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Scouting Blogs and News | Archived blog posts from September 2011.

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Photo of the Week 10.30.11

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 30th, 2011

Cholla Cactus Garden at Joshua Tree National Park. Be intentional, not conventional. Mark and Tara... [more]

Changes to the Eagle Process

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on October 30th, 2011

My son passed his Eagle board of review in late September and I was invited to join the district advancement committee to review Eagle projects in mid-October. A few days later, the new advancement book was released, so I've been reviewing it in... [more]

Cub Scouts Halloween Fun

Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on October 30th, 2011

The Cub Scouts of Pack 68 met on Thursday, October 27, for some Halloween fun. The cubmaster and committee had brought plenty of paints and pumpkins so that each Scout had one to decorate. Once the boys were done painting the orange gourds they... [more]

Do I deserve a box full of beef jerky?

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on October 30th, 2011

Do I deserve a box full of beef jerky? I've made mistakes, I sometimes wish I was a better person but am I an prize winner? It's really up to you. I entered a story in Tom Managan's Most Extreme Hiking Tale contest at the Two Heel Drive blog and... [more]

Bobbing for Worms Halloween Party Game

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 30th, 2011

Looking for a last minute Halloween game idea? Here is a really easy which is fun for the players and spectators alike. And it is good for all ages. Our Crew played this at their costume party last year. [ This is a content summary only. Click on... [more]

BSA Bear Den Meeting Plan 3 – Ride Right

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 29th, 2011

BSA provides den meeting plans for den leader on the Scouting.org website. This plan covers Bear Achievement 14 - Ride Right. I have included notes on resources and ideas which will help you with this meeting plan. [ This is a content summary only... [more]

Where is it written that troops are boy-lead?

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on October 29th, 2011

Reader Bill Macfarlane is Scoutmaster of Troop 8 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts writes: I was at Round Table the other day and overheard a rather heated discussion about "boy-lead" troops. I heard one of the participants ask; "Where is it written... [more]

Cool Camps goes digital

Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 28th, 2011

Besides lifelong memories, camps across the U.S. boast incredible activities that keep Scouts coming back for more, year after year. Every camp offers unique experiences. But with more than 400 Scout camps to choose from, how can you select a... [more]

Quilt vs. Bag

Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on October 28th, 2011

Here's my sleeping bag replacement for my long hikes starting in the spring. It's a quilt rather than a bag, well, it will be a quilt when I finish. Right now, it's just instructions, a bunch of black yarn, some thread, a few yards of silver grey... [more]

Scouting For Scholarships

Posted to Summit Blog on October 28th, 2011

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — What's it worth to earn your Eagle Scout rank? Well, for some, it can be worth about $56,000. An innovative program at the University of Evansville (UE) has awarded scholarships to 123 students, based not just on their... [more]

Can a parent be a merit badge counselor for their own son?

Posted to HalfEagle Answers on October 28th, 2011

If so, does the Scout still need a buddy or can they work on it alone... [more]

Can youth use chainsaws?

Posted to HalfEagle Answers on October 28th, 2011

I assume that Cub Scouts are a no, but what about Boy Scouts or... [more]

Best ways to increase Scouting for Food donations

Posted to HalfEagle Answers on October 28th, 2011

What are effective ways to increase the amount of food donated when conducting a door-to-door Scouting for food drive? I'm looking for ideas in regards to "drop off bags at homes, then pick them up a week later" type drives, not food drives in... [more]

Tour Permit vs. Tour Plans

Posted to HalfEagle Answers on October 28th, 2011

What's the difference? Are Tour Permits still required? When do I use a Tour... [more]

Welcome

Posted to Ask Andy on October 28th, 2011

Welcome to the redesigned Ask Andy at NetCommish web site. I hope you will enjoy your web experience here. Please pardon our dust as reconstruction of the site continues and content is moved here from the old site... [more]

Issue 274 â€" October 28, 2011

Posted to Ask Andy on October 28th, 2011

Rule No. 38 : Wealth doesn't assure happiness; neither does poverty. Dear Andy, Do you happen to know where I can find the requirements for the "Commissioner Excellence in Service to Units Award"? (We were told about it by De Nguyen, from the BSA... [more]

It's a Contest

Posted to A Scouter's Journey on October 28th, 2011

I'd like to make mention of two contests that might appeal to you or your Scout units. You have until this weekend to get an entry in for the first one. Coleman "Continue Exploring" Contest If you are a non-profit organization and are in need of... [more]

Picture of the Week 10/28/11: Caption Contest!

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 28th, 2011

Caption Contest: How would you title this photo?... [more]

Crew Social Event and Service Project â€" Trunk or Treat

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 28th, 2011

They are going to help distribute pizzas at the event and do some other small jobs for the organizers. In return, they will have a table where they can hang out together and pass out candy (since none of them has a car). They will wear costumes and... [more]

Recipes For Chilly Weather

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on October 28th, 2011

Trail cooking and the Outdoors blog offers these Recipes For Chilly Weather . Hearty beverages, dinners, snacks and other great recipes from Sarah Kirkconnell. We're off backpacking soon and these recipes look great! Sarah and is also the author... [more]

Corporate and events experts praise Gilwell team-building activities

Posted to ScoutBaseUK on October 28th, 2011

Representatives from the world of business and events were wowed by the corporate facilities at Gilwell... [more]

What order are knots supposed to be worn on an adult uniform?

Posted to HalfEagle Answers on October 27th, 2011

I've heard multiple answers: - By date earned - By difficulty - By personal importance What's the right... [more]

Innovation

Posted to Wayne Brock TV on October 27th, 2011

In this episode, I'm discussing innovation, and how it is often a result of years of research and trial and error, trying to find a solution to a problem or a better way to do something. Do you have a big idea for the BSA? Something you think could... [more]

WBtv #12 - Oct. 27, 2011, "Innovation"

Posted to BSA Internal Communications Youtube Videos on October 27th, 2011

In this episode, Wayne discusses innovation, and how it is often a result of years of research and trial and... [more]

The Air of Angels

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 27th, 2011

Last week we continued working with local college students at both Lake Tahoe Community College and Sierra Nevada College . With programs dedicated to experiential outdoor learning it was a perfect setting to get a pulse of the student vibe... [more]

Antichess Game

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 27th, 2011

Do you feel like you always lose when you play chess? If you are better at getting your own pieces captured than capturing your opponents pieces, then Antichess is the game for you. In Antichess (sometimes called Suicide Chess or Giveaway Chess) the... [more]

Leave No Trace in the San Juan Islands

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 27th, 2011

Lopez Island - San Juan Islands, WA Sometimes it's not how many students are in a classroom that matters, but instead what they do with the information they have learned that counts most. Last weekend Team West was fortunate enough to share outdoor... [more]

Nature Study for Scout Leaders â€" Forestry

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on October 27th, 2011

Can you identify the major species of trees in your area? What's the difference between a tree and a shrub? How do we use the lumber or fruits of from a specific tree? How did Native Americans and our ancestors use them? Why do leaves change color... [more]

Picture Thursday 27_10_11

Posted to Jabbering All Day Long on October 27th, 2011

This is the construction road from my site office to the site. I walk this road a minimum of 8 time a day and a maximum of who knows... [more]

Lightweight rafts - Kon Tiki Chairman's Challenge 2011

Posted to Ropes and Poles on October 27th, 2011

The annual Kon Tiki Chairman's Challenge was held all across Gauteng province recently. The top ten teams from Kon Tiki in March were challenged to participate. Rather than the normal race down the Vaal river, the challenge this year consisted of... [more]

The new definition of "active"

Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on October 27th, 2011

The BSA raised our eyebrows recently with the publication of the new Guide to Advancement, which replaces the Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures book that had been in use for several years. There are thirteen significant changes in the... [more]

Are You a gram weenie?

Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on October 27th, 2011

The SMMPodcast show #95 is now available for your listening pleasure… well for those of you that still enjoy the sound of my Scouter voice. In this show I talk about shaving weight and reducing volume in your backpack. Take a listen to the... [more]

Are you a gram weenie?

Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute Podcast on October 27th, 2011

Welcome back, this is show #95! sorry for the long wait, but… well.. you know. This show talks about shaving weight and volume in your backpack. Don't forget to leave some feedback. This show is sponsored by the Boy Scout Store . Have a... [more]

How to spot fake Scouting patches and memorabilia

Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 26th, 2011

Think you can spot a fake? Fake patches and other phony Scouting memorabilia, that is. These items are Scouting's currency. You collect them, trade them, and pass them on to your children and grandchildren. And like any currency, people looking to... [more]

September Bigfoot Challenge Winners

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 26th, 2011

Every month Leave No Trace hosts the Bigfoot Challenge, a set of challenges that ask people to practice Leave No Trace principles at their local places of outdoor recreation. September was sponsored by our friend and partner Clif Bar ! This month,... [more]

Explore Your Parks: California

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 26th, 2011

This past Friday the e-tour wrapped up the Explore Your Parks 2011 series made possible by The North Face, Good Solutions Group and Angel Island State Park . A perfect setting to teach local school children, Angel Island easily illustrated the... [more]

Stick 'Em Up!

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 26th, 2011

Bigfoot Warns: Take My Challenge! With bubble gun in hand, Bigfoot "threatens" all outdoor enthusiasts to spend two minutes taking The Bigfoot Challenge . The end of October is right around the corner, so time is running out to win quality product... [more]

Big Doings For Bridge Day 2011

Posted to Summit Blog on October 26th, 2011

Tens of thousands of spectators ambled out across the New River Gorge Bridge on Saturday, Oct. 15 - all to watch several hundred more people leap from the bridge with parachutes and rappel to the bottom on thousand-foot ropes. It's Bridge Day, the... [more]

Nuclear Science Merit Badge for Boy Scouts

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 26th, 2011

Our troop probably earns an unusual number of the Nuclear Science merit badges because my husband is a counselor. So that is a chance for our Scouts to learn about this topic from somebody who works with this material every day in his job. The... [more]

Sharing the Excitement

Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on October 26th, 2011

You never know what animals, scenery, and cool stuff you might see while hiking or camping. I get excited with the anticipation of seeing something new each morning of a campout, especially when I'm up early before the bugler. It might just be... [more]

Guide to Advancement Mandated Procedures and Recommended Practices

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on October 26th, 2011

In my work with our local planning commission we are charged with interpreting and applying standards in the Zoning code. These interpretations often turn on little words; in fact one becomes adept at finding the little words because they usually... [more]

BSA Supply Upcoming Marketing Events

Posted to Scouting News on October 26th, 2011

With the upcoming holiday shopping season approaching, its always good to know about an upcoming sale. Here is a list of upcoming marketing events from BSA Supply. These promotions will be found on Scout Stuff and in Nationally run Scout Shops... [more]

Only Monster Explorers on Loch Ness

Posted to UK Chief Commissioner Blog on October 26th, 2011

Only Monster Explorers on Loch... [more]

Learn How to Make Your Training Records Stick

Posted to Scout Wire on October 25th, 2011

Frustrated with ScoutNET training records issues? We've found that nearly all issues that arise in ScoutNET involve entry errors. Primarily, council employees are unaware of how and where to enter training records into ScoutNET to make them stick... [more]

Evaluating Scouting Positions of Responsibility

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on October 25th, 2011

The new Guide to Advancement repeatedly emphasizes that we are charged with helping individual Scouts succeed. Mentoring, coaching, advocating for the Scout, establishing and defining reasonable expectations are all aspects of Scoutmastership the... [more]

Skills

Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on October 25th, 2011

Skills are the next important part of planning and preparing for your next outdoor adventure. What ever that adventure is. Last night our Troop began preparation for the next camp out, a caving trip up in Washington. So as is the custom of our... [more]

Review â€" Washington State Park

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 25th, 2011

Our Boy Scout troop recently had a family campout at Washington State Park. I recommend this campground. There was definitely plenty to do and see there and we had a great time. I'm sure we'll be going back. [ This is a content summary only. Click... [more]

Nov. 1 Finance Impact 'e-Letter' Now Available

Posted to Scout Wire on October 25th, 2011

Click to open Nov. 1 issue The November 1 issue of the Finance Impact e-Letter has been published and is available online. In this issue, councils are presented with the teaching tools to help them be in compliance with the AICPA audit committee... [more]

Vietnam War hero receives Distinguished Eagle Scout Award

Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 24th, 2011

Thomas R. Norris is a Vietnam War hero and a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. He served two decades as a special agent with the FBI. And, perhaps not surprisingly, he's an Eagle Scout. So, yeah, calling him "extraordinary" is no... [more]

Nov. Breakfast Club Call to Address Council Funding

Posted to Scout Wire on October 24th, 2011

"Council Funding: Past, Present, and What the Future Will Bring!" will be the topic for the November 2 session of the Council Operations Breakfast Club conference call. The Council Fund Development Team will join Assistant Chief Scout Executive... [more]

Podcast 90 â€" Safety on a Scout Camping Trip

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on October 24th, 2011

Safety on a Scout led camping trip. Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety Safe Scouting at Scouting.org Risk management at Scoutmastercg.com Subscribe to the Scoutmaster Newsletter Call and leave a voice mail comment or question at (484) 734-0002 Subscribe... [more]

Photo of the Week 10.24.11

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 24th, 2011

Back home in Lake Tahoe, Mark cannot resist quick a mid-Fall dip. Tara and Mark... [more]

Le Petite Roche

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 24th, 2011

Little Rock, AR. It was a whirlwind tour through Central Arkansas. We had many successful events in both Little Rock and North Little Rock, working with the Parks and Recreation Departments, local boy scout troops, and volunteers of the Arkansas... [more]

Updates From Team Summit

Posted to Summit Blog on October 24th, 2011

The jamboree at the Summit will deliver a world-class program experience – more diverse, more intense, higher energy and more physically challenging than ever before. My name is Russell Smart, and I am the volunteer team leader for all program... [more]

Where's that AED?

Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on October 24th, 2011

Have you seen this sign before? It's the ILCOR approved universal AED sign. It indicates the presence of or direction to an AED. ILCOR = International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation. AED = Automated External Defibrillator Keep your eyes open... [more]

Chess Terminology Scramble Puzzle

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 24th, 2011

Earlier this month, I wrote about basic chess terms. So today I am presenting a word scramble puzzle to reinforce the meanings of some of those terms. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and... [more]

An Hour A Week? #273

Posted to An Hour A Week? Podcast on October 24th, 2011

#273-Roundtables, training, Commissioners, Webelos Woods, Webelos to Scout transition, Halloween costuming and November's Core Value of Citizenship are some of the topics on tonight's show. Links: Wearing the Scout uniform as a Halloween costume-... [more]

Online Now: Opt-In Webinar for Voice of the Scout

Posted to Scout Wire on October 24th, 2011

Voice of the Scout is the first direct, consistent survey program to gather the experiences people are having with Scouting. It has been developed to represent the "customer voice" in the Journey to Excellence (JTE) performance recognition program,... [more]

Measuring our contribution

Posted to UK Chief Commissioner Blog on October 24th, 2011

This week, Wayne has also been blogging for the Guardian. Read his article on the impact of Scouting in our... [more]

Issue 273 â€" October 23, 2011

Posted to Ask Andy on October 23rd, 2011

Rule No. 36 : Any Commissioner who believes Commissioners out-rank unit leaders should be immediately taken outside and shot. Rule No. 37 : Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water; the remainder is covered by FOS chairs and Popcorn colonels... [more]

Webinar Walks Councils Through Employee Handbook Update Process

Posted to Scout Wire on October 23rd, 2011

All councils have been encouraged to update their employee handbooks by year-end using the new Local Council Employee Handbook Guidelines document on MyBSA ( Resources > BSA Resources > Council Employee Handbook Guidelines ). To help with... [more]

Moving On

Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on October 23rd, 2011

It is time. After 30 years of serving as the scoutmaster of Melrose Boy Scout Troop 68 I have decided to step down and let someone else assume the role. My last day as the adult leader of the troop will be December 31, 2011. I have had some great... [more]

Halloween Bingo Cards

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 23rd, 2011

If you are looking for a fun gathering activity for a den meeting or pack meeting around Halloween time, try these Halloween Picture Bingo Cards. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]... [more]

Turn Up the Amp to Get Your Scouts to Summer Camp!

Posted to Scout Wire on October 23rd, 2011

Do you do your best to market your camp? What method do you use? Brochures? Website? Word of mouth? Sales force? Many camps rush to court out-of-council members even though a significant market exists within reach of its local office. These Scouts... [more]

New, Youth-Only Venturing Leadership Award Qualifications Announced

Posted to Scout Wire on October 22nd, 2011

The Venturing Leadership Award is presented by councils, areas, regions, and the National Council to youth Venturers who have made exceptional contributions to Venturing and who exemplify the Venturing Code and Oath. To qualify for one of these... [more]

Ideas for November Cub Scout Pack Meeting – Citizenship

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 22nd, 2011

The core value for Cub Scouts for the month of November is Citizenship. According to the program helps citizenship is "Contributing service and showing responsibility to local, state, and national communities. Cub Scouts develop good citizenship... [more]

MyRoadToEagle.com

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on October 22nd, 2011

MyRoadToEagle.com is a free internet advancement tracking website designed by a current Scoutmaster. There are a lot of ways to track advancement online and with smartphone apps but MyRoadToEagle.com has the best graphic interface I have seen thus... [more]

Summit Tops $250 Million in Private Funding

Posted to Scout Wire on October 22nd, 2011

Click to open October issue The October issue of the Giving Times newsletter has been published and is available online. In this edition, you can read more about the Extraordinary Adventures, Remarkable Leaders fundraising event held in early... [more]

Silver Beaver Processing Change Announced

Posted to Scout Wire on October 21st, 2011

The BSA's National Executive Board has voted to change the BSA Rules and Regulations to allow any local council to process its own Silver Beaver awards, effective Jan. 1, 2012. After a review of the procedures, the National Court of Honor... [more]

Not Your Average Scout

Posted to Summit Blog on October 21st, 2011

David (Dave) Evans, an Eagle Scout from upstate New York, may seem like your average guy. He plays football and he's a good student. But Dave is far from average. Dave is a fourth-class cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New... [more]

Checkerboard Cake

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 21st, 2011

Since I am featuring a chess theme this month, I thought I'd suggest making a checkerboard cake which will look similar to a chess board when sliced as a snack to go along with this theme. One easy way to make a checkerboard cake is with a special... [more]

Three Tests for 'Active'

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on October 21st, 2011

A significant addition the new Guide to Advancement walks us through the sometimes thorny issue of evaluating active participation. I have struggled at times, as have many of us, with judging how to interpret this requirement. The team that... [more]

2012 NESA Scholarship Applications Now Available

Posted to Scout Wire on October 21st, 2011

In 2012, the National Eagle Scout Association will award 153 scholarships varying in size from $1,000 to $50,000 to deserving Eagle Scouts through various scholarship funds. To learn more about the scholarships and access application instructions,... [more]

What do trainers need to know?

Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on October 21st, 2011

Have you ever been called upon to do some training but weren't sure how you would do? It could be training Cub leaders, perhaps other committee members in how to do a board of review, or teaching Scouts about leadership … Continue reading... [more]

Heading Out in the World

Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on October 20th, 2011

A past scout was in town this week so I got to have coffee with him today (well, I had cocoa). Turns out he's heading to New Zealand tomorrow morning, taking a semester off from college to see the world. Good for him! His plan is to do some hiking... [more]

Support Scouting and American troops with popcorn sales

Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 20th, 2011

Popcorn sales help fund Scouting activities, but this salty treat can also bring cheer to service men and women overseas. Popcorn buyers can do both-support the troops and Scouting-by participating in a Trail's End military donation. This service... [more]

The Buzz - October 24, 2011, "Exploring Career Survey"

Posted to BSA Internal Communications Youtube Videos on October 20th, 2011

Doug Brown, team leader for Exploring, introduces a new online career interest survey to expand the reach of our Exploring... [more]

Move it! Take the SCOUTStrong PALA Challenge today

Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 20th, 2011

To keep myself physically strong … It's right there in the Scout Oath, but chances are you or someone in your pack, troop, team, or crew needs a little reminder. I've got just the thing: The SCOUTStrong Presidential Active Lifestyle Award... [more]

Robin Hills Portcullis Gateway

Posted to Ropes and Poles on October 20th, 2011

Robin Hills Scout troop built this portcullis gateway for their campsite at Kontiki 2011. Two A-frames support a gate that slides up along the slope of the front legs. This gate is a much bigger and sturdier portcullis than the one I blogged about... [more]

Picture Thursday 20_10_11

Posted to Jabbering All Day Long on October 20th, 2011

These are enviroducts they are suppose to be more environmentally friendly than concrete ones and they are lighter too... [more]

Reasonable Expectations for Scouts

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on October 20th, 2011

Years ago there was some question as to whether one of my Scouts who was a candidate for Eagle had satisfied the ‘active' requirement. He had not attended many meetings or outings in the last six months. He was a high school senior and a... [more]

Venturing Arts and Hobbies Bronze Award Requirements

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 20th, 2011

This month, I am looking at the Arts and Hobbies Bronze award. This Bronze award lets Venturers explore an area of interest to them and learn about it in depth. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other... [more]

Calling All Arkansas Leave No Tracers!

