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My employer likes us to log our volunteer hours (probably so they can take credit for helping the community, though I'm not acting as a company employee per se in my volunteering hours). So I do, and it is interesting to see how they stack up.
Well this is something new, I'd like to say a big hello to all the Jabbering followers. Chris has asked me to write...
Happy New Year! Starting the New Year off right for me becomes more and more important each year. I'm not sure what it is, probably just part of the ageing process and gaining a better understanding of what is important [to me].
Its that time of the year when we break out the winter gear and head out for some chilly, exciting winter camping adventures. I thought it was a good time to throw out some things to consider when getting out there in the cold.
This Pinewood Derby season, race to your nearest Lowe's Home Improvement Store for Dremel Pinewood Derby Days.
The cog that turns the wheels of Boy Scouting is the patrol method, and the grease that lubes the axle is something nebulously called patrol spirit. Just what is patrol spirit? It's the sense of friendship and cooperation that exists between members of a patrol. It's the competitive nature and persistence that propels a patrol
Brick Mason, Scoutmaster, Superhero Please enjoy this encore edition while the podcast is on vacation right along with you as you enjoy the holidays with your friends and family. I'll be back on January 11th with podcast 298. You can listen to our archived podcasts here Sponsored By ScoutmasterCG.com Backers Listen to this episode (00:15:09)…
How do you encourage a fellow Scouter to attend roundtable? That can be tricky, and it's the subject of our latest Tuesday Talkback.
The Charles L. Sommers Alumni Association recently released their Fall 2015 newsletter . Dave Hyink wrote an article for the newsletter about the Honorary Life Membership that was awarded to Paul R. Christen. Below is the article. At its February 2014 meeting, the Charles L.
With over 101 million in the US alone, iPhone users make up a sizable population. Imagine the value a population that size holds for researchers in medical fields like Diabetes, Parkinson's, and drug abuse and addiction. With the help of Apple's ResearchKit , medical researchers around the globe are getting to tap into this population to…
Last week, we gave you the breakdown of the December NextConnect episode, which featured crucial recruitment topics such as: Build an Adventure campaigns Use of “Blast into Scouting” cover photo on social media Connections with schools to organize new units Use of PSA spots and other branding materials Scouting calendar presentations for parents We don’t…
I was thinking last night about Scouting families, not this great big Scouting Family we all belong to, but our own individual Scouting families
This month's blog entry is about Accountability in Scouting. By this I am thinking about the way we run Scouting on a day...
Now the new year has come Scouts registered after January 1, 2016 must use the new rank requirements. What about Scouts registered before December 31, 2015? The answer is a little complicated, but not too hard to understand; Here's the logic chart as a PDF file , and the BSA document I used to make it.
Find out which Cub Scout adventure requirements can be completed at pack meetings. This is a handy resource for pack planning.
________________________________________ In response to THE MANTOOTH BONE segment I published on December 31st, I've heard from a bunch of Scouts about wanting more! Here's one… I just read the excerpt about Eddie and I showed it to our troop. They agreed with me and they want to know the rest of the story!
Gloves are an important part of your winter gear. If you are like me, your hands and your feet are the most important part of staying warm. Once my hands and feet get cold.. that's it.. I want to go home.
On Jan. 1, 2016, the new Boy Scout requirements I've been blogging about for months became official. Here's your complete guide.
Cub Scouts from the Capitol Area Council helped deliver and unload nearly 2,000 lbs of popcorn to their local troops stationed at Camp Mabry in Austin, TX to say “thank you” to the men and women serving our country. The ton amounted to $70,000 worth of popcorn donations that will be distributed to military families…
What’s the difference between cars from 1916 and 2016? Major updates in technology, that’s what! Automotive technology is advancing quickly and now that vehicles are commonly equipped with computers, careers in this industry require a new skill set. Members of an innovative Explorer post in Honolulu, Hawaii are ready to master these modern mechanics to…
Are you an Arrowmen looking for a once in a lifetime experience this summer? If so, you’re in for a major treat because the Summit Bechtel Reserve is hosting a brand new Order of the Arrow event that’s only offered in 2016.
