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________________________________________ Hi Andy, This isn’t really a question so much as it’s something we’ve learned along the way… As references for soon-to-be Eagle Scouts come in to us, we respond with thanks to the person participating in the process. However, more important is that we believe the Scout himself should contact all references and get permission…
May 2018 Time to design: 2 hours Time to print: 2 hours (your times may vary Finishing: 2 hour Original design: Thingiverse Original designer:manboy Try it yourself: Soyuz spacecraft Designed for the Soviet Lunar Space program, the Soyuz spacecraft is still in use today bringing astronauts, cosmonauts, and other guests to the international space station.
For Faith Halterman, Cub Scouting served primarily as a father-son activity for her husband John and son Nathan. But after John’s sudden death in October 2015, she began to see it in a different light. You might recall when we first wrote about the Halterman family and how Pack 624 in the San Diego Imperial…
Get ready to recruit youth of all genders. The BSA announced a new recruiting campaign to attract all youth. It's called "Scout Me In" and is aimed at reaching girls to join Cub Scouts. I don't think it's really so "historic" as the BSA news releases are saying since the BSA churns out marketing campaigns…
The wait is over, and we now know what we’ll call the program for 11- to 17-year-old youth when girls can begin joining during the scheduled launch on Feb. 1, 2019. Let’s hear it for Scouts BSA! Boys and girls who are part of Scouts BSA will be known as Scouts.
The BSA is making history with two big announcements: First, we are unveiling the new “Scout Me In” campaign featuring girls, as well as boys, in our iconic Cub Scout program for the first time. The campaign speaks to kids and their friends by putting them in the middle of the action.
Use this FREE Cub Scout Pack Meeting Planner to ensure that your pack meetings run smoothly. This planning sheet (that you can edit) allows you to make notes about each part of your agenda from the opening ceremony to the closing ceremony. Edit with a pdf reader or handwrite on a printed copy.
From left: Hartley, Darcy and Mykal Phinney went on a Philmont trek together in July 2015. On May 12, 2012, Darcy Phinney’s life changed forever. Darcy and her entire family were headed home from a golf tournament when a teenager who was texting while driving hit their minivan head-on.
Even after 130 years of headline-making exploration, National Geographic has entered new territory: children’s fiction. Explorer Academy, a new book series for young readers ages 8 to 12, blends real-world science and exploration with thrilling tales of adventure. The first book in the Explorer Academy seven-part series is The Nebula Secret , to be published in…
The Boy Scouts of America organization name will continue to be Boy Scouts of America. It is not changing . Reports started circulating on Wednesday, May 2, concerning the update to the Boy Scout program name. That program currently serves boys ages 11 through 17.
The neckerchief is the most underrated part of a Scout’s uniform. Around the globe, this piece of cloth is often the primary identifier that someone is a Scout. (Exhibit A: Bear Grylls, Chief Scout of the U.K. ) Within the BSA, there are special neckerchiefs for Eagle Scouts, for each rank in Cub Scouting and for…
Dear eTrailToEagle, Are you going out of business? One month ago, I submitted a request to work with me on a recent split of two scout troops into three. I was (and still am) hoping to transfer the affected boys from each troop (who are already both in eTrail) into a third one I will…
Think of chaplains and chaplain aides as facilitators of the 12th point of the Scout Law: A Scout is reverent. Think of the Advanced Unit Chaplain and Unit Chaplain Aide Training as a road map for these important roles. The weekend training course is for chaplains and chaplain aides of any faith.
Create shared expectations and you’ll have a happy troop. In this week’s podcast I answer an email question about a behavior problem. A problem that would never happen if those involved shared expectations. Ask Scouts to analyze their behavior in light of the Scout oath and law.
This super fun way to make a model solar system uses toilet paper to show the distance between the planets. It's perfect for Webelos and Arrow of Light Cub Scouts who are working on the Adventures in Science adventure. And that adventure counts toward the Swing! Nova award too!
More than 800 people tested their food safety knowledge in our March-April Scouting Safety Quiz in Scouting magazine . We selected one entrant at random to win a $100 Scout Shop gift card. And that winner is Holly Sanders, committee treasurer of Troop 949 in Wentzville, Mo.
________________________________________ Dear Andy, My dad has been reading your columns for years and he suggested I write to you about a problem I’m having. My family just moved here from another state and I’ve joined up with a new troop. This troop doesn’t have Order of the Arrow elections or anything.
When faced with the challenge to complete an Eagle Scout project, Alexander B. knew he wanted to develop a project that would not only make camping more enjoyable, but that could also save lives. Alexander hoped to help keep his community safe and now, thanks to his inspiring efforts, his project has earned the honorable…
In an official statement released today, the BSA and LDS announce a dissolution of their relationship. LDS will "discontinue its role as a chartered partner with BSA" effective at the end of 2019. A layperson's interpretation of that is "Game Over" between LDS and BSA.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this week announced that, starting on Jan. 1, 2020, it will shift the focus of its youth programs toward serving an increasingly global membership. That means the LDS church will no longer charter Scout units beginning in 2020 and beyond.
