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Scouting Blogs and News | Archived blog posts from June 2015.

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Summer Camp Survey

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on July 30th, 2015

How was your troop's week at camp this summer? Summer camp can be the most important week in a patrol and troop's year – it's challenging, adventurous, and full of possibility. How well did the camp you attended this summer provide those... [more]

One down, two to go?

Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on July 30th, 2015

By now, you have heard that the Boy Scouts of America has lifted its ban on employment and volunteer registration of openly gay individuals. The executive board followed the lead of BSA president Dr. Robert Gates, who in May told the national... [more]

Issue 448 â€" July 30, 2015

Posted to Ask Andy on July 30th, 2015

________________________________________ Hi Andy, I have a new "Andy's Rule" for you, that I learned the hard way: "It's easier to grow a spine than to have someone manually insert it." (Jimmy Day) Amen, Brother! ========== Hi Andy, I joined Scouts... [more]

New Star Rank Requirements

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on July 29th, 2015

This is is fifth in a series of posts abut the new rank requirements that take effect on January 1, 2016. Scout | Tenderfoot | Second Class | First Class | Star | Life | Eagle (these links will be active as each installment is published ) Exactly... [more]

Make a Clock out of Flatware

Posted to Inside Boys' Life on July 28th, 2015

What You'll Need: 6 plastic spoons and 6 plastic forks, new or used Clock mechanism (from a hobby store) A circle cut from 1?4? or 1?2? wood of any type, about 7? to 9? in diameter. This will become the clock face. (You can also get a precut wooden... [more]

BSA ends the ban on gay leaders

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on July 28th, 2015

"For far too long, this issue has divided and distracted us. Now it's time to unite behind our shared belief in the extraordinary power of Scouting to be a force for good." Robert Gates, BSA president. In a vote of the executive committee yesterday... [more]

Scoutmaster Podcast 277 â€" Hiker's Gear Guide

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on July 27th, 2015

This encore presentation features my interview with ultimate hiker Andrew Skurka. Skurka's Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide is my new go-to resource for backpacking gear information. The first section of the book asks and answers the questions that... [more]

We're all about life skills

Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on July 27th, 2015

Life skills. Just about every youth activity touts that it teaches "life skills." Baseball teaches life skills. Karate teaches life skills. Dance teaches life skills. Church groups teach life skills. And Scouting teaches life skills – but ours... [more]

What can be held, without ever being touched

Posted to Inside Boys' Life on July 27th, 2015

What can be held, without ever being touched Luke: What can be held without ever being touched? Matthew: I'm not sure. Luke: A conversation. View On WordPress... [more]

B-P's Blog â€" Health

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on July 26th, 2015

During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Each Sunday I'll publish a selection from his writings in the hope that you'll draw inspiration and... [more]

Operation Heroes honors veterans at the Summit

Posted to Inside Boys' Life on July 24th, 2015

The Summit Bechtel Reserve can provide a great experience for Scouts. But last weekend, it was all about our veterans. Operation Heroes, hosted by the Summit in partnership with the West Virginia National Guard, the Paralyzed Veterans of America... [more]

Troop Leader Guidebook now available

Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on July 23rd, 2015

The first of two volumes of the long-awaited Troop Leader Guidebook is finally available through theBSA Supply Division's ScoutStuff.org website and at many Scout Shops in local councils. The Guidebook, priced at $12.99, replaces the Scoutmaster... [more]

New First Class Rank Requirements

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on July 23rd, 2015

This is is fourth in a series of posts abut the new rank requirements that take effect on January 1, 2016. Scout | Tenderfoot | Second Class | First Class | Star | Life | Eagle (these links will be active as each installment is published ) Exactly... [more]

Bringing Scouting to the differently abled

Posted to Inside Boys' Life on July 22nd, 2015

Bringing Scouting to the differently abled Troop 85 in Asheville, North Carolina, is devoted to developmentally and physically challenged Scouts. They've got guys with Down syndrome, autism and other physical and mental challenges. At the same... [more]

Critical eyes

Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on July 22nd, 2015

Leaders must have a critical eye. They must develop a habit of looking for opportunities to improve themselves and their team. With a critical eye they will start seeing those opportunities. Now, when I say opportunities, I am not suggesting that... [more]

New Second Class Rank Requirements

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on July 21st, 2015

This is third in a series of posts abut the new rank requirements that take effect on January 1, 2016. Scout | Tenderfoot | Second Class | First Class | Star | Life | Eagle (these links will be active as each installment is published ) Exactly how... [more]

Scouts save elderly man during hike

Posted to Inside Boys' Life on July 21st, 2015

Scouts save elderly man during hike As a Boy Scout, you never know when you're going to be called upon to be prepared . Troop 301 in Anderson, Indiana, answered the call on a recent hiking trip to South Carolina's Table Rock State Park . During a... [more]