Dave Hyink of the Charles L. Sommers Alumni Association presents Paul R. Christen with the special award. Eagle Scout and final Region Ten chairman, Paul R. Christen was recently given an Honorary Life Membership award by the Charles L. Sommers Alumni Association for his contribution to BSA’s National High-Adventure Program .
Good triumphs over evil, family matters most and all the best action happens outside. These are just a few of the ways Scouting is like Star Wars.
The Scouts of Troop 870 of Denver wanted to prove their ability to Be Prepared for anything. So they gave the reins to the adults for a mystery trip.
Many packs hold a special Arrow of Light ceremony to honor boys who have earned Cub Scout's highest rank. Check out the top 10 Arrow of Light ceremonies.
The future is officially here. There are now 20 different interactive digital merit badge pamphlets available, including every Eagle-required merit badge.
When I started as the committee chair of our troop, one of the things that went through my mind was how many things I'd need to be responsible for. I had a pretty good handle on advancement (or so I thought), matters of finance and the rules of safety and youth protection. But what about
Do I need to get a new Scout Handbook? When do the new handbooks come out? Do we have to get them? When do we start using the new rank requirements, do they apply to every Scout? Answers to these questions and more in this week's podcast.
Set sail on one of the most awe-inspiring experiences offered in Scouting by taking advantage of entering the Sea Base’s lottery for 2017! At the National High-Adventure Sea Base, all participants have the opportunity to explore a variety of aquatic activities like sailing, scuba diving, swimming, snorkeling, and fishing among the most beautiful coral reefs…
The Truth About Virtual Reality Last week, some of the air went out of the virtual reality bubble. The maker's of the Oculus Rift VR headset decided to charge $599 for the headset when it goes on sale on March 28.
Write a funny caption for this photo What's going on in this picture? What is that lizard doing and what is the grasshopper 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.
This collection of helpful Pinewood Derby articles will give you the information you need for a fun and exciting event.
________________________________________ Hi Andy, I recently transferred councils and connected with a new troop. This troop's been around for over 50 years but right now is under brand-new adult leadership. They're trying their best to elevate the troop to truly "Scout-Led," per Baden-Powell, and so we've just had patrol elections for Patrol Leaders.
Question: How can I take the Scouting Oath and Law more seriously in my day-to-day life? An oath is a very solemn thing. It isn't a motto or positive incantation. It is a verbal commitment on one's honor do a certain thing.
We want parents to be involved in their son’s pack, troop, team, post, ship or crew. Without dedicated parents, Scouting can’t function. But how involved is too involved? What if Dad insists on his tent being right next to his son’s tent?
Totem is a crowd-powered innovation consultancy which has worked with Global Fortune 500 companies, using IdeaScale solutions, to plan, present, and manage successful innovation campaigns. They do this through an online curriculum, which is customizable to your learning goals. In the ever-evolving world, crowdsourcing feels very democratizing and also introduces you to minds and ideas…
In early May we began construction on some new structures to help participants, and staff, in each of our Adventure Areas here at The Summit. Each Adventure Area now has a brand spanking new pavilion! I had a…
Scouts and Scouters of all ages have the ability to inspire outdoor enthusiasm in their communities. A panel of industry experts honored such exceptional individuals and groups for encouraging others to engage in outdoor fun, at the sixth annual Outdoor Inspiration Awards.
January 2016 Skunk Jet Sled Cafe Press Items Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com
It’s the first national gathering of Venturers at the Summit Bechtel Reserve – a new Scouting experience unlike any other before – it’s VenturingFest 2016 and it’s coming ‘atcha this summer from July 31 to August 5 . Why You Won’t Want to Miss It VenturingFest 2016 is a special Scouting event at the Summit that’s open to…
How to build a Little Free Library Use recycled materials to make a neighborhood library where people can borrow, return and/or donate books. Visit littlefreelibrary.org to learn how to set up and run your Little Free Library. WHAT YOU'LL NEED An unfinished pine frame with an inside measurement of 8?
Want to jump-start your recruitment goals this year? The 2016 Growth Plan is now available on the Marketing and Membership Hub , so get ready to watch your council’s membership reach new heights! As you may already know, the Marketing and Membership Hub is a trove of recruitment resources.
