The aims of Scouting are character development, citizenship training, personal fitness (both mental and physical), and leadership development. These are the primary purpose of Scouting programs.
The methods of Scouting are the parts of the program which support these aims. They are different for each program, as each program serves a different group of youth. So the methods for Cub Scouts must be different from the methods for Scouts BSA (Boy Scouts) and the methods for Venturers.
Learn more about the Aims of Scouting and the Methods of Scouting using these resources:
For Scouting families with several kids who don't have loads of money lying around for airline tickets and hotel rooms, a camping road trip is a great option.
Scouts who swim a mile under the supervision of a certified BSA Aquatics Instructor may be presented with the Mile Swim BSA award. The patch is meant to be worn on swim trunks, on the left side.
If you are working on an astronomy related achievement, a good place to start is by learning about the solar system. Here is a worksheet I created which will help get you started.
A few years back, one of our son's coaches had an end-of-season party for the soccer team. My husband likes to decorate cakes, so he made a soccer cake for the party. Since I am showcasing a soccer theme this month, I thought I'd share the idea with you.
Bobcat is the joining rank for Cub Scouts. New Cub Scouts in 1st grade and older earn the Bobcat badge before any other rank, no matter what grade they are when they join. Find helps for the Bobcat program on this page.
Chicken quesadillas was one of their favorite recipes. They all made their own quesadillas, and so our vegetarian just didn't put chicken in his. Everyone was well fed and happy.
The Amazing Games pack meeting plan focuses on how playing games together can encourage teamwork and cooperation. "considered the work of children, and games are an integral part of play. We learn to follow rules, take turns, get along with others, and most importantly we learn cooperation. Cooperation is working together toward a common goal."
The Chess merit badge for Scouts BSA has requirements related to using chess notation and recording chess games. If you are not familiar with chess notation, this might seem a little daunting, but it really is pretty easy to learn.
Some people wonder about what the main differences between the Scouts BSA and Venturing programs. Looking at the methods used in the two programs offers some insights into the main differences between the programs.
Our council has a “Toasted Chit” training for pressurized fuel use. I think this is a local requirement, but I thought the organization of the material might be helpful to anyone doing pressurized fuel instruction. So keep that in mind when reading.
The aims of Scouting are character development, citizenship training, personal fitness (both mental and physical), and leadership development. Today we look at how character development is incorporated into the Scouting programs offered by BSA.
For some cycling recogintions, Scouts must record the time or distance spent riding. A basic log sheet is located at the bottom of this post to help you complete this. If you really become interested in cycling, you might consider getting a simple bike computer to aid you in figuring out this data. These devices record the time spent riding, mileage, average speed, and more.
The Soccer program feature helps Scouts learn how to enjoy the world's most popular sport. While doing this, they learn about fitness, teamwork, and fun.
Give the Scouter Dad in your life a t-shirt which shows how proud he is to be involved in Scouting. This shirt features a baseball style print. This shirt is available in several different styles and colors.
Scrambled eggs make a great camp breakfast. They are easy, quick, and provide a substantial meal for Scouts preparing for a busy day. But getting the eggs to camp is not always so easy.
This stargazer bandana will help your Scouts locate and identify constellations in the night sky. It glows in the dark! Take this on your next stargazing adventure.
I recently received a copy of Beginning Boy Scouts by Jeremy and Heather Reed. The subtitle is "An unofficial practical guide to Boy Scouts for parents and new leaders." And that describes the book perfectly. If you know somebody who is new to the Scouts BSA program, then this would be a great resource to give them an overview of the program. Note that this book only covers the Scouts BSA program, not Cub Scouts or Venturing. Also the name reflects that it was written before the Boy Scout program name changed, but the information all still applies.
A reader asks "Our den leader does 90% paperwork and talking at den meetings on the items in the handbook. Is this they way it is or are there other packs and dens that do hands on activities to accomplish same goals? "
Here are a few books your kids might enjoy. I've included titles for a wide range of ages. These are great choices to get your kids hooked on reading and to let their imaginations carry them away to new worlds.
This is a nice set for anyone who is working on learning knots. It includes a set of instruction cards for various knots, a carabiner, and two cords to practice tying.
Give the Scouter Mom in your life a t-shirt which shows how proud she is to be involved in Scouting. This shirt is available in several different styles and colors.
This adorable ornament makes a great gift for the Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Committee Chair or other Scouter in your unit. There were many Snoopy comics related to Scouting. This is a recreation of a comic showing Scout leader Snoopy teaching Woodstock and friends how to fold a flag.
The Wildlife Management program feature materials point out that keeping the natural balance needed to promote the well being of wildlife involves more than biology. A wide range of STEM disciplines are involved. The program feature includes some general information and some more specific ideas for meetings.
This book will give you ideas to make papier-mache projects to do with your Cub Scouts. This can be helpful for creative ways to help you fulfill some of the Cub Scout adventure requirements.
