Cold Season, Warm Plans: What’s Brewing at Wacky Scouter

Cold Season, Warm Plans: What’s Brewing at Wacky Scouter

By: Posted On: 2025-02-02
Tags: Boy Scouts

Greetings Scouters!

Sorry it's been a little while since our last newsletter. Daddy's been pretty sick—producing slimy snot by the gallon and coughing up crud by the quart. But the good news is, the cold is finally starting to pass. Nothing lasts forever; everything comes and goes at its own pace.

Daddy's also realized his flow is like a crockpot. His struggle isn't with web dev itself, but with the speed of the flow. He needs to take his time, feel things out, and make sure it's done right—but with the freedom to adjust the seasonings along the way. He’s not the type to just do something because someone says they want it done super fast, and in a certain way.

So, moving forward, Daddy’s focusing more on Wacky Scouter and USScouts.org, including growing our sponsor base. If you know of any companies we should reach out to, drop us a howl—or maybe even reach out to them yourself and drop a hint. We’ve got a lot of plans, but we need to balance the budget before we can act on them (they’re buried in the yard for now!).

Let's Have Some Fun

Alright, here's a little something to challenge your brain while we work on getting back to full speed!

Riddle time: What gets wetter the more it dries? (Think about it, I know you’ve got this one!)

Brain Teaser: How many letters are in the alphabet? (No cheating! Count carefully!)

Tongue Twister Challenge: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. How many pickled peppers did Peter Piper pick? Try saying it five times fast. Bet you can’t do it without getting all tangled up!

Quick Challenge: If you could only use two fingers to point at something, which ones would you choose? Think carefully—it’s trickier than you think!

Creative Ideas for Recruiting and Fundraising

Let’s get the creative juices flowing! Here are some wacky ideas to recruit new scouts and raise some funds for your units:

  • Scout Space Camp: Host a “Scout Space Camp” where new recruits can join a themed activity day. Build cardboard rockets, learn about the stars, and have a fun “space race” to get the community involved. Charge a small entry fee and let the kids bring home their own DIY rocket kits.
  • Cookie Auction: Every Scout can bake or decorate their own cookies (or anything related to the theme), and then auction them off! Have the scouts create a fun "cookie story" behind their batch, with a little help from their leaders. You’ll not only raise funds but also engage the scouts in a creative challenge!
  • Wacky Wagon Parade: Get the scouts to decorate wagons in the craziest way possible, charge a small entry fee for spectators, and encourage local businesses to sponsor the wagons or donate prizes. It’s a fun way to involve the whole family and raise some funds while showing off some creativity!

Crafty Creations for Scout Meetings!

Now for some crafty fun that your Scouts can create at your meetings—let’s get hands-on and let their imaginations soar!

  • Nature Collages: After a nature walk, have scouts collect leaves, twigs, and flowers to create beautiful nature collages. Use paper and glue, and let their creativity shine with colors and patterns that reflect the outdoor world around them!
  • DIY Survival Bracelets: Teach your scouts how to make their own survival bracelets out of paracord. It’s a simple, useful craft, and they’ll love having a practical skill they can show off to their family and friends!
  • Recycled Bird Feeders: Collect toilet paper rolls, peanut butter, and bird seed to make fun and eco-friendly bird feeders. Scouts can hang them in the park or at their homes, creating something useful for wildlife in the community.
  • Personalized Scout T-shirts: Set up a t-shirt decorating station with fabric markers, iron-on patches, and stencils. Let the scouts design their own Scout pride shirts to wear on their outdoor adventures. It’s a fun way to bond and create a sense of ownership and pride in their unit!

Scouting Resources

Snot Rags

Neckerchiefs—those handy little pieces of cloth that define a Scout's identity. While they may seem like "snot rags" to some, they serve as much more than a piece of fabric. Worn with pride, the neckerchief is an essential part of Scouting culture. It identifies Scouts worldwide, reminds them of their commitment to service, and offers plenty of practical uses, from being a makeshift bandage to a signaling device. Remember, a neckerchief isn't just about tradition—it's about being prepared and proudly representing your unit. Whether new or experienced, wearing it serves as a reminder that "life is the hot chocolate, and the neckerchief is just the cup."