17-year-old Ryan R. of the Baltimore Area Council formally receives the Eagle Scout rank during his Court of Honor ceremony. (Photo credit: Carroll County Times) “I think he would be very proud,” Ryan R., said at his Eagle Scout Court of Honor according to the Carroll County Times .
Boy Scout Dane H., 14, of the Great Lakes Field Service Council didn’t know what kind of adventure was in store when he set out for a day of dirt biking, but fortunately for Michigan’s Au Sable State Forest, the Scout was prepared for anything.
Boy Scout Thaddeus L., who would have been 18 this year, died in a plane crash Nov. 14, 2009. (Photo credit: Cape May County Herald) Six years ago, 12-year-old Boy Scout Thaddeus L., and his father died when their private airplane crashed shortly after ascending from the Woodbine Municipal Airport.
Don't let expensive gear deter you and your Scouts from reaching for the next challenge. Here's how to save money on great brands like Coleman.
The BSA’s commitment to service has been an integral part of Scouting’s mission since our founding more than a century ago, so it is only fitting that we honor the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
If there is one event in the Cub Scout year that could be considered the high point, it's the Blue and Gold Banquet. Every winter, Cub Scout packs hold a celebration of Scouting's anniversary. Scouts gather, along with their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins for food, fellowship, recognition, entertainment and Scout spirit. And the
Looking for some great Cub Scout crossover ceremonies to celebrate your Webelos' transition to Boy Scouts? Check out some of my favorite ones.
Are you reactive (like me)? In this podcast I discuss patience and fortitude, two important character traits of successful Scouters. I'll also answer email questions concerning wearing more than one hat as a volunteer, job descriptions for Scouts, and how much Scouts should be expected to plan.
________________________________________ I'm on a brief vacation at the moment, so I prepared this in advance. I'll be back next week to answer questions, help solve problems, and guide you to finding what you're looking for. Meanwhile, here are some insights that may be useful to Scouters and Scouting youth leaders alike.
Twenty-seven years before "The Revenant" dramatized the life of Hugh Glass, Boys' Life shared the terrifyingly true story with its readers.
Although it may be difficult to remember, try to think back to last year-a whole month ago-when we announced our 2015 Innovation Management Award winners . Back then, we pointed out two commonalities between our three winners, two things that they focused on when engaging in their crowdsourcing campaigns: inclusivity and transparency, and an improvement in…
Is your Cub Scout ready for college? Probably not just yet – but your older Boy Scout is! Ok, ok, we can’t say for certain your high school senior is feeling 100% ready about leaving the nest in the fall, but according to one Eagle Scout in college, Scouting definitely gives kids a leg up when…
On Scout Sunday 2016 and Scout Sabbath 2016, we set aside time to celebrate a partnership that benefits religious institutions and Scout units alike.
When a Scout earns the Eagle Scout award, he’s among a very rare group of Scouts who have reached Scouting’s highest achievement. But when twins earn Eagle – they’re among an even more unique set of rare birds. Both Liam and Carrington C.
How do you get people from around the community to crowd to a school parking lot in scorching July temperatures? Leave it to a Scout to plan an event so awesome, people enthusiastically gathered outdoors in the heat of the summer.
Calling all United Methodist Church Scouters! Are you ready to expand your Scout leadership skills? Or maybe you’re looking to brush up on the latest BSA programs. What better place to grow your Scouting knowledge than a BSA High-Adventure Base?
February is just around the corner, and that means Scout Sunday, Scout Sabbath, and BSA’s birthday is too! With the Scouting holiday trifecta quickly approaching, we’re bringing you the dates and details for these BSA celebrations. Scout Sunday falls on February 7 this year, followed by BSA’s 106 th anniversary on February 8, and then…
Valentine’s Day service project: One Tiger Den in Michigan will create handmade, handwritten valentines to send to our longest-tenured Eagle Scouts.
A North Carolina Cub Scout gave Luke Kuechly his Pinewood Derby car, but Kuechly didn't have to be told what he was holding. Apparently he was a Cub Scout.