Many of you know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) has been a chartered partner of the Boy Scouts of America for more than a century. I’ve been grateful for our long-standing chartered partnership that has provided countless boys across the country with character- and leadership-building experiences through our programs.
Never heard of Fortnite? Your Scouts or Venturers can get you up to speed on the biggest videogame phenomenon in years. The Battle Royale game for computers, consoles and iOS devices pits 100 players against each other to be the last player standing on an ever-shrinking map.
On Cartoon Network’s Craig of the Creek , everyday trips into the woods become chances to do something legendary with friends. Hey, just like Scouting! But the similarities don’t end there. Craig and his friends know some of life’s best adventures happen in your own backyard.
The Webelos and Arrow of Light elective adventure, Adventures in Science, has the Scouts reading about a scientist. But sometimes, they have trouble choosing who. This resource gives them ideas of scientists' biographies they can read. The list is great for all kids--not just Cub Scouts!
Hayden (kneeling holding Smart Harness System) and Anthony (second from right) are the two Eagle Scouts on the award-winning Texas A&M engineering team. Two Eagle Scouts who attend Texas A&M University have won an engineering prize for their project that could end fall-related deaths at the workplace.
By now, you’ve heard or read about the Boy Scouts of America’s plan to change the name of our venerable flagship program, Boy Scouts, to “Scouts BSA” in February 2019. The decision is part of the BSA’s Scout Me In campaign to recruit girls as well as boys into our ranks.
The Philmont Training Center isn’t the exclusive home of high-level BSA training. Excellent opportunities await at the Summit Bechtel Reserve’s John D. Tickle National Training and Leadership Center in West Virginia. The center has a long name but a simple purpose: Help adults and youth make an even bigger impact on their unit, district or…
Apparently not wanting to stop after entertaining his fellow Scouts with skits around the campfire, an Eagle Scout from Minnesota is taking his acting talents across the pond. Eukariah Tabaka, an Eagle Scout from Troop 238 of Marshall, Minn., has been accepted into the Acting Shakespeare training program at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts…
How would your child feel about having the opportunity to spend the afternoon with Captain America and all of the Avengers or Superman and the whole Justice League? Pretty ecstatic, most likely. Kids admire superheroes and what they stand for – bravery, justice, leadership, and strong character.
Mid May 2018 Time to design: 2 hours Time to build: 2 days Original design: Bill Macfarlane What if the petrol and electronic eras never happened? Would our society revolved around a steam technology? Steampunk stories revolve around the " alternate version of the historic past, especially 19th-century England, and involving advanced technologies usually based on…
Luke Schultz was born with spina bifida, a spinal defect that forced him to wear leg braces and undergo multiple surgeries. When he crossed over from Cub Scouts into Boy Scouts, he figured he’d advance as far as he could — no pressure if he didn’t earn Eagle.
Ashton Kutcher, star of TV and movies and the original social media influencer who in 2009 became the first account to amass 1 million Twitter followers, was a Scout and hiked at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. The star of That ’70s Show took to Twitter on Thursday to offer his support for the…
TC is the first Eagle Scout from Burma in the last 60 years – but it wasn’t long ago that he says he was in jeopardy of potentially joining a gang. Now an assistant Scoutmaster, the Eagle says Scouting made a significant impact on his life as he adjusted to American life and learned to make…
Si Brown (center) shows off the red jacket and ring presented to Hot Sauce Hall of Fame inductees. Pour a glass of milk, because this news is pretty spicy. Joseph “Si” Brown, the Distinguished Eagle Scout whose company turned Louisiana Hot Sauce into a household name, has been elected to the Hot Sauce Hall of…
Congratulations to George D. Clay II, who will serve as Scout executive of Blue Ridge Mountains Council in Roanoke, Virginia, effective June 1, 2018. George began his Scouting career as a district executive at Buckskin Council in Charleston, West Virginia.
The Great Alaska Council’s 2017 set. A father-son duo from Alaska created a massive mural to display patches they collected together at the 2013 and 2017 National Jamborees. The entire mural, made up of four square sections, measures 4 feet high and 16 feet long.
When our kids are involved in activities such as Cub Scouts, sports, dance, and church youth groups, we want the group to keep us informed. BAND makes it easy! It's an easy to use, all in one communication app. Find out more about the free tool and how it can help your organization.
All Scouts are brave. Some are called to risk their life to save others. Retired Master Chief Petty Officer Britt K. Slabinski, an Eagle Scout, belongs in that latter group. On May 24, 2018, he will receive the Medal of Honor for his 2002 attempt to rescue a teammate during a 14-hour battle in the…
For 35 years, Scouts from the Chickasaw Council have honored the veterans buried at the Memphis National Cemetery every Memorial Day by placing American flags at their grave sites. Buddy Crenshaw came up with the endeavor after a Scout, who was seeking ideas for an Eagle Scout project, approached him.
Not long ago, Miriam C. was spending her time attending her brother Kolbie’s Cub Scout meetings, hoping she’d one day have the opportunity to do the same things he was doing – and get the official recognition for it. “I didn’t think it was fair that boys got to do all the fun activities,” she said.
