Coined
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: 2019-01-21
DIY 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
The End?
Shutterstock image purchased by Mike Walton The End? I have seen this episode several dozen times in my life. Each time, those promoting the episode attempted to convince people -- including me -- that "This is the end. There's no more after this." In my first novel, "Patches and Pins", I talk about the morning in which the world -- everything in it, including its population -- would be sucked into the Sun, and... [More]
By: Mike Walton (blackeagle) On: 2019-01-14
A Scout is Kind
Amelia Erhart said, “No kind action ever stops with itself. One kind action leads to another. Good example is followed. A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves”. I remember when I was in Cub Scouts and it was around Thanksgiving. The Scoutmaster told us that we... [More]
By: InsaneScouter On: 2019-01-07
Ahem Girls!
Ahem! Girls!I like what's happening in the BSA. It should have happened years ago, as in Canadá, México, and most of the Free World served by WOSM. However, I wonder if some of us are overdoing it with emphasis on the possibility of all members attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Scouting offers much more than just the Eagle, and there are lots of folks out there to prove it. Was JFK a "bad... [More]
By: Dean Whinery On: 2018-12-31
Snow Camping Tips
Just because winter is almost in full swing doesn’t mean you can’t go camping outdoors anymore. Whether you’re in search of great cross-country skiing, or a perfect winter sunrise from the top of a snowy peak, snow camping is often the perfect way to get you there. Though camping in the snow can be a little frightening, with a little preparation and a few pro tips, a winter’s night, or two outside may... [More]
By: InsaneScouter On: 2018-12-28
Daydreaming
Admit it: you, like me and several million other Americans, are daydreaming about winning the MegaMillions(TM) lottery game of chance, with its first-place winnings of.... 1 BILLION DOLLARS! (you have to say...or think... ONE (pause) BILLION (pause) DOLLARS! ) That's an awfully large amount of money. So let's put this into context. No, I am not going to tell you that your or my chances of winning this large amount of cash are... [More]
By: Mike Walton (blackeagle) On: 2018-12-24
Behind the Unit numbers
Who determines the unit numbers for Cub Scout Packs, Scout Troops, Venturing Crews and Sea Scout Ships? Are the numbers significant? Why is there so much “loyalty” to a set of numbers – after all, it’s not a mascot, or a city or state name, or even a part of town. It’s just a set of numbers, right? Four years ago, Jim Kangas, a Unit Commissioner and volunteer in one of the local Councils... [More]
By: Mike Walton (blackeagle) On: 2018-12-21
Apostle Islands Area in Wintertime
I always wanted to go visit the northern lakes area in the wintertime, but so far I have not made it. Sometime after the 1st of the year, Lake Superior may freeze over solid enough for people to walk along the coast. If it does freeze over this year (usually the end of February) then you will be able to seeintricately carved sea caves in cliffs along the Mainland Unit of Apostle Islands National... [More]
By: InsaneScouter On: 2018-12-17
Best of Insanescouter Teamwork
We all know that teamwork promotes creativity and increases the overall productivity of an organization. While this is true, there are many unsaid challenges faced by every team which can really make the whole experience of working as a team frustrating. When Scouts engage in an activity that requires them to work together in order to satisfy an objective, team building comes into play. Many of the Scout Skill Challenges, as well as many of... [More]
By: InsaneScouter On: 2018-12-14