Sometimes, it seems that the Boy Scouts of America gets in the way of fulfilling their own aims. Here's an example, inspired by a post on Google Plus's Scout Nation group, which featured a photo of rank advancement and merit badge insignia and cards ready for the Scouts to be awarded at the court of
Cursive handwriting is a dying art, and with National Handwriting Day on Jan. 23, I asked the expert why cursive handwriting is so important.
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We tend to focus only on directive leadership roles when we are thinking about engaging our Scouts in leadership, but every Scout can (and ought to) be a leader. Here's some thoughts you can use to encourage all of your Scouts to engage in leadership.
Effective March 1, 2016, John Mosby will tackle a new role as the Northeast Region director. John will work in partnership with the volunteer and staff leadership of the region, areas, and councils to deliver quality Scouting programs and experiences to an increasing number of young people in the Northeast.
After being excluded in all previous editions, the 13th Edition of The Boy Scout Handbook features the Japanese Mark II Square Lashing —a very good thing! Referred to simply as “The Mark II Square Lashing,” it’s included along with the other lashings in Chapter 12.
Oy! It's almost the end of January and I haven't made a post. Not a good start to the new year. Still settling in after the bust holiday season, I've been trying to about the computer in the evenings (and, well, I got some new video games for Christmas so those have been a distraction…
Each year our Order of the Arrow Lodge hosts two gathering events. The first is our Native American Arts and Ceremonies Seminar (NAACS) and the other is the Rendezvous of the Order. The latter being the largest event of the lodge and during which we have our annual Lodge banquet.
It's the job of the Merit Badge Maintenance Task Force to keep our current library of pamphlets and badge requirements up-to-date, relevant and fun.
OK, the big day is approaching and you're hoping your Blue & Gold Banquet turns out all right. You're concerned that the boys will have fun and the parents won't be disappointed. The good news is that by following the Scout motto – Be Prepared – you can improve your chances of having a smooth
John M (Webelos Leader – Pack 21, ASPL W4-58-16, Crazy Owl, W4-40-14) sent in these certificates to use at your Webelos ceremonies. Thanks John! The first is the blank John made and the second is an example of how it can be used.
It's not easy to become a Navy SEAL . The special operations force of the U.S. Navy (it stands for sea, air and land) requires applicants to pass a strenuous test of physical fitness, mental discipline and teamwork. When Scouts from Troop 7 in Modesto, California, participate in the Navy SEAL Challenge, they get a taste…
What works, what doesn't and what's new? The Scoutmaster blog started with it's first post in October of 2005, just over ten years ago (it's titled "Why Scouting?" ) The first podcast was published on January 25th 2010 – exactly five years ago today.
Wow! Has it really been a month since I last posted an article to this blog? I guess so. I suppose I should should a few articles again. In the meantime, have fun watching this video performed by the Boy Scouts of Troop 68 about a furniture store. Audience participation is required.
February 2016 KNOTS Caption Contest! Winner Announced February 17th! 3 Ways to Enter: KNOTS BLOG | Facebook Page | Email 1) Contest runs until February 15th, 2016 2) Enter your captions (1 and/or 2) and theme or title ideas (optional) 3) Enter as many times as you like 4) Name and email are required Winner receives a…
There's no official recommended order for earning merit badges. So which merit badge makes the best "first merit badge" for Scouts?
Gosh! I do not know if you have heard or not but the Boy Scouts of America have changed the requirements for the Boy Scout advancement program. Scout is now a rank, which means there are seven ranks instead of six.
Whether you’re an avid skater or a canoe aficionado, visit the Summit Bechtel Reserve this summer and you’ll be among the first to see the property’s newest additions. Each Adventure Area is now home to it’s own pavilion! These majestic structures are equipped with electricity, lighting, and built-in storage to keep gear in tip-top shape.
Games Guru says The Witness video game is visually stunning, incredibly lengthy and altogether mysterious. If you're a gamer, you've likely heard a lot about The Witness (Jonathan Blow for PC, PS4; the-witness.net ). But what's it all about? The Witness is an homage to an old-school game called Myst: a science-fiction adventure game full of…
I used to think our camping options were limited once winter came and our favorite hiking and backpacking trails got buried in snow… until I rented a pair of snowshoes! It started with my daughters wanting to do something during Christmas break in 2014 and me casually saying: "let's go rent some snowshoes".
