Hour a Week/Black Diamond Cosmo (opens in a new tab)
So it's an hour a week they say… Enjoy.. Tell a friend, share, and let me know what you think. Have a Great Scouting Day!
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February 2016
147 posts, oldest first.
Posts in February 2016
There's an Eagle Scout playing in Super Bowl 50 (opens in a new tab)
When the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers kick off Super Bowl 50 on Feb. 7, 2016, an Eagle Scout will be among the starters.
Surviving your first Blue & Gold Banquet: The big day (opens in a new tab)
Your Blue & Gold Banquet is tomorrow and you're fully prepared. You've planned, checked and re-checked every detail. Your committee, den leaders and parent helpers have everything taken care of, and you're ready to step up and run a successful event. Or so you wish! Bearing in mind that a visit from Murphy isn't out
Scoutmaster Podcast 301- Your Scouting Vision (opens in a new tab)
What's your vision for Scouting? Have you ever taken the time to really examine your Scouting vision, how you picture where you are headed as a Scouter? When I first became a Scoutmaster my vision was defined by what I knew at the time.
Write a funny caption for this photo (opens in a new tab)
Write a funny caption for this photo What's going on in this picture? What is that lion 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.
Five secrets to building patrol spirit in your troop (opens in a new tab)
Many years ago, I authored a guest blog for Bryan On Scouting's blog . This post has, incredibly, continued to drive requests for the food challenge and patrol competition information mentioned in the post. Unfortunately, the email address in the post is no longer accurate and, even if that wasn't the case, having folks send an…
Let's look at the Cooking merit badge revise for 2016 (opens in a new tab)
Requirements for the Eagle-required Cooking merit badge have been revised for 2016, with better organization, fewer redundancies and a focused approach.
Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera helps grow Scouting (opens in a new tab)
Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera, a former Boy Scout, serves as the honorary Round-Up Chairman for the Mecklenburg County Council.
Pinewood Derby Poems (opens in a new tab)
I realize that many packs have completed their Pinewood Derbies, but I recently found this in my archives and thought it would be fun to share it again. Maybe these could be read during your council Pinewood Derby. In December of 2008, Len of Pack 15 sent out a mailing to those of us in…
How Citizens Can Help Police Improve Quality of Life (opens in a new tab)
One of the commonalities for our Innovation Management Awards winners this year was the focus on quality of life. The improvement of quality of life is also a key focus for the New York Police Department (NYPD), and they're using IdeaScale to do it.
Celebrate BSA’s 106th Anniversary With These Tasty Scout Cake Ideas (opens in a new tab)
On February 8, 2016, Scouters everywhere will celebrate the program that brings them together—the 106 th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America! Are you planning a BSA birthday celebration next week? Then you’ve come to the right place. Nothing goes with birthday festivities like cake, and we’ve got a plethora of ideas for a…
Apply for the NESA Committee Grant to Win $1,000 (opens in a new tab)
Do you have an inventive idea that could help your local NESA committee assist aspiring Eagle Scouts? NESA has a project for you! Each year the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) will award service grants to local council NESA committees by region to provide service to their communities and Scouting.
Patrol Leadership Training Program (with PDF workbooks) (opens in a new tab)
I can get really excited about traditional Scouting, but sometimes it's difficult to implement all of the principles in real life. It's especially hard for Scoutmasters, because traditional Scouting isn't just a system that can be mandated from the top down.
"God Bless America" royalties benefit the Boy Scouts (opens in a new tab)
Every time "God Bless America" is performed, a portion of the song's royalties go to benefit Scouts in the BSA's Greater New York Councils.
VenturingFest 2016 is the summer's must-do event (opens in a new tab)
Billed as a "Scouting experience unlike any other," VenturingFest 2016 is a national gathering of Venturers, held at one of the coolest spots in Scouting.
New York Scouts, Explorers ring Opening Bell on NYSE (opens in a new tab)
A group of New York Scouts and Explorers can count themselves among the ranks of celebrities who have rung the Opening Bell on the New York Stock Exchange.
This Isn’t Your Father’s Pinewood Derby (opens in a new tab)
Building a race car from a block of wood, wheels and nails for axles has come a long way since the first Pinewood Derby car sped down a homemade track more than 60 years ago. Since then, more than 100 million Cub Scouts have participated in this annual competition.
How Many Service Hours Did Scouts Perform in National Parks? (opens in a new tab)
Scouting was founded on the premise of doing a Good Turn daily. Community service is very important in the character-building process and, as Scouts, we have made the commitment to give back to our communities. Each year, millions of Scouts perform service projects throughout their communities – but exactly how many hours did they perform?
