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Let there be Scouting!
Posted to Scouter Adam on October 30th, 2016
Over the this last weekend was the 2016 Cascade Pacific Council's University of Scouting. Yes, a lot of people in Scout uniforms coming together to learn more about what they like to do, because their kid brought home a flyer ââ¬Â¦ Continue... [more]
30 Funny Cat Jokes
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on October 28th, 2016
30 Funny Cat Jokes Here are 30 funny cat jokes by Boys' Life readers that will make you howl with laughter. Do you know a funny cat joke? Click here to send in your joke . Comic by Scott Nickel Two robins stuffed themselves with worms until they... [more]
How to register for a 2017 or 2018 BSA high-adventure base trip
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 28th, 2016
It's the third-annual High-Adventure Week here on Bryan on Scouting. It's time to celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime experiences offered at the BSA's four national high-adventure bases - and give you tips on how to secure your spot in 2017, 2018 and... [more]
Suspended Tensegrity Cube by 1st Halfway House Scouts
Posted to Ropes and Poles on October 28th, 2016
Photo courtesy Shane Anderson 1st Halfway House , a Scout troop in Midrand, South Africa, recently built this tensegrity cube suspended between A-frames. The cube is supsended at 4 points- two underneath, and two at the top of the structure. Photos... [more]
On Character
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on October 28th, 2016
We talk a lot about Character with our Scouts and on this blog. Character is one of those things that as an organization we value and strive to instill in our Scouts. Character development is one of the goals that support the mission of the Boy... [more]
Gaiters Protect
Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on October 27th, 2016
One reason I like taking scouts backpacking up in the mountains above timberline is because I can see forever. Not just the wonderful scenery, but the terrain around me, too. No little animals or snakes rustling in the brush right beside me, no... [more]
Issue 503 â" October 18, 2016
Posted to Ask Andy on October 27th, 2016
________________________________________ (This conversation is from early Septemberâ¦) Hi, Andy, I'm a Den Leader entering my second year and having a grand time. My den has grown to a good size-12 registered and about 10 showing up regularly, and... [more]
Follow these steps when packing your vehicle for a Scouting adventure
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 27th, 2016
Anyone who has tried to fit four Scouts and all their camping gear into a compact SUV knows that packing a vehicle can be as frustrating as a thousand-piece puzzle. But when that puzzle is solved? When each piece is in its proper position? That... [more]
The Last Photo Album?
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on October 27th, 2016
I have a lot of photo albums. Scouting photo albums, that is. Most of them include pictures of troop meetings, weekend outings, summer camps, and courts of honor. There are also albums of the trips to Philmont Scout Ranch, the High Knoll Trail, and... [more]
2017-2018 preview: Northern Tier National High Adventure Bases
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 27th, 2016
It's the third-annual High-Adventure Week here on Bryan on Scouting. It's time to celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime experiences offered at the BSA's four national high-adventure bases - and give you tips on how to secure your spot in 2017, 2018 and... [more]
One Good Turn
Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on October 27th, 2016
Sometimes a Daily Good Turn takes some effort, and sometimes an opportunity literally blows up in your face. You've seen the movies where a briefcase full of cash cracks open, or dollars are thrown from a building, or an explosion blasts money... [more]
Mid-America Council shatters Guinness World Record for longest Pinewood Derby track
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 26th, 2016
You've never seen a Pinewood Derby track this long, guaranteed. The Nebraska-based Mid-America Council now owns the Guinness World Record for the longest Pinewood Derby track ever constructed, with a track that surpassed the previous record-holder... [more]
Building My High Performance Team
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on October 26th, 2016
In the Wood Badge program everything we do.. and I mean everything, is a model for what the Scouting program is supposed to look like. From the way we dress to the way we strive to be a High Performance Team, the Wood Badge staff models success... [more]
2017-2018 preview: Philmont Scout Ranch
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 26th, 2016
It's the third-annual High-Adventure Week here on Bryan on Scouting. It's time to celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime experiences offered at the BSA's four national high-adventure bases - and give you tips on how to secure your spot in 2017, 2018 and... [more]
