March 2013

Historic: We consider this item to be historic and as such it may no longer be appropriate for todays Scouts. Please refer to your local scouting policies and use your best judgment.

The March 2013 Newsletter


Please share this newsletter with your Scouting friends.

 

InsaneScouter Information

 

P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }A:link { }Greetings all, welcome to another issue of the InsaneScouter newsletter. First, let me apologize for this issue being late, I have been battling a cold and allergies at the same time – joy... Vegas weather has been beautiful, other then for all the wind.

For a bit of house keeping...

I would like to welcome our newest sponsor Gunflint Northwood Outfitters. They offer guided trips into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area among other wonderful and amazing places. Please take a few moments to check out their website.


156 Years Ago

Yup I am running late, as this should have been put out last month.

...An Anglican clergyman and his wife welcomed a son to their family on February 22.

Thirty-two years later to the day, an English brewer's family added a daughter.

Those two seemingly unrelated events are marked on Feb 22, in memory of Lord Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell and Lady Olave Soames Baden-Powell, two people who have had positive effects on untold millions of youth worldwide during the past century.

We salute you both!
 

Can Tiger Cubs attend resident camps?

That’s a trick question. Yes, they can. Effectively immediately, the policy forbidding Tiger Cubs from attending resident camp has been reversed. For more info check out: http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2013/02/22/can-tiger-cubs-attend-resident-camps/
 

New Merit Badges

If you read Scouting magazine and follow various blogs, you’ve probably heard about a bunch of new merit badges in the last year or so. While new merit badges can be exciting, it’s easy to get confused about which badges can now be earned and which have only been announced. To help clear up any confusion, Bryan Wendell at Scouting magazine recently added a calendar of new merit badges to his excellent blog http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/merit-badge-calendar/
 

BSA Advancement Newsletter

I think the advancement team does a particular good job of communicating with the field. If you’re involved in advancement—and what Boy Scout leader isn’t?—you should subscribe to the monthly Advancement News e-newsletter.
 

A Mighty Salute

Lastly, I ask everyone to give “ptsteve” a salute, for all of his hard work and dedication, in helping fellow Scouters, with his wonderful blog posts. Check out his most recent post My Boys are About to Graduate to Boy Scouts by clicking here. (http://insanescouter.org/blog/611/My_Boys_are_About_to_Graduate_to_Boy_Scouts.html) You can also click on “ptsteve” in the dark red bar at the top of the post, for a list of the almost 50 posts he has written, so far. Thank you Steve we salute you!

 

 

New Content

 

Home > Resources > Activities > Games

 

Mowgli and the Red Flower

Indoors/outdoors Equipment: 1 red scarf or beanbag Formation: Circle Pick one player as Mowgli. He hides his eyes. Pick another player as 'it', without letting Mowgli know who 'it' is. Mowgli then comes into the village (circle) and tries to get the Red Flower (fire). The player who is 'it' tries to catch Mowgli before he can leave the village with the Red Flower. 'It' cannot move until Mowgli touches the Red Flower. Mowgli must enter and leave at...

 

Home > Resources > Activities > Skits

 

Seven Jerks on the Line

A 2-person skit that only requires a length of rope. Cast: 2 People on the phone, up to seven Victims, rope Each person is holding the rope at either end, and talking on the telephone Person 1: I went fishing the other day! 2: Can't hear you! 1: Said I went fishing the other day! 2: Can't hear you! Maybe the phone company needs more telephone poles! Get a couple of victims to hold the rope up in the middle....

 

Home > Resources > Ceremonies > Boy Scout

 

Lighting The Eagle Trail Ceremony

SETTING:Two lecterns, with lights, placed on either side of the stage, will simplify the presentation. A single lighted candle is placed on a table in front of the moderator.. Rank symbols are placed on low tables between the two lecterns. An unlit candle is placed in front of each symbol. Twelve small candles are set on a table to one side. Three large candles are set on a table on the other side. Lights are dimmed.PARTICIPANTSModerator Eagle Candidate Mother Father...