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 19th, 2011

Rollin and Strollin on the Arkansas River Trail Little Rock Arkansas. The Traveling Trainers will be providing four chock-full days of outreach in Central Arkansas. Prominent Boy Scouts of America Council Advocate and Leave No Trace Master... [more]

Astronomy Merit Badge for Boy Scouts

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 19th, 2011

When I was camping with my Webelos a few weeks ago, they mentioned how much brighter the stars were at camp. So we talked about how light pollution affects star gazing. And I told them that when they are Boy Scouts, they can learn even more about... [more]

Nature Study for Scout Leaders â€" Astronomy

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on October 19th, 2011

Can you locate the north star? What three stars make up the summer triangle? Have you ever seen a meteor shower? Any active Scout Troop will spend many nights under clear skies away from city lights – ideal conditions for observing the... [more]

The Leader's Campfire #87

Posted to The Leader's Campfire Podcast on October 19th, 2011

#87-Introducing The Varsity Spot We interview RJ Schulz, the host of the newest PTC Media show, The Varsity Spot. We talk Venture Crews and Varsity Teams. Join the forum discussion on this post... [more]

Scout Community Week launches

Posted to ScoutBaseUK on October 19th, 2011

Our biggest community and fundraising project in decades will take place next... [more]

Issue 272 â€" October 18, 2011

Posted to Ask Andy on October 18th, 2011

Rule No. 30 : The moment you decide to wear the medal you received for your modesty, you no longer qualify. Dear Andy, I'm a parent and troop committee member. Recently I've been engaged in a discussion with the troop's Scoutmaster on a topic on... [more]

Pack 4363 Webelos tackle winds for Naturalist activity pin

Posted to Commissioner Keith Comments on October 18th, 2011

Several first and second year Webelos Scouts from Pack 4363, hiked the Cofrin Arboratum trail to learn and complete the requirements for their Naturalist Activity pin and complete some of the requirements for Leave No Trace awards. Several Scouts... [more]

The North Face Speaker Series Features Ingrid Backstrom

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 18th, 2011

Seattle, Washington - Last week Team West was in the Pacific Northwest with local legend Ingrid Backstrom and Leave No Trace partner The North Face . Ingrid spoke in Olympia and Seattle on consecutive evenings about her inspirations and adventures... [more]

Loon Migration

Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on October 18th, 2011

Last day to Win $500 Camping Gear - don't miss out. I heard and then say the first Loon migrating south on my hike this morning. You can watch individually banded loon migration activity at this USGS page . Over the next month or so, the loons will... [more]

Boy Scouts of America, Sustainable Forestry Initiative: A natural partnership

Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 18th, 2011

What would we do without forests? There'd be no place to hang our bear bags. No place to stop for shade while backpacking. No place to take great fall photos? And no paper to print Eagle Scout Court of Honor programs, merit badge pamphlets, and,... [more]

New! Custom Patches Now Available

Posted to Official ClassB Blog on October 18th, 2011

Yes! ClassB custom patches are BACK! We're incredibly excited to be able to provide custom patches once again to our customers. Whether you're looking for a patch that requires a laser cut edge, merrowed edge, button loops, metallic or neon thread,... [more]

New! Custom Patches Now Available

Posted to Official ClassB Blog on October 18th, 2011

Yes! ClassB ® custom patches are BACK! We're incredibly excited to be able to provide custom patches once again to our customers. Whether you're looking for a patch that requires a laser cut edge, merrowed edge, button loops, metallic or neon... [more]

Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 18th, 2011

Yesterday afternoon the e-tour visited the Boys and Girls Club in South Lake Tahoe, CA. Although we've been living out of Big Blue, our e-tour Subaru, Tahoe is where we feel at home. Educating youth in our own community is a supremely rewarding... [more]

Librarian Description and Self Evaluation

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 18th, 2011

Most Boy Scout troops keep a library of merit badge pamphlets and other resources. The Librarian is a youth member of the troop who takes care of this troop literature. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links,... [more]

Preaching the Scoutmaster Minute

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on October 18th, 2011

I'm a preacher's kid, so I've sat through a lot of sermons, pretty much all of them longer than a minute. When it became my turn to talk at the close of the troop meeting, I tried to use some of what I'd learned in all that time. My dad was a... [more]

UK Scouts join global chatroom

Posted to ScoutBaseUK on October 18th, 2011

Scouts from around the world took part in the global spectacular that is Jamboree on the Air and Jamboree on the Internet last... [more]

Behind the Power Curve

Posted to From the Committee Chair on October 17th, 2011

I can't believe how far behind I am on my posts. It's just been too hectic to get everything done. Here's several videos: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTBn4WIfUuk and another www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFoIlIBso7U and finally,the last... [more]

We're Not in Kansas Anymore...

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 17th, 2011

...but last week the e-tour stopped in to visit their title partner The Coleman Company in Wichita. Getting to show the folks at Coleman a snapshot of what they make possible for us on the road was a real treat. We joined employees for a barbeque... [more]

Pre-order Scout Stuff collector's book

Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 17th, 2011

With more than 100 years of history, it's no surprise that Scouting has seen its fair share of innovation and change. And collecting historic artifacts - uniforms, handbooks, and, of course, patches - from the past is a popular activity with many... [more]

The North Face Cares

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 17th, 2011

Pine Mountain, GA. This weekend over 1200 runners challenged their strength and endurance at The North Face Endurance Challenge outside of Atlanta, GA. The FD Roosevelt State Park trail system provided a technical course for the athletes that... [more]

Animal Behavior

Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on October 17th, 2011

On the trail this morning, there was a big dark blob far ahead. In the early morning gloom, I couldn't make it out but it was certainly not there yesterday. It moved. Oh, just a rodent, another raccoon scrounging around getting into mischief. But,... [more]

The Greener Generation?

Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on October 17th, 2011

I am sure you have already had the conversation in your troop. How can we be more "green" and eco-friendly? The Boy Scouts have been discussing this long before it became socially fashionable. Take a look at Leave No Trace, for example. Or the... [more]

Podcast 89 â€" First thoughts on the new Guide to Advancement

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on October 17th, 2011

First thoughts on the new Guide to Advancement and Eagle Project Workbook, answers to three email questions. 2011 Guide to Advancement PDF Eagle project Workbook PDF Instructional Methods PDF Subscribe to the Scoutmaster Newsletter Call and leave... [more]

Recycling Is As Easy As Washing Your Hands [Video]

Posted to Summit Blog on October 17th, 2011

Excitement is building for the Summit Bechtel Reserve, and with lots of hype about whitewater rafting, zip line canopy tours, biking trails and hiking trails, who wouldn't be? (And to check out the latest craze in water sports, share this with your... [more]

Atomic Chess Game

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 17th, 2011

Do you think regular chess is boring? Then try atomic chess. In atomic chess, pieces don't just capture other pieces, they explode! Both pieces involved in the capture are destroyed along with any in the surrounding area. Sound like fun? [ This is a... [more]

ShelterBox Ambassador Field Training

Posted to A Scouter's Journey on October 17th, 2011

This weekend I was an attendee at ShelterBox Ambassador Field Training. I'm still processing all I went through but I can say without hesitation that it was one of the best, if not the best training, I've ever attended. The weekend was very well... [more]

A week of mixed occasions

Posted to UK Chief Commissioner Blog on October 17th, 2011

From a sad farewell in Humberside, through the Welsh Annual Conference and a Fellows' reception to the grand opening of a new HQ, Wayne has been all travelling all over this... [more]

Skateboarding Pin for Cub Scouts

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 16th, 2011

If you have a Cub Scout who can't be parted from his skateboard, he can earn his skateboarding pin from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more!... [more]

