It's Here!! The Day Finally Arrived!
She can wear it starting today! Elly,12, shows a red & gold neckerchief. Riegner & her mom were looking at various colors & designs at their local Council's Scout Shop (TM) for their new all-girls troop. (Katie Blackley/WESA photo) The first word came from a Scouter living on the Pacific's Guam island and shared via Facebook(TM): "We did it!!" he exclaimed electronically, followed by a photo of a certificate signed by the Aloha Council's... [More]
By: Mike Walton (blackeagle) On: 2019-02-16Why are you racing?
Shutterstock image purchased by Mike Walton She's happy. Her peers are "high fiving her" on her accomplishment. She will probably go home, and after a long hot bath or shower, a change of clothing and maybe some rest, go out and celebrate with her family and some of her friends and maybe be in a couple of selfies or photophone images she'll share with some brief comment like "I DID IT!" or something like... [More]
By: Mike Walton (blackeagle) On: 2019-02-14You never train for Gunshot wounds
(I originally wrote this in 2000 as part of a series called "A Week of Scouting!" and it has been edited for posting here today) Yesterday in Washington one hundred - eight years ago, officials of a new youth-service organization filed paperwork to incorporate and federally charter something called the Boy Scouts of America. These men, representing a broad cut of social and civic clubs, educational institutions and religious bodies, had no clue as... [More]
By: Mike Walton (blackeagle) On: 2019-02-11InsaneScouter Top 7 winter camping articles
Winter camping can be quite a bit of fun, but it usually requires some extra planning and requirements to be successful. I remember one of the times I got to go camping as a Webelos scout. We went to the local scout camp. I got to do some fun winter activities like sledding and learning how to make ice cream outside using lake ice. We went out onto the frozen lake and helped auger... [More]
By: InsaneScouter On: 2019-02-07As Written or Your Best
Getty graphic image used under Fair Usage guidelines In my line of work, I read a lot of things during a typical day. Part of my job description calls for me to look for and share items reflective of the people, places, and activities of the Air Force command I work as a team member. I also spend time reading and reflecting during my breaks items which attract me as a parent, a Black man,... [More]
By: Mike Walton (blackeagle) On: 2019-02-04Scouting all over the world
As I have had a chance to travel to different countries over the last couple of years, I have been interested in the differences in the Scout’s uniforms from one country to another. We thought we would ask people from all over the world to send us a picture of your kids in the Scouting program from anywhere in the world... (preferably of your kids, so we know we have permission to post them).... [More]
By: InsaneScouter On: 2019-01-31Busted
Busted They thought that most of Scouting was lame. Something to keep them off the streets and away from the "negative influences" around town. Neither were good campers. They did not see the need to get outdoors, pop up the tent, roll out the sleeping bags and sleep outdoors. They would rather be inside, playing "Global Combat Seven", a popular multiplayer video game, with some friends playing from Germany and Holland who were not much... [More]
By: Mike Walton (blackeagle) On: 2019-01-28The New Website is Live
We’re excited to announce that our new and refreshed website is live. The updated site includes changes to navigation, improved search, cleaner home page, improved scouting news sections, and it works from mobile as well as your computer. There’s a whole host of smaller but impactful changes, all to make your experience of using InsaneScouter that much better. Please do help support the growth and improvement of InsaneScouter. The new design and all... [More]
By: InsaneScouter On: 2019-01-24Coined
In my first book "Patches and Pins", I talk about the day that my boss realized that there was more to life than just "working in the Army". Here's that story told again with more detail, now that I am retired and the "statute of limitations" has expired on this aspect of my life - more than 30 years ago now. As a new officer, I was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division... [More]
By: Mike Walton (blackeagle) On: 2019-01-21DIY Firestarters
Winter is almost here, and with it comes the need for lighting fireplaces! In the summertime, getting a fire started is useful for lighting a campfire or a bonfire in your firepit. Getting a fire started with or without fire starters is a skill that most Scouts grew up learning. However, starting a fire isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Sometimes it can become a real challenge. If your firewood is wet or... [More]
By: InsaneScouter On: 2019-01-17