Home > Resources > Ceremonies > Flag

 

Can You Imagine

Use a mirror (the kind with a handle) Put a neckerchief around handle and a Cub Scout hat on the top.Try not to obscure the view too much. Call all of the Cub Scouts forward to look at themselves in the mirror. After they have all had a look, have them stay up front and ask the question, "Can you imagine these boys as Boy Scouts or even Eagle Scouts? That is our goal for them is it yours? ...

 

Home > Resources > The Outdoors > Cooking > Dutch Oven

 

Inch And A Half Hose Chili

1 tbs oregano 2 tsp paprika 11 tbs Gebhardt's chili powder 4 tbs cumin 4 tbs instant beef bouillon 3 can non-alcoholic beer 2 lb pork steak, cubed 2 lb chuck roast, cubed 6 lb ground chuck 4 large onions, chopped 10 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 olive oil 1 tbs dried red pepper 1/4 cups jalapenos, sliced 2 tsp coriander 1 tbs sugar 1 tsp Tabasco sauce 2 tsp Louisiana Red Hot Sauce 1 cup tomato sauce 1 tbs corn...

 

Home > Resources > The Outdoors > Cooking > Dinner

 

Wild Card Chili

 

2 lbs ground beef 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 lb can red beans 1 lb can refried beans 1 can tomato sauce 1 cup water 1 tsp dried red peppers 1/2 tsp each salt and garlic salt 1/4 tsp each pepper and cayenne 3 tbs chili powder 1 tbs molassesBrown beef with onions in Dutch oven: pour off fat. Add remaining ingredients, cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally....

Home > Resources > Activities > Skits

 

The Better Thief

Cast: 2 Scouts There are two scouts, they each say, "I'm the better thief." "No I'm the better thief." Then one says, "Wait, lets have a contest, we will walk past each other three times and who ever steals the best thing wins." The scouts then walk past each other twice pulling out objects such as knife, watch, glasses, etc. Finally on the third pass, the first scout says, "I've got your wallet, ha, beat that!" The second Scout looks...
Home > Resources > Crafts

 

Den Pack Tshirt

Materials needed: T-shirt, acrylic paints, fabric medium, foam stamps, cardboard, markers, brushes or cotton swabs, plastic plates. Most craft stores have inexpensive shirts, or each boy could bring one from home. Put some paint on plastic plates (1 color per plate). Add fabric medium to each paint color. This helps the paint to adhere to the fabric and makes it washable. Place the cardboard inside the shirt so the paint and markers don’t bleed through to the other side. The...

Home > Contact Us

 

Packages

InsaneScouter is a website for Boy Scouts and Girl Guides. The site is loaded with resources to help the Scouting community put on a better program for their youth. We have been in existence since 1998. InsaneScouter receives around 25,000 visitors a month who on average view 395,000 pages. InsaneScouter has over 1,280 registered users, and 20 volunteers from five different countries who have helped us add over 5,340 pages of content and tons of new pages every month. InsaneScouter is...
Home > Resources > The Outdoors > Cooking > Breakfast

Rolled Oats Griddle Cakes

2 cups rolled oats 1 1/2 cups flour 1 tsp salt 1 tsp baking soda 2 tbs hot water 1 tsp baking powder 2 1/2 cups buttermilk 2 eggs, beaten 2 tbs margarine, melted 1 cup sugar Soak oats in buttermilk overnight. Then add rest of ingredients and stir well. Cook batter as pancakes....
Home > Resources > Activities > Cheers

Pinata Cheer

Pretend to hit pinata, say "Swoosh" (Miss), "Swoosh" (miss), "Swoosh" (hit) "HOORARY."...
Home > Resources > Ceremonies > Arrow Of Light

Arrow Of Light Ceremony

Equipment: Drum or drum beat, rank ladder or rank candlesPersonnel: Cubmaster, 5 Cub Scouts (who have earned the rank they are representing), 1 Boy Scout, Scoutmaster(drum beats 3 times)Cubmaster:I, Akela, have heard the drums speak. I call ____ to stand next to the rank totem with his parents and den leaders, _____.I call to the council rank totem former rank holders, Tiger (name of boy), Wolf (name of boy), Bear rank (name of boy), Webelos (name of boy) and _____...
Home > Resources > Boy Scouts > Patrols