Scouting and Social Media

Posted to Jabbering All Day Long on October 16th, 2011

I was pondering the other day if there is a use for social media in scouting, or if it just adults playing around telling other adults that they are sooooo... [more]

Order of the Arrow Branding and Style Guide

Posted to Scouting News on October 15th, 2011

The national Order of the Arrow committee has released the OA Branding and Style Guide . The committee wanted to ensure clear and consistant representation and message, as the OA approaces its 100th anniversary. The OA Branding and Style Guide... [more]

BSA Webelos Den Meeting Plan 4 – Traveler and Athlete

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 15th, 2011

This plan completes Athlete and does all of Traveler. It also completes the Geography belt loop from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program. [ This is a content summary only. Click on the article title for full links, other content, and more! ]... [more]

2012 Philmont Training Center Schedule

Posted to Scouting News on October 15th, 2011

Since 1950, Philmont Training Center in Cimarron, New Mexico has served as the National Training Center of the Boy Scouts of America. Each summer, conferences are conducted at "PTC" by the various departments and committees of the BSA national... [more]

Clean out your used gear and help Leave No Trace

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 14th, 2011

The change of seasons for me means bringing out blankets out of the closet, exchanging sandals for boots and swapping paddleboard for snowboard. It also means I take inventory of what wasn't used. Do you have stuff in your garage like me that won't... [more]

Special badge for Scouts who earn Eagle in 2012

Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 14th, 2011

Know a Scout seeking a little extra motivation to finish his Eagle requirements next year? I've got it. To celebrate the centennial of Scouting's top honor, all recipients of the Eagle Scout Award in the year 2012 will be eligible to wear a special... [more]

Picture(s) of the Week 10/14/11

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 14th, 2011

Sometimes one picture of the week just isn't enough... Leaf Peeping In West Virginia Up Close and Personal With the Beautiful Fall Colors Happy Fall Adventuring...Kate and Tracy... [more]

The New River Is Cleaning Up, Here's How You Can Help

Posted to Summit Blog on October 14th, 2011

Locals are working to clean up the New River, but there are plenty of other bodies of water that need support, too. Boy Scouts are all about practicing stewardship and acting as role models in their communities. So, who would be better to lead the... [more]

LNT Camporees

Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on October 14th, 2011

I met with our council's Outdoor Ethics Advocate and a couple other Leave No Trace master educators last night to discuss ways in which we might get LNT more integrated into the local Scouting program. One idea that came up was to have Leave No... [more]

Den Chief Pledge

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 14th, 2011

We have a new Tiger Cub den in our Cub Scout pack which does not have a Den Chief yet. So for his Scoutmaster Minute, my husband read the Den Chief Pledge and asked any of the Scouts who are interested in learning more about being a Den Chief to see... [more]

Of Raptors and Rapture - Barn Again

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 14th, 2011

Dateline: Lyons, CO The Colorado Tour The harbingers of winter (read: Snow and Ice!) are making us keenly aware that our Colorado sojourn as Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers is drawing to a close, and that it's time to head for the barn once more... [more]

Scouts, supporters and donors enjoy good reception

Posted to The Scout Association on October 14th, 2011

A lively and diverse group gathered for our Annual Reception at Watermen's Hall, London earlier this... [more]

More great photos, video from the Philmont Photo Workshop

Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 13th, 2011

Get some of the nation's top photographers together with a bunch of eager amateurs, and what's the result? Perfect pictures. Want proof? Look no further than Brent Uberty, who serves as Western Region Venturing President on the National Youth... [more]

Countdown

Posted to A Scouter's Journey on October 13th, 2011

In less than 24 hours now I'll be heading off to Austin, TX for ShelterBox Ambassador Field Training. The Ambassador Field Training is a great opportunity for new and seasoned Ambassadors to receive hands-on training with ShelterBox equipment, get a... [more]

Using Chess Notation

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 13th, 2011

Both the Chess pin from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program and the Chess merit badge for Boy Scouts have requirements related to using chess notation and recording chess games. If you are not familiar with chess notation, this might seem a... [more]

Ingrid Backstrom Speaks Tonight in Seattle

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 13th, 2011

Seattle, WA - Ingrid Backstrom, extreme skier and The North Face athlete, will be speaking tonight at the REI Flagship store at 7 PM as part of The North Face Speaker Series , which showcases the world's top outdoor athletes. Ingrid has starred in... [more]

New 2011 Guide to Advancement â€" First Thoughts

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on October 13th, 2011

The 2011 Guide to Advancement has been released: The Guide to Advancement is the official source for administering advancement in all Boy Scouts of America programs: Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, Venturing, and Sea Scouts. It... [more]

"Do your best." Honestly?

Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on October 12th, 2011

We all know the Cub Scout motto: Do Your Best. But what does it really mean? It means to put out your best effort, no matter what, and make that effort your own effort. We realize that one boy's best may … Continue reading →... [more]

Picture Thursday

Posted to Jabbering All Day Long on October 12th, 2011

I have decided to share with you a photo from my day, every wednesday as 14:00... [more]

The Time is NOW to Request The Traveling Trainers for 2012!

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 12th, 2011

We have started to schedule the 2012 Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer Teams and they want to come to YOUR town! The Traveling Trainers are teams of elite traveling educators, who are on the road 11 months out of the year, traveling the... [more]

Four Years Ago, In A Podcast Far Far Away…

Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on October 12th, 2011

Once upon a time, there were two Cub Scout leaders who were creating online audio shows called podcasts. Chris hosted a show called An Hour A Week . Bob hosted a show with his Cub Scout son called Akela's Adventure . Together, they created a third... [more]

Philmont Scout Ranch - 2011 Canon Photography Conference - Day 1

Posted to Philmont Scout Ranch Youtube Videos on October 12th, 2011

http://www.PhilmontScoutRanch.org/Photography Canon has partnered with the Boy Scouts of America to host a photography conference here at Philmont Scout Ranch. Today they visited... [more]

Philmont Scout Ranch - 2011 Canon Photography Conference - Day 2

Posted to Philmont Scout Ranch Youtube Videos on October 12th, 2011

http://www.PhilmontScoutRanch.org/Photography Canon has partnered with the Boy Scouts of America to host a photography conference here at Philmont Scout Ranch. Today they visited the Kit Carson Museum at... [more]

Map and Compass Belt Loop for Cub Scouts

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 12th, 2011

The Map and Compass belt loop is part of the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program . This belt loop is a good way to introduce Cub Scouts to the basic principles of reading a map and using a compass. These are basic skills which all Scouts should... [more]

Nature Study for Scout Leaders â€" Introduction

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on October 12th, 2011

The outdoors is par excellence the school for observation and for realizing the wonders of a wondrous universe. It opens to the mind appreciation of the beautiful that lies before it day by day… The study of nature brings into a harmonious... [more]

Team i.SCOUT go the extra 13.1 miles to raise funds for Scouting

Posted to ScoutBaseUK on October 12th, 2011

It was a (half) marathon not a sprint for 30 adults who took part in the recent Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon, raising thousands of pounds for... [more]

Councils Merge to Create Three Harbors Council

Posted to Scout Wire on October 11th, 2011

The former Southeast Wisconsin Council No. 634 in Racine, Wisconsin, has consolidated with the former Milwaukee County Council No. 629, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to form the new Three Harbors Council, No. 636, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin... [more]