This is My Wave Baby
Posted to Scouter Adam on October 25th, 2016
I was recently asked and I accepted the position of ASM of Logistics for the W1-492-17-2 course within Cascade Pacific Council. Yes, once again there are TWO Courses. This course is also a 7 day course. Not the split 3 day ââ¬Â¦ Continue reading... [more]
Last time the Chicago Cubs won the World Series, the BSA didn't yet exist
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 25th, 2016
Mordecai Brown, Frank Chance, Johnny Evers and the rest of the World Series champion Chicago Cubs were never Boy Scouts. How do we know? Because in 1908, the year they won the World Series, the Boy Scouts of America didn't yet exist. The future... [more]
Lights Out In The Scouting Village
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on October 25th, 2016
For the last few years I, along with many other Scouters and Scouts, have been buying the Scouting Village collection pieces. Last year my village filled an area larger than two foot by four foot. That was without all the 2015 pieces as part of the... [more]
2017-2018 preview: Florida National High Adventure Sea Base
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 25th, 2016
It's the third-annual High-Adventure Week here on Bryan on Scouting. It's time to celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime experiences offered at the BSA's four national high-adventure bases - and give you tips on how to secure your spot in 2017, 2018 and... [more]
Issue 504 â" October 25, 2016
Posted to Ask Andy on October 25th, 2016
________________________________________ (Nope, this isn't a pre-Halloween horror story⦠It's real.) Hi Andy, Our son joined a troop of his choosing when he crossed over as an Webelos, and my husband (an Eagle Scout, former Assistant Cubmaster,... [more]
Challenge yourself with Scouting magazine's Where Am I? contest for November-December 2016
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 24th, 2016
The end of the year brings gift-giving season. Take the sting out of holiday gift expenses by winning this awesome gift card. Examine the photo and clues and take a guess - you could be chosen as the winner of the Where Am I? contest , earning you... [more]
2017 preview: Paul R. Christen High Adventure Base at Summit Bechtel Reserve
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 24th, 2016
It's the third-annual High-Adventure Week here on Bryan on Scouting. It's time to celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime experiences offered at the BSA's four national high-adventure bases - and give you tips on how to secure your spot in 2017, 2018 and... [more]
Present the colors â" but what next?
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on October 24th, 2016
In this election season, we're all immersed and bombarded with campaign activity. We see signs everywhere, hear and see ads on radio and television, get lots of mail, and the phone sometimes won't stop ringing. Often, Scouts participate as well... [more]
Enough is Enough
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on October 24th, 2016
I once had an Assistant Scoutmaster in our unit that came to me one night and announced the he was "Burned Out" and that he was leaving Scouting because "Enough was Enough". He felt that he no longer had something to give the program. Well, much... [more]
Storing Backpacks During Wintertime
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on October 21st, 2016
Storing Backpacks During Wintertime Q. Hi, Gear Guy. What do you recommend when it comes to storing backpacks during wintertime? I want to store our new backpacks properly so they'll be in good condition for many years. - Mountain Mom, St. Paul,... [more]
And I'm going to work my ticket if I canâ¦
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on October 21st, 2016
Those of us that have been to Wood Badge, and those that have been around to hear a group of Wood Badgers sing the Gilwell song have heard the refrain "and I'm going to work my ticket if I can.." What the heck does that mean? Well, there is not a... [more]
Why one troop in Illinois is sending 43 Scouts to the 2017 National Jamboree
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 21st, 2016
When I got the email, I did a double take. Betsy Hough, committee chairwoman of Troop 48 out of Lake Forest, Ill., wrote that 43 Scouts from her troop - nearly half the troop's youth members - are registered for the 2017 National Jamboree at the... [more]
Vote for Boys' Life in the 2016 Adweek Readers' Choice Awards
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 21st, 2016
What does Boys' Life have in common with Fast Company , The New Yorker and Sports Illustrated ? All are high-quality magazines regularly singled out as the best in their class. The latest honor for Boys' Life is the magazine's nomination in... [more]
Pedro Meets the Chief
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on October 20th, 2016