Cuddly Koalas

Cuddly koalas, cuddly koalas (cradle & swing arms) Possums too, possums too (possum eyes - circle with finger & thumb brought up to eyes) Wallabies and wombats, wallabies and wombats (little bounce/jump/bend knees with hands in front, rather like begging action) Kangaroos, kangaroos (bigger jump, more exaggerated hands)...
Home > Resources > Activities > Skits

The Biggest Turkey

An alternate ending follows the regular skit. Cast: Box or suitable covering, Person in Box, Announcer, Victim, regular and serving spoons, stick and log, paper and book, rubber chicken, small cue card Setting: Circus, Boardwalk, Technology Show Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen! To demonstrate my enlarging machine, I will need a volunteer! (Get your victim.) I need you to help me while I explain what is going on. Now, look at what this machine can do! Please, will you put this...
Home > Resources > The Outdoors > Cooking

Bug Juice

Raisins Water Apple juice Put 1 or 2 raisins in each section of an ice cube tray, fill each with water. Freeze for at least four hours. Pop out the “bug” ice and put one in clear cups. Pour apple juice over the ice and see what happens!...
Home > Resources > Activities > Cheers

Tarzan of the Apes

Tune: “John Brown’s Body” I like bananas, coconuts, and grapes. I like bananas, coconuts, and grapes. I like bananas, coconuts, and grapes. That’s why they call me; TARZAN OF THE APES. Sing the first part a bit softer each time shouting TARZAN OF THE APES at end....
Home > Resources > The Outdoors > Cooking > Dutch Oven

Mountain Man Breakfast

1 lb bacon 1 large onion, chopped 1 32oz bag O'brian potatoes 12 eggs, beaten 1 1/2 lbs grated cheddar cheese 1/2 lb pepper cheese, grated 1 jar salsa Pre heat Dutch oven. Cut bacon into small pieces and cook bacon and onion until clear. Remove mixture and add O'brian potatoes. Do not rain bacon drippings. Fry until golden brown. Stir bacon mixture back in, then add eggs. Cover and cook until eggs are almost solid....
Home > Resources > Activities > Songs

All The Nice Girls Love A Sailor

All the nice girls love a sailor, All the nice girls love a tar; For there's something about a sailor -- Well, you know what sailors are! Bright and breezy, free and easy, He's the ladies' pride and joy. Falls in love with Kate and Jane, Then he's off to sea again -- Ship Ahoy! Ship Ahoy! ...
Home > Resources > Activities > Games

Cat and Mouse02

Indoors Equipment: Whistle Formation: None The Pack lines up in 4 or 5 lines, each line of Cubs joining hands across. One Cub is chosen as 'Cat' and another as 'Mouse', the 'Cat' chases the 'Mouse' up and down the lines. When the leader blows the whistle, the Cubs turn at right angles and form lines going down, by holding hands with the members of their new line. When the leader blows the whistle again, the lines form across once...
Home > Resources > Ceremonies > Girl Scouts

Several Imstallation Ceremonies

SERVICE UNIT TEAM INSTALLATION CEREMONY When service unit team members have been appointed and trained, an appropriate installation ceremony should be held to formally mark the beginning of their term of office. The installation ceremony may be held at an annual service unit bridging and fly up ceremony or at the June service unit manager's meeting for adults. The outgoing service unit manager or a representative from the council staff can conduct it. The installation ceremony emphasizes the importance of...
Home > Resources > Activities > Skits

American Folk Tale Skit

Narrator: America's history is full of colorful characters. I'm sure you've heard of many that you couldn't even begin to count them. But we also know that much of our country's history wasn't written down until many years had passed. Memories fade as time goes by. Now…we're not calling our historians liars…but…things were not always the way they told us. Take, for instance, the burro express rider. Rider: (enters pulling the burro) "Come on Speedy, those Cub Scouts at Southside...
Home > Resources > Ceremonies > Webelos

Crossover Ceremony

The O/A Ceremonies advisor was the Cubmaster for the Pack. The logistics of the event may seem a bit daunting but the ceremony worked very well. Props: 4 canoes PFDs for everyone going into the canoesHints: Make sure that you comply with the Safety Afloat requirements for qualified life guards. Perform this during the day The four winds and the chief and drummer are the O/A ceremonies teamProcedure: The...
Home > Resources > Ceremonies > Webelos

