– Bryan On Scouting
From the Scouting magazine archives: disaster-proof campsites
A campsite that can withstand a sudden thunderstorm (or other unforeseen weather event) doesn’t just happen; you must meticulously plan and execute it from start to finish. Check out this story from the March-April 2010 issue of Scouting magazine for some rules you can follow to set yours up the right way.
Read MoreCalling all Scouting alumni! Let’s meet at Philmont this summer
“Once a Scout … Always a Scout.” That’s the mantra for the BSA Alumni Association. The association, created in 2008, serves as an umbrella organization for many Scouting affiliations and networks, like the National Eagle Scout Association, Alpha Phi Omega and more. There are many groups that connect people through shared interests or experiences, but…
Read MoreLet’s get some BSA representation (ages 15-29) on the UN’s Young Leaders initiative
When we read that the Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth is searching the globe for 17 young people who have influential leadership skills, innovative ideas about the future and a proven ability to make a difference in their communities, we had just one thought: We need to get some BSA representation in…
Read MoreVisit with Scouts inspires Indiana Secretary of Education to offer strong endorsement
Last December’s Governor’s Luncheon for Scouting, an annual fundraising event hosted by the Crossroads of America Council, was an unqualified success, raising more than $1.2 million that will go toward offsetting the costs of providing Scouting’s programs to more than 26,000 youth in Central Indiana. It was the 26th annual Governor’s Luncheon, and the 26th…
Read MoreUnsung Hero: He quickly identified his dad’s heart attack and took decisive action
Matthew Westfall woke up to a text from his dad: “I don’t feel good.” “Where are you?” Matthew wrote back. Matthew found his dad working in the pasture out on their ranch. David Westfall said he was OK — just short of breath. “So I told him to sleep, and I worked a little bit,” Matthew…
Read MoreHow many U.S. presidents were involved in Scouting in their youth?
It’s a tantalizing question worthy of campfire discussion: Which U.S. presidents throughout history would’ve been Scouts if the organization existed when they were young? Would Teddy Roosevelt, who was a council commissioner as an adult and established five national parks as president, have enjoyed monthly hikes with his troop? Would George Washington have won election…
Read MoreFrom the Scouting magazine archives: 10 BSA Moments Every Scouter Should Know
The BSA celebrated its 112th birthday last week, making this the perfect time to refresh your knowledge of BSA history. Check out this story from the September-October 2017 issue of Scouting magazine for 10 important moments in the history of the Scouting movement. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Scouting…
Read MoreScoutmaster conferences: Tips, guidelines and 20 questions to consider asking
Barry Walsh asks the Scout to imagine they have a magic wand and can change anything about the troop. Quynh-Thi Vidal’s preferred line of questioning starts with, “What was your biggest hurdle to get here? And how can I help you overcome it next time?” And Ray Lightner’s favorite question is simple but informative: “Are…
Read MoreBook your summer vacation at one of the BSA’s Family Adventure Camps
Where are you going on vacation this summer? In the past, your Scout might have had a different trip planned than the rest of the family, namely at one of the BSA’s high-adventure bases in New Mexico, Florida, Minnesota or West Virginia. Since the launch of BSA’s Family Adventure Camps in 2018, the whole family can enjoy…
Read MoreTune into the new #TrekOnTuesday for a month of giveaways!
If you love #TrekAt2, things are about to get a whole lot cooler (and more convenient). And if you’re new to the world of Scout Life’s virtual treks, stories from the magazine, interviews with outdoor experts and exclusive, digital experiences, you’re joining this party at just the right time! Starting Tuesday, Feb. 1, #TrekAt2 will make…
Read More