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November 2015 On Launch Command? Cafe Press Items Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com
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November 2015 On Launch Command? Cafe Press Items Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com
I have noticed that bloggers like Seth Godin tend not to write mammoth 10 page posts they do simple 10 liner little asides.
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 got home from an evening of fun and celebration with Troop 150. It is the Troop that Elliot is in. The Troop is 30 years old as of October 30th. All four Scoutmasters were there. Each had a few …
Beginning Jan. 1, 2016, every rank from Tenderfoot to Eagle Scout (plus Eagle Scout palms) will include a "duty to God" requirement.
Scouters seem to be addicted to meetings. In your unit, you either conduct meetings with the youth (den and pack meetings, for instance), or hover way in the background during troop and patrol meetings. We have meetings of our own, too – committee and leader meetings, district committee and commissioner meetings, Roundtable, and all sorts
A lot of our Scouts are subject to many demands on their time… .. and some are under extreme pressure from their parents. What if one of our Scouts wants to quit because they say they have no time for Scouts?
Does your pack, troop, team, post, ship or crew meet somewhere neat? That’s what a Scouter named Jeremy wondered when he wrote this email: I would love to see people share pictures of the insides of their meeting places. I know that there are a lot of cool ones out there, and it would be…
The BSA has a proven track record of shaping youth into people of outstanding character – people who understand the meaning of accountability and the importance of servant leadership. On #GivingTuesday, December 1, 2015, we’re continuing that record by helping Scouts become the leaders of the future.
Does your council need help staying focused on the big picture and working on the goals you want to achieve? Want to be aligned with the new BSA Strategy? Connected with the 4 National BSA Initiatives for 2016? Or just learn more about them?
Imagine, for a moment, there is nothing called "Scouting", no program, no troops, no councils, no districts, no uniforms, no badges. Someone comes up with an idea for helping young people develop character by getting outdoors and going camping. They share this idea with young people who get pretty excited about it.
Write a funny caption. We’ll print the funniest in the Feb issue of BL! What's going on in this picture? What is that bison doing and what is it 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.
Scouters, volunteers, and parents know the positive impact Scouting has on youth. In fact, in our Families Like Yours video series families across the nation shared what Scouting means to them and how the program has changed their lives. And just recently, Scouting Wire shared a study which scientifically proves the value of Scouting .
Every year when the weather turns cold, Scouting for Food heats up. That’s the council-run food-collection drive that benefits local communities. Here’s how it works: Councils set their own dates for Scouting for Food. Most hold their drives on back-to-back weekends some time between November and March.
Wondering how the old Webelos requirements compare to the new ones? Get your copy of a spreadsheet that shows you exactly that!
This is my recap of our adventure to NOAC 2015. This is the background and prelude to the trip. NOAC (the National Order of the Arrow Conference) was announced back in 2012, but the hype started building over a year before the event.
The other day I hear on the radio that Mark Zuckerburger had set himself a New Years Resolution to read 26 books in 2015 - Can I do it?
November is National Aviation History Month. That’s a whole month focused on the amazing achievements the United States has made in the development of aviation. And when you consider the impact Scouts have had on aviation history, we have a lot to celebrate this month.
If you’ve been keeping up with Scouting Wire, you’ve probably already met the creator of Scoutbook and found out why Scouting Nation loves the handy app . But who’s the BSA leader behind the tool that’s engaging youth on their mobile devices and helping adult leaders deliver the program with more ease than ever?
________________________________________ Dear Andy, I usually agree with most everything you have for us out here in the field, but I disagree on the point you made in your October 22 issue (No. 458), when you said, "One of the saddest things I ever heard was just a few years ago at an Eagle court of honor…
NOAC Day 1 (Saturday): Travel day Our first day on the trip started early, waking up at 3:00 a.m. to be at the airport around 4:00 a.m. for a 6:00 a.m. flight to Chicago. Getting 88 people through ticketing takes a while but we manageed with minimal chaos.
That should be my 2016 goal to look up more and not spend my life looking down and spend more time outside.
When it comes to front-country camping breakfasts, you can’t beat eggs. Well, unless you’re making pancakes. What’s inside that little oval can be scrambled, poached, fried or turned into boil-in-bag omelets. Things take a turn after the plates are licked clean and it’s time for clean-up.
Boy Scouts working on their Tenderfoot rank need to learn about poisonous plants. Being able to identify hazardous plants will help all Scouts who are in the outdoors, so this knowledge is not just for rank advancement. The link below will take you to a nice quiz on the Boy's Life website which will teach…
How do you identify a young person who has attended National Youth Leadership Training, the council-level course also known as NYLT? You can look for the Scout or Venturer who is confident in his or her leadership role. You can look for the Scout or Venturer who practices servant leadership, valuing the team above the…
Once a year the roundtable staff of the Central Minnesota Council, Scenic District, invites the Eagle Board chairman, the district advancement chairman, and other key people to attend a meeting to discuss Eagle Scout projects, workbooks, and board of reviews.
