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I think it is important to have "Hero's" in life. People that we look up to or try to learn from chapters of their lives. William "Green Bar Bill" Hillcourt is one of my hero's. His love for the Scouting program drove him and in the end elevated him to a father of Scouting in…
Grapefruit juice isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Take your average Canada goose, for instance. When it comes to grapefruit juice, these geese aren’t big fans. Luckily for the community of Elkhart, Indiana, which was overrun with geese, it was an ingenious Scout looking for a unique Eagle Scout project who came up with a grapefruit…
It's fall and our newest recruits are joining us. Not just the boys, but the adults as well, stepping into Scouting leadership for the first time, moving to new positions within their units or making the transition from program to program. Any time we start something new, it helps to learn a bit about it
It's 2016. The smartphone doesn't detract from the Scouting experience; it enhances it. Where in the past there was a debate over whether smartphone use is appropriate in Scouting, these days most Scouters see the devices like pocketknives. They are multitools that - with guidance to prevent misuse - are an important part of the Scouting experience.
Jr. KNOTS Scout Spookoree - Halloween Fun! October 2016 Cafe Press Items KNOTS Cartoons Books, e-Books and CDs and Merchandise Keywords: Diesslin, knots scout cartoon, Spookoree; Jr. KNOTS, scout, Halloween, camping, werewolf, full moon Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com
Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA) and Jamboree-on-the-Internet (JOTI) is coming up soon! Did you already add JOTA and JOTI to your unit, district, and/or council calendars? If not, don’t forget to mark Oct. 14 – 16, 2016 as JOTA and JOTI weekend. Other than an opportunity to meet Scouts from around the world, complete requirements in Cub Scouts, and…
Tonight kicked off the ticket sales for Boy Scout Troop 68's fall fundraiser. The spaghetti supper will be held at the Melrose American Legion on Saturday, October 29th. Serving will be from 5:00 to 8:00 in the evening. The troop usually does pretty well on its meals fundraisers.
Looking for Eagle Scout service project ideas? Look no further than Boys' Life ‘s new Eagle Scout Project Showcase . The site includes more than 101 Eagle Scout projects that visitors can browse by keyword, category and location. And you can submit your own project - or that of a Scout in your troop - to add it…
Click on the links below to find the Cub Scout requirements and adventures for each rank. You'll also find fun ideas for how to complete those requirements.
Write a Funny Caption For This Photo What's going on in this picture? What is that chicken 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.
There is a time and place for everything, including technology in Scouting. “The smartphone doesn’t detract from the Scouting experience; it enhances it,” according to a recent Bryan on Scouting blog post “Where in the past there was a debate over whether smartphone use is appropriate in Scouting, these days most Scouters see the devices…
Our Scouts might not believe it, but it's true. I was there. There was actually a time in the not-too-distant past where renting a movie meant putting on shoes, getting in your car and driving to a place called Blockbuster Video.
As a scoutmaster I did not plan any Eagle courts of honor. After all, that was not my job. The Eagle Scout plans his court of honor with the help of his parents. I did give advice and help a bit when asked, but I usually stayed away from the planning.
October 26 marks the official opening of the 2018 Philmont lottery! Philmont Scout Ranch offers thrilling treks through the New Mexico wilderness accompanied by incredible views and Scouting stories you’ll be sharing for years to come. Inarguably, this is a hiking experience unlike any other.
When Scout mom and blogger Penelope of Penelope’s Oasis heard from her son that he was interested in joining Scouting, she jumped at the opportunity to sign-up her first grader for the organization she always admired. Her son loved his new friends and Penelope loved watching him grow in the pack.
We have all heard of the "Uniform Police" in our Scouting circles. I am not a member of the Police Force charged with making a scene about uniform violations and forcing a Council wide investigation on this patch or that..
This is America. Go back to Mexico!" "Build That Wall!" These words are all too familiar today. You might expect to hear them at a rally for the current Republican presidential candidate. The outrageousness is reported by the news media for all to see and hear. But, in this case, it wasn't at a Donald
The merit badge counselor is one of the coolest jobs in Scouting. These volunteers introduce Scouts to a topic about which they are passionate and knowledgable. At the very least, a merit badge counselor helps a young man earn a merit badge for his sash and get one step closer to the next rank.
In February of 2014 I wrote a review of Scout Book . At the time, a pretty new system for recording Scout Data for your unit. In that post I was given the opportunity to give away a couple subscriptions to Scout Book.
