Running with the wrong crowd
NBC4I image used under Fair Usage guidelinesOne of the many questions I ask Eagle Scout candidates during their Board of Review is the following:"Robert Baden-Powell (the founder of Scouting) explained to a group of volunteers in England that Scoutmastership comes down to this: the management of the instruction in life skills enabling young boys to become adult men of character, with an awareness of their community and their place in it as leaders, and with... [More]
By: settummanque On: 2019-12-16
7 cool tips for teaching First Aid to kids
Children can be taught first aid skills and in this article, we will talk about 7 cool ways to teach first aid to kids. There are more than just 7 ways, but for today, we will only include 7 of the ways. Remember always have a first-aid kit handy. If possible, have an adult trained in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) attend any pack functions. 1)Here is a good website to help get us... [More]
By: scottyiserv On: 2019-12-09Is There A Time to Quit?
(From "Patches and Pins" by Mike Walton (c) 1998 )I had a "heart to heart" talk with my first wife, the one I called "Henna-red" because of her naturally flowing reddish-brown hair. She wanted to know when I was going to finally "grow up" and stop being a "boy scout." I told her firmly but lovingly, "never.""You've done all they will let you do in it...and then some. Why won't you just quit?" she responded.... [More]
By: settummanque On: 2019-12-02
Leading the BSA: Camper or Administrator
BSA image of former CSE Wayne Brock used under Fair Usage guidelinesBruce from Blacksburg wrote in part over on Scouts-L:"I found a position description for a district executive from the Northern Illinois Council (http://clulc.org/docs/events/BSA_Dist_Exec_JobSummary.pdf) that said:"Duties include marketing, management, development, and program administration." Nothing in there about camping, hiking, cooking, or anything else in the Scouting program. It's a sales job. In fact, the qualifications don't even require any type of Scouting or outdoor background."Absolutely,... [More]
By: settummanque On: 2019-11-28
BSA camp Lewis & Clark
Update March 23, 2023: Lewis and Clark Scout Reservation we don't have COPE this year but many new badges. Lots of camp improvements-new Nature Center, Wetlands Area and Mountain Biking. Physical Address of camp is 31071 430 Avenue, Tabor, SD 57062 Cost for 2023 is $375 Scout/$125 Adult if paid by April 3. New this year 1 free adult with 10-19 registered Scouts, 2 free with 20-29. This BSA camp was one that was recommended to... [More]
By: scottyiserv On: 2019-11-25Growing up green
Shutterstock image purchased by Mike WaltonEvery child in America should spend their first eleven years growing up green. That was the consensus of my high school peers and some of my personal friends, as well.One of our high school peers is a history buff. He hosts a Facebook page for those of us who lived in the community and encourages us -- former students, teachers, administrators -- to comment and interact with each other (not... [More]
By: settummanque On: 2019-11-18
An increase is an increase
Money (copied from Bing under fair usage guidelines) The Boy Scouts of America (BSA)'s National Executive Board announced on Wednesday (23 October 2019) the following:"Starting next year (2020), the Boy Scouts of America membership fee will be $60 a year for all registered youth in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting. The annual fee for adult members and youth in the Exploring program will be $36."(My math isn't all that grand, but the... [More]
By: settummanque On: 2019-11-10
Bird in the wilderness
Bird in the Wilderness stock photo As many of you are aware, I volunteer as a part of the Boy Scouts of America. I have been doing so as an adult -- with some breaks for various reasons -- since I was 18 years old. I have served as a volunteer at the local level, the District and local Council level (which oversees and coaches local units), within two Regions and their Regional Areas (which... [More]
By: settummanque On: 2019-11-03
More than Teaching Manners
It is great to know that the Boy Scouts of America -- an organization which I do NOT work for but have a strong affinity toward -- is upping their game. Our volunteers -- ALL of them, not just the ones interacting with youth on a regular basis -- are being asked to authorize the BSA to... [More]
By: settummanque On: 2019-10-27
The Greatest Challenges
Shutterstock image purchased by Mike WaltonThis was originally written and posted to the Scouts-L youth programs discussion list in the fall of 2004. Many of these challenges still exist to this day.There are five challenges to which the Boy Scouts of America must respond to in order to maintain its hold as the predominate youth organization in the United States. These challenges, like addressing, working through a strategy and overcoming an obstacle as part of... [More]
By: settummanque On: 2019-10-21