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Eagle Scout Jeff Rand stands atop Mount Hood in Oregon. At 11,249 feet, it's the 13th tallest state high point. You can trace Jeff Rand’s quest to become a “highpointer” all the way back to grade school. In fifth grade, Rand had to prepare a report on the state of his choice.
Dawn Riley grew up on the water. Her family regularly sailed on Michigan’s Lake St. Clair, where she developed her love for sailboat racing. In high school, she joined Sea Explorer Ship 147, which met at a racing club in Harrison Charter Township, Mich., the North Star Sail Club.
“On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country …” Patriotism is in our movement’s DNA. Duty to country is in the first line of our oath and prominent in our programs. This is a wonderful time of year to express that value—as Scouts do year-round.
This is Unsung Heroes, a Bryan on Scouting blog series celebrating under-reported acts of Scouting heroism. These are stories that don’t make national headlines — but should. That’s doubly true in this world that can always use more good news. Read the latest story below, and find instructions for sharing your own Unsung Heroes story at…
July 2019 Time to make: .5 hours Finishing: at .25 hour Boy's Life - May 1999 Design: Jeff Piasky Need a slide in a hurry? Got some comics and glue? Well you can quickly make slide by taking a strip from the comic pages spreading some glue and rolling it into a tube.
________________________________________ INDEPENDENCE DAY Today is for renewing, celebrating, appreciating, staying safe, and honoring with thanks all men and women whose service has made and kept America free. The usual day we make resolutions is January first. Today may be an even better day… o As Cubmaster , I will encourage all dens to participate in our pack…
The tradition of the Stations of the Cross reminds Christians of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Garrett Johnson of Troop 81 in Tulsa, Okla., was inspired by that concept for his Eagle Scout project. He created the “Stations of the Flag” display for the Folds of Honor Foundation, an Oklahoma-based nonprofit that provides scholarships to…
From left: Kris Zahrobsky, Amanda Vogt and Andrew Miller each received the Silver Antelope Award before turning 35. It is believed they are three of the youngest Silver Antelope recipients in BSA history. Scouting is the great equalizer. That’s true in a Scout unit, where every young person wears the same uniform and has an…
Thursday, August 1 On World Scout Scarf Day, all former Scouts and current Scouts are asked to wear their neckerchief (scarf) to promote the Spirit of Scouting. August 1 was the date of the very first Scout camp on Brownsea Island in 1907.
Recent developments and changes in the Boy Scouts of America have resulted in the need to revise a few policies and procedures of the Order of the Arrow. The OA, sometimes called Scouting’s society of honor campers, has been around nearly as long as Scouting itself.
There are still only 24 hours in a day, but Sunjay Chawla seemed to defy that fundamental fact about time. He captured five state tennis titles in Mississippi, holds his high school’s record for most goals in a soccer game (eight) and won several golf tournaments.
Congratulations to John Overland, who has been selected to serve as Scout executive of the Samoset Council in Weston, Wisconsin, effective August 1, 2019. John began his Scouting career as a district executive at the Indianhead Council in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Hi Andy, I’ve been a committee member for my son’s troop for several years, mostly handling campsite and summer camp reservations. I’ve just been asked to be the troop’s advancement coordinator, and I agreed to handle this. But I need some advice about courts of honor for our Eagle Scouts.
Over the Independence Day holiday, Chicago Sun-Times Columnist Neil Steinberg did the same thing as thousands (maybe millions) of other Americans in cities and towns all across the nation – he went to a Fourth of July parade. What he saw at that parade was also something many other Americans saw – young men and young women…
This is Unsung Heroes, a Bryan on Scouting blog series celebrating under-reported acts of Scouting heroism. These are stories that don’t make national headlines — but should. That’s doubly true in this world that can always use more good news. Read the latest story below, and find instructions for sharing your own Unsung Heroes story at…
When Henry Ross Perot passed away Tuesday, media coverage primarily highlighted his business endeavors that made him a billionaire and his two campaigns for the presidency in the 1990s. But Perot’s legacy to the general public was shaped during his childhood, specifically in Scouting.
