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Scouting Blogs and News | Learn how Scouts are taking advantage of technology like the iPhone and read reviews of iPhone Apps used by Scouting leaders.

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Safety Central app lets parents act quickly if a child goes missing

I hope you'll never have to use all the features of Safety Central, a new app from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. But if that nightmare scenario of a missing child ever happens, Safety Central could be the most important... From Bryan on Scouting Magazine 7 years ago

The Best Scouting Apps of 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... From Bryan on Scouting Magazine 7 years ago

On our radar: Great gear sighted at the 2016 Summer Outdoor Retailer

Every year, outdoor gear manufacturers from around the globe show off their latest and greatest at the Outdoor Retailer summer market in Salt Lake City, Utah. Our gear experts spent the last few days combing the floor to find the coolest gear to... From Bryan on Scouting Magazine 7 years ago

Vote for your favorite car at Outdoor Retailer's Pinewood Derby

The creative minds behind some of your favorite outdoor gear brands came together tonight to race at the  Outdoor Retailer Pinewood Derby , hosted by the Boy Scouts of America's Scouting Works team. Fifteen cars competed in two categories,... From Bryan on Scouting Magazine 7 years ago

So you've been bitten by a venomous snake? Here's what to do.

Don't apply a tourniquet. Don't suck out the venom. And never, ever attempt to capture or kill the snake. When traveling in areas where you might encounter a venomous snake, knowing what to do is just as important as knowing what not to do. So... From Bryan on Scouting Magazine 7 years ago

Eagle Scout offers tips for being safe while playing Pokémon GO

If you're not careful, the effort to catch all the Pokémon for your Pokédex could leave you with a Poké-compound fracture. That's why the Eagle Scout who made headlines last year with a campaign against texting while driving is back with... From Bryan on Scouting Magazine 7 years ago

There's a Pokémon GO PokéStop outside BSA headquarters - where else have you found one?

By now you've heard about Pokémon GO - the augmented-reality app for iPhone and Android that's encouraging people young and old to get outside and explore. Here are the basics: You download the app and head outside. Then you walk around an area... From Bryan on Scouting Magazine 7 years ago

Randall Stephenson, AT&T CEO and BSA president: 'It's a new day in Scouting'

Randall Stephenson has a quote on his office wall from Eric Shinseki, the former secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. It reads: "If you don't like change, you are going to like irrelevance even less." Stephenson, the AT&T CEO who... From Bryan on Scouting Magazine 7 years ago

Here are some of the best pinewood derby cars of 2016 sent in by Boys' Life readers. ...

Here are some of the best pinewood derby cars of 2016 sent in by Boys' Life readers. MORE PINEWOOD DERBY FUN Complete pinewood derby guide How to use science to make a fast pinewood derby car 100 amazing pinewood derby cars of 2014 Click here to... From Inside Boys' Life 7 years ago

So Far, So Good! Audio Book

Happy to announce today that my book So far, So Good! A a new Scoutmaster's Story  is now available as an audio book. If you aren't familiar with the book it's the story of Chuck Grant's first few months as a new Scoutmaster. Chuck is asked to take... From Scoutmaster Clarke Green 8 years ago

Troop 118 from Glendale, California, didn't visit just one national park for their big summer...

Troop 118 from Glendale, California, didn't visit just one national park for their big summer trip last year. When Troop 118 traveled, they went big-time, visiting four national parks on one epic outing. First, the guys drove 530 miles to Bryce... From Inside Boys' Life 8 years ago

Scouting and Outdoors Books Wishlist

Create a wishlist of books you can send to yourself and others at the bottom of this page! Here's a big selection of Scouting and outdoors books have helped me as a Scouter and outdoorsman, they have been a source of inspiration and... From Scoutmaster Clarke Green 8 years ago

Gifts for Scouts & Scouters â€" Great Books

Here's more holiday gifts for Scouts or Scouters. These books have helped me as a Scouter and outdoorsman, they have been a source of inspiration and  learning practical skills, Scouting history, outdoor lore, and the Scouting program for many... From Scoutmaster Clarke Green 9 years ago

Finance Impact e-Letter: Shared Services Can Save Councils Money and Reduce Leadership Hassles

Boy Scouts of America Unemployment Plan Most states require employers to pay unemployment insurance premiums to the state. The council is then responsible for handling all unemployment claims, appeals, etc., as they arise. Participants in the BSA... From Scout Wire 9 years ago

New 'Paddle Ready' App Available for Paddlers

We're thrilled to announce the release of Paddle Ready-a free, user-friendly iPhone/Android mobile app designed just for paddlers. This resource for a safer aquatics program has been provided by one of our partners-American Canoe Association. The... From Scout Wire 9 years ago

Good Turns continue during summer vacation

As kids are heading back to school – moving away from beach vacations and summer camps toward textbooks, laptops and whiteboards, I'm reflecting on the summer vacation experience and the opportunities within those months to use that time for... From Chief's Corner 9 years ago

MSPP #138: Philmont Training Center 1984

Philmont!  I attended a week long session at the Philmont Training Center (PTC) this month and on the way back from the trip to New Mexico Bob and I looked at the pictures I had taken of my trip to the facility in 1984, which also happened to be... From A Scoutmaster's Blog 9 years ago