Add a High-Adventure Base Experience to Your 2016 Summer Calendar (opens in a new tab)
If a camping adventure with your Scouting friends sounds like the ideal summer activity for you, then we’ve got some exciting news! Philmont Scout Ranch , the Northern Tier , and the Summit Bechtel Reserve High-Adventure Bases still have open spots for this summer and they can’t wait to welcome you and your buddies to experience what…
Explorer Braves Cold Waters to Rescue Crash Victims (opens in a new tab)
A Florida Explorer got more than just a glimpse into the law enforcement profession last Saturday when a vehicle careened into a pond nearby. Explorer Jacob U. of the Gulf Stream Council got a call from his grandmother that evening, telling him to quickly call 911 because a vehicle had crashed into a retention pond.
What is a "Boy-Led Troop"?
Many Scouters claim; "We have a boy-led (or youth-led, or Scout-led) Troop," but what does that really mean? Official literature mentions this sort of thing often , but how is do we really define "boy-led"? We'd like to think what the Scouts do and how they do it defines "boy-led", but it doesn't.
Issue 472 – February 2, 2016 (opens in a new tab)
________________________________________ Dear Andy, A tradition in our troop is to have a Scout who's about to age out do the Scoutmaster's minute at his last meeting as a youth member. I think what our most recent "Scoutmaster-for-the-moment" and Eagle Scout had to say to his fellow Scouts.
Read Stephen Colbert's letter to an Eagle Scout (opens in a new tab)
Stephen Colbert, host of The Late Show on CBS, wrote an awesome congratulatory letter to an Eagle Scout. In it, he hints at his thoughts about Scouting.
Venturer learns to appreciate Scouting's global reach (opens in a new tab)
Many American Scouts and Venturers know little about Scouting in other countries. But Pratik Vaidya recently learned to appreciate Scouting's global reach.
Arrow of Light Arrow Striping (opens in a new tab)
The Arrow of Light is Cub Scout's highest rank. In many packs, it's customary to honor Arrow of Light recipients with a plaque, a ceremonial arrow or both. One of the traditions observed by many packs is to put stripes on the shaft of the arrow to symbolize the boys' achievements during their Cub Scout
Starting Scouting's Story
In this weeks Vlog we start the discussion on telling Scouting's story. I am a huge believer in setting the rules for how our story is told, shared, and promoted. We live in a great time for communicating what Scouting is all about.
Denver Broncos have two Eagle Scouts on their roster (opens in a new tab)
Earlier this week we told you about one Eagle Scout on the Denver Broncos lineup. Turns out there is another.
Ads
A quick word about the ads that are in the sidebar of the blog. I have had a few questions asking about the ads in the sidebar of the blog… well.. not so much questions, but concerns that I am monetizing the blog or making a profit off of it.
Scouting’s Place in the Big Game This Sunday (opens in a new tab)
Okay, so the Steelers didn’t make it to the Big Game this year. I can live with that. There are still plenty of reasons to look forward to this Sunday. Among them are a couple ties to Scouting. First, Denver’s center, Matt Paradis , is an Eagle Scout.
Is Scouting still relevant? – An essay (opens in a new tab)
In honor of the BSA's 106th birthday, read an essay from national Order of the Arrow chairman Ray Capp. The essay: "Is Scouting still relevant?"
Scout featured in Jeep Super Bowl commercial (opens in a new tab)
A Jeep Super Bowl commercial included a reference to Scouting. It makes sense, seeing as both Scouting and Jeep are part of America's identity.
North Carolina Scout camp recognized for sustainable forestry (opens in a new tab)
Cherokee Scout Reservation is the only Boy Scout camp to earn the distinction of Model Forest by the Forest Guild for its sustainable forestry practices.
Is your committee on mute? (opens in a new tab)
Meetings are almost universally despised. For most people, unless they absolutely have to be there (the committee chair, for example), they either attend grudgingly or find a reason to skip out. Unless a meeting is compelling and productive – and participants are engaged in the process – you might as well go home. So how
Appalachian Adventure (opens in a new tab)
As the snow begins to melt off the skate park and zip-line platforms, we know that the summer season is swiftly approaching! What short-term camping adventures does your unit have planned? Based in the James…
Cub Scout Wood Projects: Build a Tray (opens in a new tab)
Cub Scouts can build some cool wood projects, including this tray. Get your free plans here!
