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? #BoyScouts #ScoutSpirit
Scouts BSA First Class Rank
First Class is the third rank a Scout can earn. He or she earns it after Second Class The requirements for First Class continue to teach the youth to the skills needed to advance in Scouts BSA.
The First Class requirements may be worked on simultaneously with the requirements for Tenderfoot and Second Class; these ranks must still be earned in sequence though.
Printable helps for requirements:
Printable requirements for First Class Rank
Printable checkoff sheet for First Class Rank
Printable note sheet for First Class Rank
Helps for specific requirements:
Scoutmaster Conference – Adding Requirements
During a Scoutmaster conference for the rank of Life, a Scoutmaster is requiring a Scout to answer questions from earlier ranks and merit badges, erect a tent, fold a tarp without wrinkles, keep track of paperwork and badges, plus other things. But a Scoutmaster may not add or take away requirements for advancement.
BSA Swim Test
The BSA swim test is used to determine ability level so that participants can swim in an area which is appropriate for them.
First Aid Baseball Game for Scouts BSA and Webelos
First aid baseball is a fun way to review first aid skills with Scouts BSA and Webelos. There are instructions for the game and a set of question cards included in the printable file.
Scheduling a Scout Board of Review
Can a troop place requirements on how a Board of Review must be requested? For example, can a troop require that the Scout request the BOR by phone rather than in person?
Water Rescue Methods
Since I am focusing on an aquatics theme this month, I thought I’d post about water rescue methods. These are methods used to rescue someone who is in trouble in the water. You will see these methods throughout the BSA programs from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA to Venturing.
Scout Law Prayer
A Scout is Reverent. This prayer incorporates the twelve points of the Scout Law.
Safe Swim Defense
Safe Swim Defense provides the steps which a BSA unit must take to safely participate in an activity which involves swimming.
Board of Review Questions
Reader Shelley asked “I’m a new Troop Committee Chair and was wondering if anyone has some great questions that they ask their Scouts during their Board of Reviews?” Sometimes committee members struggle to come up with good Board of Review questions.
Losing Interest in Scouts BSA
A reader asks “The fun is gone. I know Scouts BSA is different than Cubs, but is it supposed to be no fun? Is there a suggestion I can take to the Scoutmaster that might help him keep these boys interested?”
Safety Afloat
Before embarking on a boating activity with your scouts, make sure everyone is aware of the Safety Afloat guidelines.
Citizenship Football Game
The purpose of the game is to reinforce the ideas which are discussed in the Webelos Citizen activity badge.
Scouts BSA and Uniforms
Beth asked, “I realized once again that, as proud as he is to wear the uniform at a Scout function, he still feels uncomfortable wearing it in public. I have seen this with many other boys as well. Has anyone else noticed this trend, and what can be done? These guys are the future of our country and doing great things everyday, and yet the cool factor is just not there.”
Crossing the Alligator Pit Game
This is a very challenging game which combines lashing skills and teamwork. It would work well for an interpatrol activity at a meeting focused on pioneering skills.
Scout Pioneering Website
Larry sent in this helpful suggestion for a site with lots of pioneering projects.
What Is a Scoutmaster Conference?
One thing which sometimes throws new Scouts (and their parents) off guard is the Scoutmaster Conference. What in the world is a Scoutmaster Conference? Am I going to have to tie knots? What if I get nervous and forget how?!!!
Waiting for a Board of Review
A reader’s son has been asked to wait two months for his board of review. This does seem like a long delay for rank advancement.
What Is a Board of Review?
When a Scout has completed all of the requirements for a rank, he must appear before a board of review. A board of review is NOT the same as a Scoutmaster Conference but just with more people.
Help for Grubmasters
Take the fear out of being a grubmaster for their Scouts BSA patrol by giving your scouts an instruction sheet.
My Favorite Knot Book
This book was recommended a few years ago when I went to Cub Scout BALOO training. I am not a “knot person”. I can watch someone do a knot and repeat it, but an hour later it is forgotten.
Camping Log for Scouts BSA
Camping is an essential part of the Scouts BSA program and Scouts need to keep track of how much camping they have done. There is a space for this in the back of their handbook, but as a Camping merit badge counselor, I know that there are some other aspects of their campouts they need to record.
Wilderness Survival Troop Program Feature for Scouts BSA
This wilderness survival program feature offers the opportunity to plan a month’s worth of troop activities with a focus on outdoor skills and survival techniques.
Disposing of Dishwater at Camp
Scouts should know how to dispose of water which has been used for cleaning dishes, which is also known as gray water. One easy way to strain dishwater is to use a plastic grocery bag.
Cooking Troop Program Feature for Scouts BSA
This cooking program feature for Scouts BSA offers the opportunity to plan a month’s worth of troop activities with food and cooking theme. The featured activity for this month is a patrol feast.
Hand Washing Station Gadget
This is a gadget which was shown to us at a recent Roundtable. It uses lashings to make a handwashing station from straight sticks and an empty gallon milk jug.
Citizenship Troop Program Feature for Scouts BSA
The citizenship troop program feature offers the opportunity to introduce concepts of history, flag etiquette, and responsibilities in a troop setting.
Book Review: Beginning Scouts BSA
The subtitle is “An unofficial practical guide to Scouts BSA 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.
Finding Direction Using a Watch
For First Class Requirement 1, Scouts must show how to find their way at day and night without a compass. This method only requires a watch.
Woodgas Camp Stove Review
This is a self contained camp stove which burns twigs, charcoal, wood pellets, etc. It has a small battery powered fan to draw air.
Camp Programs for First Year Scouts BSA
Summer camp is usually the highlight of the Scouting year. It can be particularly exciting for first year Scouts BSA. It can also be a little intimidating. A program designed specifically for new Scouts will help them adjust to camp life.