For Throwback Thursday, here are some picture from the flag ceremony Scout 1 took part in. I missed that one, luckily a friend snapped some pictures. We've gone now each year since, and at Memorial Day to. Thank you to all our veterans!
You can't learn how to perform CPR from a blog post. Consider the CPR guidelines here to be a jumping-off point before you take more-formal training.
What’s the link between the most patriotic composer ever and the most patriotic youth organization ever? It happened in 1916. John Philip Sousa, the American March King who wrote “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and other marches, debuted his “Boy Scouts of America” march.
Day 2 (Sunday) Day 2 started with trying to figure out how the group dynamics would work getting the clans to breakfast and getting all 88 people feed in a timely manner at the small hotel restaurant. Then we headed off to the local water park, apparently Illinois's largest (though similar in size to the…
Looking over the blog, I saw that I had thought at one point to include some more file templates people could use. When I was committee chair, the first year in the role I thought it would be cool to publish a "Pack Annual Report" to describe all the cool things we did that year.
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.
Exactly when do you become an Eagle Scout? When is it official that you've earned Scouting's highest rank? We asked the expert.
If you're a den leader, you realize that successful den meetings are planned in advance and have a variety of activities for the boys. The new Adventure program puts everything together so you don't have to try to figure out for yourself how to run your den meetings. The goal is engagement, with advancement as
Marci sent me this question: Hi, my son is up for an eagle BOR very soon, and I was wondering what type of questions they ask parents. I was informed the scout steps out of meeting while the reviewers ask parents questions.
If you are wondering what to do next, the answer is always "do what Scouts do". Can it be that simple? Actually, yes! It's just that simple! When Scouts do things Scouts do they develop character as an after-effect. Don't get sidetracked by anything else or you may miss powerful experiential opportunities.
The Wolf adventure, Germs Alive! has an error in the handbook. The fake mucus recipe has incorrect amounts for the ingredients. Find the correct one here.
20 funny Star Wars jokes and comics May the farce be with you! Here are 20 funny Star Wars comics and jokes by Boys' Life readers that would even make Darth Vader laugh. Do you know a funny Star Wars joke?
In a nod toward helping other people at all times, Boy Scout service hour requirements that take effect in 2016 will increase the number of hours needed.
Back in 2014 I was contacted and asked if I would carry out some technical reviews of products to be included in a website
Need a quick video explaining what the Jamboree is all about? You’re at the right place. Check out the video below to get an overview of what’s in store for participants and staff volunteers attending the 2017 Jamboree. After you watch, share the video with your Scouting network and spread the word on social media.
Are you an organization trying to find a way to innovate and respond to the needs of your customers? It could be the key to doing so is already under your own roof, so to speak. If you work with customers, it means you have employees who interact with those customers, which makes those employees…
Join us in congratulating Lamar Perry as Area Director for area five of the Southern Region, effective December 16, 2015. Lamar began his Scouting career in 1996 as District Executive at the Middle Tennessee Council in Nashville, Tenn. He was promoted to Senior District Executive later in the same council.
If you pride yourself on knowing U.S. geography, the Scouting magazine Where Am I? contest is for you. The payoff? We randomly select one correct answer to receive a $100 gift card to ScoutStuff.org . Take a closer look at the photo featured above and read the clues in the newest Where Am I?
Do you know a stand-out Scouting alum who’s made an extraordinary difference to the nation? Now’s your time to recognize that person because nominations are now open for the National Alumnus of the Year Award! This award is the Scouting Alumni Association’s highest recognition and was established to recognize alumni of the BSA who, over…
Randi sent in this question Hello! I'm a wolf leader and I need some input. I was planning on starting duty to g*d footsteps and I have already informed our cub master that I wanted to bring the boys to a Buddhist temple.
The Summit's Scott Visitor Center has a new attraction — a giant mural entitled "B-B-Bear!". Josh Cochran and his assistant Courtney Menard spent a whole week here at The Summit and built an amazing mural showcasing the wide variety of offerings we have here at our Scout Reserve.
