A Scout Is Thrifty

A Scout works to pay his own way and to help others. She saves for the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. She carefully uses time and property.

9th point of the Scout Law

Scouts understand the value of money and other resources. Scouts know that by conserving resources, there will be enough for the future. Here are some ideas for the ninth point of the Scout Law. Add your own ideas about how “A Scout Is Thrifty” to the comments.

Trustworthy Tommy Song

Webelos need to learn about the Scout Law for their Webelos badge and their Arrow of Light Award. This classic Scout song is a fun way to help them learn it.

Missing Popcorn Sale Money

A reader asks what to do when the money for the unit popcorn sale doesn't add up.

Wolf Adventures in Coins: Cub Scout Helps and Ideas

Adventures in Coins is one of the Wolf Cub Scout elective adventures. For this adventure, Wolves play games and do activities related to coins. In the process, they learn all about coins.

Ideas for February Cub Scout Theme – Resourcefulness

The core value for Cub Scouts for the month of February is resourcefulness. How can resourcefulness be incorporated into a pack program?

Turn Back the Clock Cub Scout Theme (Resourcefulness)

A supplemental meeting plan theme called Turn Back the Clock was provided by BSA a few years ago. "When you look back in time, it is easy to find many examples of resourcefulness, using human and other resources to their fullest. Whether it is the Ice Age, the Wild West, the Space Age, or the 1950s, each time period had people with goals who used the resources available to them to make their lives better."

What Is Scout Spirit?

Scout spirit is mentioned in several of the requirements for Scouts BSA ranks. But what is Scout spirit and how does a Scout go about demonstrating it?

Scouts BSA Tenderfoot Scout Spirit Requirements Helps and Documents

The Tenderfoot Scout spirit requirements provide an opportunity for a Scout to show how he puts the Scout Oath and Law into action in his everyday life. He will talk to his Scoutmaster and complete a Board of Review to complete the requirements for Tenderfoot.

Scouts BSA Eagle Scout Oath and Law Requirement Helps and Documents

In order to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, a young man or woman must be able to show that he or she has lived up to the ideals of Scouting. He or she must also provide several letters of recommendation.

Ideas for Gift Exchange

A reader asks for ideas for the troop gift exchange. I've listed a few of my own. Readers, add your ideas also.

Scouts BSA First Class Scout Spirit Requirements Helps and Documents

The First Class Scout spirit requirements provide an opportunity for a Scout to show how he or she puts the Scout Oath and Law into action in his everyday life. He or she will talk to his Scoutmaster and complete a Board of Review to complete the requirements for First Class.

Scouts BSA Second Class Citizenship Requirements Helps and Documents

Second Class requirement 8 teaches Scouts how to be good citizens. They learn to respect and handle the US flag. They also learn about managing money and purchasing wisely.

Scouts BSA Second Class Scout Spirit Requirements Helps and Documents

Second Class Scout spirit requirements provide an opportunity for a Scout to show how he puts the Scout Oath and Law into action in everyday life. She will talk to her Scoutmaster and complete a Board of Review to complete the requirements for Second Class.

Scout Law

I like the simplicity of the Scout Law. It is brief and therefore easy for youth to memorize. But it covers a lot of ground.

Make a Mbira from Bobby Pins

A mbira is a "thumb piano" of African origin.  Music is made by plucking metal tines. Almost Unschoolers shows how to make a mbira from bobby pins,  craft sticks, and thumbtacks.

A Scout’s Prayer by Lord Baden-Powell

This prayer is attributed to Lord Baden-Powell himself. B-P clearly believed that faith was an important component of his Scouting program. So while Scouting is not specific to any particular faith, there is a spiritual aspect to it. This prayer, based on the Scout Law, would be appropriate for most groups of Scouts.

Scouts BSA Star Oath and Law Requirement Helps and Documents

While working on their Star rank, Scouts must demonstrate scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law at all times.

Scouts BSA Life Oath and Law Requirement Helps and Documents

While working toward the rank of Life, Star Scouts continue to do their duty to God, others, and self.

Bazooka Bubblegum Song

This is one of DS's favorite scout songs. We hear this one a lot at camp, on hikes, and on hayrides. I'll warn you that when they start singing this, they tend to sing it over and over and over again. The best I can describe the tune is that it is sort of a rap style tune.

Scout Law Prayer

A Scout is Reverent. This prayer incorporates the twelve points of the Scout Law.

More Pack Meeting Ideas for Resourcefulness

Cub Scouts learn to use the resources they have available. The program helps give this explanation of resourcefulness : "Using human resources and other resources to their fullest. Cub Scouts will gain the knowledge and the means to meet situations effectively whether they are working on a service project or completing a den activity.”

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.

Bike Repair Tips

. If you are going to ride a bike, you'd better make sure it is in good repair first. You don't want to be riding along and have your front wheel fall off or your brakes not work. I found a great website called How To Fix Bikes which offers all sorts of advice on - drum roll... - how to fix bikes!

Make a Sistrum

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. 

Budget Worksheet

I like any activity that helps children consider budgeting their money. "Mom, I need a dollar for ... " 🙂 Seriously, though this is a really important concept for them to grasp. If they only get $5 a month they shouldn't plan on spending $10.