The aims of Scouting are character development, citizenship training, personal fitness (both mental and physical), and leadership development. Here are some ideas about how citizenship training is incorporated into the Scouting programs offered by BSA. I've also included some helps and activities which are specifically designed to engage Scouts of all ages in participatory citizenship.
Working on the requirements for the Animal Science merit badge helps Scouts understand how to identify and care for various breeds of livestock. The requirements for this badge can be completed by studying beef cattle, dairy animals, horses, sheep, hogs, or avian breeds. Scouts also investigate career opportunities related to animal science.
Give the Scouter Dad in your life a coffee mug to enjoy warm drinks at home or at camp. This coffee mug is available in several different styles and sizes, including a travel mug or glass.
Get yourself a shirt, sweatshirt, hoodie, cap, or apron which shows how much you enjoy being a Scout, or a Scouter Mom, or a Scouter Dad. These items also make wonderful appreciation gifts for the Scouters who have done so much for your unit.
The BSA Cyber Chip program encourages Scouts to learn how to use their electronic devices safely. Some of the issues the program addresses are protecting personal information, cyber bullying, appropriate use of social media, cell phones, texting, and netiquette.
This book will help Scouts learn about the identifying characteristics of various reptiles and amphibians. Scouts working on the Reptile and Amphibian Study Merit Badge will find this information helpful.
This coffee cup tells others that you enjoy Scouting and are proud of it. Use it and you might strike up a conversation about being a Scouter over a cup of coffee or tea.
Popsicles are a great summer treat, but they are really good for any season. And the ones from the store are very convenient, but sometimes it's fun to make homemade popsicles. Your kids can get pretty creative with the ingredients.
Give the Scouter Dad in your life a t-shirt which shows how proud he is to be involved in Scouting. This shirt features a fleur de lis and bold lettering. It is available in several different styles and colors.
In honor of Earth Day, here are earth treats as an Earth themed snack. Basically these are rice krispie treats shaped like the earth. You can make small "earths" or larger ones, but it seems to set better if you don't make them too big.
Banana boats are a classic camp favorite. They are easy to make and don't require many ingredients. Enjoy some while spending an evening around a campfire.
Some Scouts might ask “Why do we want to save a spider?” This is a good opportunity to educate Scouts about ecosystems and how all parts of the natural world depend on each other.
By working on the requirements for the Citizenship in Society merit badge, Scouts learn that we all benefit when everyone is included and has a voice. Scouts learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion. They also explore ethical leadership and how being an upstander helps others feel respected and valued.
Wearing a uniform identifies youth as Scouts BSA. It give them a sense of belonging to a group. The Scout uniform is associated with the ideals of Scouting.
A reader is looking for a gift for someone in the Scouting unit who loves Star Wars. I was asked for suggestions, so here are some in a wide range of prices.
This is the place to find gifts for Scouts which will also help them advance to the next level. You can find ideas for gifts for specific advancement requirements on the pages for the different Cub Scout adventures, Scout ranks, Venturing awards, or merit badges also.
A Scouting coffee cup or mug will let you show your Scouting pride as you enjoy your coffee, tea, hot cocoa or other favorite beverage. Get some stylish drink-ware for use at home or at camp. These items also make the perfect gift for your Den Leader, Cubmaster, Advisor, Scoutmaster, or Committee Chair.
Get this magnet for yourself or your favorite Scouter. It is a spoof of the Scout Law. It reads:
A Scouter Is... Capable, Generous Determined Patient Dependable Trusting Hopeful Fearless Flexible Humble and Exhausted
The Fishing feature teaches Scouts helps Scouts appreciate the ups and downs of the sport of fishing. The program feature includes some general information and some more specific ideas for meetings
A reader asks about a Cub Scout new leader orientation. " I am putting together a Leader Orientation for next year and was wondering what you would include, especially with the upcoming changes."
Give the Scouter Mom in your life a coffee mug to enjoy warm drinks at home or at camp. This coffee mug is available in several different styles and sizes, including a travel mug or glass.
A magic trick will add some fun to your meeting. For this simple trick you will need an accomplice who is capable of not telling everyone he is helping you.
This book by Mark Ray helps Scout leaders grow and develop Scouts BSA (Boy Scout) troops. It uses ideas based on the aims and methods of Scouting. Troops will learn how to have a dynamic program to grow their membership and retain current members.
This case provides a beautiful way to display Scout awards. It is made of solid oak and includes plenty of space to display patches. There is a holder for an American flag. This would make a wonderful memento for a new Eagle Scout.
This is a very sweet corn bread. In some areas, this would be called corn cake. The sweetness of the bread goes well with spicy foods like chili or ham and beans with lots of hot pepper sauce.
Give the Scouter Dad in your life a t-shirt which shows how proud he is to be involved in Scouting. This shirt features a distressed print and bold lettering. It is available in several different styles and colors.
I’d like to wish all of the Scouter Mom’s out there a Happy Mother’s Day. Thanks for making a difference in the lives of our youth. Whether you are a biological mom or not, if you are a mother figure to your youth, this day celebrates you.