Akelas Arrow Of Light
PERSONNEL Cubmaster, narrator, boys, parents, two people to work the room lights and spotlight, drummer.EQUIPMENT Webelos prop stand, Arrow of Light with stand, The Official Boy Scout Handbook, Boy Scout Eagle badge poster, council fire, spotlight, drum.Cubmaster: Tonight we have the special privilege of witnessing the presentation of the most sought - after award in Cub Scouting, the Arrow of Light. (Lights are turned out, a drum beats slowly, the campfire is lit.)Narrator: I, Akela, have heard the drums speak....


Home > Resources > Activities > Songs

Froggie Went Acourting
Froggie went a-courtin' and he did ride, A-huh Froggie went a-courtin' and he did ride, A-huh Frogie went a-courtin' and he did ride Sword and pistol by his side A-huh, a-huh, a-huh Well, he rode down to Molly Mouse's door Where he had often been before He took Miss Mousie on his knee Said, "Miss Mousie, will you marry me?" I'll have to ask my Uncle Rat See what he will say to that Well, Uncle Rat laughed and shook...


Home > Resources > Activities > Games

Express Post
Indoors Equipment: 1 bean bag; 2 boxes or chairs Formation: Circle List the names of some towns, one for each Cub in the circle. The Pack stands in a circle, the leader gives each Cub the name of a town. The bean bag is placed in the centre and the two boxes or chairs are positioned outside the circle as mail boxes. One Cub is the 'postman', who call, 'I have a letter to deliver.' The players call out, 'Where from?'...


Home > Resources > Activities > Songs

Dont Disturb The Ladybug
 Don't disturb the ladybug Sleepin' by the spider's web And if you see a butterfly Don't try to catch it in your net It's taken such a long long time To make this very special place Open up your soul and mind To all it has to say. Chorus: Be still Take it in awhile Feel the sunshine Warm upon your face You'll feel When it makes you smile Like you're welcome To the human race. Chorus Everybody sees a...


Home > Resources > Ceremonies > Flag

Investment Closing
Cub 1: We would like to thank you for spending the evening with us.Cub 2: The time you spend with us is time well spent.Cub 3: You show us you value or program.Cub 4: Through your action you set the example.Cub 5: The return on your investment will be men of character in the future.Cub 6: Good night everyone....


Home > Resources > Ceremonies > Cub Scout

A Naturalist Is
No matter where you live, there is a world of undiscovered secrets of nature still waiting to be explored.A naturalist is a student of natural history which includes the many things found in nature, such as plants and animals. This month, our dens have (briefly review some of the den activities an the theme)... There are many more interesting activities to help you Cub Scouts learn more about the world of nature and to develop an appreciation of it.A naturalist...


Home > Resources > Ceremonies > Flag

I Am Americas Heritage
SETTING: Room is darkened, Pack flag and American flag are spotlighted. Patriotic background music is played.NARRATOR: There it is. It's still flying. It has been a long night and as the dawn appears and the smoke clears, it is fluttering in the breeze.I am the American Revolution and the valiant patriots who lost their lives that this nation might live.I am Paul Revere and his midnight ride.I am Nathan Hale and his stand for freedom.I am George Washington crossing the...


Home > Resources > Activities > Pre-Openings

Story Box
Use already-made boxes or boxes that Cubs have made themselves., let their imaginations go! A Storytelling Box can also be done individually or as a group. It is a special box into which the following kinds of items, or combinations are placed:Small, smooth stones (or ceramic squares) onto which words, signs or symbols are painted, or written on.Small, unusual objects (e.g. toys, things from nature, household items, small bits of clothing, coins, and so on).Slips of paper or flat sticks...


Home > Resources > The Outdoors > Cooking > Dutch Oven

Chuck Wagon Beans
2 lb Dry pinto beans (about 5 cups) Water 1/2 lb Salt pork; cut in chunks (optional) 2 ts Salt (up to 5) 1/4 ts Black ground pepper Search beans for tooth-breaking pebbles. Wash beans well with water to remove dust and soak overnight in plenty of clean water or cover beans with boiling water, cover with a lid and let stand 1 hour to soak. Place beans in large Dutch oven, cover with additional water, add salt pork, cover...


