– Bryan On Scouting
Why your partially completed position-specific training won’t carry over into 2019
When the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, it won’t just mean the end of 2018. It’ll also mean the end of any partial progress made toward position-specific training for Cub Scout leaders and Boy Scout leaders. (These courses, and many more, are found at the BSA Learn Center on My.Scouting.org.) The courses are…
Read MoreSix Scout units in Butte County lost everything in Northern California wildfire
We’re beginning to learn of the ways the Scouting family was affected by the deadly Northern California wildfire known as the Camp Fire. In Butte County, Calif., which contains the town of Paradise, 300 Scouting families were displaced. Six of the county’s 23 Scouting units — all in Paradise — lost their meeting place and…
Read MoreHow to complete requirement 4B of Scouting Heritage merit badge
When Scouting Heritage merit badge debuted in 2010, Scouts completing requirement 4B were asked to “write or visit the National Scouting Museum in Irving, Texas.” Now that the museum has officially opened at its new home at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, the procedure for completing this requirement has changed. Scouts still have the option…
Read MoreWhy 2019 will be the perfect year to visit Space Camp
The countdown is officially on. Space Camp, where young people get hands-on experiences others only read about, is planning a yearlong celebration in 2019 to honor the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. And with a special sale for Black Friday weekend just days away, the stars have aligned to make 2019 the ideal year to…
Read MoreWhy this Cub Scout den does a service project once a month, every month
You’re never too young to start a habit of serving others. That’s the powerful example being set by a Cub Scout den in Pack 41 of Billings, Mont., part of the BSA’s Montana Council. These 9-year-olds have shown a devotion to community service that’s truly inspiring. They call it Service Saturdays. On one Saturday morning…
Read MoreShould you end your Scout meeting on a fun note or a reflective one?
Every unit meeting has a beginning and an end, often with a lot of raucous and exciting activities in between. As a leader, you’ve probably planned or helped plan quite a few, and have realized that scheduling can provide much-needed structure. That structure allows for moments of team-building, reflection and instruction. A prime time for these…
Read MoreWhy Scouts, Venturers will want to enter the world’s largest student rocketry contest
Here’s a way for young people to have a blast while gaining first-hand insight into the science, technology, engineering and math (or STEM) skills behind rocketry. It’s called the Team America Rocketry Challenge, and it’s the world’s largest student rocketry contest. Scouts and Venturers, even those with little or no experience building and launching their own rocket, are…
Read MoreThis Scoutmaster’s incredible weight loss ahead of a Philmont trek will inspire you
Brian Frailey was elated last October when he and his son Alex signed up for a 2019 Philmont trek together. Frailey last visited Philmont in 1993, when he was a Scout. Now, a quarter-century later, he’d get to return with his son. Experiencing a high-adventure trek with your child is a dream opportunity for any…
Read MoreNeil Armstrong’s Scout hat, Silver Buffalo Award among items to be sold by Heritage Auctions
A collection of memorabilia from Neil Armstrong’s time in Scouting, including his Boy Scout hat, Silver Buffalo Award and a variety of Scout patches, will be auctioned off this week in Dallas. The Scouting artifacts are part of the Armstrong Family Collection, presented by Heritage Auctions and Neil Armstrong’s sons, Mark and Rick. The pre-auction…
Read MoreYouth elections aren’t immune to drama
Many youth leaders in Scouts, Venturing and Sea Scouts are chosen by their peers. It’s a great exercise in civics. However, like with any election, one side can be left disappointed with the results. Let’s examine this scenario: Star Scout Adam and First Class Scout Timothy are running for patrol leader. Adam is the current…
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