Grandma’s Helpful Scout
Oh hey there, I’m Jess, a Second Class Scout. I was recently visiting my grandmother’s for a few days, and like most visits, there always seems to be a handful of, “Jess, honey, do you think you could...”It started with the light bulbs in the ceiling fan. Grandma could probably change them herself, but I really did not like the idea of her climbing a ladder, so up I went. Four bulbs later, the room... [More]
By: Sapna Kanda On: 2026-10-26Congratulations, You Have Corrected the Same Scout 14 Times
“Ethan, put the stick down.” Ethan put it down. Three seconds later, he picked up another one. Mr. Parker sighed. “Ethan, we talked about this!” Welcome to Scouting, where one simple instruction can become a fourteen-part television series. Good Scout leadership means teaching with patience, clear instructions, and consistency. Repeating Yourself Is Not Teaching Every Scout leader has that moment. You remind a Scout to stop interrupting, put away their phone, or stop swinging... [More]
By: Sapna Kanda On: 2026-10-19
Wacky Scouter Updates Oct 13th, 2026:A Little Housekeeping
A Little HousekeepingThis week I'm skipping my usual story or commentary to do a little housekeeping, share a few updates, and give some well-deserved shout-outs to the folks who help keep Wacky Scouter going.A Big Thank You to Our Sponsors!First, a huge thanks to the folks who help support Wacky Scouter and the work that goes into keeping these resources available to Scout leaders.ClassB offers official Scouting America licensed products, including custom troop and pack... [More]
By: Sapna Kanda On: 2026-10-12
The Tag Game, No One Agreed To Play
“Knock it off, Drew,” Mr. Dale barked from across the room.Drew froze for half a second, looked over, then grinned and darted after James again. James, a Scout of about twelve, twisted around a table trying to get away while two other Scouts scooted their chairs aside.“Dude, stop it!” James yelled. Yet, as far as Drew was concerned, they were playing tag. The only problem was nobody else had agreed to join in yet.“Drew!” Mr.... [More]
By: Sapna Kanda On: 2026-10-05
Scouts Are Helpful, Simply by Listening
Scott here, not so wacky this week. I recently found out a teen in my neighborhood attempted suicide, again. It brought back some memories of my dad, and some darker times in my own life too. September is Suicide Prevention Month, so maybe this is as good a time as any to talk about something we probably do not talk about enough.We spend a lot of time in Scouting talking about being prepared, first aid,... [More]
By: Sapna Kanda On: 2026-09-30Case of the Scout Tents VS the Howling Wind
The wind is howling through the canyon as the sun starts dropping behind the rocks. It is Friday night, the first night of our two-night, three-day backpacking trip, and my tent is trying very hard to become somebody else’s problem.My tent mate is holding one side while I fight with the other. Every time I get one corner down, the wind catches the opposite side and lifts it again. I look around and the other... [More]
By: Sapna Kanda On: 2026-09-22
We Are Burning Out Our Leaders
Scouting runs on volunteers who already have full lives. Parents may be working long hours, raising multiple kids, running between sports, band, school stuff, church, community things, and just trying to be the best parents possible. Then Scouting comes along and needs a den leader, committee member, driver, cook, campout helper, fundraiser, trainer, or somebody willing to refill the mysteriously empty propane tanks.When there are not enough people helping, the same few volunteers can quietly... [More]
By: Sapna Kanda On: 2026-09-16Even Scouts Have Operating Limits
I have been struggling with overwhelm, lately, hard enough that I can feel my whole system getting mechanically worse, exhaustion creeping in, and resources maxed out.The best comparison I have is a computer that somehow launches the same app a hundred times. Nothing dramatic happens at first. Then everything gets slower. Switching between tasks takes longer. Simple things stop responding. The fan spins up. Eventually you are staring at a machine that is technically still... [More]
By: Sapna Kanda On: 2026-09-07
A Scout Is Thrifty’ Is Complicated...
A Scout Is Thrifty’ Is Complicated... Recently I have been thinking about how hard it is for families, nonprofits, and small businesses to keep cash flow balanced. There is always something that needs money, something that would be nice to have, and often more than a few bills demanding to be paid. Then it occurred to me that Scout units are not really any different. Oh, and don't worry, I am not begging for help... [More]
By: Sapna Kanda On: 2026-09-01
Leadership, Screens, and the Practice of Scouting
I have always liked that Scouting is about giving young people room to lead. No one is ever really 'ready' to lead. You learn by doing it, making mistakes, adjusting, and trying again.A Patrol Leader, SPL, Den Chief, or even a young Denner gets a chance to try something, make a mess of it, learn from it, and try again. Sometimes the plan works, other times it's chaos, lunch is late, nobody knows where they... [More]
By: Sapna Kanda On: 2026-08-25