Keeping Up with New Merit Badges - SM Tips
If you read Scouting magazine and follow various blogs, you’ve probably heard about a bunch of new merit badges in the last year or so, including Chess, Welding, Kayaking, Search and Rescue, Programming, and Game Design. While new merit badges can be exciting, it’s easy to get confused about which badges can now be earned and which have only been announced.To help clear up any confusion, Bryan Wendell at Scouting magazine recently added a calendar... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2013-02-23Three More Letters for Your Alphabet Soup - SM Tip
Scouting lingo is an alphabet soup of abbreviations and acronyms; think PLC, SPL, ISLT, NYLT, NAYLE, etc., etc. I’d like to add one more abbreviation to the mix, courtesy of Scouter Jeff Taylor from Cincinnati: CFD.CDF stands for Confusion, Frustration, and Danger, and it represents the only times adult leaders should interfere with the Scout-led troop program. Jeff said adults in his troop memorize that abbreviation and use it to determine whether they should... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2013-02-16Boy scout skit missing new kid
Skit bout a Scout Leader who lost the “new kid”. I have not seen this one before but worth it for the giggles. It seems like the opening skit for summer camp where the introduce you to all the program areas at the camp.... [More]
By: Insane Scouter On: 2013-02-13My Final Year as a Den Leader
Hello Everyone,Hope you are having a great Summer and are enjoying the Great Outdoors. I am getting ready for my final year as my sons Den Leader. They are Webelos 2 now and when we start up in the Fall will be my last year as their Den Leader and the other Den Leaders for our Webelos Den.My job for the upcoming year is to get them ready for Bridging to Boys Scouts and enjoy... [More]
By: Steve O'Connor On: 2013-02-12High Adventures Tours in New Mexico
This week we look at our most popular multi night trips in New Mexico. These tours include the best of everything in the Land of Enchantment!Modified High AdventureThis tour kicks off with a pick up at the Albuquerque International Airport and transport to the Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid hotel where there’s lots to do (pool, two hot tubs, gift shop, computer center, fitness center, game room, ping pong, basketball, board games). Spend the afternoon poolside... [More]
By: Blue Sky Adventures On: 2013-02-09For Crying Out Loud, Part 3 - Eagle Tip
My last two tips have discussed ways to keep crying kids from becoming a distraction during courts of honor. Here’s one more approach: offer childcare. Recruit a few volunteers to baby-sit and include a note like this in your invitations: “Nursery services are available, so please support our wonderful volunteers who are ready to assist you and your young children.”Where could your volunteers come from? Check first with your Scouts’ sisters. You may well... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2013-02-09Boy Scouts Campfire Safety
Boy Scouts of America Troop 19 at Lake Spokane demonstrates through two skits the created themselves how to build an improper and a proper campfire. The videos are shared by the Spokane Department of Natural Resources.... [More]
By: Insane Scouter On: 2013-02-07Training for Summer Cub Scout Day Camp
The ice has come off the lakes and it is Summer, time to go OUTSIDE!!! Last night I went to training for the third year in a row for Cub Scout Day Camp which I am a Den Leader and attend with my son. I saw some Scouters I haven't seen in a long time and really got some great ideas how to make camp more fun for the boys and easier for me as... [More]
By: Steve O'Connor On: 2013-02-05For Crying Out Loud, Part 2 - Eagle Tip
Submitted by Laurie HendrixMy last tip (on dealing with crying children at courts of honor) struck a chord with Eagle Scout mom Laurie Hendrix. She pointed out that most kids only cry if there really is a problem and that it often doesn’t take much to distract them.Most parents, of course, know to bring along a toy or a few quiet books when they’re going to an event like a court of honor. But... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2013-02-02High Adventure Tours in Colorado
Now that we have looked at all the lower budget options in Colorado, lets take a look at our top of the line High Adventure itineraries. Modified High Adventure Red Rocks, Garden of Gods, and Whitewater Rafting! This tour requires an arrival in Denver by 10:00 AM where you will rendezvous with your Blue Sky Adventures tour guide. We will be waiting for you and will get you underway as soon as possible. With... [More]
By: Blue Sky Adventures On: 2013-02-01