August 27 is Just Because Day. It is a day to do something for no reason. Scouts could do their Good Turn for the day by doing a random act of kindness.
Display sheets are the perfect way to show off your coin collection. You can store many coins in a single binder and still be able to easily view both sides of your coins.
These are a family recipe. As kids we called them "snowball cookies" because that is what they look like - small ball shaped cookies rolled in powdered sugar. My mom always called them Russian tea cakes.
Give the Scouter Mom in your life a cap which shows how proud she is to be involved in Scouting. This hat is available in several different styles and colors.
Use a special Scouting themed note card or postcard to write a thank you note to someone involved in Scouting. These Scouting themed stationary and cards can also be used to add a personal touch to an invitation to a Scout event.
The Health Care Professions merit badge requirements help youth explore the different types of the healthcare fields. They will learn how professionals in these fields word together to keep people healthy.
Got a fun, crazy life? Show your humor with this coffee mug. Features a colorful background with the saying
I don’t suffer from insanity. I enjoy every minute of it.
How to Raise an American: 1776 Fun and Easy Tools, Tips, and Activities to Help Your Child Love This Country is a book for adults interested in instilling citizenship and a love of our nation in kids.
My kids always enjoy making these cookies. They are called forgotten cookies because you put them in a hot oven, turn it off, and then forget about them until the next morning.
Hoppin' John is traditionally served on New Year's Day to bring luck through the year. You can have in anytime though. This recipe works at camp or you can cook it at home on your stove.
This book has it all, from dogs to cats to birds to fish to guinea pigs and more. Recommended for kids ages 4 to 8 who are interested in learning more about different kinds of pets.
These trinkets, tokens, totes, and other items make thoughtful appreciation gifts for Cubmasters, Den Leaders, Scoutmasters, Advisors, Committee Chairs, and anyone who has helped your Scouts.
This constitution puzzle is a word search which contains words and phrases related to the United States Constitution. Use it with your citizenship requirements.
The methods of Scouting are the ways that Scouting's aims of developing character, citizenship, and fitness in youth are achieved. One of the methods is leadership development.
A reader asks about activity patches "I have quite a number of different little patches that I would like to give out to my scouts. Is there a list with pictures of what these different patches would be awarded for? "
Get this ladies t-shirt for yourself or your favorite Scouter. It is a spoof of the Scout Law. It reads:
A Scouter Is… Capable, Generous Determined Patient Dependable Trusting Hopeful Fearless Flexible Humble and Exhausted
Being outdoors presents Scouts BSA with challenges and adventures. Youth enjoy the independence of getting away from home and taking care of themselves.
The aims of Scouting are character development, citizenship training, personal fitness (both mental and physical), and leadership development. Here are some ideas about how leadership development is incorporated into the Scouting programs offered by BSA.
A Scouter is looking for a way to have coffee at weekend campouts without a lot of bulky equipment. She cannot carry a heavy load and she has limited space in her car.
Scouts and leaders alike will want to look back and remember all of the fun they had while a part of the Scouting program. These items will bring back those Scouting memories.
Advancement is one of the "Methods of Scouting" used in Scouts BSA. I am the Advancement Chair for our troop, so I am always interested in other Scouters' thoughts on advancement.
A reader asks a question about catching up Cub Scouts: "This past week I was lucky enough to have two more boys join our Den. How would you go about getting the new boys up to where they need to be without repeating/boring the original four?"
Water Dropper Race is a fun little game for a pack meeting or for an interpatrol activity. Youth will use an eye dropper to transfer water from one container to another. The team or individual with the most water in the end wins.
Cheers and applauses are brief energizers for meetings and events. These conservation and ecology cheers would fit in well with any pack meeting or den meeting focused on protecting our world.
The purpose of this award is to introduce Scouts to the life of a great American, James M. Stewart. The Jimmy Stewart Museum is offering this award to a Scout or Scouter who has exemplified the characteristics necessary to live the life of a good citizen.
A reader asks about crossover and incomplete requirements. "What should we do if we know some of the boys won't be continuing on to Scouts BSA? What about boys not completing AOL requirements? "
The methods of Scouting are the ways that Scouting's aims of developing character, citizenship, and fitness in youth are achieved. One of the methods for Venturers is “teaching others”. Teaching others is the best way to really acquire deep knowledge of an area. By sharing their skills with others, Venturers retain their knowledge better and provide service to others
Tug of War is a fun game which can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. Have a little tug of war tournament with your Scouts to encourage fitness, teamwork, and good sportsmanship.
Association with adults is one of the methods used in both Scouts BSA and Venturing. While these programs are youth-led, there are still adults present to mentor and help the youth leaders.
Cub Scouts love to cook. They might need some help peeling and cutting the apples for this apple crisp recipe, but they should be able to handle the rest of it with supervision. And they will love getting their fingers messy making the crumb topping.
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