Home > Resources > The Outdoors > Cooking > Lunch

Camp Stroganoff
1-1/2 to 2 pounds ground beef Onion soup mix 2-3 tablespoons of ketchup 1 cup sour cream 1 can cream of mushroom soup NoodlesBring pot of water to a rolling boil and cook noodles until done. Brown meat and drain off grease. Add remaining ingredients and simmer until meat is tender. If necessary, thin sauce with a little milk. Serve over cooked noodles. ...


Home > Resources > Activities > Games

Nigels Navy
Type: Pack Equipment: Four small balls of different coloured wool, and some white cards Divide the Cubs into three or four fleets. Each has an adult Leader as an Admiral and Quartermaster. Each also has a base in which the Admiral/Quartermaster sits. There are three types of ships; battleships, submarines and destroyers. There should be three destroyers to every two submarines and to every one battleship. Each Cub should be given a small piece of card with the...


Home > Resources > Ceremonies > Webelos

Arrow Of Light Native American Style
PERSONNEL Akela (Cubmaster), Webelos den leader, light switch operator, tom-tom beater, Arrow of Light Award candidates and their parents.EQUIPMENT Large symbol of the Arrow of Light Award made from 1-1/4" dowel painted gold and dusted with glitter; a simple candle board containing a blue, a white, and a yellow candle; Indian headdress and blanket for Akela; tom-tom; Arrow of Light Awards and certificates; safety pins.ARRANGEMENT The pack sits in a semicircle, Indian - style. Parents sit behind their sons. The...


Home > Resources > Leaders > Scoutmaster Minutes

A Scout Is Brave
In the Scout Law we say, "A Scout is brave. " What does that mean to you? (Get answers. ) Usually we think of bravery as overcoming fear to take some action that saves a life of helps someone in some way. Most of the time we're talking about overcoming fear of physical harm to ourselves. But there's another kind of bravery. It's bravery to overcome the fear of ridicule from our friends. It's the...


Home > Resources > Ceremonies > Cub Scout

The Pledge Of The Tribe
CUBMASTER: Braves of the tribe of Akela, our council fire is lit, but the time grows late. Let all braves stand now and raise their right hands toward the Great Spirit in the sky. Now let us give the pledge of our tribe of Akela - the Cub Scout promise.And now may the Great Spirit of all good Indians and Scouts be with us till we meet again. ...
Recipes

 

Edible Ornaments

1 cup butter or margarine
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
3 cups flour
2 - 4 tablespoons heavy cream
red and green food coloring
2 dozen chocolate kisses
2 dozen maraschino cherries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1. Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy.

2. Blend in flour, salt, and enough cream to hold dough together.

3. Divide dough in half.

4. Tint one half with red food coloring and the other half with green food coloring.

5. Mold a Tablespoon of red dough around each Kiss (that is unwrapped)

6. Mold green dough around cherry.

7. Roll cookies between palms of hand to make smooth, round balls.

8. Place balls 1” apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

9. Bake 12-14 minutes, or just until cookies are set (cookies must not brown)

10. Let cool completely.

11. Dip each cookie into icing


Chocolate Peanut Squares

• 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate
• 2 tablespoons crunchy peanut butter
• 3 cups rice crispies
• Butter/margarine

Use a double boiler or a saucepan and bowl that fits (i.e., sits partially in the pan
without touching the bottom, allowing contents of bowl to melt).

Place about 1-2” hot water in bottom pan, and place on stove burner over
medium heat. Break chocolate into top pan/bowl and add peanut butter. Heat
until chocolate melts. Stir to blend chocolate and peanut butter.

Remove top pan/bowl from saucepan and add rice crispies. Mix until crispies are
covered in chocolate mixture. Spoon mixture into pie pan greased with butter or
margarine. Allow to harden in refrigerator. Cut into squares and eat!

 

 

 
Blog

 

Outlaw Pinewood Derby
A recent post on one of the Scouting mailing lists caught my eye. It was about a Boy Scout Troop who ran their own Outlaw Pinewood Derby race. An outlaw derby does not use the normal pinewood derby kits, the...