Pedro Meets the Chief When we set out to interview The Boss' boss, we knew of only one intrepid reporter up to the task. Unfortunately, that reporter was not available, so we had to settle for ⦠Pedro the Mailburro. Please prepare yourselves as the... [more]
An Outing of Bears
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on October 20th, 2016
The Bears Den of Melrose Cub Scout Pack 68 had fun last weekend. They had their first overnight camping trip. It was held a couple miles south of Melrose in the backyard of one of the families. With a nice big backyard, and hiking trails nearby, it... [more]
Lions and Tigers and Bears
Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on October 20th, 2016
Oh my, it's fun to have all three of those critters part of the Cub Scouting program now. The kindergarten Lion program seems to have been 'in the works' forever since our council has been piloting it for a few years now. Pretty much every pack has... [more]
Scouter who completes 1 millionth eLearning module will win free Philmont conference registration
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 20th, 2016
Getting trained for your Scouting position is its own reward. But the Scouter who completes the 1 millionth module in the BSA Learn Center will get an additional reward: free registration for a conference at the Philmont Training Center - up to... [more]
Cub Scout Bobcat Cootie Catcher
Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on October 19th, 2016
This Cub Scout Bobcat Cootie Catcher has been updated with the latest Bobcat requirements. The FREE printable includes folding and playing instructions. The post Cub Scout Bobcat Cootie Catcher appeared first on Cub Scout Ideas ... [more]
Breaking news: Join the Boys' Life team for the coolest job at the jamboree
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 19th, 2016
Did you hear the news? Whether you're a working journalist helping inform the public or simply a fan of the world's greatest magazine for boys, you are formally invited to join the Boys' Life team at the 2017 National Jamboree. Boys' Life is... [more]
Close the back door
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on October 19th, 2016
There are two phrases that absolutely drive me up the wall, First is "Aging out" and the other is "Eagleing Out". No where in Scouting are those two terms found. These are terms founded by lazy leaders that do not understand the entire Scouting... [more]
The Philmont Interview
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on October 18th, 2016
Seven Boy Scouts of Melrose Troop 68 had a blast at Philmont Scout Ranch this summer. The local newspaper was notified of the trip and decided that an article was in order. At last night's troop meeting we received a visit from Herman, the... [more]
Outdoor Ethics Training
Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on October 18th, 2016
These scouts are carefully screening food bits out of waste water before disposing of it. Are your scouts well versed in Outdoor Ethics? How would they dispose of this water and the food bits? I spent my weekend at scout camp on staff presenting a... [more]
The age-old question: How is your troop organized into patrols?
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 18th, 2016
In some troops, incoming Scouts form a new-Scout patrol. In others, new Scouts are integrated immediately into a patrol with older boys. There's no one-size-fits-all technique, but there are upsides and downsides to each approach. For this Tuesday... [more]
Hiking-n-Cycling Safety Vest
Posted to Scoutmaster Musings on October 17th, 2016
#ITLLEDVest Here's something that anyone doing the Hiking or Cycling merit badges might find useful, especially if you're putting in miles on multi-use trails or along roads with traffic. In the very dark night hours, cars have their headlights on... [more]
Court of honor recognizes 200 refugee Scouts from 14 countries
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 17th, 2016
It's right there on the Statue of Liberty for all the world to see: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free ââ¬Â¦ " But for Michael Nebeker and his fellow Scouting volunteers in Utah, those are more than just... [more]
2017 Journey to Excellence
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on October 17th, 2016
It's rechartering time for just about everybody, and with it comes our annual self-evaluation, the Journey to Excellence. With us since 2011. this program allows units to assess how they are doing compared to how high-performing units operate. It's... [more]
The Rockwell Wall
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on October 16th, 2016
Many Boy Scout councils use incentives during their Friends Of Scouting campaigns. During the last several years, our council has used special council strip patches to entice donors to give a little more. Each year's patch features a different... [more]
24 of the Greatest Toys of 2016
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on October 14th, 2016