How to photograph a black-powder rifle being fired, and other lessons

Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 11th, 2011

Snapping a photo of a blink-of-an-eye event, like a black-powder rifle firing, takes a lot more than luck. You need the right tools, proper preparation, and a lot of patience, says professional photographer Daniel Giles. Giles is among the... [more]

Bughouse Chess Game

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 11th, 2011

One of the challenges of teaching chess to a group of Scouts is that you will probably have different proficiency levels in the group. Some of them will already know how to play the game and others will not. Bughouse (sometimes called bunkhouse) is... [more]

World Famous Mountains Conference

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 11th, 2011

Portland, OR - This week in Portland, resource and recreation managers of mountains from all over the world are getting together to share ideas at the third annual World Famous Mountains Conference . The World Famous Mountains Association is a non... [more]

The Five to One Rule

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on October 11th, 2011

EDITORS NOTE – Here's a something that should be in our minds every time we interact with our Scouts. I am often focused on problems and missing opportunities to support them positively. We all have a memory of a time when we were... [more]

2012 Recruitment Campaign Rolls Out in November

Posted to Scout Wire on October 11th, 2011

Strong messages, powerful imagery, and fun scenarios are elements of the 2012 national recruitment campaign available in November. The "Badge of Honor" themed campaign proves that the memorable moments associated with earning a badge, hiking a... [more]

JOTA JOTI Towers - 2010

Posted to Ropes and Poles on October 11th, 2011

This weekend sees the 54th Jamboree on the Air and 15th Jamboree on the Internet (also the sixth year of Ropes and Poles). Here are some photographs of Radio masts and towers built last year by various troops. You can sign up at Jotajoti.org to... [more]

From Parliament to Legoland

Posted to UK Chief Commissioner Blog on October 11th, 2011

Wayne's week included a thank you meal for WSJ Unit Leaders, District centenary celebrations at Westminster, conferences in the East of England, DC days, and a trip to join 6,000 Beavers at Legoland... [more]

Beavers take over Legoland

Posted to The Scout Association on October 11th, 2011

Over 13,000 Beaver Scouts descended on Legoland Windsor to mark the 25th anniversary of Beaver... [more]

Autumn in the New River Gorge

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 10th, 2011

Rock Climber on the Endless Wall Lansing, WV. Team East spent last weekend in the New River Gorge in West Virginia to provide outreach at the Canyon Rim Visitors Center. The New River Gorge is a fantastic area to rock climb, white water raft, hike,... [more]

Podcast 88 â€" What new Scoutmaster's Need to Know

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on October 10th, 2011

What new Scoutmasters need to know; a panel discussion with Larry Gieger, Tom Gillard and Walter Underwood. Subscribe to the Scoutmaster Newsletter Call and leave a voice mail comment or question at (484) 734-0002 Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes... [more]

FID 'e-Letter': Accounting for Product Sales

Posted to Scout Wire on October 10th, 2011

Click to open October 15 issue By now, most BSA local councils are in the midst of their product sales campaign. Properly recording product sales is important. Whether you allow units to keep commissions or produce checks to pay commissions, it is... [more]

New National Procedures #scoutnation

Posted to The Scoutmaster on October 10th, 2011

So there was a lot of traffic this weekend on the new National Advancement and Eagle Project releases. Google+ and Scout_L were all a Twitter (see what I did there) with the news. The good, the bad and the downright ugly. Some where gloom and... [more]

Mayhem Mountain: Basecamps Part 1

Posted to Summit Blog on October 10th, 2011

Want to ride skateboards and BMX bikes? We have good news, the Summit will have both. Want a foam pit to practice throwing big tricks? Oh yeah, the Summit's getting that, too. There isn't a reason to "go home" with a giant pit of foam beneath you... [more]

An Hour A Week? #272

Posted to An Hour A Week? Podcast on October 10th, 2011

Feeling stressed and tired, maybe a little burned out? This is the episode for you. It's an all-burnout show, including recognition, recovery and prevention tips. WARNING: This episode is a little dark. If you are looking for the fun stuff, come... [more]

New Guide to Advancement

Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on October 10th, 2011

The 2011 Guide to Advancement is ready. It has a few significant changes and gives individual units more room to define their own expectations: Active Participation requirements updated. Units can set their own 'active' expectations. Position of... [more]

Issue 271 â€" October 10, 2011

Posted to Ask Andy on October 10th, 2011

Rule No. 34 : All blanket statements have exceptions, including this one. Rule No. 35 : While on tour and staying in a hotel, the very first thing all Scouts will do upon entering their assigned rooms is check to see if there's access to the TV's... [more]

Displaying the US Flag with Other Flags

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 10th, 2011

The US Flag is the symbol of our country. Scouts should know how to fold it, fly it, and handle it. Flag etiquette is part of many of the Scout requirements. In many cases, the rules are pretty straightforward. But in other cases, you just need to... [more]

'The Commissioner': Feedback From the Field, JTE Best Practices

Posted to Scout Wire on October 10th, 2011

Click to open fall issue The fall issue of The Commissioner newsletter , featuring an article on feedback from the field and Journey to Excellence best practices that were gathered at the National Annual Meeting in May, is now available. Other... [more]

Gear junky

Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on October 10th, 2011

A few posts ago ( on Sept 30th ) I promised that we would continue the discussion on elements of successful backpacking planning and preparing. I said that some key elements of planning and preparing are; gear, physical conditioning, skills, and... [more]

New Nomination Form Created for National Youth Leadership Society

Posted to Scout Wire on October 9th, 2011

The National Court of Honor has released a new nomination form for the National Youth Leadership Society, whose purpose is to recognize youth members of the BSA who have learned and practiced outstanding leadership skills. This recognition is open... [more]

Leaf Collection Craft

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 9th, 2011

When DS's den worked on Wolf Achievement 6 – Start a Collection , most of the guys knew what they wanted in their collections – Pokemon cards (which were the rage in their school at the time), stamps, coins, etc. DS had just started a... [more]

Meal options

Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on October 9th, 2011

Ok.. lets talk about food. I love to try new stuff on camp outs, like I have said in posts before, meals and food occupy a large amount of time on outings. And since I am a Do as I Do kind of leader, I figure the more creative or at least having... [more]

'Marketing News': Webinars, 2012 Recruitment Tools, BeAScout Google Pins

Posted to Scout Wire on October 9th, 2011

Click to open October issue The October issue of Marketing News has been published and posted to the Marketing Toolbox. Stories in this issue include: Learn to market your council more effectively with marketing webinars 2012 recruitment campaign... [more]

Take Simple Steps to Secure Your Council's Website Domain Name

Posted to Scout Wire on October 8th, 2011

Have you ever logged on to your council website to check the time of a coming event, only to be confronted with a "pay per click" menu or other rogue information instead of an invitation to the fall camporee event? How can someone possibly take... [more]

BSA Tiger Den Meeting 8 – Go See It: How I Tell It

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 8th, 2011

This is the eighth in the series of Tiger den meeting plans provide by BSA. If you are using this series, it works best if you do the plans in order. So do the previous meetings before this one. This meeting plan covers the Go See It for Tiger... [more]

Six Must-See Places at the Summit

Posted to Scout Wire on October 8th, 2011

The Summit Bechtel Reserve is going to offer a mountaintop full of adventure when it opens for the 2013 National Jamboree. And with excitement quickly building, there are six places Scouts and Venturers need to know about- the high - adventure base... [more]

Trail First Aid

Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on October 7th, 2011

Yesterday was almost the last day for a German vistor hiking the White Mountains in New Hampshire. He apparently suffered a heart attack on the trail and went down. Fortunately, he is in a hospital in stable condition instead of a morgue today... [more]

Fall into Autumn...

