“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.
Scouts BSA
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.
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.
What Can Scouts Use as Service Hours?
Reader asks what types of service projects can be used to fulfill service hour requirements.
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.
Missing Popcorn Sale Money
A reader asks what to do when the money for the unit popcorn sale doesn’t add up.
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!
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.
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 your own information. Since the you enter the information, you can use it for ranks, awards, merit badges, or whatever you like. #CubScouts #BoyScouts #BSA
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!
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 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.
Leadership Succession in a Scouts BSA 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?
Earning All of the Merit Badges
Heather’s son wants to earn all of the merit badges. She is looking for a list of similar badges to help him along. I know it is difficult, but I recommend that you as a parent try to stay out of this process as much as possible. #BoyScouts #MeritBadges
Toasted Peeps Campfire Treats
When perfectly toasted, the sugar coating on the Peep caramelizes. And the marshmallow insides becomes really gooey, just like in a regular toasted marshmallow
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.
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.
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 Venturers and Sea Scouts. #ScoutMeIn
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.
Quirkle: A Fun Board Game for Cub Scouts
Qwirkle is one of our family’s favorite games. It really is one of those games anyone can enjoy. Even though our sons are older now, we still play this on family game nights.
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.
Webelos Crossover Certificates
John M sent in this certificate blank for use at your Webelos crossover. It would be appropriate for many different Cub Scout or Boy Scout achievements.
Compilation of Scout Songs
A reader is looking for a compilation of Boy Scout songs on a CD or iTunes.
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.
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.
Scout Family Threatening Leaders
A reader asks a question about a Scout parent threatening a leader. “The father of a scout show up at our door and threaten my husbands safety. “
Parent Interviews at Eagle Board of Review?
An unusal question: “Hi, my son is up for an eagle BOR very soon, and I was wondering what type of questions they ask parents. I was informed the scout steps out of meeting while the reviewers ask parents questions. “
BSA Hornaday Award Program – Other Hornaday Project Categories
This is the fourth in a series about the BSA Hornaday Award Program. In this segment, examples are given for project categories which were not discussed in the previous articles.
Skittles Skit
This skit, like many of the skits I have seen, is full of kid humor. That is why they like it so much.
Who Should Wear a Scout Uniform?
A reader asks if she should wear a Scout uniform. She is a committee member and religious emblems counselor.