Staving off the dreaded “mom, I’m bored!” calls mothers often hear from their sons can be frustrating, especially when your boys are begging for their electronic devices for entertainment. But Scout mom and blogger Jonna of A Mom’s Take doesn’t give in when her boys are restless for their electronics.
Greg from West Australian Scout Pioneering wrote in with photos and a description of the awesome bridge, supported by A frames on each end and a raft in the centre. Here's Gregs description: Photo courtesy Greg Barbera Project : Build a Rope bridge for the West Australian Cub Scout event – Enduro Location: Manjedal Activities Centre (M.A.C)…
In 2015 I was informed that the Council had decided that I would be a Wood Badge Course Director, if I chose to accept the position. It did not take a lot of time for the answer to come from somewhere in the brain to the mouth and I quickly said I would be honored.
________________________________________ The rumors of my… Well, you know the rest. Been traveling out of state and out of the country for the past several weeks. Back in the saddle now, so here we go… Dear Andy, Thank you for your commitment to Scouting.
Wow, this is my 300th post. Quite an achievement I guess, and let's hope for 300 more. I tried to think of something novel to write for this one, but I don't have anything burning to talk about. But I thought maybe I can tie it into the movie "300" and the principles of Sparta.
Those less familiar with Scouting know all about the camping and fishing and hiking that young men and young women enjoy in our program. They know that Scouts and Venturers are kind and do good deeds. "That's a good start," says longtime volunteer Ray Capp, "but there is so much more."
If you are a civics aficionado, this is a very interesting time. We are in the midst of one of the most notable and volatile presidential campaigns in our country's history. Much is being said on both sides of the debate, and it's hard to imagine that anyone could not have formed an opinion by
Always leave a place better than you found it. For more than 100 years, Scouts have followed that doctrine everywhere they go. It's in our DNA. And it's why the Boy Scouts of America has teamed up with Keep America Beautiful , a nonprofit devoted to ending littering, improving recycling and beautifying America's communities.
________________________________________ Dear Andy, My son is working on Camping merit badge and I'm wondering if there's any guidance as far as what constitutes "planning and carrying out a snow camping experience." Is the goal specifically pitching a tent and sleeping when there is an accumulation of snow on the ground?
The building, with its striking design in a breathtaking setting, looks almost too nice to use. Fortunately for the Scouts and Scouters of Utah, though, the Thomas S. Monson Lodge has as much function as form. The 18,000-square-foot Scouting masterpiece is the newest addition to Hinckley Scout Ranch east of Salt Lake City.
3 Wild Plants That Relieve Minor Stings, Burns and Itches These common plants can help if you have a minor scratch, burn, sting or itch. FOR BUG BITES AND STINGS Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) is common in yards, sunny meadows and woodland clearings.
Donn Fendler, who says his Scout training and faith in God helped him survive nine days lost in the woods of Maine at age 12, died Monday. He was 90. Fendler's story, recounted in his 1978 book Lost on a Mountain in Maine , seems almost unbelievable.
The Boy Scouts of America Brings Hands-On Learning to New Audiences through Innovative Collaboration Pilot The Boy Scouts of America’s Exploring program is teaming up with Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) and Maker Ed to bring the popular maker movement to more youth across the country by introducing Maker Exploring posts.
Please join us in celebrating the selection of Marc J. Ryan as Scout executive of the Greater Cleveland Council , Cleveland, OH, effective November 1. Marc began his Scouting career as a program executive in the Narragansett Council in Providence, RI.
Letter by Ray Capp, longtime Scouting volunteer To the parents of boys: If you are like most people, you know that Boy Scouts go camping…and maybe fishing, hiking, or swimming, too. You know that Boy Scouts are supposed to be nice and do good deeds.
A long time ago, in a galaxy… Oh wait, Let me start again. Way back in the 1980's, which is prehistory to today's Scouts, a young scoutmaster began collecting Scouting memorabilia. That collection continues to grow to this day, although not as fast as it once did.
It seems that all of my life I have been a part of or surrounded by organizations that a rich in tradition and have left lasting marks on society, our country, and the people that are served by those organizations.
Zachary Fortuna knows all too well the struggles a young person faces when battling cancer. His little cousin, Chris, was diagnosed at age 4 with advanced-stage neuroblastoma, a cancer of the adrenal glands. Zachary noticed that whenever Chris, now 6, was feeling down, a toy would quickly put a smile on his face.
