10 uses for old plastic bags
I’m trying to think of several different uses for those plastic bags I have. Actually, I don’t have any plastic bags to use anymore, but I used to. The municipality where I live now banned their use completely. I used to have lots of those plastic bags laying around. The local municipality banned the use of plastic bags for several reasons. One reason was to keep them from ending up in the ocean. Plastic... [More]
By: InsaneScouter On: 2020-01-20
I'm Calling Him Chief Roger
BSA Image used under Fair Usage guidelinesHappy New Year, everyone!!!While many of you were out enjoying the holidays with friends and family, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA)'s National Executive Board met for an important decision. As I stated earlier, the BSA was determined to make the selection and announcement of an interim Chief Scout Executive to replace medically retiring Michael Surbaugh before the end of last year. They did. The following was posted to... [More]
By: Mike Walton (blackeagle) On: 2020-01-13
Our Next Chief Scout Executive? Him?
The Honorable Dr. Robert M. Gates (image from the Department of Defense public website) In the history of the Boy Scouts of America, Inc., we have had only 13 Chief Scout Executives, starting with Dr. James E. West in 1911 and currently Michael B Surbaugh, who is currently on medical leave from his role. There is an active search for Mr. Surbaugh's replacement, as while it has not been publically announced yet, those inside the... [More]
By: Mike Walton (blackeagle) On: 2020-01-09
Bert Adams BSA Summer Camp
This BSA camp was one that was recommended to us by our readers. Bert Adams has consistently been listed as one of the best scout camps in the United States by Boys Life and Scouting Magazines. The camp is made up of over 1,300 acres and is located just outside of Atlanta, GA. Its best-in-class facilities include an air-conditioned dining hall, swimming pool, rifle, and shotgun ranges and permanent platform tents, many with... [More]
By: InsaneScouter On: 2020-01-06
B-P, the Uniform, and the Military
BSA Supply Group image used under Fair Usage guidelinesScouter Gary M. Holewinski (gholewi889@AOL.COM) wrote over on the "Scout List" (the Scouts-L youth programs discussion list, now in its' 32nd year of existence!!) back in 2012 the following about Sir Robert Baden-Powell (B-P, the founder of Scouting) and uniforming:"From Scouting for Boys, page 43. Two thoughts. For a man with a military background, he wasn't overly concerned with uniformity in dress AND how far we've gone... [More]
By: Mike Walton (blackeagle) On: 2019-12-30
Plastic, can it be reused?
By and large, most of the authorities that we are supposed to trust say that you should not re-use your plastic water bottle and refill it with more water. According to https://www.thoughtco.com/reusing-plastic-bottles-serious-health-hazards-1204028...recent revelations about some of the toxic chemicals found in Lexan (plastic #7) bottles are enough to prevent even the most committed environmentalists from reusing them—or buying them in the first place. Studies suggest that food and drinks stored... [More]
By: InsaneScouter On: 2019-12-23
Not In Uniform PLEASE!!!
Internet images used under Fair Usage GuidelinesI love love love the Salvation Army. More importantly, I love love love the outlet stores whereby I shop there on a regular basis. You probably do -- or know someone who does. It is one of the most visible examples of the organization. I know of several other examples.For instance, the Salvation Army (SalArmy for short) does a lot of feeding. In good times and in bad, SalArmy... [More]
By: Mike Walton (blackeagle) On: 2019-12-19
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: Mike Walton (blackeagle) 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: InsaneScouter 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: Mike Walton (blackeagle) On: 2019-12-02