Read how Alma Castaneda, Scouter and mom from the Yucca Council, went from Scouting skeptic to Committee Chair for her son’s pack, thanks to inclusivity and family fun in this ‘Families Like Mine’ story. Scouting Wire: What Scouting programs are you connected to?
Star Scout Skyler Ruth of Troop 27 in Pierre, S.D., credits Scouting and competing on a BB gun shooting team to keeping him focused and disciplined in all aspects of his life. He can now credit both for helping him become a national champion.
Call it hitting the ground running, or call it making up for lost time. Call it whatever you want, but I’m officially calling it the Best Summer Ever. Liz Harder is a First Class Scout in Troop 1885 of Omaha, Neb., part of the Mid-America Council.
This post was originally published June 25, 2018, and last updated July 17, 2019. Despite being one of the smallest patches in Scouting, square knots tell a big story. Many of these tiny, colorful rectangles represent an award earned as a youth or adult.
Hi Andy, I saw this article in about the Baden-Powell Service Association in a local newspaper the other day: https://www.nj.com/news/2019/07/these-kids-do-scouting-the-old-fashioned-way-but-membership-has-a-modern-twist.html I know there are various “alternative” Scout-like organizations in recent years, established largely in reaction to certain BSA policies. This one was formed in 2006 and seems to differentiate from the BSA based on inclusiveness…
In less than a week, the Summit Bechtel Reserve will welcome more than 40,000 Scouts and leaders from around the world for the 24th World Scout Jamboree . It will be a monumental event, last hosted in North America in 1983 (Canada) — and in the U.S.
The Animal Kingdom adventure introduces Lions to the concepts of service, responsibility, and citizenship. Here are a few ideas to help you with this achievement. First, remember the fun. Here are a couple of ideas 911 Song Elbow Balloon Pass Game (to teach cooperation) Red Light Green Light 1.
Sometimes the simplest things provide the greatest comfort. Recruiting friends, family and strangers to his cause, an Eagle Scout hopeful from Utah launched a nationwide effort to collect blankets for parents whose babies are stillborn. Benjamin Crane of the Great Salt Lake Council set his goal at 50 sets of blankets.
Saturday, July 20 July 20 is Moon Day. It commemorates the day the first man walked on the lunar surface. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon. Michael Collins, the pilot for the mission, stayed in the command module.
How well do you know the basics? Answer some questions about the Scout Oath, Law, Slogan, Motto, the meaning of the Scout Badge and more. And then find out if your answers are correct. Use this to help with the requirements for the Scouting Adventure for Arrow of Light or for the Scouts BSA Scout…
June/July 2019 Time to make: None (This is a no brainer) Original Design: Bill Macfarlane(ish) So a funny thing happened when I went to post this month's extra slide, I realized last month's never got published so this is a two for one month and it involves school spirit in the form of mascots.
A self-proclaimed “nerdy, camp-loving” Scout competing in this week’s Miss America’s Outstanding Teen competition wants to prove that Scouting and pageants are not mutually exclusive. In fact, says 17-year-old Rachel Perry, the two complement each other wonderfully. Rachel, a Tenderfoot Scout from Troop 333 of the Narragansett Council, says both programs have “provided great mentors…
Scouting family, we have reached a historic milestone. 2019 is brimming with opportunity, and one of the greatest moments yet is arriving today… along with 45,000 Scouts and leaders from around the world. The World Scout Jamboree is upon us, and it’s set to be the largest in the history of Scouting.
Updated with information for 2020 nominations. Some have names you know: Robert Baden-Powell, Charles Lindbergh, Hank Aaron. Others are Scouters whose names are less universally known but whose impact on Scouting has been just as transformative. Their common bond: the Silver Buffalo Award — the Boy Scouts of America’s highest honor for adult volunteers.
Dear Andy, Our troop is having a recurring problem resulting from “poor language choices.” Last week, the dad of a family new to our community contacted me about getting his boys involved in Scouting. I let him know when and where for our troop’s next meeting.