Philmont, Northern Tier and the Summit Bechtel Reserve each have openings for summer 2016. At Florida Sea Base, the lottery for 2017 spaces is now open.
Shortly after I retired as the scoutmaster of Troop 68 a few years ago I became the troop committee treasurer. It did not take me long to realize that I did not care to hold that position. It was not that it took a lot of work.
Anyone who takes on a position of responsibility as a leader will feel pretty self-important at first. After all, you have been chosen, or you stepped in when no one else did. It's a big ego boost to have a title, to have people follow your directions.
Fishing for a unique service project idea for aspiring Eagle Scouts or even an entire troop or pack? Professional Bass Fisherman Tom Redington has you covered. You know him best as a trophy-winning pro angler but Tom’s also Scouting Wire’s resident expert on all things fishing and he’s weighing in on how Scouts can take…
Pop quiz: what’s the best way Scouting volunteers and professionals can help deliver high-quality programs to youth and adult members? Hint: Scouting U has the answer. At the BSA, we’re committed to providing leadership and development opportunities to our youth, but to do that we must build better leaders amongst ourselves!
How well do you know your charter organization? How well does your charter organization know you? The January NextConnect webinar covered a myriad of communication topics, including the importance of cultivating relationships with charter organizations and your surrounding community. Marketing and experience manager Michael Ramsey and a host of guest experts delivered the latest in…
This article is a guest post from Manasi Talikoti from questionpro.com . You can read the companion article on the QuestionPro blog . Once Robin Williams said "No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world" Are you one of those people that thinks they can change the world with their crazy ideas?
Eagle Scout Tim K. was honored with the Eagle Scout rank after completing a project to honor his community’s first casualty of the Vietnam War. (Photo credit: Ginger Brashinger, Daily Southtown) Eagle Scout Tim K. of the Pathway to Adventure Council is the first Scout to earn Scouting’s highest rank in his troop – but that’s…
You’ve been patiently waiting and now we’ve got the details you’ve be clamoring for – VenturingFest 2016 (previously known as AdventureFest) is the first national gathering of Venturers at the Summit Bechtel Reserve and it’s set for July 31 to August 5, 2016 .
One Eagle Scout from the Grand Canyon Council is going above and beyond to help kids in his community’s foster care system with an Eagle Scout project that’s providing essentials and comfort to children in need. For several months, Giovanni B.
Philip Sullivan had his camera recording when his son Trevor woke up from heart transplant surgery. The emotional video is raising organ donation awareness.
Four of the seven souls killed in the Challenger explosion on Jan. 28, 1986, had Scouting pasts. One of the victims, Ellison Onizuka, was an Eagle Scout.
A fire can save your life in winter In cold weather, a fire can be important to staying warm and dry. But even in a survival situation, you should still take the time to build a fire in a way that does not put the environment or yourself at risk.
As a take a break from writing today I thought it would be a good time to introduce to you, or reintroduce to you, a song performed by the Boy Scouts of Troop 68. Years ago the troop would do an annual show they called Laughs For Lunch.
With a New Year come new resolutions. As I said at the end of last year, one of my resolutions for 2016 is to find innovative ways to introduce families to Scouting . Fittingly, one Central Florida family made a resolution to seek new adventures in the New Year, which they discovered with the help of…
For the first time in Scouting history, Explorers from all career fields will gather at the Summit Bechtel Reserve for an event unlike any other: SummerFest 2016. This summer, Explorers will assemble from around the country from July 27 – 30 for four days of outdoor excitement at the High-Adventure Base.
Hey all… First of all I want to thank you for your patience. In my next post I will do some explaining on the direction of the Blog and where we go from here.. but today I want to share with you some options when it comes to storing and carrying your food while out…
William H. Macy was an Explorer Scout, and he remembers a trip to Region 7 Canoe Base that changed his outlook on life.
I finally finished the career arrow awards for the den last night and was able to take a great big sigh of relief. I took on quite a big task, but I wanted these awards to be very cool and personal, not just something I bought online.