In this case, it did take a rocket scientist. Charlie Fenske, a Life Scout from Troop 93 on Martha’s Vineyard, Mass., won the top engineering prize at this year’s Google Science Fair. His project — a prototype of faster and cheaper rockets — earned him the Virgin Galactic Pioneer Award.
The Norman Rockwell reprint set I wrote about in the last post is not the only Scouting print set I own. I also have The New Spirit Of Scouting set featuring ten paintings of Joseph Csatari. These prints are also 11″ x 17″ and are great to have as part of my collection.
At first, Danny Etling didn't understand why his mom kept pushing him to stay in Scouting. Sure, he enjoyed camping and earning merit badges, but the four-star football prospect didn't exactly have an abundance of free time in high school.
24 of the Greatest Toys of 2016 Play on! After hours and hours of testing, here are some of the latest and greatest from the toy world. WIN! Enter for a chance to win these toys in the Play On Giveaway.
Many Boy Scout councils use incentives during their Friends Of Scouting campaigns. During the last several years, our council has used special council strip patches to entice donors to give a little more. Each year's patch features a different point of the Scout Law.
As they consider Eagle project ideas during the planning stages for an Eagle Scout project, many Scouts run through a series of thoughts about what might work. Indeed, part of the process requires a Scout to weigh a number of options concerning feasibility and logistics for any particular project.
It's rechartering time for just about everybody, and with it comes our annual self-evaluation, the Journey to Excellence. With us since 2011. this program allows units to assess how they are doing compared to how high-performing units operate. It's a set of eleven guidelines (nine for Venturing crews) along with a means to evaluate each
It's right there on the Statue of Liberty for all the world to see: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free … " But for Michael Nebeker and his fellow Scouting volunteers in Utah, those are more than just words.
#ITLLEDVest Here's something that anyone doing the Hiking or Cycling merit badges might find useful, especially if you're putting in miles on multi-use trails or along roads with traffic. In the very dark night hours, cars have their headlights on and can see reflective safety gear fairly well.
Story contributed by Taylor Olmstead, Marketing Coordinator at the Atlanta Area Council The Scouts in pack 420 really get energized about popcorn sales when they are out in public. This was especially true at our booth at the Duluth Fall Festival.
In some troops, incoming Scouts form a new-Scout patrol. In others, new Scouts are integrated immediately into a patrol with older boys. There's no one-size-fits-all technique, but there are upsides and downsides to each approach. For this Tuesday Talkback, I'll share the BSA's recommendations and ask you to make a case for your preferred method…
These scouts are carefully screening food bits out of waste water before disposing of it. Are your scouts well versed in Outdoor Ethics? How would they dispose of this water and the food bits? I spent my weekend at scout camp on staff presenting a Leave No Trace Trainer course to 14 participants, 9 from…
Seven Boy Scouts of Melrose Troop 68 had a blast at Philmont Scout Ranch this summer. The local newspaper was notified of the trip and decided that an article was in order. At last night's troop meeting we received a visit from Herman, the newspaper reporter.
There are two phrases that absolutely drive me up the wall, First is "Aging out" and the other is "Eagleing Out". No where in Scouting are those two terms found. These are terms founded by lazy leaders that do not understand the entire Scouting program or are not creative enough to keep a Scout interested…
Did you hear the news? Whether you're a working journalist helping inform the public or simply a fan of the world's greatest magazine for boys, you are formally invited to join the Boys' Life team at the 2017 National Jamboree.
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, November 29, 2016, we’re continuing that record by helping Scouts become the leaders of the future.
This Cub Scout Bobcat Cootie Catcher has been updated with the latest Bobcat requirements. The FREE printable includes folding and playing instructions.
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Getting trained for your Scouting position is its own reward. But the Scouter who completes the 1 millionth module in the BSA Learn Center will get an additional reward: free registration for a conference at the Philmont Training Center - up to $540 in value.
Oh my, it's fun to have all three of those critters part of the Cub Scouting program now. The kindergarten Lion program seems to have been 'in the works' forever since our council has been piloting it for a few years now.
The Bears Den of Melrose Cub Scout Pack 68 had fun last weekend. They had their first overnight camping trip. It was held a couple miles south of Melrose in the backyard of one of the families. With a nice big backyard, and hiking trails nearby, it was a good spot for this fun activity.