My Boys are About to Graduate to Boy Scouts
Hello Everyone,Ptsteve is back.  It has been a wonderful 5 years as a Den Leader and 3 years as a Pack Trainer.  Next month my sons and the other scouts in my Den will be bridging to Boy Scouts at...

Balanced Rock
Balanced Rock is located in Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs, CO.  Many of our itineraries include a terrific hike that begins at Kissing Camels and ends here at Balanced Rock.  This formation is quite impressive and makes...

Keeping Up with New Merit Badges - SM Tips
If you read Scouting magazine and follow various blogs, you’ve probably heard about a bunch of new merit badges in the last year or so, including Chess, Welding, Kayaking, Search and Rescue, Programming, and Game Design. While new merit...

Three More Letters for Your Alphabet Soup - SM Tip
 Scouting lingo is an alphabet soup of abbreviations and acronyms; think PLC, SPL, ISLT, NYLT, NAYLE, etc., etc. I’d like to add one more abbreviation to the mix, courtesy of Scouter Jeff Taylor from Cincinnati: CFD.CDF stands...

Boy scout skit missing new kid
 Skit bout a Scout Leader who lost the “new kid”. I have not seen this one before but worth it for the giggles. It seems like the opening skit for summer camp where the introduce you to all the program areas at...

My Final Year as a Den Leader
Hello Everyone,Hope you are having a great Summer and are enjoying the Great Outdoors.  I am getting ready for my final year as my sons Den Leader.  They are Webelos 2 now and when we start up in the Fall...

High Adventures Tours in New Mexico
 This week we look at our most popular multi night trips in New Mexico.  These tours include the best of everything in the Land of Enchantment!Modified High AdventureThis tour kicks off with a pick up at the Albuquerque International Airport...

For Crying Out Loud, Part 3 - Eagle Tip
 My last two tips have discussed ways to keep crying kids from becoming a distraction during courts of honor. Here’s one more approach: offer childcare. Recruit a few volunteers to baby-sit and include a note like ...

Boy Scouts Campfire Safety
 Boy Scouts of America Troop 19 at Lake Spokane demonstrates through two skits the created themselves how to build an improper and a proper campfire. The videos are shared by the Spokane Department of Natural Resources....

Training for Summer Cub Scout Day Camp
The ice has come off the lakes and it is Summer, time to go OUTSIDE!!!  Last night I went to training for the third year in a row for Cub Scout Day Camp which I am a Den Leader and...

For Crying Out Loud, Part 2 - Eagle Tip
 Submitted by Laurie HendrixMy last tip (on dealing with crying children at courts of honor) struck a chord with Eagle Scout mom Laurie Hendrix. She pointed out that most kids only cry if there really is a...

High Adventure Tours in Colorado
 Now that we have looked at all the lower budget options in Colorado, lets take a look at our top of the line High Adventure itineraries. Modified High Adventure Red Rocks, Garden of Gods, and Whitewater Rafting! This tour requires an arrival...

New Committee Chair and Cubmaster
Hello Everyone,I hope your Scouting year has been an active and good one, it has been here.  I am taking on a new role as Committee Chair still doing Den Leader for my Pack and still serving as the Cub...

Pack Committee Chair, What do we do?
Hello Everyone,Another Scouting Year has moved to Summer which means fun and sun along with Camping.This last year I was asked to become Committee Chair for my Pack, it had been a few years since my Pack had one so...
 
Kamp Knots

 


Used with permission by
Rich Diesslin

www.the-cartoonist.com

 

 

 
Blogs and Podcasts

 

Read All Scout News
(Updates Daily)

 

Scoutmaster Minute
No Sunday Coffee
Josh and My Dad Hey gang… I did not do a Sunday Coffee video this week. Had a bit of a scare today and had to spend a good portion of...

kevin devin
Another Blue & Gold and Crossover in the books
Last night was our annual Blue & Gold banquet for the pack. It was yet another successful B&G and better yet, I was rather removed from the event. Better only...

fish camp hunt hike
Field Judging Black bears
It doesnt matter where you go or what season it is, field judging black bears can be difficult. Eve......