Scouting Anniversary Day Celebrates our Service to America’s Youth (opens in a new tab)
You only need to look at the 138 patches on the merit badge sash of someone like Eagle Scout John Gray to get an idea of what Scouting can offer to our young people today. John, who is part of Troop 599 in the Sam Houston Area Council , is part of an elite group of…
Scoutmaster Podcast 302 – A Scout IS…
How would you answer that question? Sure, we have the Scout law but would you add anything? Find out how one Eagle Scout just about to "age out" answered that question in this week's podcast. In This Podcast Intro [1:05 ] Chris M's Scout Law [6:45] Email question about Troop treasurer [9:45 ] This podcast is brought…
Virginia Scouts share emergency action plan used to clear snow after winter storm Jonas (opens in a new tab)
After winter storm Jonas blanketed the northeast in more than two to three feet of snow, Virginia Troop 581 used an emergency action plan to mobilize more than 100 Scouts to clear snow.
How long should pack, troop or crew meetings last? (opens in a new tab)
How long should pack meetings last? How long should troop meetings last? And how long should crew meetings last?
Which Way Did He Go? (opens in a new tab)
I'm still here! I spent most of January on a hiking adventure through Florida. It was great to escape the bitter cold of Minnesota, but did no scout blogging. I hiked almost 500 miles. My son and I started at the southernmost point in Key West and walked the 100 miles of connecting bridges through…
How shooting sports help Cub Scouts grow (opens in a new tab)
Fortunately, the strength of the BSA's shooting sports program — which starts in Cub Scouts — is in its emphasis on safety above all else.
Camping Checklist for Scouts
When preparing for a campout, one of the most common questions from less experienced campers is "What should I bring?" This article from Boy's Life magazine is a good list of must haves for that campout. It covers the outdoor essentials you should always take on a campout or hike.
Why the Crowd is a Great Resource for Travel and Transportation Organizations
Are you a public transit user? Or an airline traveler? Or a train rider? Travel and transportation organizations want to hear from you! Why are they so interested in what you have to say? Because they have realized that the crowd is one of the best resources available to them.
Share Your Scouting Story
I'd like to share your Scouting story on the Scoutmaster Podcast, here's why and how; Why Share? Because your story will help other Scouters. We all share the same challenges and difficulties, the same accomplishments and victories. How did you work out a conflict, overcome an obstacle or resolve an argument?
With only some basic knowledge and inexpensive gear, you can have a safe, fun outdoors... (opens in a new tab)
With only some basic knowledge and inexpensive gear, you can have a safe, fun outdoors experience in even the coldest weather. By Aaron Derr Photographs by Jim Evans If you live in a climate like Miami, Florida, where the average low temperature in the coldest part of the year is higher than 60 degrees, getting…
Calling All Eagle Scouts! Meet NESA’s New Online Community (opens in a new tab)
NESA’s online community is about to change in a great way and you and your fellow Eagles are going to love the new features you’ll be able to use to stay connected. The associate director for the Scouting Alumni Association, Ryan Larson has the details on this exciting move, as well as a video to…
Now there's a fourth way to earn Snow Sports merit badge (opens in a new tab)
Beginning Jan. 1, 2016, there's a fourth way to earn the Snow Sports merit badge. Snowshoeing joins downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding.
These two Eagle Scouts are now Super Bowl champions (opens in a new tab)
Denver Broncos players Matt Paradis and Aaron Brewer, both Eagle Scouts, now own another impressive title: Super Bowl champions.
Ask the Expert: How to Connect with Your Scout (opens in a new tab)
Connections have evolved. Over 25 years ago, the first mobile text message was sent from a British engineer to a co-worker on the Short Messaging Service Center Project at the Vodaphone telecommunication company. 1 Texting was first popular in Europe and eventually was introduced to American customers in 1995.
Jamboree Performance Troupe seeks singers, dancers (opens in a new tab)
The BSA's jamboree planners are looking for a few Scouts and Venturers to take their talents to West Virginia and join the Jamboree Performance Troupe.
Four elements behind every great Scoutmaster's minute (opens in a new tab)
In those 60 seconds (or a little longer), a Scoutmaster's minute helps inspire Scouts with a story, a parable or an anecdote.
IdeaScale Acquires InnovationManagement.se to Enhance Comprehensive Innovation Offering (opens in a new tab)
San Francisco, CA February 10, 2016 – IdeaScale, the California-based innovation management solution, today announced its acquisition of InnovationManagement.se (IM), the world's leading platform for cutting-edge innovation management content, best practices and online training programs. This decision comes as part of IdeaScale's mission to offer an end-to-end innovation solution for organizations of all sizes.