During a campout, Second Class Scout Javier’s patrol worked on First Class requirement 4a.: completing a one-mile orienteering course using a map and compass and measuring designated items. After the course, Javier looks to the next requirement in his handbook, which reads: Demonstrate how to use a handheld GPS unit, GPS app on a smartphone…
This is Unsung Heroes, a Bryan on Scouting blog series celebrating under-reported acts of Scouting heroism. These are stories that don’t make national headlines — but should. That’s doubly true in this world that can always use more good news. Read the latest story below, and find instructions for sharing your own Unsung Heroes story at…
Article contributed by Wendy Shaw, National Director of Membership Growth, and Patrick Sterrett, National Director of Field Service. The Boy Scouts of America has had a tremendous amount of momentum in the short period of time that girls have been welcomed to join Scouts BSA troops.
Article contributed by Karrie Baxter, Full Family Executive of the Crossroads of America Council As Scouting professionals, we must always meet our volunteers where they are – which sometimes means meeting online! Using Facebook Live as a meeting and promotion tool for open house and join event training will allow your volunteers to engage with you…
Article contributed by Colin Lemon, Director of Exploring – Western and Southern Regions Exploring is the career education program of the Boy Scouts of America, and it’s celebrating its 70 th anniversary this year! What does Exploring look like in your service area?
Article submitted by Harold C. Young Jr., Southern Region Team Lead “How can I use my membership committee effectively?” “My membership committee is too small!” “Where can I plug them in?” We’ve heard your questions and comments, and we’re here to help.
Article contributed by Eric Wagstaff, district executive from Portland, OR Empowering community members to promote their positive Scouting experiences is one of the most poignant and rewarding aspects of being a Scouting professional. We have each encountered individuals who may be unaware of the amazing opportunities available to them through Scouting.
Scouts from all over the world were greeted with some rain as they set up camp at the Summit Bechtel Reserve for the 24th World Scout Jamboree . But that didn’t dampen spirits at all. Let’s take a look at some of the fun more than 40,000 Scouts and leaders are already having in West Virginia.
Mary Beth sent in this question: We are planning my son's Eagle COH and he also recently earned his Venturing Ranger Award. The Crew Leader has agreed to award this during his COH but I can not find any type of "script" for the Ranger Award for the Crew Leader to use.
The legendary campfire circle at Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Scout Reservation sits buried under downed trees. Scouters and council leaders are pledging to rebuild Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Scout Reservation , the beloved Wisconsin camp celebrating its 90th anniversary this summer, after an extreme thunderstorm downed thousands of trees and left a scar visible from space .
The World Scout Jamboree reaches Scouts and Scouters from nearly every corner of the globe. This week, it connected with a Scouter who is out of this world. Astronaut and assistant Scoutmaster Andrew Morgan of Troop 452 in Friendswood, Texas, answered Scouts’ questions while aboard the International Space Station.
It’s still summer across the country and we’re mostly in that mode of thinking – summer camp or day camp, pack picnics and bike rides, hiking and weekend camping. Families are enjoying vacations, relaxing in the back yard or at the lake, working in the garden or taking in the splendors of summer.
Mati Mayfield has a helpful, friendly and courteous message for Scouting families who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She wants them to know that their Scouting journey doesn’t have to end at the end of 2019.
As a member of his school’s Public Safety Academy , Luke Gwartney knew his Eagle Scout project would benefit local law enforcement heroes. The 17-year-old has a beyond-his-years appreciation for the brave individuals who protect our communities. But Luke hadn’t settled on a specific project until some deputies from the sheriff’s office in Johnston County, Kan.…
If you’re a den leader, you’re going to love the latest update to Scoutbook ! T he Boy Scouts of America’s online tool for tracking Scouting advancement just rolled out a new update that’s going to make it easier than ever for den leaders to prepare for and lead meetings, track advancement and attendance, and more.
You can reach practically any corner of the globe via amateur radio. That’s the message K2BSA wanted to show Scouts at the World Scout Jamboree . Those in the amateur radio association launched four mylar balloons from the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia, in hopes that one would catch the jet stream and end up…