Pedro Meets the Chief When we set out to interview The Boss' boss, we knew of only one intrepid reporter up to the task. Unfortunately, that reporter was not available, so we had to settle for … Pedro the Mailburro. Please prepare yourselves as the hungry, happy hairball interviews the Boy Scouts of America's Chief Scout…
What does Boys' Life have in common with Fast Company , The New Yorker and Sports Illustrated ? All are high-quality magazines regularly singled out as the best in their class. The latest honor for Boys' Life is the magazine's nomination in the 2016 Adweek Hot List Readers' Choice Awards.
When I got the email, I did a double take. Betsy Hough, committee chairwoman of Troop 48 out of Lake Forest, Ill., wrote that 43 Scouts from her troop - nearly half the troop's youth members - are registered for the 2017 National Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia.
Those of us that have been to Wood Badge, and those that have been around to hear a group of Wood Badgers sing the Gilwell song have heard the refrain "and I'm going to work my ticket if I can.."
Storing Backpacks During Wintertime Q. Hi, Gear Guy. What do you recommend when it comes to storing backpacks during wintertime? I want to store our new backpacks properly so they'll be in good condition for many years. - Mountain Mom, St.
I once had an Assistant Scoutmaster in our unit that came to me one night and announced the he was "Burned Out" and that he was leaving Scouting because "Enough was Enough". He felt that he no longer had something to give the program.
In this election season, we're all immersed and bombarded with campaign activity. We see signs everywhere, hear and see ads on radio and television, get lots of mail, and the phone sometimes won't stop ringing. Often, Scouts participate as well. After all, what Duty to Country is more important than selecting those who lead and
It's the third-annual High-Adventure Week here on Bryan on Scouting. It's time to celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime experiences offered at the BSA's four national high-adventure bases - and give you tips on how to secure your spot in 2017, 2018 and beyond.
Please join us in celebrating the selection of Rebecca Fields as Scout executive of the Northern New Jersey Council in Oakland, New Jersey, effective November 28, 2016. Rebecca began her Scouting career as a district executive at the Chicago Area Council.
The end of the year brings gift-giving season. Take the sting out of holiday gift expenses by winning this awesome gift card. Examine the photo and clues and take a guess - you could be chosen as the winner of the Where Am I?
________________________________________ (Nope, this isn't a pre-Halloween horror story… It's real.) Hi Andy, Our son joined a troop of his choosing when he crossed over as an Webelos, and my husband (an Eagle Scout, former Assistant Cubmaster, Wood Badge) and I (Pack Committee Chair, Wood Badge) followed along as Assistant Scoutmaster (my husband) and Committee Member (me).
It's the third-annual High-Adventure Week here on Bryan on Scouting. It's time to celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime experiences offered at the BSA's four national high-adventure bases - and give you tips on how to secure your spot in 2017, 2018 and beyond.
Story by Jane Parikh of the Michigan Crossroads Council Photo credit: Jane Parikh/ Michigan Crossroads Council Record crowds turned out in downtown Grand Rapids last month to participate in the 14 th annual 9-11 Community Day of Remembrance and Scout Salute to honor the victims of the 2001 attack and the first responders who rushed…
For the last few years I, along with many other Scouters and Scouts, have been buying the Scouting Village collection pieces. Last year my village filled an area larger than two foot by four foot. That was without all the 2015 pieces as part of the display.
Mordecai Brown, Frank Chance, Johnny Evers and the rest of the World Series champion Chicago Cubs were never Boy Scouts. How do we know? Because in 1908, the year they won the World Series, the Boy Scouts of America didn't yet exist.
I was recently asked and I accepted the position of ASM of Logistics for the W1-492-17-2 course within Cascade Pacific Council. Yes, once again there are TWO Courses. This course is also a 7 day course. Not the split 3 day …
What does Boys’ Life have in common with Fast Company , The New Yorker and Sports Illustrated ? All are high-quality magazines regularly singled out as the best in their class. The latest honor for Boys’ Life is the magazine’s nomination in the 2016 Adweek Hot List Readers’ Choice Awards.
It's the third-annual High-Adventure Week here on Bryan on Scouting. It's time to celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime experiences offered at the BSA's four national high-adventure bases - and give you tips on how to secure your spot in 2017, 2018 and beyond.
In the Wood Badge program everything we do.. and I mean everything, is a model for what the Scouting program is supposed to look like. From the way we dress to the way we strive to be a High Performance Team, the Wood Badge staff models success.