Sea Scouts becomes its own program within the BSA (opens in a new tab)
Sea Scouting, the 104-year-old nautical arm of the Boy Scouts of America, will become its own independent program within the BSA, effective immediately.
Philmont Brings High-Adventure to the Annual NCCS Training Conference (opens in a new tab)
The National Catholic Committee on Scouting’s annual training conference, “Scouting in the Catholic Church” is just around the corner! From July 24-30, 2016, Scouters of all experience levels will gather at the Philmont Scout Ranch High-Adventure base to spend five days fine-tuning their youth ministry skills.
Make This Pinewood Derby Fun for All (opens in a new tab)
How many people participate in your Pinewood pit crew? Each year, Cub Scout packs from across the country gather with friends and family to zoom hand-painted creations across their respective tracks. While this iconic event is geared towards Cub Scouts, pack members certainly won’t be the only ones joining in on the fun.
Does Scouting Work? This Video Proves It! (opens in a new tab)
For more than 100 years, Boy Scouts of America has been the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, helping young people to be “Prepared. For Life.” We know it, parents know it, Scouts and Scouters know it – but we wanted scientific proof that Scouting positively impacts character development in youth.
Creating separation
Once a Scout meets the requirements for First Class the focus changes from basic skills development to discovering all that Scouting has to offer, service, and leadership. The Scout will discover Scouting through the merit badge program, high adventure bases, Jamboree's and being an active member of his Troop.
10 black leaders who got their start in Scouting (opens in a new tab)
In celebration of Black History Month, we wanted to share a list of 10 prominent African-American leaders who got their start in Scouting.
Just because a lake is frozen, it doesn't mean there aren't fish to catch. By Aaron... (opens in a new tab)
Just because a lake is frozen, it doesn't mean there aren't fish to catch. By Aaron Derr Photographs by Jim Evans In the winter, some lakes get so cold that the surface freezes over. In the summer, it looks like a great place to go swimming.
Issue 473 – February 11, 2016 (opens in a new tab)
________________________________________ Dear Andy, There's a young man (let's call him Jack; he's coming up on his 16th birthday) in our troop who has struggled with maturity issues. About nine months ago, my son mentioned that Jack had been talking a lot about marijuana use with some of the older Scouts.
Prepare for hiking with these 4 foot exercises (opens in a new tab)
Get ready for hiking with these 4 simple foot exercises. Training for a big hike? Perform these simple exercises a few times a week to reduce the risk of ankle sprains, aching arches and other foot-related injuries. Achilles Stretch Stand on a step with your heels hanging off.
How can I keep ticks away? (opens in a new tab)
How can I keep ticks away? Q. How can I keep ticks away? I love to go hiking, but every time I go outside, I always get attacked by ticks! What can I do? - Ticked-Off Nicolas, Nevada, Iowa A. I feel your pain.
LeBron James sent this letter to a new Eagle Scout (opens in a new tab)
You can imagine Eagle Scout Joseph's surprise when he opened an envelope to reveal a letter from NBA superstar LeBron James.
Michigan Scouts to help those affected by Flint water crisis (opens in a new tab)
Scouts in the Michigan Crossroads Council will collect and donate bottled water in an effort to help those affected by the water crisis in Flint, Mich.
A parent helped build that Pinewood Derby car? (opens in a new tab)
It was the most beautiful Pinewood Derby car the pack had ever seen. And it was clear that a parent helped build it. But isn't that the point?
Watch for these great games in 2016 (opens in a new tab)
Watch for these great games in 2016 This year is shaping up to be one of the greatest for gaming in a long time. Here are a few of the best games to watch for: THE LEGEND OF ZELDA (Nintendo for Wii U) Delays have pushed this epic game back nearly a year, but Nintendo…
Last Day as a Cub Scouter (opens in a new tab)
I spent my last day as a Cub Scouter this past Saturday at the pack's Blue & Gold dinner. It was our seventh Blue & Gold as a family, and the final one for our second Webelos II scout. It was just before that first Blue & Gold seven years ago that I went to my first committee…
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Star Wars Blue and Gold Banquet (opens in a new tab)
Are your Cub Scouts big Star Wars fans? Throw them an awesome Star Wars Blue and Gold Banquet with these ideas!
