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Retention-Ready: What makes a great Scout meeting? A Scoutmaster - and 'Scout Life' experts - weigh in.
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on September 28th, 2026
A great Scout meeting doesn't have to involve an elaborate activity or an expensive guest speaker. Sometimes, it's as simple as getting Scouts moving. Give them something to do with their hands, and you're more likely to hear "That was fun!" at the... [more]
Nominate a deserving Scouter for the Silver Antelope Award. Deadline is November 30.
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on September 25th, 2026
It's time to nominate a deserving Scouter for the 2027 Silver Antelope Award. Created in 1942, the Silver Antelope Award is a council service territory-level award of Scouting America, acting through the National Court of Honor. Nominees should be... [more]
New Space Exploration merit badge digital resource guide launches
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on September 23rd, 2026
For generations, space exploration has captured the imagination of Scouts who look up to the night sky and wonder what lies among the stars. The new Space Exploration merit badge digital resource guide helps bring that excitement to life by... [more]
Merit Badge Counselors: Guides on the Trail
Posted to Scouter Mom on September 20th, 2026
Merit Badge Counselors A merit badge counselor helps a Scout learn something new. The counselor does not do the work for the Scout. The counselor shows the path and helps the Scout stay on track. This is a simple role, but it matters. Many Scouts... [more]
Cycling Road Safety Matching Activity
Posted to Scouter Mom on September 20th, 2026
Cycling Road Safety Matching Activity This road safety matching game printable fits well into many Scouting programs. It works for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and even younger siblings at family events. The cards use clear pictures and short messages... [more]
Retention-Ready: Here's the Cub Scout retention checklist every leader needs
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on September 18th, 2026
If you ask Cub Scouts why they're in Scouting, the answers will sound a lot like this: "It's fun." "My friends are here." "I like (a specific activity)." These responses make the job of a Scouting America leader straightforward, says Dan Ayers,... [more]
Preparing your Scout for that first hike
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on September 15th, 2026
After 12 summers at Philmont Scout Ranch, Austin St. George can spot an experienced hiker seconds into the trek. Footwear is a clue, and gear offers a glimpse into a Scout's previous conquests. But most of all, St. George says great hikers pay... [more]
Wildland Fire Management merit badge digital resource guide is available and timely
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on September 14th, 2026
At the 2026 National Jamboree, Scouting America launched the Wildland Fire Management merit badge. Its release could not have been timelier. According to statistics from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) , more than 8.4 million acres have... [more]
Guest Article: The Scout leader's role in suicide prevention
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on September 10th, 2026
By Nita Grubbs, RN Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and the second-leading cause of death among people ages 10 through 24. But using Scouting America's U-S-A model can help leaders Be Prepared if they believe... [more]
Simple Handwashing Tips for Scouts
Posted to Scouter Mom on September 9th, 2026
Simple Handwashing Tips for Scouts Good handwashing helps Scouts stay healthy at home and at camp. It keeps germs from spreading during meals, games, and projects. Many Scouts do not realize how often they touch their faces, clothes, or gear. Clean... [more]
Wildland Fire Management merit badge helps Scouts understand a growing global challenge
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on September 8th, 2026
As Scouts gathered for the 2026 National Jamboree, wildfires in Canada were making national news. It was a timely backdrop for the July 29 introduction of Scouting America's new Wildland Fire Management merit badge. Less than a month later, the... [more]
New Sustainability merit badge digital resource guide makes a lasting impact
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on September 8th, 2026
The new Sustainability merit badge digital resource guide helps Scouts understand how everyday choices can have a lasting impact on their communities, the environment and future generations. In exploring what it means to sustain the earth, this... [more]
Scout Sign, Salute, and Handshake
Posted to Scouter Mom on September 3rd, 2026
Scout Sign, Salute, and Handshake Scouts share many traditions, but three of the most recognizable are the Scout sign, salute, and handshake. Each gesture has a different purpose, yet all three express the ideals of Scouting. Download a handout... [more]
First Aid for a Snakebite
Posted to Scouter Mom on September 3rd, 2026
First Aid for a Snakebite Snakes generally try to avoid people, but bites can happen when someone surprises a snake, steps near it, or reaches into a place where it is hiding. Scouts and leaders may encounter snakes while hiking, camping, moving... [more]
First Aid for Scratches, Scrapes, and Shallow Cuts
Posted to Scouter Mom on September 3rd, 2026
First Aid for Scratches, Scrapes, and Shallow Cuts Scratches, scrapes, and shallow cuts can happen during hikes, campouts, service projects, and other Scouting activities. Most of these wounds are minor, but they still need prompt care. Good first... [more]
Meet Scouting America's new artist in residence
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on September 1st, 2026
Scouting America's new artist in residence isn't all that new. Joshua Hunt, an Eagle Scout from Troop 1008 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, served in the same capacity at the 2017 National Scout Jamboree and the 2018 National Order of the Arrow Conference... [more]
Ticks on a Toilet Seat Song
Posted to Scouter Mom on August 31st, 2026
Ticks on a Toilet Seat Song Song type : Silly song Best for: All ages When to use: Waiting time, campfire, downtime Energy level: Low Movement: None Noise level : Quiet Use for: Participation, group bonding Scout spirit: Friendly, cheerful The... [more]
Finding Direction Using a Watch
Posted to Scouter Mom on August 31st, 2026
Finding Direction Using a Watch Many Scouts enjoy learning how to find direction without a compass. This activity uses a watch and the sun. It shows how the sun moves across the sky during the day. Scouts like testing their results with a real... [more]
Sponsored: Watch stories of service from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Posted to Aaron on Scouting Magazine on August 31st, 2026
Megan Jones, vice president of education programs at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, says it's hard for a lot of us to recognize that today's 8-year-old Cub Scout was born 17 years after one of the darkest days in American history. The further away... [more]
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