________________________________________ Here's more on the idea of parents tagging along on every possible Boy Scout outing… Hi Andy, "Amen" to discouraging continual parental accompaniment! Thanks for discouraging continual parental accompaniment on overnighters and outings. In addition to interfering with peer-to-peer relationships (Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leaders, and patrol-mates), as you pointed out, here are a few…
I am a man of many Jackets; I have hard shells, soft shells, fleeces. all taking up space in my cloakroom. Could I have just one
In Flanders Fields In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now…
Many Eagle Scout candidates choose a project that benefits our nation’s veterans and active-duty soldiers. In honor of Veterans Day, here are 11 great examples. 1. Pennsylvania monument honors veterans Trevor Drawbaugh, a 17-year-old from Dauphin, Pa., raised $29,000 to build a granite monument honoring veterans of all ages.
Some people think the Scout Law only applies to Scouts – but in reality, you don’t have to be a Scout to live by the key principles of Scouting. The 12 pillars of the Scout Law are universal guides that anyone can take inspiration from to be their best self.
Veterans’ Day for the Surbaugh family brings back proud memories of my grandfather who served in the Navy in World War II and in Korea as a Quartermaster. He and a number of our family members served our nation in military service, and we honor them on Veterans’ Day as millions of others also take…
Looking for a unique card game to play while you're camping? Read our review of Toasted and Roasted.
The eight knot contest can be an individual or patrol contest, it's one of my favorite inter-patrol competitions. To hold the eight knot contest you'll need four ropes of equal diameter, three six foot long, one twelve feet long. A two foot long log about six inches in diameter, and two trees 12-16 feet apart.
There’s an award in Scouting so rare that it can be awarded only once per year. It’s the BSA’s National Alumnus of the Year Award, the Scouting Alumni Association’s highest recognition. Nominations for this honor are being accepted now, but you need to hurry; the deadline is approaching fast.
Here's a question from Marie: I've been asked to take over the Chaplain's Aide training for our council, but they have no training materials from the previous coordinator. Can someone please share with me how you run training for Chaplain's Aide?
Prologue: A couple of posts ago in the "Traditional Scouting 101" series, I talked about how true Scouting centers around outdoor expeditions and how these expeditions should always be challenging . In the next post after that, I showed step-by-step how to create Troop meetings and camping programs according to this principle.
Are you ready to thrive in subzero temperatures and trek across the winter wilderness? What about paddle across acres of meandering rivers while reveling in the natural beauty of the Great North Woods? If you said yes, you’re in luck because Northern Tier is now offering a lottery that will give you a chance to…
Thank you to all those who have served, or currently are serving, our beautiful country!
Looking for an adventure you’ll never forget? Look no further than the Summit Bechtel Reserve. But don’t take our word for it – hear it straight from the outrageous guys of Dude Perfect, the YouTube sports entertainment group that has fun written all over it.
Last week you got the scoop on #GivingTuesday and how your support helps Scouting on this global day of giving. Today, we’re rolling out some helpful resources to get your councils fired up to promote #GivingTuesday using the power of social media and other outreach tools.
At a recent camporee, an assistant Scoutmaster was called out to join the Order of the Arrow, Scouting's national honor society. His son was not.
I’m a firm believer in the importance of rewarding and recognizing our staff, volunteers and Scouts who go above and beyond to represent Scouting well and advance our movement. That’s why I was honored yesterday to present four National Service Center employees with the Silver Benchmark Award at the National Staff meeting.
Does "two-deep leadership" apply to driving to and from Scouting events? In other words, are two adults required in each car? We asked the expert.
Jason sent this question: Curious as to what others had done for the putting on a carnival (Bear Requirement for Grin & Bear It). Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! Good question! Here are a few simple ideas: Ring toss – Use glass soda bottles and shower curtain rings.
The BSA has purchased an umbrella movie license that covers all council-owned properties. This move has implications that reach beyond Wood Badge and NYLT.
Casting for Recovery provides free fly-fishing retreats for women with breast cancer. For the past six years, Philmont has hosted one of those retreats.
Megan sent in this question: Recently my husband who is the Scoutmaster had a father of a scout show up at our door and threaten my husbands safety. The father also went to the Boy Scout meeting looking for my husband who was not there and gave another threat to his safety to another leader.
Our Cub Scout Popcorn Sale was wildly successful this year! Read about the sale and the factors that we believe made it great.
Liz sent in this question: My son is a Weeblo first year. He will have completed all his requirements by December. I understand that I cant do his next advancements until after May graduation BUT can I keep doing electives and getting credit for them?
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 all… Needless to say it's been a real busy time here and I have let my posting slide.. know that you have heard that before and I make no apology. After all, you understand what is important and not so much.
Cricut® now has officially licensed Cub Scout and Boy Scout images. Embellish your Cub Scout's scrapbook or make party favors and decorations!
In a nod to the BSA's increased emphasis on the outdoors, the number of campouts required for First Class in Boy Scouting will double beginning in 2016.