What aren't they learning in school? (opens in a new tab)
Every school day, our Scouts get up in the morning, have their breakfast, gather their belongings and head off to school for a day of learning. Important subjects such as history, English, mathematics, science, music and art are taught, with the aim that our young people will acquire a well-rounded set of skills to give
What Makes a Patrol and Why? (TS101) (opens in a new tab)
Scout Leaders, is your Scout Troop on autopilot? You're busy. I know I sure am! Most likely, the ‘Scout Leader' hat isn't the only hat you wear. Between work, family, and social responsibilities, you probably have a crazy schedule. Because life has so many ups and downs, it's tempting for all of us to put…
Balloons Blow (opens in a new tab)
Have you ever used Biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate? Sure, you have! But, you probably know it as the brand name of Mylar . It was developed in the 1950s by those great chemical folks at DuPont that also brought us neoprene, teflon, kevlar, tyvek, and panty hose.
Kids to Parks Day 2016: How Scouts can take part (opens in a new tab)
Kids to Parks Day 2016 is May 21. The day offers a terrific opportunity to get outside and explore parks and public lands — either with your Scouting family or your actual family.
Antonin Scalia was a Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Arrowman (opens in a new tab)
Antonin Scalia, the U.S. Supreme Court justice who died Saturday, was a Cub Scout, Boy Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow.
Scoutmaster Podcast 303 – Patrols
How do you decide who ends up in what patrol? Patrols are not about managing Scouts, they are not an artificial construct. If you look at patrols from the perspective of your Scouts there's the only thing that's actually important – and that's what we'll talk about on this podcast.
When Ben Linkous, an Eagle Scout from Troop 417 in Gulf Breeze, Florida, participated in the... (opens in a new tab)
When Ben Linkous, an Eagle Scout from Troop 417 in Gulf Breeze, Florida, participated in the Eco-Adventure program at Florida Sea Base , he was amazed at the fish, coral and other marine life that he saw. What could he do, he thought, to bring a similar experience to his own community?
Issue 474 – February 16, 2016 (opens in a new tab)
________________________________________ Dear Andy, One of our troop's Assistant Scoutmasters asked the Scouts to assist in filling in pot holes in the parking of our troop's Scout house. The Scouts are expecting to earn service hours credit for the work they did.
February KNOTS Cartoon (opens in a new tab)
February 2016 Camping - Great Fire Winner of this year's KNOTS Caption Contest is ... Thye Schuyler of Salem Oregon! Thanks to all who participated! Cafe Press Items Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com
Let the Countdown Begin for Exploring Summerfest 2016 (opens in a new tab)
This July, the Summit Bechtel Reserve will welcome Explorers from all over the country for a massive Exploring adventure like we’ve never seen before: Summerfest 2016! Last week we gave you the breakdown on the first ever Exploring Summerfest , coming July 27-30, 2016.
Eagle Scout one of 12 in world to ace AP Calculus test (opens in a new tab)
Eagle Scout Landon Labuskes is one of just 12 students in the world to get a perfect score on the Advanced Placement Calculus exam.
Off to First Girl Scout Camp (opens in a new tab)
Scout 3 finally had her first campout as a Girl Scout! She's been a on few family campouts with us as a Cub Scout family, and our own personal camping trips, but this was the first official Girl Scout overnight trip, to Camp Fleming She was quite excited to go, and eagerly took her packing…
Scouting Proudly Observes Black History Month (opens in a new tab)
Every February as we commemorate Black History Month, I think it’s important to reflect on and celebrate the important contributions African Americans have made to Scouting. Those contributions are many, and our movement would not be what it is today without them.
Access This Council Promo Kit for the Latest 2017 Jamboree Resources (opens in a new tab)
Are you looking for resources to fuel your council’s 2017 Jamboree marketing efforts? Well you’re in luck because we’ve packaged a toolkit that’s perfect for you! From printed materials to digital assets, you can find what you need in the 2017 Jamboree Promo Kit .
Visiting Country Meats (opens in a new tab)
I often wonder about the processes used to make things. I'm always curious how someone takes raw materials and creates consumable products - for example, what all needs to happen to get that plastic gallon of milk into your refrigerator? Or, that can of soda?
Scout’s Diagnosis Won’t Stop Him from Earning Eagle (opens in a new tab)
Charter J. will officially receive the Eagle Scout award at his Court of Honor ceremony on Feb. 21. (Photo credit: Woodbury Bulletin) Earning the Eagle Scout rank isn’t the first challenge Charter J. of the Northern Star Council has encountered in his life.