24 of the Greatest Toys of 2016 Play on! After hours and hours of testing, here are some of the latest and greatest from the toy world. WIN! Enter for a chance to win these toys in the Play On Giveaway. TINY FLIER The controls were sensitive and... [more]
LSU QB Danny Etling, an Eagle Scout, says Scouting made him a better football player and person
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 14th, 2016
At first, Danny Etling didn't understand why his mom kept pushing him to stay in Scouting. Sure, he enjoyed camping and earning merit badges, but the four-star football prospect didn't exactly have an abundance of free time in high school. But... [more]
The New Spirit Of Scouting
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on October 14th, 2016
The Norman Rockwell reprint set I wrote about in the last post is not the only Scouting print set I own. I also have The New Spirit Of Scouting set featuring ten paintings of Joseph Csatari. These prints are also 11ââ¬Â³ x 17ââ¬Â³ and are... [more]
Toy drive for Eagle Scout project benefits children battling cancer
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 13th, 2016
Zachary Fortuna knows all too well the struggles a young person faces when battling cancer. His little cousin, Chris, was diagnosed at age 4 with advanced-stage neuroblastoma, a cancer of the adrenal glands. Zachary noticed that whenever Chris, now... [more]
Tradition and Legacy
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on October 13th, 2016
It seems that all of my life I have been a part of or surrounded by organizations that a rich in tradition and have left lasting marks on society, our country, and the people that are served by those organizations. The Army is one of those... [more]
Scouting Through The Eyes Ofâ¦
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on October 13th, 2016
A long time ago, in a galaxyââ¬Â¦ Oh wait, Let me start again. Way back in the 1980's, which is prehistory to today's Scouts, a young scoutmaster began collecting Scouting memorabilia. That collection continues to grow to this day, although not... [more]
Donn Fendler, whose Scout training helped him survive 9 days lost in Maine as a boy, dies at 90
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 12th, 2016
Donn Fendler, who says his Scout training and faith in God helped him survive nine days lost in the woods of Maine at age 12, died Monday. He was 90. Fendler's story, recounted in his 1978 book Lost on a Mountain in Maine , seems almost... [more]
3 Wild Plants That Relieve Minor Stings, Burns and Itches
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on October 12th, 2016
3 Wild Plants That Relieve Minor Stings, Burns and Itches These common plants can help if you have a minor scratch, burn, sting or itch. FOR BUG BITES AND STINGS Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) is common in yards, sunny meadows and woodland... [more]
Inside the Thomas S. Monson Lodge in Utah, a new Scouting masterpiece
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 12th, 2016
The building, with its striking design in a breathtaking setting, looks almost too nice to use. Fortunately for the Scouts and Scouters of Utah, though, the Thomas S. Monson Lodge has as much function as form. The 18,000-square-foot Scouting... [more]
Issue 502 â" October 11, 2016
Posted to Ask Andy on October 11th, 2016
________________________________________ Dear Andy, My son is working on Camping merit badge and I'm wondering if there's any guidance as far as what constitutes "planning and carrying out a snow camping experience." Is the goal specifically... [more]
Hometown USA Award rewards Scouts for efforts to Keep America Beautiful
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 11th, 2016
Always leave a place better than you found it. For more than 100 years, Scouts have followed that doctrine everywhere they go. It's in our DNA. And it's why the Boy Scouts of America has teamed up with Keep America Beautiful , a nonprofit devoted... [more]
Patterns of character
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on October 11th, 2016
If you are a civics aficionado, this is a very interesting time. We are in the midst of one of the most notable and volatile presidential campaigns in our country's history. Much is being said on both sides of the debate, and it's hard to imagine... [more]
Things I Did Because I Was a Boy Scout: An impressive list
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 10th, 2016
Those less familiar with Scouting know all about the camping and fishing and hiking that young men and young women enjoy in our program. They know that Scouts and Venturers are kind and do good deeds. "That's a good start," says longtime volunteer... [more]
Issue 501 â" October 8, 2016
Posted to Ask Andy on October 8th, 2016
________________________________________ The rumors of my⦠Well, you know the rest. Been traveling out of state and out of the country for the past several weeks. Back in the saddle now, so here we go⦠Dear Andy, Thank you for your commitment to... [more]
One small step for â¦!
