-
Order of the Arrow to Change Membership Requirements in February 2019
As of February 2019, all registered members of the BSA will be eligible to join the Order of the Arrow, provided they meet the camping and election requirements. This means that the Order of the Arrow will be open to ...
God Is Great Grace (Rock Around the Clock)
Singing a grace is a nice way to remember that “A Scout Is Reverent” when you are out at camp this summer. At our local Cub Scout camp, packs take turns volunteering to lead grace in the dining hall. Teaching them grace as a song will help five or six of them get up and […]
Product Review: Flowfold Optimist Mini Backpack
The nice folks at Flowfold sent me one of their Optimist Mini Backpacks for review. This is a 10L backpack and is just the right size for a day pack. I used it over the weekend at a youth camp where the buildings were very spread out and I wanted to be able to keep […]
Rebooting the Venturing Crew (Again!)
For the past few years, our venturing crew has served as the youth ministry for our church. It is time to separate the youth ministry and the venturing crew. In many ways we are starting over again and looking for new members. #Venturing #BSA #STL #StLouis
Shipwrecked Games, Resources, and Crafts
Looking for games or resources related to pirates, desert islands, or sea ships? Check out this Shipwrecked theme page for ideas. Many of these would work well with my Ocean theme or my Under the Sea theme for Cub Scouts. #CubScouts #Ocean #Shipwrecked View Shipwrecked Games, Resources, and Crafts
What Is Scout Spirit?
Scout spirit is mentioned in several of the requirements for Boy Scout ranks. But what is Scout spirit and how does a Boy Scout go about demonstrating it? #BoyScouts #ScoutSpirit
How the Boy Scout Law Relates to the Ten Commandments
A Scout is Reverent. One interesting exercise is to compare the twelve points of the Scout Law to the Ten Commandments. For Scouts whose faith do not include these, they may use their own precepts. #DutyToGod #BoyScouts #CubScouts #reverent Read the article with the comparison at Young Catholics
Scout Recognition Certificate – Fill In Your Own Information
A while back John M sent in this Webelos Crossover certificate he had made to share with everyone. However, many readers have asked for an easy way to use this with their own unit, award, etc. Now we have it! I have taken what John sent and turned it into a certificate you can create with […]
Merit Badge Counselors List
Tracey sent in this form which can be used to keep track of counselors for merit badges. Space is included for the counselor’s name, phone number, and email address. Badges required for the rank of Eagle Scout are highlighted in yellow.
The Science of Fire – The Fire Triangle
Knowledge of fire safety and the fire triangle is an essential outdoor skill. Scouts should understand the science of fire when camping. Newer scouts often struggle to get a fire going. Understanding the way fire works and what is required to start and sustain a fire not only helps them build fires. It also helps scouts […]
Cool and Creamy Skit/Song
This is a funny skit just because it is so messy. I have seen this performed by camp staff many times. Cub Scouts love watching their counselors cover each other in shaving cream!
Bear Den Meeting Plan: Bear Necessities
This Bear den meeting plan covers the requirements for the Bear Necessities adventure. The focus of this meeting is all about preparing for an outing. Going on the outing (an outdoor activity, day camp, resident camp or a pack/den camp out) will complete requirement 1 for the adventure. You can use this meeting to prepare […]
Wolf Den Meeting Plan: Council Fire
This Wolf den meeting plan covers the requirements for the Council Fire adventure. The focus of this meeting is all about flag etiquette and service!
Leadership Succession in a Boy Scout Troop
Jen asks a question about adult leader succession. What do you do when it is not clear? What if issues such as “its always been done that way” and hesitance of new leaders arise?
Prayer for Blue and Gold Banquet
Rev. Jim sent in this question: “I was asked for do prayers for two cub scout packs for their Blue and Gold ceremony o the Crossover. where would I find appropriate Prayers. Thank you.” Thanks for the question, Rev. Jim. Since Cub Scouts should be familiar with the Scout Law, I suggest you use a […]
Edelweiss Grace
A Scout is Reverent. So don’t forget grace before meals. There are many grace songs which are appropriate for Scouts and they work well if not all of your group shares the same faith background. This grace is sung to the tune of Edelweiss. If you don’t know it, you need to watch Sound of Music.
Service Project Ideas for Tigers (Cub Scouts)
Coming up with feasible service project ideas for young Cub Scouts can be a challenge. Tigers (who are in first grade) need to do a service project for the Tiger Circles adventure. There are many possibilities though.
How to Locate a Cub Scout Pack to Join
Needra sent in this question: “My grandson who is 6 would like to join a tiger cub program. How do I find one in my area??” This one is easy to answer!
Is Cold Weather Camping Appropriate for Cub Scouts?