JTE Leadership Hour: June 4 â€" Building Continuous Improvement Into the BSA

As we become a more member-centric organization the most important first step is to listen to your current and future members. To ask yourself – "Are we doing what we are supposed to do, as well as what we said we would do, on behalf of our current... From Scout Wire 9 years ago

Boy Scout finds bag containing $4,500 in cash, does what Boy Scouts do

What would you if you found a bag with $4,500 inside? Caribbean vacation, maybe? Shopping spree at Best Buy? For 15-year-old Boy Scout James Villeneuve from Latham, N.Y., there was never any question about the answer. As reported by WNYT-TV , James... From Bryan on Scouting Magazine 9 years ago

Beware The Hackers!

I admit it. I am an Apple guy. My home computer is a 2007 Mac Pro. My last three computers were Apples. I own three versions of the iPod. I use my iPad several times each day. But I do not own an iPhone. At least not yet. What this all means is... From A Scoutmaster's Blog 9 years ago

The Buzz - April 29, 2014, "Get Outdoors With Camp Scout! App"

Finding the right camp with the perfect range of activities for Scouts can often be a challenging exercise. Rather than sending your unit leaders to multiple council or camp websites, help them go mobile with the Camp Scout iPhone app by Boys' Life... From BSA Internal Communications Youtube Videos 9 years ago

Best Scouting apps for iPhone and Android, 2014 edition

Empty your backpack and leave everything behind. All you need on your next Scouting outing is your smartphone. OK, so maybe that's an exaggeration. What is true, though, is that for the two-thirds of Americans who own smartphones, it's now possible... From Bryan on Scouting Magazine 9 years ago

Camp Scout! App Puts Scouting Information at Your Fingertips

(Article adapted from Bryan on Scouting blog ) The annual practice of troops picking the perfect summer camp just got upgraded to the smartphone age. Clear a spot on your home screen for Camp Scout!, a free iPhone app brought to you by Boys' Life... From Scout Wire 9 years ago

Camp Scout! app puts Scouting destinations at your fingertips

The annual practice of troops picking the perfect summer camp just got upgraded to the smartphone age. Clear a spot on your home screen for Camp Scout! , a free iPhone app brought to you by Boys' Life magazine and the BSA's Outdoor Adventures team... From Bryan on Scouting Magazine 9 years ago

Action Required to Continue Receiving Emails via BlackBerry

Beginning November 1, 2014, the National Council will phase out the BlackBerry Enterprise Server and all BlackBerry device support. After this date, BlackBerry users will have to subscribe to a different data plan using BlackBerry Internet Service... From Scout Wire 9 years ago

JTE Leadership Club: The STEM Experience â€" April 2

This month's JTE Leadership Club continues the series on experience-oriented Scouting through a closer look at how the BSA incorporates STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math into our programs. STEM is one of the fastest growing areas of... From Scout Wire 9 years ago

JTE Leadership Hour to Showcase Members' Digital Experience: March 5

The March JTE Leadership Hour takes a deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of our members' digital experience. Please join Gary Butler, deputy chief scout executive, and our Marketing Team for a revealing look at trends in digital behavior,... From Scout Wire 1 decade ago

Who wants seconds? Grab a bite of 20 more Scout-themed cakes

On Wednesday I shared 30 creative and mouthwatering Scout-themed cakes I found by searching around online. At the end of the post, I asked you to share your own Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Eagle Scout and Venturing cakes. Apparently my request did not go... From Bryan on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago

Time running out to earn Computers MB as Digital Technology MB launch nears

Jonathan Ive, who designed the iMac, iPod, iPhone and iPad, was born the same year the BSA introduced Computers merit badge. That should give you some idea just how old Computers merit badge is and just how much has changed in the world of... From Bryan on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago

Great Books for Scouters

These great books for Scouters have taught me practical skills, history, outdoor lore, and inspiration that has enabled me to become a better Scout leader. Outdoor Adventure Manual Published by Scouts UK with a forward by Bear Grylls  The Outdoor... From Scoutmaster Clarke Green 1 decade ago

Great Books for Scouters

These great books for Scouters have taught me practical skills, history, outdoor lore, and inspiration that has enabled me to become a better Scout leader. Outdoor Adventure Manual Published by Scouts UK with a forward by Bear Grylls  The Outdoor... From Scoutmaster Clarke Green 1 decade ago

Watch tonight's 'A Century of Honor' celebration online, on TV, on your phone

Won't be at the 21,000-seat Conference Center in Salt Lake City for tonight's big "A Century of Honor" show? All hope is not lost. You have plenty of ways to watch the multimedia celebration of the 100-year partnership between the Church of Jesus... From Bryan on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago

Unit Performance Guide Methodology: The BSA-Approved Strategy for Starting and Sustaining High-Performing Quality Units

A new Unit Performance Guide will be released on November 1 to help start and sustain high-performing quality units. Under the new methodology, "No Unit Before Its Time," there are four pillars (or steps) of new unit organization and retention: 1)... From Scout Wire 1 decade ago