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on October 8th, 2016
In 2015 I was informed that the Council had decided that I would be a Wood Badge Course Director, if I chose to accept the position. It did not take a lot of time for the answer to come from somewhere in the brain to the mouth and I quickly said I... [more]
56m suspension bridge at Manjedal Activity Centre, Western Australia
Posted to Ropes and Poles on October 7th, 2016
Greg from West Australian Scout Pioneering wrote in with photos and a description of the awesome bridge, supported by A frames on each end and a raft in the centre. Here's Gregs description: Photo courtesy Greg Barbera Project : Build a Rope bridge... [more]
Scout Book
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on October 6th, 2016
In February of 2014 I wrote a review of Scout Book . At the time, a pretty new system for recording Scout Data for your unit. In that post I was given the opportunity to give away a couple subscriptions to Scout Book. I was also given a free year... [more]
Step by step: How to be a merit badge counselor
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 6th, 2016
The merit badge counselor is one of the coolest jobs in Scouting. These volunteers introduce Scouts to a topic about which they are passionate and knowledgable. At the very least, a merit badge counselor helps a young man earn a merit badge for his... [more]
A teaching moment
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on October 6th, 2016
"This is America. Go back to Mexico!" "Build That Wall!" These words are all too familiar today. You might expect to hear them at a rally for the current Republican presidential candidate. The outrageousness is reported by the news media for all to... [more]
The Uniform Police
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on October 6th, 2016
We have all heard of the "Uniform Police" in our Scouting circles. I am not a member of the Police Force charged with making a scene about uniform violations and forcing a Council wide investigation on this patch or that.. tongue in cheek, but we... [more]
Eagle Scout Court of Honor Planning
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on October 5th, 2016
As a scoutmaster I did not plan any Eagle courts of honor. After all, that was not my job. The Eagle Scout plans his court of honor with the help of his parents. I did give advice and help a bit when asked, but I usually stayed away from the... [more]
What the Scouting movement has in common with Netflix
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 5th, 2016
Our Scouts might not believe it, but it's true. I was there. There was actually a time in the not-too-distant past where renting a movie meant putting on shoes, getting in your car and driving to a place called Blockbuster Video. That is,... [more]
Write a Funny Caption For This Photo
Posted to Inside Boys' Life on October 4th, 2016
Write a Funny Caption For This Photo What's going on in this picture? What is that chicken doing and what is it thinking? If you can think of a funny caption for this photo, just post it in the comment form at the bottom of this page. After we... [more]
Cub Scout Requirements
Posted to Cub Scout Ideas on October 4th, 2016
Click on the links below to find the Cub Scout requirements and adventures for each rank. You'll also find fun ideas for how to complete those requirements. The post Cub Scout Requirements appeared first on Cub Scout Ideas ... [more]
At the Eagle Scout Project Showcase, browse ideas by keyword, location
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 4th, 2016
Looking for Eagle Scout service project ideas? Look no further than Boys' Life ââ¬Ës new Eagle Scout Project Showcase . The site includes more than 101 Eagle Scout projects that visitors can browse by keyword, category and location. And you can... [more]
The Fall Fundraiser
Posted to A Scoutmaster's Blog on October 4th, 2016
Tonight kicked off the ticket sales for Boy Scout Troop 68's fall fundraiser. The spaghetti supper will be held at the Melrose American Legion on Saturday, October 29th. Serving will be from 5:00 to 8:00 in the evening. The troop usually does... [more]
Knots for October 2016
Posted to U.S. Scouting Service Project on October 3rd, 2016
Jr. KNOTS Scout Spookoree - Halloween Fun! October 2016 Cafe Press Items KNOTS Cartoons Books, e-Books and CDs and Merchandise Keywords: Diesslin, knots scout cartoon, Spookoree; Jr. KNOTS, scout, Halloween, camping, werewolf, full moon Copyright -... [more]
The Best Scouting Apps of 2016
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on October 3rd, 2016
It's 2016. The smartphone doesn't detract from the Scouting experience; it enhances it. Where in the past there was a debate over whether smartphone use is appropriate in Scouting, these days most Scouters see the devices like pocketknives... [more]
Make training more interesting
Posted to Bobwhite's Blather on October 3rd, 2016
It's fall and our newest recruits are joining us. Not just the boys, but the adults as well, stepping into Scouting leadership for the first time, moving to new positions within their units or making the transition from program to program. Any time... [more]
The Life of a Serendipitist
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on October 3rd, 2016
I think it is important to have "Hero's" in life. People that we look up to or try to learn from chapters of their lives. William "Green Bar Bill" Hillcourt is one of my hero's. His love for the Scouting program drove him and in the end elevated... [more]
Fresh
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on September 30th, 2016
As this new Journey begins I thought it was time for a new look.. a fresh start.. that feeling you have when you change your socks before a long hike, you know, it feels warm on your feet, clean, and cozy. With my renewed sense of enthusiasm,... [more]
Represent
Posted to The Scoutmaster Minute on September 30th, 2016
Tonight I had the pleasure of sitting behind a young man as his advocate at his Eagle Scout Board of Review. I have sat behind many young men as they answered questions and talked to t he board about leadership and their Scouting experience. Each... [more]
Want to see more Scouting blogs? Why not check out the main page with the recent Scouting blog posts? Or maybe check out some of the most popular recent blog posts? This page is getting pretty old, so if it's getting a bit dusty just let me know. ;)