Know a Scout or Venturer who "shows leadership and passion for the outdoors"? Nominate him or her in the 2016 Outdoor Inspiration Awards.
The rise over the last several years of social networking in the form of online services like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have revolutionized the way we communicate. Regardless of where we are in the world, we can keep in touch with our network of friends back home or anywhere else. Networking is not new to
Peace Scouting is nothing new, and it's very simple… In this podcast I'll share some thoughts about peace Scouting as described in an address Baden-Powell made to what would later become the World Organization of the Scouting movement in Paris in 1922.
The weekend of November 13th and 14th 25 volunteers and professional Scouters attended Training at Camp Thunderbird just outside Olympia, WA for Western Regional Area 1 Training. I was invited by the Cascade Pacific Council Commissioner Dolly Olson to attend. …
Some of these Scout meeting places caught my eye right away, including a troop that meets on a beach. Others make the ordinary extraordinary.
Ever bunked on a battleship? Pitched tents next to a pitcher's mound? Camped out somewhere outstanding? Send in photos of the wildest place you've camped.
What does The Summit's Aquatics Program Manager Isaac Colvard like to read on his (minimal) time off? Well funny you should ask, he is a huge history buff and when I asked him this very same question today he shot me back two links to some of his favorites books.
For regular readers and followers of this Blog, you will no doubt recognize this guy to my left. Jerry Schleining-Jr. I have known him as a friend since about 2009 after I took Wood Badge with one of his ASMs. We …
The deadline to submit your applications for the 2015 Innovation Management Awards is this Friday, November 20 ! In this third annual competition of accomplishments in innovation management, three categories are open for submissions: Best Engagement Strategy, Best Moderation Strategy, and Best Innovation.
I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think" ? Socrates On a long November night our group of eight was crossing Indian Pass in the Adirondacks when all but one of our flashlights quit in the cold and rain.
Scouts and Venturers are conquering extreme climates, climbing the highest peaks on the planet, breaking world records and accomplishing incredible feats in the outdoors almost everyday – so why not honor those stand-out kids in a big way? Starting now through Friday, November 20, you can give inspiring Scouts and Venturers the major kudos they deserve…
We know you love working on projects, building things with your own two hands. That desire to make and build has been a big part of Scouting for millions of young people. Maybe you’re looking for that next project to take on, or you might be on the hunt for a great science project idea…
With 2016 just around the corner, now’s the time to get your councils amped up to register for the 2017 Jamboree. So to help you pump up the excitement in your councils, Scouting Wire is sharing some helpful videos to illustrate why the jamboree is the Scouting event you won’t want to miss.
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Don't start building your Pinewood Derby car until you've read this FREE "How to Make the Best Pinewood Derby Car Ever" guide!
A Scouter and blog reader saw something familiar in the marketing campaign for "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2": a three-finger sign.
Two awards recognize people and councils who do Venturing right: the Venturing Leadership Award and the Council Standards of Venturing Excellence Award.
Have you ever come face-to-face with a bear in the wilderness? Well if you visit the Summit Bechtel Reserve you’ll be able to claim you have! Ok, ok, you won’t be greeted by a real bear – you’ll run into a 2-D painting of a bear featured in the Summit’s new mural at the Scott Visitor…
The Scout badge will soon be more than the initial patch given to new Boy Scout members. Beginning Jan. 1, 2016, Scout will become its own dedicated rank. Bryan on Scouting recently shared an article about the upcoming change. The article explains that the requirements to earn the Scout rank may be more challenging than…
After a couple of months on the job as Chief Scout Executive, I am happy to report just how much fun I am having connecting with all of you: both reconnecting with many folks I’ve encountered throughout my Scouting career, and also getting to know so many new people — staff, volunteers and Scouts alike.
Our world is constantly changing, but one thing remains the same: Scouting continues to be a symbol of adventure, fun, and achievement for youth and their families. The core elements of the program are timeless and there’s always a great story to be told.
While the most-popular Venturing crew specialities are "general interest," "high adventure" and "camping/backpacking/hiking," there's more to the list.
Join the Scouting Alumni Association between now and Nov. 30 and $4.99 extra gets you a copy of the book "Defiant" by Eagle Scout Alvin Townley.
Troop 248 of Oakdale, Pa., is featured in an episode of "Barnwood Builders," the DIY Network show about salvaging and old-world craftsmanship.
Julia asked this question: I have a question about some of the new program requirements. I'm the leader of a Bear den and have the following issue. We had our "Cub Scout Carnival" at the beginning of the year and all of our 6 scouts planned and executed it – it was a lot of fun…