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 7th, 2011

Living outside has it's perks. The change of the leaves this year so far has been stellar. Moving from the Northwoods of Wisconsin and Minnesota down through Iowa, and into Kansas has shown us some brilliant Fall colors. It reminds us also that we... [more]

Boy Scouts, Puppets, and Movies. Oh My!

Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on October 7th, 2011

Ever since I was a child I have enjoyed puppets. One year for Christmas my parents gave me a Howdy Doody ventriloquist doll. I was a big fan of the Muppet Show. I enjoy watching Jeff Dunham and his pals. During the last few years I have made... [more]

SCOUTStrong Video Featured on Fitness.gov

Posted to Scout Wire on October 7th, 2011

SCOUTStrong, one of the first programs launched under the BSA's Healthy Living Initiative, is the topic of a video featured on the website of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition . SCOUTStrong is designed to reward... [more]

Camp Chicken and Stuffing Recipe

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 7th, 2011

LC earned his cooking merit badge at our second summer camp this past summer. Meals at this camp were served in a dining hall, but the counselor brought lots of ingredients and they cooked something every afternoon. So at about 3 or 4PM we would... [more]

The Methods of Scouting, Youth Version

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on October 7th, 2011

In an earlier post , I reported on a poll and discussion of how the eight methods of Scouting are applied in our troop. We followed that up with a poll during the youth leadership training. It was great for discussion in that setting, and there... [more]

'Better Systems Ahead': HR and Financials Upgrade Latest

Posted to Scout Wire on October 7th, 2011

Click to open October issue The BSA HR and Financials software upgrade project is moving steadily toward its goal of simplifying how we deliver information, standardize business processes, remove work redundancies, and improve communication between... [more]

New Trainer = New Member

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 6th, 2011

Each year more than 3,000 people take the Trainer Course to become Leave No Trace Trainers. Our trainers, many of whom volunteer their time, go on to teach an additional 66 people on average every year. Because Trainers play such a critical role in... [more]

Bullying: Stop it from hurting a Scout in your unit

Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 6th, 2011

Think bullying doesn't happen to your Scouts? Consider this sobering fact: More than 160,000 U.S. students stay home from school each day from fear of being bullied, according to the National Bullying Prevention Center. That means the odds are good... [more]

CALL TO ACTION FOR EDUCATORS & VOLUNTEERS

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 6th, 2011

Your role to teach people about Leave No Trace is critical, and we need you now more than ever. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics plans to engage our national network of supporters in vital outreach and volunteer efforts through March of... [more]

The Buzz - October 6, 2011, "Voice of the Scout"

Posted to BSA Internal Communications Youtube Videos on October 6th, 2011

Jamie Shearer, leader of the Mission Impact Team, explains the BSA's new approach to gathering feedback from members and parents on how we can improve the Scouting... [more]

Chess Terminology

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 6th, 2011

I always go over terminology first when introducing something new to Cub Scouts. This is a good practice for Boy Scouts and Venturers to learn also whenever they are doing skill instruction. So if you are having a chess themed meeting or activity,... [more]

Wilderness Communications

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on October 6th, 2011

The Wilderness Medical Society published an article concerning Wilderness Communications authored by Gordon H. Worley. The article explains the technology behind wilderness communications, emergency communication, radio communications,... [more]

Be A Scout

Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on October 6th, 2011

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Boy Scouts of America for SocialSpark . All opinions are 100% mine. Joining the Boy Scouts of America is the best way to expand a boy's social, physical, and personal health and skills. I know... [more]

Scouts challenged to celebrate Winning Words on National Poetry Day

Posted to ScoutBaseUK on October 6th, 2011

As part of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Scouts are invited to help celebrate their local area in poetry and create a lasting... [more]

Angel's Loft...

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 5th, 2011

There's a lot of buzz these days about reclaimed, reconditioned, recycled and restored materials going into construction projects. Perhaps it's the quest of procuring an interesting mix of old and new. It might be the warmth of historic barn... [more]

Chess Merit Badge Requirements

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 5th, 2011

The new Chess merit badge for Boy Scouts was just launched a few weeks ago. DS is especially excited about this badge. He has always loved chess... [more]

Giant box kite

Posted to Ropes and Poles on October 5th, 2011

A few years ago, our group held a joint event between the Cubs and Scouts, where we flew kites. The Cubs completed the requirements for the Cub Kites interest badge, while the Scout patrols held a competition to see whose kite would fly highest... [more]

How to wash down sleeping bags

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on October 5th, 2011

Good advice about how to wash down sleeping bags at Tom Managan's Hike Hacker: … don't wash the bag a lot, but do launder it at the end of the season before long-term storage, or after your annual two-week backpacking trip. Where to wash it?... [more]

Scoutmaster MInute 10/04 #scoutnation

Posted to The Scoutmaster on October 5th, 2011

We had 30 Webelos visit us tonight. The SPL took the young Scouts from Patrol to Patrol helping them earn their Arrow of Light. When the Troop meeting was over we circled up as a Troop and included the Webelos. Then I did my Scoutmaster Minute:... [more]

Adventure guest inspires Scouts

Posted to ScoutBaseUK on October 5th, 2011

The only UK citizen to have rowed the Atlantic single-handed and climbed Everest dropped in on a local group... [more]

Spokane High School Students Learn How to Teach Leave No Trace

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 4th, 2011

Spokane, WA - Today, we visited RiverCity Leadership Academy (RLA), a project-based high school that uses a hands-0n, interdisciplinary approach to learning. The students at RLA will be working with the West Valley Outdoor Learning Center and the... [more]

The Scouting Canvas

Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on October 4th, 2011

I'm going to an Eagle court of honor this evening. It's for a terrific scout in a different troop than my son. He's been highly active in OA and a great scout. He has contributed tons of time and effort to Scouting in our district. So, I was... [more]

Chess Theme for Scouts

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 4th, 2011

This month I am featuring a Chess theme in honor of the launch of the new Chess merit badge. Chess is a game which requires the player to focus, analyze, and think ahead. So this month I will feature awards related to chess as well as some aids to... [more]

How To Build A Lasting Mountain Biking Trail [VIDEO]

Posted to Summit Blog on October 4th, 2011

You've heard about SummitCorps: The New River Experience . And by now, you may have even checked out the new trails which officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 7, 2011. If not, here is a recap. Throughout the month of July,... [more]

How to be Unflappable

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on October 4th, 2011

Scout leaders are constantly called on to resolve conflicts, make decisions and provide direction. We do these things better when we are able to be calm, non-judgmental and unbiased. I can be easily upset and that leads to getting upset about being... [more]

A Jamboree in your own backyard

Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on October 4th, 2011

Have you ever wanted to attend an international Scouting event, but were unable to make it to one of the World Jamborees, a Camporee in another country, or even a local event? How about attending a Jamboree that literally could … Continue... [more]

Jamboree on the Air â€" Largest Scouting Event in the World

Posted to Scouting News on October 4th, 2011

Jamboree on the Air will be held world wide on the weekend of October 15 & 16. JOTA is the largest Scouting event in the world with the World Organization of the Scouting Movement reporting over 700,000 Scouts participated from nearly 6,000... [more]