________________________________________ Dear Andy, Thank you for your informative and insightful columns! In light of the upcoming changes, I have a question… Why is it that the “Boy” Scout program has no restriction on the gender of the adult leaders providing oversight (this can be both male and female and even be two females on a Boy…
These eight world-class members of the Venturing program never set out to get national recognition for their service. They just wanted to do their part to grow Venturing, the BSA’s adventure-packed program for young men and young women ages 14 (or 13 and done with the eighth grade) to 21.
We can’t say for sure that Eagle Scout George Oldroyd was the youngest Scoutmaster in BSA history. What we can say for certain is that he was at least tied for that honor. BSA rules say a man or woman must be 21 to serve as Scoutmaster.
When you’re on a list that includes Neil Armstrong, Hank Aaron, Gerald Ford, Bill Gates and Walt Disney, you must have done something right. But “something right” doesn’t begin to describe the 10 volunteers who join the list of Silver Buffalo Award recipients this year.
The National Order of the Arrow Committee today approved some exciting updates to Scouting’s national honor society. Beginning Feb. 1, 2019, unit elections will be permitted in Scouts BSA troops, Venturing crews and Sea Scout ships. Previously, elections only were for Boy Scout troops.
If you’re the man or woman who tracks advancement for your Scout unit, here’s an opportunity to get trained, have fun and spend a week at one of the greatest places in the Scouting universe. In other words, I think you’ll find these Philmont Training Center courses will meet all of your requirements and more.
Across the country this weekend, packs, troops, crews and ships will take part in a solemn Memorial Day tradition: placing flags at the graves of men and women who died serving our country. If your Scout unit will be a part of this patriotic ritual, read this list of tips from my colleague Michael Freeman…
Join us in congratulating Corey J. Davis, who will serve as Scout executive of Black Hills Area Council in Rapid City, South Dakota, effective June 15, 2018. Corey began his Scouting career as a district executive at Sioux Council in Yankton, South Dakota.
When Scouts pass litter on the trail, they pick it up. After pack or troop meetings, Scouts return tables and chairs where they belong. Before Scouts leave a campsite, they comb for garbage — even picking up what previous tenants left behind.
Are you looking for a simple circuit project for Adventures in Science, an elective adventure for Cub Scout Webelos and Arrows of Light? You'll find it here! This one is so easy--no stripping wires! Instead, it uses copper tape. Click on over to find out what that is!
There are three Silver-level awards for Scout volunteers: the Silver Beaver for council-level service, the Silver Antelope for regional service and the Silver Buffalo for national service. The Silver Beaver is presented by councils, usually at an annual banquet. The Silver Antelope and Silver Buffalo awards are presented at the BSA’s annual meeting, which this…
The elective adventure for Webelos and Arrows of Light, Adventures in Science, asks the Cub Scouts to draw a scientific fair test. Make it easy for them with the Cows Mooing Softly acronym. Read all about it, and get your FREE printable!
There is no program in America that delivers the kind of leadership and character development the BSA provides to American youth. Leadership is a part of our DNA, manifesting in the lessons we teach, the lives of Scouts in our programs and also in the types of supporters and volunteers we attract.
Join us as we congratulate Brick Huffman, who will serve as Scout executive of Heart of America Council in Kansas City, Missouri, effective July 1, 2018. Brick began his Scouting career as a district executive at Hawkeye Area Council in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Eric Prullage (center) with his parents (left) and Shuqun Zhang and Zhang's wife. CPR is one of the few Scouting skills you hope you never have to use. But when University of Missouri student Eric Prullage’s professor collapsed, the Eagle Scout put his first-aid training to the test.
The National Scouting Museum – Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico will open to the public beginning June 8 — just in time for trekkers, families attending conferences and visitors to be among the first to venture into this 19,500-square-foot home of BSA history.
Ready to take your council’s National Youth Leadership Training to the next level? Encourage one or more of your youth NYLT staffers to attend the NYLT Leadership Academy . To understand NYLT Leadership Academy, you must first understand NYLT. NYLT is a council-offered leadership training experience for young people.
The Boy Scouts of America’s national board last week elected two new volunteers to join our National Key 3. Jim Turley , the former chairman and CEO of Ernst & Young who has served as a Scouting volunteer for nearly 25 years, has been elected national chair.
When a young person joins the Boy Scouts of America, one of the first things he or she learns is the Scout Oath, and every member starts the Oath the same way: “On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God …” The wording was not created at random.
Building a chemical reaction car is super easy! Fueled by vinegar and baking soda, these cars are fun to watch. And making one will meet requirements for these Cub Scout adventures: Wolf Motor Away and Webelos & Arrow of Light Adventures in Science.
Kennedy Clutter isn’t afraid of a challenge. In fact, she’s the first in line when it comes to taking on activities she’s never experienced before. Kennedy was the first girl to join her local Mecklenburg County Council Cub Scout pack and is among thousands of other girls in the nation who are thrilled to join…
