Little Miami Scenic Trail
I have fond memories of biking parts of this trail on more than one occasion. The Little Miami Scenic Trail is a lot of fun to use. The trail stretches from the suburbs of Cincinnati to Springfield, Ohio, over bridges and through peaceful state parks and several small towns. According to https://www.traillink.com/trail/little-miami-scenic-trail/, the path is part of an extensive sequence of greater than 340 miles of off-road trails that pass through throughout Ohio’s Miami... [More]
By: InsaneScouter On: 2020-03-09
JUST DO IT!
Nike image used under Fair Usage guidelines (The NIKE company owns the copyright to the phrase "Just DO IT!" and is being used here with no infringement made. This article was originally in one of the last issues of American Scouting Digest magazine, where I served as a senior editor and writer. The Jamboree referred to was the 2010 National Scout Jamboree, the last one held at Fort AP Hill, Virginia.)A famous sports apparel and... [More]
By: Mike Walton (blackeagle) On: 2020-03-02
Best Pinewood Derby Ideas and designs
Some of the fondest memories that I have of the Cub Scout and Webelos program are about getting ready for the Pinewood Derby race and, of course, about the race itself. I remember getting the Pinewood Derby car kit and taking it home and sharing it with my mom. Mom told me that she couldn’t help me, that I would have to wait for my father to get home and that he would help me.... [More]
By: InsaneScouter On: 2020-02-27
Bankruptcy and the BSA
Open for Business image from the World Wide Web under Fair Usage guidelines (The national organization of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Tuesday 18 February 2020 to achieve two key objectives: equitably compensate victims who were harmed during their time in Scouting and to continue to carry out Scouting’s mission for years to come.Important to note, BSA local councils have not filed for bankruptcy. Their programs and that... [More]
By: Mike Walton (blackeagle) On: 2020-02-24
Camp Kern BSA summer camp
This BSA camp was one that was recommended to us by our readers. Scouts will thrive in the beautiful outdoor playground of Huntington Lake, California. Scouts spend quality time outside learning new skills and enjoying engaging outdoor adventures with new and old friends. Camp Kern is a place where Scouts experience a traditional summer camp life as Scouts have since 1939. Huntington Lake (elevation 7,000 feet) is nestled in a remote part of California’s... [More]
By: InsaneScouter On: 2020-02-17
About The Kings, Scouting and African-American
Personal Scouting photo collection image Last weekend I attended my Council's Executive Board meeting in Brussels, Belgium. My commitment to the Transatlantic Council -- the primary local Council I am registered through -- calls for me to attend in person at least one Board meeting each year and to participate via teleconference to three of the other four meetings during the year. In exchange, I get to help guide the local Council I grew up... [More]
By: Mike Walton (blackeagle) On: 2020-02-10
Alpha Phi Omega (APO)
Image of APO brother at a workshop.Paul asked me if I knew anything about APO:"Hey, Mike!! When I was in Scouts (and you too probably), there was a page and a half in our Scout Handbooks talking about the Scout Fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega. Today, I don't hear about them, don't see them on our campus (University of Minn.) and in talking with many of the Scouts, they don't seem to know about them. What... [More]
By: Mike Walton (blackeagle) On: 2020-02-03
Fortune Cookie
Stock image of fortune cookies...message below (purchased Shutterstock image)"Anyone can memorize things, but the important thing is to understand it." -- Fortune cookie messageBefore my emergent gallbladder surgery two months ago now, I would spend every Wednesday having "Chinese food" (actually, it is Cantonese food during the day at the restaurant within the Air Force Materiel Command headquarters building I work at; and it is an Asian food restaurant close to the hotel I reside... [More]
By: Mike Walton (blackeagle) On: 2020-01-30
Camp Turrel
This BSA camp was one that was recommended to us by our readers. Camp Turrel is located in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains. With easy access to the Delaware River and other local attractions, Camp Turrell is perfectly located to offer a well-rounded challenge second to none, for Scouts BSA Troops, Venture Crews, and Sea Scout Ships. And with excellent sailing on a 95-acre lake and extensive mountain biking trails, Camp Turrell offers... [More]
By: InsaneScouter On: 2020-01-27
Blue & Gold celebration decoration ideas
The Blue and Gold banquet is usually the most significant event that the Cub Scout Pack holds all year. It should be exciting and celebratory. The Blue & Gold banquet celebrates the anniversary of the birth of Scouting. I still remember one of my Blue & Gold meetings from long ago and the fact that I can remember it shows how much effort must have been put into it. The Blue & Gold celebration that... [More]
By: InsaneScouter On: 2020-01-23