Scoutmaster Minute
1000th Post
This is my 1000th Blog Post!!! To Celebrate I am having a Giveaway… Watch the video for details but here is the bottom line… Click the Like Button for this post. Leave a Comment...

Scouter Adam
BSA Membership Survey
The Boy Scouts of America have launched their “Voice of the Scout” survey, open to all currently active members of the BSA. The results will be part of BSA’s decision-making...

Girl Scout Blog
Guest Post: A Message from Anna Maria Chávez
A special message from Anna Maria Chávez, CEO, Girl Scouts of the USAAs we prepare to commemorate the founding of Girl Scouts of the USA, I want to wish everyone a...

Akelas Cubs
Rescue 10111 at 1st Kempton - 8th March 2013
Paramedics, Firemen and Policemen are people we all look up to and respect.  Let's have a look at a day in the life of a policeman. Steam Release:  Highway Chase.  All...

BSA Cracker Barrel
Viewership numbers in on ‘Are You Tougher?’ as date for next episode nears
More than 439,000 households tuned in to the premiere of Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout? on Monday, meaning 439,000 homes got a firsthand look at the excitement Scouting offers...

Pinewood Derby Stories and Photos from Maximum Velocity

PINEWOOD DERBY CAR SHOWCASE Home Depot - Stephen Henry This is the car my son Benjamin Henry built for his first pinewood derby. He placed second in his age group! As you can...

Trail Cooking & The Outdoors
Food Find: Open Nature Freeze-dried Fruit Packs
Another find at Safeway, from their Open Nature line. Single serving packets of free-dried fruit in 4 types. 99¢ for .33 ounce bags, perfect for adding to a bag of...
 

 

Scout News

 

Read All Scout News
(Updates Daily)

 

Boy Scouts of America's Golden Spread Council to host groundbreaking on camp dining hall
The Boy Scouts of America in the Amarillo and Oklahoma panhandles are getting a new dining hall....

Boy Scouts get Game Design badge
Programming, animation, CAD and 'digital technology' also in the works The Boy Scouts of America have created a merit badge in Game Design.…...

Boy Scouts still a strong influence on Delmarva
Kevin Les Callette of the Del-Mar-Va Council of the Boy Scouts . / Submitted image 1. To have every family participate in the Scouting program and renew the family strength...

FLORENCE: Girl Scouts unite on World Thinking Day
FLORENCE — Girl Scouts united at the Roebling Elementary School to celebrate World Thinking Day last Friday....

Boy Scouts Of America At A Crossroads
The Boy Scouts of America are expecting to take action on a resolution to allow openly gay members to participate in the organization. What the result of that action will...

Union Co. Girl Scouts sell cookies at unexpected spot
Girl Scouts in Union County have found a unique location to sell their cookies....

Mountaineer Area Council Boy Scouts Host 'Scout-O-Rama'
The Mountaineer Area Council Boy Scouts of America held their Annual Scout-O-Rama Saturday at the Morgantown Mall. The Boy Scouts are celebrating 100 years of scouting in the local communities....

Consumers Energy Hosts Cub Scout Day and Helps 150 Cub Scouts Become Energy Experts
JACKSON, Mich., March 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy employees in four locations across the state today helped over 100 Cub Scouts earn the brand new Energy Expert patch, designed...

Girl Scouts honor hometown heroes
Girl Scouts from across Colorado Springs are coming together to help honor our hometown heroes....
 

 

Thoughts to Ponder

 

Spring Phenoms

I know that some of you read the sports pages and follow the big league pennant races. So probably you have heard of spring phenoms. Who can tell me what a spring phenom is?

He is a player who stars the season like a superstar. In April, May and June he's hitting about . 350, stealing a lot of bases, and never missing a ball in the field. Comes July and August and he can't do anything right. That's a spring phenom.

Maybe you've seen some spring phenoms in Scouting, too. They start up the advancement trail like a house afire, making Second Class and First Class as fast as the rules allow. Then when the going gets tougher for Star, Life and Eagle, they sort of fade away like spring phenoms.

Maybe it's the troop's fault. Maybe we just don’t challenge them enough. If so, let's change that. I'm challenging all of you now to set your sights on the next rank and make up your mind you're going to make it by Christmas at the latest.

 



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