Big sparks lead to big fires.
You know what they say—“Big sparks lead to big fires.” It’s one of those simple ideas that packs a lot of meaning. In Scouting, those little acts of kindness, big accomplishments, and even the smallest community efforts are like sparks—small at first, but capable of lighting something much larger.Think about it: Every time a Scout helps someone, every time a Scout leads by example, or every time your unit comes together for a service project... [More]
By: Sapna Kanda On: 2025-05-12Did you know you can make a compass with a needle and a leaf?
Did you know that you can make your very own compass using just a leaf and a needle?It's something straight out of the movies, but really, it's really simple and lots of fun—ideal for a bit of home or backyard science adventure!Here's the process: First, take a sewing needle (be careful—it's sharp!) and rub it on your hair or a clump of wool 30–40 times. Why? Because this accumulates static electricity and imparts a small... [More]
By: Sapna Kanda On: 2025-05-05
The Real Treasure of the Hunt
Hey Scouters! With Easter just around the corner, it’s hard not to think about egg hunts, the mysterious Easter bunny, and the excitement that builds around those colorful eggs hiding all sorts of sweet rewards. But have you ever stopped to think about the true magic of it all? It’s not the eggs themselves, but the experience that surrounds them. Just like in Scouting, it’s the adventure that truly matters. The thrill of the hunt,... [More]
By: Sapna Kanda On: 2025-04-167 Leadership Lessons I Learned from Harry Potter
Harry Potter isn’t just a tale of magic, friendship, and epic battles against the Dark Lord—it’s also packed with leadership wisdom. Throughout his journey, Harry (and those around him) showcase essential traits that any great leader should embody. Whether you're leading a team, a Scout troop, or just navigating life, here are seven key leadership lessons inspired by the wizarding world.1. Taking Action: The Power of InitiativeA true leader doesn’t wait around for someone else... [More]
By: Sapna Kanda On: 2025-03-31
The Blossoming Scout
Welcome, Scouters, to another issue of our newsletter!For many of us, spring is the time when we feel the cold winter weather finally melt away, replaced by warmer days and the cheerful sight of flowers starting to bloom. The sun shines a little longer, and the world around us begins to feel new again. Spring is also the season for deep cleaning—whether it’s organizing your gear, tidying up your home, or even clearing out the... [More]
By: Sapna Kanda On: 2025-03-24The 12-Week Adventure
Scouting isn’t about chasing the next badge or checking boxes—it’s about the journey, the adventure, and the lessons learned along the way. The best experiences happen when leaders guide but let Scouts explore, try, fail, and discover for themselves. Scouts don’t mind the bumps and bruises along the way, and in getting back up, that’s where real understanding and growth happen.I’m trying to approach life the same way. Instead of stressing over the entire year,... [More]
By: Sapna Kanda On: 2025-03-09Shenanigans!
I got the notification that Amazon has published and made my latest writing project available!! Shenanigans! by Mike WaltonTwo boys, not chipmunks nor cartoon characters, but definitely "characters"! From two separate families, they lived for years at the orphanage, waiting for the opportunity to be a part of a new family. The two finally got their chance -- together! The boys discover that every day of their summer vacation is an opportunity to "have fun!"... [More]
By: Mike Walton (blackeagle) On: 2025-02-27
Wacky Scouter Updates 2025
Hey Wacky Scouters,This week is just a quick update—no ramblings from Jack or extra content.Moving forward, I’ll no longer be writing the body of the newsletter as Jack or including the themed ideas. It seems like it hasn’t been resonating, as the stats have been trending down. We will likely focus only on sharing resources from various sources related to scouting. I’ll also need to figure out how to keep the "blackboard" on the side... [More]
By: Sapna Kanda On: 2025-02-24Recharged and Ready: A Scouter’s Journey Back to Adventure
Greetings Scouters! Howdy, Scouters! My tail’s wagging because my daddy is almost completely back to normal. He’s still got a little congestion, but thankfully, he’s no longer scaring me with those wild coughing fits. Fingers crossed, by next week he’ll be 100%! Our adventures continue! Daddy started working again—not last week, but the week before. He’s slowly but surely catching up on his projects and finding fresh energy and new ideas for both Wacky Scouter and USScouts. This... [More]
By: Sapna Kanda On: 2025-02-17Healing Takes Time: A Scout's Lesson in Patience
Greetings Scouters! Greetings Scouters! Well, my daddy is still slowly recovering from that nasty cold of his. He says the congestion is a lot better now—though I still hear him sniffing a little. His throat is still pretty sore, but thankfully, the scary, loud coughing fits have been reduced to just a handful a day. So I guess he’s getting petter... or better, as he says. Either way, progress is progress! It’s been interesting watching everything unfold... [More]
By: Sapna Kanda On: 2025-02-10