Calling all commissioners! Annual unit charter renewals are upon us and now is the time to take action to ensure that 100% of renewals are completed on time, with no lapsed or dropped units. Charter partner organizations must renew their unit charters annually.
You've never seen a Pinewood Derby track this long, guaranteed. The Nebraska-based Mid-America Council now owns the Guinness World Record for the longest Pinewood Derby track ever constructed, with a track that surpassed the previous record-holder by more than 2.5 times.
Last year, mom blogger Emily of Busy Mommy discovered firsthand how much fun Scouting can be for the whole family when she and her son were introduced to Scouting for the first time through a local Cub Scout Fun Day day camp.
Sometimes a Daily Good Turn takes some effort, and sometimes an opportunity literally blows up in your face. You've seen the movies where a briefcase full of cash cracks open, or dollars are thrown from a building, or an explosion blasts money through the air, right?
It's the third-annual High-Adventure Week here on Bryan on Scouting. It's time to celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime experiences offered at the BSA's four national high-adventure bases - and give you tips on how to secure your spot in 2017, 2018 and beyond.
I have a lot of photo albums. Scouting photo albums, that is. Most of them include pictures of troop meetings, weekend outings, summer camps, and courts of honor. There are also albums of the trips to Philmont Scout Ranch, the High Knoll Trail, and the 2001 National Jamboree.
Anyone who has tried to fit four Scouts and all their camping gear into a compact SUV knows that packing a vehicle can be as frustrating as a thousand-piece puzzle. But when that puzzle is solved? When each piece is in its proper position?
________________________________________ (This conversation is from early September…) Hi, Andy, I'm a Den Leader entering my second year and having a grand time. My den has grown to a good size-12 registered and about 10 showing up regularly, and continuing to receive inquiries from prospective new members, too.
One reason I like taking scouts backpacking up in the mountains above timberline is because I can see forever. Not just the wonderful scenery, but the terrain around me, too. No little animals or snakes rustling in the brush right beside me, no prickly thorns and weeds scratching me, and no roots tripping me while…
We talk a lot about Character with our Scouts and on this blog. Character is one of those things that as an organization we value and strive to instill in our Scouts. Character development is one of the goals that support the mission of the Boy Scouts of America.
Photo courtesy Shane Anderson 1st Halfway House , a Scout troop in Midrand, South Africa, recently built this tensegrity cube suspended between A-frames. The cube is supsended at 4 points- two underneath, and two at the top of the structure. Photos courtesy Shane Anderson Shane Anderson, ATS at 1st Halfway House, says: The planned outcome of…
It's the third-annual High-Adventure Week here on Bryan on Scouting. It's time to celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime experiences offered at the BSA's four national high-adventure bases - and give you tips on how to secure your spot in 2017, 2018 and beyond.
Please join us in celebrating the selection of Charles Howard-Gibbon as Scout executive of the Redwood Empire Council in Santa Rosa, CA, effective December 1. Charlie began his Scouting career in October 1983 as a district executive at the San Francisco Bay Area Council in Oakland, CA, and served nine years there in succeeding roles…
30 Funny Cat Jokes Here are 30 funny cat jokes by Boys' Life readers that will make you howl with laughter. Do you know a funny cat joke? Click here to send in your joke . Comic by Scott Nickel Two robins stuffed themselves with worms until they were too fat to fly.
Over the this last weekend was the 2016 Cascade Pacific Council's University of Scouting. Yes, a lot of people in Scout uniforms coming together to learn more about what they like to do, because their kid brought home a flyer …
Me and my Wood Badge Mentor Sheryl "Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company." – George Washington This weekend was our annual University of Scouting training event.
If you're a regular reader of Ask Andy, the Net Commissioner, you might have seen this week's column and you may have been nodding your head as you read along. (If you haven't seen it, please go read it now.) TLDR: There was only one question – a lengthy one – from an enlightened assistant
While others offer scary predictions about the future of our planet, Scouts and Venturers do something to ensure those dire warnings never come true. In short, Scouts, Venturers and Scout leaders strive to leave this planet better than they found it.
Over the past year, you’ve learned that I’m a big fan of STEM – science, technology, engineering and math. Not only do these fields provide pathways for success for young people, but STEM also represents a bright future for Scouting. So as a fan of STEM, I loved hearing that 80 percent of U.S.