Debbie asks if winter camping is appropriate for Cub Scouts. The age-appropriate guidelines provide some insight. But how cold is too cold for Cub Scouts?
Tiger Den Meeting Plan – My Tiger Jungle: Birds
This Tiger den meeting plan covers the requirements for the My Tiger Jungle adventure. The focus of this meeting is birds!
What Can Scouts Use as Service Hours?
Reader asks what types of service projects can be used to fulfill service hour requirements.
Missing Popcorn Sale Money
A reader asks what to do when the money for the unit popcorn sale doesn’t add up.
Holiday Meeting Ideas for Cub Scouts
Todd sent in some ideas his Cub Scout pack do for the holidays, including some games and a service project. What are your favorite Cub Scout traditions for this time of year? Packs which are chartered by a church might have faith based activities. Or if your pack includes Cub Scouts from different faith traditions, […]
Christmas Gifts for Scouts and Scout Leaders
If your son or daughter really enjoys Scouting, then they will appreciate a gift they can use for their Scouting adventure. Scout leaders will appreciate some of these ideas also.
What to Do When Lost or Separated from Your Group (STOP Acronym)
Know how to STOP when you are lost or separated from your group. Review this acronym with your group before going out on a campout or hike with your group. Being prepared can assist searchers who are looking for a missing person or group.
Is Webelos Badge Required for Arrow of Light?
Kathy asks if a fifth grader who did not earn the Webelos badge can earn the Arrow of Light. Yes he can. The Webelos badge is not required for the Arrow of Light.
Careers in Video Game Design
Interested in the Game Design merit badge? If you love games – have you considered one day being a video game designer? If you’ve got a big imagination, or if you’re good at solving problems, it could be a great job for you!
My Opinion on the BSA’s Decision to Provide a Path to Eagle Scout for Girls
“The Boy Scouts of America Board of Directors unanimously approved to welcome girls into its iconic Cub Scout program and to deliver a Scouting program for older girls that will enable them to advance and earn the highest rank of Eagle Scout. ” First, let’s get the facts straight.
Table Top Crab Robot Kit
This kit can be used to create a working robot. The robot is a crab which will walk around under it’s own power and avoid obstacles. More information about the robot kit
Run Ons: They’re All Over and All Around! I Can’t Get Away!
Run ons are the little brothers of skits. They are very brief intermission in a campfire program. Sometimes it is just a single interruption to the program, sometimes they are in series.
How to Build a Simple Rube Goldberg Machine
Rube Goldberg was a cartoonist and engineer who drew elaborate contraptions to accomplish simple tasks. This article from TinkerLab gives step-by-step details for creating a Rube Goldberg machine. How to build a simple Rube Goldberg machine
Make a Sistrum from a Stick and Buttons
This tutorial from Twodaloo shows how to make a simple sistrum from a forked stick from a tree, some craft wire, and buttons or beads. For fun, paint and decorate the stick first. How to make a simple sistrum
Make a Mbira from Bobby Pins
Almost Unschoolers shows how to make a mbira from bobby pins, craft sticks, and thumbtacks. A mbira is a “thumb piano” of African origin. Music is made by plucking metal tines. How to make a simple mbira
How to Make a Simple Rainstick
Kix cereal has an article which gives step-by-step instructions to make a rainstick from common household materials. A rainstick is an instrument which sounds like rain when you turn it.
Take Me Fishing: Places to Fish in Your Area
TakeMeFishing.org has an interactive map which will help you to locate the places to fish closest to you. Just enter your zip code. You might be amazed to find local parks that allow fishing! Find places in your area to fish
The USO’s Tips for Sending a Care Package to Troops
Does your unit want to send a care package to our troops? This article will help you locate a USO center to get started and has some ideas for what to put in the perfect care package. Read the USO's tips for sending a care package
The Parts of a Map Lesson
This short video from Leap Frog shows the different parts of a map including the compass rose, legend, and scale. It describes how these parts are used to read the map. See the video at its source
American Sign Language Translator
Hand Speak provides an American Sign Language Translator. Just type in a word and you will see a video of the sign for the word. Find sign language translations
How to Make a Simple Rekenrek
This article shows how to make a rekenrek using foam board, pony beads, and pipe cleaners. A rekenrek is a visual tool to help children learn how to add and subtract via fives and tens. Make your own rekenrek
The Parts of a Coin and Mint Marks
This article from Metals Wired includes simple explanations for obverse (heads), reverse (tails), field, relief, rim, edge, legend, motto, date, and mint marks. Learn more about coins at Metals Wired
Tips for Coin Collectors from Boy’s Life Magazine
Boy’s Life magazine has some tips includings finding a dealer, learning about coin grading, storing your collection, getting the supplies you need, and starting your collection.