– Bryan On Scouting
Female Webelos proves boys, girls have more in common than you might think
Brianna Brady’s bedroom has pink walls, a flower-print valance and a basket full of Barbies. “And you want to be a Boy Scout?” the host asks. “How come?” “Because you get to do stuff with your family,” the 10-year-old replies. It’s really that simple. As a Webelos Scout, Brianna gets to enjoy the things she…
Read MoreHelp! This mom wants ideas for what to do with her son’s ‘mini stockpile’ of patches
Like any active Scout, Logan Garfield has amassed quite a collection of Scouting patches. There are patches he earned for selling popcorn, patches he received for attending camporees and patches he acquired at summer camp. Patches, patches and more patches. The collection has grown so large that Logan’s mom, Sarah, calls it “a mini stockpile.”…
Read MoreFour epic reasons Scouts should be pumped for the new movie ‘Alpha’
“An epic tale of adventure in the outdoors.” That describes the countless hiking, kayaking and climbing trips Scouts are taking all summer long. It’s also a fitting tagline for Alpha, the new movie from Sony Pictures that’s howling into theaters Aug. 17. Alpha, rated PG-13, tells the story of a young man in the last Ice Age…
Read MoreExtreme Makeovers, Round 20: Eagle Scout project before-and-after photos
Note: This is the 20th in an occasional series where I share Eagle Scout project before-and-after photos. See the complete collection here. To fully understand the impact Eagle Scout projects have on communities, you need to see to believe. That’s why I asked to see Eagle Scout project before-and-after photos — the same photos prospective Eagles are asked to include with their post-project report.…
Read MoreCould spending time outside help you live longer? A new study has the answer
Going camping or hiking with Scouts or Venturers isn’t merely a fun, fulfilling way to spend a weekend. It may also help you feel better, sleep more soundly and live longer. A massive study published last month by the University of East Anglia in England concludes that exposure to the outdoors reduces your risk for Type 2…
Read MoreEagle Scout attempting to break record with solo flight around the world
The Aviation merit badge opened up a whole new world to Mason Andrews. “I remember thinking that it was like driving a car, but with endless opportunities for how far, how fast and in what directions I could go,” Andrews says. The Eagle Scout will see how far he can go in a single-engine aircraft…
Read MoreScout leaders, let’s shine some light on flashlight etiquette
Your eyes are beginning to adjust to the growing darkness. The trail in front of you is becoming clearer and clearer. And then, like a firework on July 5th, something unexpectedly bright fills the sky. You’re momentarily blinded. Whenever someone switches on one of those super-bright flashlights or headlamps, that person ruins the night vision…
Read MoreStudents have until Oct. 31, 2018, to apply for these NESA Eagle Scout scholarships
Becoming an Eagle Scout is its own reward. Earning a college scholarship because you’re an Eagle Scout? That’s like a reward on top of a reward. The National Eagle Scout Association will award nearly $700,000 in scholarships to more than 150 Eagle Scouts based on their academic performance, Scouting background, college plans and financial need.…
Read MoreWhy it’s time for your pack, troop or crew to ditch disposable water bottles for good
Are you and your Scouts committed to leaving this Earth a little better than you found it? Start by making a pledge to stop using disposable water bottles for good. Your pack, troop and crew will keep dozens of plastic bottles out of landfills each month. You’ll reduce your eco-footprint and protect the ocean. And you’ll save…
Read MoreEncourage your Scouts to answer the call to bugle
It’s a classic summer camp sound: the rousing wake-up call of “Reveille” played on a bugle. It was once practically considered a standard piece of Scout equipment; the 1911 Handbook suggested every patrol have a bugle. They are perfect for communicating a message in a large area instead of straining your vocal cords by yelling. Outside…
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