Let’s Hear It for the Sea Scouts! (opens in a new tab)
Join us in welcoming the Sea Scouts as the newest independent program in Scouting. The nautical aficionados of the Scouting world have officially joined the ranks of the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venturing as a separate BSA program .
Submit Your Racers in the 2016 Pinewood Derby Photo Contest (opens in a new tab)
Now’s the time to give your Pinewood Derby cars a tune up and fresh coat of paint because it’s officially time for the 2016 Pinewood Derby Photo Contest ! From now until April 7, you may upload a photo with the theme of Pinewood Derby to the official Cub Scouts website for the chance to take…
Five groups who benefit from the BSA's STEM programs (opens in a new tab)
Any young person who experiences STEM in Scouting or STEM Scouts will benefit. But we found five specific groups who seem primed to enjoy STEM.
BSA names its National Alumnus of the Year for 2016 (opens in a new tab)
The Scouting Alumni Association has named Ray Capp, Distinguished Eagle Scout and chairman of the Order the Arrow, as its 2016 National Alumnus of the Year.
Troop 118 from Glendale, California, didn't visit just one national park for their big summer... (opens in a new tab)
Troop 118 from Glendale, California, didn't visit just one national park for their big summer trip last year. When Troop 118 traveled, they went big-time, visiting four national parks on one epic outing. First, the guys drove 530 miles to Bryce Canyon National Park, where they camped out two nights and hiked around the Utah…
Limitations of Scout Leader Training (opens in a new tab)
No doubt – Scout leader training is invaluable, as are the selfless folks who volunteer to train their fellow Scouters (thank you if you do!) I recommend you take advantage of every training opportunity possible. Trained Scouters are more likely to do good, and less likely to do harm.
Throwback Thursday: Feb. 17, 2009 - My First Committee Meeting (opens in a new tab)
Feb. 17, 2009 It was my first committee meeting as a parent and scouting volunteer (sort of, I had been an ASM and "adult leader" when I turned 18 and was registered for about a year and a half in that capacity, but I didn't much feel like and adult, and didn't have the parent…
New video could be the greatest Scout recruiting tool yet (opens in a new tab)
Does Scouting work? A new, highly shareable Scout recruiting video answers that question with a resounding "yes."
Dive into the latest issue of Scouting magazine (opens in a new tab)
The March-April issue of Scouting will be reaching mailboxes this month. Here's a sneak peek at the stories you'll find inside!
Count your steps to stay in shape with these devices (opens in a new tab)
Count your steps to stay in shape with these devices Experts say that most boys should average 60 minutes of physical activity and roughly 12,000 steps per day to stay healthy. Here are a few of the coolest ways to keep track of all that activity: FITBIT ZIP ($59.95, fitbit.com ) This tiny water-resistant band tracks…
8 cool things about New York's new Nintendo store (opens in a new tab)
8 cool things about New York's new Nintendo store A completely new and totally state-of-the-art Nintendo store has opened in New York City at Rockefeller Plaza. I was there to witness the grand opening first hand. Here's what was super cool about it.
Venturers tackle three climbs near Oregon's Mount Hood (opens in a new tab)
Venturers tackle three climbs near Oregon's Mount Hood No matter how strong you are, and no matter how tough you are, rock climbing will challenge you. There's an outward challenge - you against the rock, one handhold after the other. And there's an inner challenge - you against yourself, trying to find the confidence to go higher.
It certainly has been a while… (opens in a new tab)
Wow…it's been well over a year since I last posted anything. A lot has happened since that last post. We've found a new home, and have settled into a new-ish life. We do things a bit differently now, not a lot of drastic changes on how we live our lives, but enough that we realized…
Cub Scout World Conservation Award (opens in a new tab)
Just before they bridged, the Webelos in Scout 2's den worked on the "Panda Award" as one of them called it. As Webelos to earn it, they had to get three activity pins: Forester, Naturalist, and Outdoorsman. Outdoorsman we had completed back for the Webelos badge, and we had recently done Naturalist on a nature…
New look for the blog for a while (opens in a new tab)
I'm testing out some of the other templates and formats for the blog. Let me know what you think. If viewing on a computer, you can change the layout. There is a drop down menu on the left, that probably starts out at "Flipcard" but you should be able to change it to the other…
A super busy Weekend (opens in a new tab)
Here's the recap: First, Friday night the Troop headed to the CPC's winter lodge for a great night of fun. We stayed the night at the lodge and on Saturday morning ventured out to White River for a night in the snow.