected by the Troop this Spring and my Ordeal was the June 5th weekend at Camp Cooper. Two other Scouts were elected by their fellow Scouts as well. …

Luci EMRG Lantern Review (opens in a new tab)

The Scoutmaster Minute · archived copy

Here is a quick review of the Luci EMRG lantern. A new product from MPowerd. This versatile little lantern will easily fit on your backpack, pocket, glove box or first aid kit. With 4 different light settings it is perfect for reading in camp, marking your location, or providing an emergency light source wherever it's…

Are You Prepared? (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire ·

September is National Preparedness Month , an appropriate time for all of us to take stock of our own emergency readiness. To drive home the importance of doing so, I’d like to share a life-changing experience for one Scout that can help us all remember why we should live up to our motto of “Be Prepared.”

BSA Hornaday Award Program – Troop 319's Awards (opens in a new tab)

Scouter Mom · archived copy

This is the third in a series about the BSA Hornaday Award Program . In this segment, author Ken Zabel describes some of the Hornaday projects which members of Troop 319 completed. This article describes how the individual awards and the unit Hornaday awards were earned.(...) Continue reading the article at http://scoutermom.com/17603/bsa-hornaday-award-program-troop-319s-awards/

B-P's Blog – Jamborees

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.

One simple sentence (opens in a new tab)

Bobwhite's Blather ·

You've probably heard that many people fear speaking in public more than almost anything else. But it doesn't have to be that way – and as a Scouter, you are in a perfect position to learn how to ease that fear. I had never spoken to large groups very much until I became a Cubmaster.

The "Tong Method" (opens in a new tab)

Scout Pioneering · archived copy

The “Tong Method” When it’s time to use a hand ax to split larger pieces of wood into kindling, currently the only method in BSA literature is the contact method where one hand holds the ax’s handle, and at all times the other hand grasps the piece of wood being chopped.

Podcast 284 – Assistant Scoutmasters

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

What do Assistant Scoutmasters do? In this week's podcast I'll opine on the reaction to a recent post on a Scouts Duty to God . I'll also answer email questions on what assistant Scoutmasters do and Webelos dens as Scout patrols.

Rocket Into Scouting (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Musings ·

Visit RocketIntoScouting.org to sign up for Cub Scouts in Minnesota or South Dakota. All area elementary schools are scheduled to have Scout representatives on hand from 7 to 8pm on Sept. 17. Let your neighbors with elementary school age boys know about the opportunity. Scout On

Handbook Infographics Updated (opens in a new tab)

Jeff's Scouting Blog ·

#scouting I found the infographics I posted the last couple of days were coming across very small when viewed, something with how blogger publishes stuff I guess. I updated the posts with the original size images, so they should be much bigger and easier to read now.

Grandma Gatewood

Scoutmaster Clarke Green ·

Emma Gatewood read about the Appalachian Trail in National Geographic Magazine"I thought it would be a nice lark," she said. In 1955 at the age of 67, she put on her Keds sneakers, put an army blanket, a raincoat, and a plastic shower curtain in a homemade bag slung it over her shoulder, and headed…

Did You Know There Are Councils Overseas? (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire ·

Picture BSA-uniformed Scouts in the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Australia, and Asia. It’s no fantasy – it’s the far-reaching Scouting movement of today. The Boy Scouts of America is all over the world. Literally. With so many countries having their own Scouting organizations, you may be wondering how this is possible.

Issue 453 – September 17, 2015 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

________________________________________ Dear Andy, For an upcoming District Awards annual dinner, some of us Scouters have come up with the idea of collecting $1,000 between us and recognizing our outgoing District Chair with a James E. West Fellowship. A few of us aren't so sure this is a good idea, but we can't seem to get a…

Serving Others Serves Us All (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire ·

Throughout the history of the Boy Scouts of America, you will find a continuing theme of service to others. That concept has been carefully baked into our DNA for a number of reasons. First and foremost, we seek to instill in young people the concept that service to others – without expectation of reward – is part…

A.T. Winner

Scoutmaster Musings ·

On my 300-mile section hike of the Appalachian Trail, I met many interesting folks and had some wonderful (and some challenging) times. Every day offered up at least one memorable moment, but my evening spent in the Gravel Springs hut in the Shenandoah National Park was certainly one of the favorite times on my trek.

POPCORN

Scouter Adam ·

It is that time within most every Council starts to sell Popcorn. Cascade Pacific Council is no different. This was Elliot when he was a Wolf in Pack 221. There are many ways to sell Popcorn, and this site will …

B-P's Blog – Reading (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

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.

How to Connect with Scouts from Around the World (opens in a new tab)

Scouting Wire ·

Ever wanted to communicate with Scouts across the world without ever hopping on a plane? Well, now’s your chance because Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA) and Jamboree-on-the-Internet (JOTI) are coming your way October 16-18, 2015. What Is JOTA and JOTI? JOTA and JOTI are annual World Scouting events that provide the perfect opportunity to get in touch with…

Outside Influences – Podcast 285 (opens in a new tab)

Scoutmaster Clarke Green · archived copy

What do we do about outside influences in the lives of our Scouts? To begin with let's figure out what's "outside" and what is "inside"? Let's interpret outside influences on our Scouts as something that is beyond our scope of control and inside influences as something within the scope of our control as Scouters.

Issue 454 – September 22, 2015 (opens in a new tab)

Ask Andy ·

________________________________________ Here are some interesting updates on "World Scout Scarf (Neckerchief) Day" that I missed but my readers didn't… Proof that being glib isn't nearly as important as being a good researcher! Hi Andy, In your response to Mitch Erickson in your September 8th column about wearing the neckerchief, you didn't mention "World Scout Scarf Day…

It's a STEM-O-Rama at the Three Fires Council (opens in a new tab)

Inside Boys' Life ·

It's a STEM-O-Rama at the Three Fires Council The first sign that this wasn't your usual Scout event? The remote-controlled, pilotless aircraft buzzing against the blue sky. At the Three Fires Council STEM-O-Rama, Scouts got the chance to try their hands at more than 100 exhibits and demonstrations during a daylong event in St.