Hot Chocolate Wisdom

Sometimes life feels like a cup of hot chocolate—sweet, comforting, and full of warmth. But the cup itself, whether plain or fancy, doesn't change the quality of the life (or chocolate!) within. This lesson, shared by a wise Scoutmaster, serves as a powerful reminder for Scouts and Leaders alike: what truly matters isn't the outward trappings, but the actions and heart within. Just like in Scouting, it's not about what you wear but what you do that makes the difference. A Scout's impact is defined not by their uniform but by their dedication to service and living the Scout Law.

Quick Stew Recipe

Scout meetings can sometimes leave you feeling like you're running on empty, but what better way to refuel than with a hearty, nourishing stew? This recipe, much like Scouting, takes time to simmer and develop rich flavors, just as Scouts develop skills and friendships over time. Packed with fresh veggies, protein, and just the right blend of seasonings, this stew is perfect for Scouts and Leaders looking for a meal that satisfies and energizes. As you gather around the campfire or your dining table, remember that the best outcomes come from letting things simmer slowly—whether it’s your stew or your Scouting journey.

Drew's Bad Birthday

Sometimes, even the best plans don’t go as expected, just like Drew’s birthday party. Full of twists and unexpected moments, this story reminds us that even when things seem tough, there’s always an opportunity for growth and understanding. Through misadventures and confusion, Drew learns about the true nature of friendship, the value of family, and how even the worst of times can lead to the best lessons. It's a perfect story for Scouts, showing how overcoming challenges can turn something difficult into a valuable learning experience.

Make Your Own Hot Cocoa Mix

As we embrace the chilly months, this DIY hot cocoa mix is the perfect way to warm up after a long day of Scouting activities. With just a few simple ingredients, Scouts can mix up their own comforting drink, creating a custom blend that fits their taste. Not only is it a fun and easy project for Scouts, but it’s also a great gift idea. This recipe encourages creativity and independence, just like Scouting, showing that sometimes the best things are the ones we make ourselves, with a little care and creativity.

Seven Ways to Get Out of Work and Go Camping

This humorous post gives you some creative, albeit satirical, ways to "ditch" work and get outdoors. It’s a playful reminder of how we all sometimes need a break from the daily grind to connect with nature. Scouts, with their love for the outdoors, can relate to the importance of taking time to enjoy the wilderness and rejuvenate. Though the tips here are obviously exaggerated, they serve as a fun nudge to encourage everyone to make time for outdoor adventure and the peace it brings—just like a well-deserved camping trip.

White Chile Recipe

Hearty meals are an essential part of any Scout outing, and this white chili recipe is perfect for warming up after a day of outdoor adventures. Packed with healthy ingredients and rich flavors, this dish is easy to make and can feed a group of Scouts on a cool evening. It’s a great reminder that, just like a good meal, Scouting is all about nourishing the spirit, community, and sense of camaraderie. Sharing a meal around the campfire is a tradition that ties together fun, fellowship, and flavor.

Trading Post

Disclaimer: Some of these wacky products are affiliate links, which means we get a small commission if you buy through them, but it doesn’t cost you anything extra! It’s kind of like us keeping our campfire warm while you snuggle up and recover in comfort. So grab something cozy, help us keep the lights on, and let’s stay warm together while we ride out this sick season!

Scout Throw Blanket for Scout Lovers Soft and Fuzzy Fleece Scout Blanket Gifts for Scout Boys and Girls

Feeling under the weather? Sometimes a Scout needs more than just a trusty neckerchief—they need a cozy, fuzzy blanket to help them recover. This soft throw blanket is perfect for those days when you’re stuck inside, watching scouting videos or resting up by the fire. It’s lightweight enough for camping trips, but warm enough to keep you snug when you’re sick and cozying up in bed. Available in two sizes, it’s a great gift for Scout lovers and can handle multiple washes without fading. At $31.99, it’s an affordable way to stay warm and keep the Scout spirit going, even when you’re under the weather!