Scouts meet MPs at Conservative Conference

Posted to The Scout Association on October 4th, 2011

Over 60 Scouts engaged with MPs at the Scouts Speak Up event during the Conservative Party Conference in... [more]

Exploring Northumberland

Posted to UK Chief Commissioner Blog on October 4th, 2011

Northumberland Scout County covers the area from the Tyne to the Tweed in England's most northern district. Wayne has just spent three days learning about several innovative development projects covering both inner-city and rural... [more]

Featured Guest

Posted to A Scouter's Journey on October 3rd, 2011

I had the unique pleasure of being interviewed by Scoutmaster Clarke Green for his ScoutmasterCG podcast. Joining me was Mark Dyer, ShelterBox Response Team (SRT) member and ShelterBox Scouting Coordinator. Here is a link to the interview, as well... [more]

Podcast 87 â€" ShelterBox and Scouting

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on October 3rd, 2011

Interview with ShelterBox Scouting coordinator Mark Dyer and Scoutmaster and ShelterBox ambassador Doug Metz. ShelterBox and the BSA Doug's blog A Scouter's Journey A ShelterBox Story Subscribe to the Scoutmaster Newsletter Call and leave a voice... [more]

Western Kentucky Trainer Course

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 3rd, 2011

Cadiz, KY. Autumn has fallen upon us here in the Southeast. The leaves are beginning to change, the temperatures are dropping, and the fall harvest is abundant. Last week, we had the pleasure of instructing our second Leave No Trace Trainer Course... [more]

Photo of the Week 10.3.11

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 3rd, 2011

Somewhere in Missouri... rock, paper, scissor, power line. Mark and Tara... [more]

October Bigfoot Challenges Have Been Posted!

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 3rd, 2011

October is here and it's time for something new! This month's challenges focus on kids and being a kid. The first challenge takes place on Halloween - pick up one candy wrapper for each year of your age and challenge your friends to do the same! Our... [more]

All You Need To Know About SummitCorps [Infographic]

Posted to Summit Blog on October 3rd, 2011

Throughout the month of July, Order of the Arrow members volunteered their time to help with SummitCorps: The New River Experience. A project to build hiking and biking trails, with support from the National Park Service and the International... [more]

An Hour A Week? #271

Posted to An Hour A Week? Podcast on October 3rd, 2011

Bright Ideas pages, ceremonies ideas, opinion on the possibility of a camping BL & Pin, Scouting and homework, and making Scouting cool are some of the things on tonight's show. Links: Scouting and homework: Can the two coexist?-... [more]

Making a Plaster Print Mold

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 3rd, 2011

Plaster of Paris is messy, which means Scouts will enjoy it. You can use this versatile medium to make plaster molds and casts. This technique can be used to make shoe prints or tire track casts for Requirement 1 of Bear Achievement 7 – Law... [more]

ShelterBox Mobile App

Posted to A Scouter's Journey on October 2nd, 2011

Not too long ago I came across a service (Conduit Mobile) that let's you build mobile applications for iPhone, Android, Blackberry… For free. The design interface isn't the most intuitive (being a content Mac convert) but after a few... [more]

Krusteaz "One Step" Muffins

Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on October 2nd, 2011

Planning and preparing for an awesome time on the trail typically revolves around food in one way or another. I mean, face it.. we walk till we eat.. then we walk some more till we get to camp… and eat. We wake up, and eat. Point is meal... [more]

A ShelterBox Story

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on October 2nd, 2011

EDITOR"S NOTE: Doug Metz is a reader/listener who's story about ShelterBox is a great example of Scouters serving the wider community – he'll be featured on Podcast 87 along with Mark Dyer Shelterbox Scout's program director. Last summer my... [more]

Teenage Brains Article in National Geographic

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on October 2nd, 2011

Author David Dobbs' article in the October 2011 edition of National Geographic Teenage Brains is a must read for Scout leaders. Within the past decade brain scan studies established that the process of brain development lasted far longer than... [more]

Ultimate Pin for Cub Scouts

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 2nd, 2011

I've noticed more ultimate and disc golf courses being built at local parks. Ultimate seems to be an up and coming sport. So if your den has some time on a beautiful fall weekend, consider grabbing a frisbee and playing some ultimate... [more]

BSA Wolf Den Meeting Plan 4: Keep Your Body Healthy and Bowling Field Trip

Posted to Scouter Mom on October 1st, 2011

BSA provides den meeting plans for den leaders. Meeting 4 completes Wolf Achievement 3 - Keep Your Body Healthy, and completes Elective 20g - Sports (Go Bowling), and completes the Bowling belt loop... [more]

Citizenship

Posted to BSA CubCast Podcast on October 1st, 2011

Citizenship should mean more to a 7-year-old than simply reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. A parent of a new Cub Scout, Randy Doucet of Linden, Washington, has served on the Cub Scout pack committee and as a den leader at Cub Scout Summer Twilight... [more]

BeAScout

Posted to BSA CubCast Podcast on October 1st, 2011

Marty Walsh, department manager for the Membership Impact Department at the national office in Irving, Texas, drops by the Cubcast to share all the exciting details about this cool new recruiting... [more]

Picture of the Week 9/30/11

Posted to Leave No Trace Blog on October 1st, 2011

Rock Bridge, Red River Gorge, KY. Where's Waldo, Where's Tracy?... [more]

Listen, Learn, Participate in Voice of the Scout

Posted to Scout Wire on September 30th, 2011

In 2012, the Journey to Excellence performance recognition system will undergo changes. The most impactful change will be the addition of Voice of the Scout (VOS) as an optional criterion. VOS is a continuous feedback system based on the... [more]

Backpacking- Planning and preparing

Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on September 30th, 2011

Every time we go out into the woods for an outing with our scouts we should expect that some planning and preparation has occurred. In a Backpacking style troop this is an absolute must. You are walking away from your cars and comfort items, you... [more]

Soccer and Scouting Program

Posted to Scouter Mom on September 30th, 2011

The Soccer and Scouting program seeks to bring the values of Scouting to boys who might not be currently involved in a Cub Scout program. It is a 12 week program for boys in the 1st through 5th grades... [more]

6 Places You Won't Want To Miss At the 2013 Jamboree

Posted to Summit Blog on September 30th, 2011

Scouts are going to have an entire mountaintop of adventure sports and outdoor activities to enjoy at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, but it all has to start somewhere, right? Mountain Biking will be one of the many activities you can participate in at... [more]

Preparedness, Prudence and Panic

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on September 30th, 2011

A hurricane of historic proportions passed through our community and the way people responded is an interesting study of human nature assessing and managing risk. A friend of ours is a officer for a local township. On the day before the hurricane... [more]

2012 Budget-Building Tools Available on FID Website

Posted to Scout Wire on September 30th, 2011

Click to open FID BBB The Finance Impact Department's 2012 Budget-Building Bulletin is now available on its website ( www.scouting.org/financeimpact ) under the "FID e-Letter" tab. The 2012 Budget-Building Bulletin (BBB) serves as a finance tool,... [more]

When did things change?

Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on September 30th, 2011

I just came home from the High School. I volunteer to work the concession stand during the JV Football games so the parents of JV players can watch their sons play. There were a couple other Dads working with me and during the slow periods of the... [more]

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