Gotta Go! Jambo 2017

Posted to My Scout Stuff - A Scoutmaster's Blog on July 20th, 2015

Two years from now at this time, scouts from across the country will be at the National Scout Jamboree in West Virginia… What can they expect? What will be the experience? Will it all be worth it?? Listen to these perspectives from an LDS Troop who... [more]

2016 High Adventure Early-Bird Discount

Posted to Summit Blog on July 20th, 2015

Attention Scouters! Register now and take advantage of discounts on 2016 fees at the Paul R. Christen National High Adventure Base at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. Groups that register for the 2016 H igh Adventure season and pay a $100 per person... [more]

Scoutmaster Podcast 276 â€" Patrol Method

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on July 20th, 2015

This encore presentation features an interview with the authors of Working the Patrol Method, a Scout leader's guide to youth leadership training. I think this is the best work on the patrol method since 'Green Bar' Bill Hillcourt's Handbook... [more]

Financial practices for units: Bank accounts

Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on July 20th, 2015

In the first article in this series, I offered some recommendations on being prepared financially through creating and following an annual unit budget. In this post, we'll look at some banking best practices for your troop or pack. Let me first say... [more]

B-P's Blog â€" Scouting â€" Game, not Science

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on July 19th, 2015

During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Each Sunday I'll publish a selection from his writings in the hope that you'll draw inspiration and... [more]

Join Alex at the World Jamboree

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on July 18th, 2015

The 23rd World Jamboree begins Tuesday, 28 July and concludes Saturday, 8 August 2015 in Kirara-hama, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan Alex, a 16 year-old young leader of 1st Southbourne Sea Scouts , and an Explorer at Southbourne... [more]

Issue 447 â€" July 17, 2015

Posted to Ask Andy on July 17th, 2015

________________________________________ Hi Andy, I have to point out your response about shooting sports targets isn't completely right. Starting on page 52 of the BSA NATIONAL SHOOTING SPORTS MANUAL, it says the following for Boy Scout and... [more]

Cub Scout Nutrition Activities

Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on July 16th, 2015

Cub Scouts learn about nutritious foods with some fun... [more]

Splatoon Game Tips

Posted to Inside Boys' Life on July 16th, 2015

Any tips for Splatoon? Games Guru: Here's a few helpful tips. • Splatter everywhere. Only ink sprayed on the ground - not the walls - counts toward your team's point total during a Turf War. So make a mess! • Special weapons. Keep spraying ink to... [more]

MPSC Leader's Video 2015

Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on July 16th, 2015

This week nine Boy Scouts from Melrose Troop 68 are attending summer camp at Many Point Scout Camp in northern Minnesota. I was there with them from Sunday through Wednesday and I can tell you, they are having a blast, even though the weather could... [more]

Newbie summer camp advice

Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on July 16th, 2015

In one of the Scouting circles on Google Plus, a member asked for advice on going to summer camp for the first-time as an adult. "What one thing should I bring, or not bring? Or what should I absolutely do?" Circle members offered a variety of... [more]

New Tenderfoot Rank Requirements

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on July 14th, 2015

This is is second in a series of posts abut the new rank requirements that take effect on January 1, 2016. Scout | Tenderfoot | Second Class | First Class | Star | Life | Eagle (these links will be active as each installment is published ) How the... [more]

New Scout Rank Requirements

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on July 14th, 2015

Here's my comments on the new Scout Rank requirements that take effect on January 1, 2016. Exactly how the new requirements are phased in is explained in this PDF document – Notes on Transitioning to the New Requirements . I found the new... [more]

"Choose to Refuse" Drug Abuse Prevention

Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on July 14th, 2015

Choose to Refuse is a drug abuse prevention awareness booklet that you can use with your Cub... [more]

Scoutmaster Podcast 275 â€" The Scouting Party

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on July 13th, 2015

In this encore episode of the Scoutmaster podcast I interview author and historian David C. Scott. about his book The Scouting Party, a thoroughly researched, unflinching account of the founding and first decade of the BSA focused on the lives of... [more]

Cub Scout Environmental Service Project Ideas

Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on July 13th, 2015

Looking for Cub Scout service projects that will benefit the environment? Read about a great... [more]

Eight fall recruiting ideas you haven't tried

Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on July 13th, 2015

Fall is approaching, whether we realize it or not, and with it comes our most productive recruiting season. School starts back up, and our Cub Scout program kicks into gear. Each year, packs need to form new Tiger dens and add to the others,... [more]

B-P's Blog â€" Out of Patience

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on July 12th, 2015

During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Each Sunday I'll publish a selection from his writings in the hope that you'll draw inspiration and... [more]

A cat's favorite game

Posted to Inside Boys' Life on July 12th, 2015

A cat's favorite game Sterling: What's a cat's favorite game? Cooper: What? Sterling: Mouse Trap. View On WordPress... [more]