Mens Winter Hats Acrylic Knit Cuff Beanie Cap Warm

A beanie is an essential item for any Scout, especially when you’re not feeling your best and need to keep warm. This cozy knit hat keeps your head and ears warm, whether you're out on a chilly hike or just trying to stay warm while battling a cold. For just $9.99, you can grab a stylish and functional hat to protect yourself from the cold. It's perfect for winter activities or for those days when you just want to throw on something comfy and cozy. Stay warm, stay prepared, and stay stylish, even when you’re under the weather!

I'd Rather Be - Funny Socks For Men & Women - Gifts For Golf, Hunting, Camping, Hiking, Outdoors, Sports Unisex Adult

Sometimes, we all wish we could be out camping, hiking, or having an adventure in the great outdoors, especially when we’re feeling sick and stuck indoors. These “I’d Rather Be Camping” socks are a playful reminder of the fun waiting outside while you’re curled up on the couch with a box of tissues. Made from a comfy cotton blend, they’re perfect for those days when you need comfort and a little laugh. For just $11.99, you can enjoy warmth and remind yourself that the great outdoors will be there when you’re back on your feet!

Scoutmaster Minute: Patience's and Sickness - let the snot flow

Scouts, today I want to talk to you about something we all deal with at some point—being sick. Whether it's a cold, the flu, or a pesky respiratory virus, there are times when our bodies just need a break. And when we’re sick, it can feel like everything slows down. You might not be able to go on that hike you’ve been looking forward to, or maybe you have to miss out on a fun troop meeting. But here’s where patience comes in—and trust me, it’s harder than it sounds! Being sick is one of those times when we have to listen to our bodies and understand that we can't rush through it. Think of it like waiting for your stew to simmer in the pot. It’s tempting to want it ready faster, but if we rush it, we lose the flavor. Just like how your body needs time to rest and heal, life doesn’t always happen on your timetable. And that’s okay. It’s part of the process. You know, sometimes we think we should be doing something, anything, just to feel like we’re moving forward. But when you’re sick, sometimes the best thing you can do is to slow down. Rest. Drink plenty of fluids. Take your time getting better. Sure, it’s frustrating, and it might feel like the days drag on, but remember—this is just a temporary moment. It will pass. And in those moments of stillness, you have the chance to practice patience, resilience, and self-care. You’re learning that it’s okay to rest and to take care of yourself. You’re also learning how important it is to take things one step at a time. Not every day will be a hike to the top of the mountain—sometimes, it’s just about making it through the day with patience and understanding. So, the next time you feel sick or under the weather, remember that it’s okay to rest, it’s okay to slow down. Take this time to practice patience with yourself. Your body is doing the important work of healing. And when you’re better, you’ll be back in action, ready to take on whatever comes your way.
Well, Scouts, it looks like we’ve made it through another week of adventuring through life’s wacky twists and turns—sometimes at a slower pace, and sometimes with a little more snot than we’d like! But that’s okay, we’re all in this together, and patience is the key. Remember, just like a campfire, sometimes we need to give ourselves a little time to build up the heat and glow. And speaking of keeping the glow going... if you’re enjoying this newsletter (and we hope you are), consider helping us keep the lights on! You can make a one-time donation through PayPal—kind of like throwing an extra log on the fire. Donate here. Or, you could snag a patch or sticker from the WackyEagle Shop, so you can wear your support with pride. Shop here. Need something more regular? How about a monthly contribution via Ko-fi? It’s like packing up the tent and staying with us for the long haul. Support us monthly here. Don’t forget, you can also shop through our Amazon link—helps us keep things running without costing you extra, just like a well-packed backpack makes your hike a little easier. Shop through our Amazon link here. Or if you need some Life Coaching or tech consulting (yup, that’s my day job), just give us a holler! Thanks for sticking with us and keeping things wacky, Scouts. Together, we’ll make sure we’re all ready to keep on trekking, no matter what comes our way. Keep on Wacky Scouting!

 
 

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