Gary's JTE Leadership Club: Building Blocks for Scouting's Future

The theme for the Wednesday, October 9, JTE Leadership hour is "Building Blocks for Scouting's Future." Our show segments are aligned with the five building blocks of council sustainability: sufficient community capacity, effective council... From Scout Wire 1 decade ago

Finance Impact e-Letter: Oct. 1 Issue Covers Blackbaud Conversion and IOIPAY Paperless Payroll

Click image to open e-Letter The October 1 issue of the Finance Impact Department's e-Letter has been published and is available online. This issue features steps local councils can take to start preparing for the conversion to Blackbaud CRM... From Scout Wire 1 decade ago

Gary's JTE Leadership Club: Leveraging the Role of Technology

Technology, technology, technology! That's all we seem to hear about these days. The Internet, Facebook, Twitter, iPhones, smartphones, and yes even ScoutNET. We recognize that to move forward, leveraging these tools of the trade is more critical... From Scout Wire 1 decade ago

New patch-trading app, official seal answer question: 'Is it authentic?'

"No, dude, I swear," a Scout said. "There were only 500 of these patches ever made." I heard similar claims all throughout the patch trading bazaar that has cropped up under the overhangs at the still-to-be-completed Scott Visitor Center at the... From Bryan on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago

National Council to End All Blackberry Support in November 2014

Beginning Nov. 1, 2014, the National Council will phase out the BlackBerry Enterprise Server and all BlackBerry support. After this date, BlackBerry users will have to subscribe to the BlackBerry Internet Service for data connectivity. This can be... From Scout Wire 1 decade ago

Jamboree App Now Available for iPhones and Android Devices

(Story adapted from Scouting magazine's "Bryan on Scouting" blog ) Version 1.0 of the Jamboree Summit App is now available on Apple and Android devices. The Android app clocks in at just over 10 MB and costs 99 cents in the Google Play store . The... From Scout Wire 1 decade ago

'Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout?' now available on iTunes

Perhaps your pack or troop meets Monday nights. Or maybe your family doesn't have the National Geographic Channel. Whatever your excuse for missing  Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout? -  the six-episode reality series that matched Eagle Scouts... From Bryan on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago

Best Practices: Developing High-Performing Units

In 2009, the BSA introduced a new methodology that focused on the retention of units. This was greatly needed to address the growing national concern of only one out of every three new units organized surviving into their second year. The research... From Scout Wire 1 decade ago

Download version 1.0 of the Jamboree app on Android; coming soon to Apple

They say this summer's National Jamboree will be the most-connected ever. Well, this is a great start. Version 1.0 of the Jamboree Summit App is available on Android devices. The app clocks in at just over 10 MB and costs $0.99 in the Google Play... From Bryan on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago

ULA Ohm 2.0 Review

This year I got a new pack.  I traded in my Granite Gear Nimbus Trace for a lighter pack in an effort to reduce pack weight.  I read somewhere that it is a good idea when reducing base weight to start at the base.. the pack. So I did my homework... From The Scoutmaster Minute 1 decade ago

Mission Delivery Leadership Club: January Call Tackles Voice of the Scout Program

Please join us on Wednesday, Jan. 9, for the second installment of the Mission Delivery Leadership Club (formerly known as the Council Operations Breakfast Club). We encourage both employees and volunteers to join in each month as we discuss... From Scout Wire 1 decade ago

National Council to End All Blackberry Support in November 2014

Beginning Nov. 1, 2014, the National Council will phase out the BlackBerry Enterprise Server and all BlackBerry support. After this date, BlackBerry users will have to subscribe to the BlackBerry Internet Service for data connectivity. This can be... From Scout Wire 1 decade ago

Council Operations Breakfast Club Becomes 'Mission Delivery Leadership Club'

Please join us on Wednesday, Dec. 5, for the next episode of the newly re-branded Council Operations Breakfast Club-a monthly conversation with those responsible for the successful delivery of the BSA's mission through support of councils and... From Scout Wire 1 decade ago

National Council to End All BlackBerry Support in November 2014

Beginning Nov. 1, 2014, the National Council will phase out the Blackberry Enterprise Server and all Blackberry support. After this date, Blackberry users will have to subscribe to the Blackberry Internet Service for data connectivity. This can be... From Scout Wire 1 decade ago

Time to "Unplug"

After reading several disturbing comments posted to Facebook, Twitter, and Blog Posts, I've reached a social conclusion. Some folks don't have a life, some folks definitely need to get one (a life that is), and flat out, we've become less of a... From A Day In The Life... John's Notes 1 decade ago

Credit cards welcome: How to take plastic for popcorn

Cash or check only? Not anymore. Thanks to some handy new tech tools, it's possible to accept credit cards at your unit's next popcorn sale, carwash, or other money-earning project. That eliminates a big reason customers give when choosing not to... From Bryan on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago

The Ultimate List of Scouting Apps

Once upon a time, we used maps printed on paper to find our way. We studied laminated sky charts to identify constellations. We counted seconds after thunder strikes to locate storms. What were we thinking? Today, thanks to... From Bryan on Scouting Magazine 1 decade ago

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