2001 National Jamboree Marvel Patch Set

Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on July 10th, 2015

I attended the 2001 National Jamboree as the scoutmaster of Troop 1417. I had a great time. I had a great troop. And I collected quite a few patches from the event. In fact, I still collect patches from the event when I find some for a reasonable... [more]

2015 NOAC Patches, Part 3

Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on July 9th, 2015

You were given a preview of the trader's two patch set in May. Yesterday I wrote a post about the participant's set. But did you know there is one more option available for the Naguonabe Lodge members who will be participating in this year's... [more]

The Outdoor Code

Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on July 9th, 2015

Most troops start off their meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a usually speedy recitation of the Scout Oath and Scout Law: Okay, so Frankfurter patrol, Scout Oath! Scout Sign! A Scout is Trustworthy Loyal… NO! Scout Oath!... [more]

Issue 446 â€" July 8, 2015

Posted to Ask Andy on July 9th, 2015

________________________________________ Fast upon us is the Scout summer camp season. I'm already contemplating August-September and the phone calls that will begin then. You see, I'm a Merit Badge Counselor for five in the aquatic group. "It... [more]

Wolf Den Meeting Plan – Call of the Wild: Outdoor Skills

Posted to Scouter Mom on July 8th, 2015

This Wolf den meeting plan covers two of the seven requirements for the Call of the Wild Wolf adventure. The other requirements will be covered in another meeting and a den outing. At this meeting, Wolves prepare to go camping by learning about... [more]

2015 NOAC Patches, Part 2

Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on July 8th, 2015

It was over a month ago when I wrote a post about the Naguonabe Lodge's patch design for the 2015 National Order of the Arrow Conference, otherwise known as NOAC. The two patch set also commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Order of the Arrow... [more]

Tiger Den Meeting Plan – Backyard Jungle: Plant and Observe

Posted to Scouter Mom on July 7th, 2015

This Tiger den meeting plan covers three of the five requirements for the Backyard Jungle Tiger adventure. The other two requirements are covered in the Backyard Jungle: Birds meeting plan . At this meeting, Tigers plant a tree or other plant... [more]

Developing Youth Leaders â€" Ready, Fire, Aim

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on July 7th, 2015

I want to encourage you to stop training youth leaders and start developing their leadership skills – two very different things. Scouts learn best experimentally, "ready, fire, aim" is an apt description of the process. Directing the archery... [more]

Parade Flag Tradition.

Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on July 7th, 2015

When does something become a tradition? If it is done for seven years, does that qualify? If it does, than the Boy Scouts of Melrose Troop 68 have a tradition to be proud of. This was the seventh year that they have handed out 4″x6″... [more]

Scoutmaster Podcast 274 â€" 91st Dublin

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on July 6th, 2015

I was very fortunate to get to sit and talk a while with Joe Briggs and Alan McConnell from the 91st Dublin Scout Group. The 91st was visiting our Scout camp and touring during the 50th anniversary of the group. Joe is the group leader with 50... [more]

Tiger Den Meeting Plan – Backyard Jungle: Birds

Posted to Scouter Mom on July 6th, 2015

This Tiger den meeting plan covers two of the five requirements for the Backyard Jungle Tiger adventure. I'll cover the other requirements in another meeting plan. Looking at the requirements, you might be able to cover all five requirements in one... [more]

Q&A: Older Scouts; cell phones at camp

Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on July 6th, 2015

Time for answers to a couple more questions from readers. This time, the questions deal with older Scouts and patrol organization, and what to do about cell phones at summer camp. Engaging older Scouts We have a number of older Scouts, mainly high... [more]

B-P's Blog â€" Happifying

Posted to Scoutmaster Clarke Green on July 5th, 2015

During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Each Sunday I'll publish a selection from his writings in the hope that you'll draw inspiration and... [more]

Wood Badge Recruiting Tools

Posted to HalfEagle.com Blog on July 3rd, 2015

How to draw funny caricatures

Posted to Inside Boys' Life on July 2nd, 2015

How to draw a funny caricature of Abraham Lincoln Grab a piece of paper and a pencil and get ready to learn how to give your friends a few yucks and chuckles. This is a lesson in how to draw caricatures. Caricatures are simplified portraits of real... [more]

Ask the Gear Guy Q&A: What type of shirt is best for outdoor...

Posted to Inside Boys' Life on July 1st, 2015

Ask the Gear Guy Q&A: What type of shirt is best for outdoor activities? Q. Dear Gear Guy, I love to go camping, but I never know what type of shirt I should wear... [more]

July KNOTS Cartoon - Noah's Ark

Posted to U.S. Scouting Service Project on July 1st, 2015

July 2015 KNOTS Ark Cafe Press Items Copyright - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com... [more]

Outdoor Cooking Ideas for Cub Scouts

Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on June 30th, 2015

Looking for outdoor cooking ideas for Cub Scouts? Read about some great cookbooks full of outdoor cooking... [more]

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