– Bryan On Scouting
Advancement during COVID-19: Official details about Eagle extensions and more
The BSA has a message to young people concerned that the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak will prevent them from completing Eagle Scout rank requirements before their 18th birthday: Don’t worry; we’ve got your back. During this unprecedented interruption to Scouting nationwide, the BSA has released new guidance on advancement during COVID-19. This includes: Time extensions for…
Read MoreRemember to drink up — before and during a trek
When I think about survival, hydration is top of mind. It is fundamental to us as humans, as in over half of our bodies are made up of water. Being dehydrated can lead to serious complications and side effects, with fatigue, headache and crankiness being some of the first signs. Water allows our bodies to…
Read MoreScouts BSA Handbook for Boys, Scouts BSA Handbook for Girls now available on Kindle
Testing the Scouts BSA Handbook on my Kindle e-reader. (It works great!) Carry hundreds of pages of Scouting knowledge right in your pocket. The Scouts BSA Handbook for Boys and Scouts BSA Handbook for Girls are now available on Kindle, making it easier than ever for you or your Scouts to find essential information in…
Read MoreMerit badges for social distancing: 58 badges Scouts can complete at home
In times of crisis, Scouts find a way to adapt. We’re hearing from Scouts and leaders across the country who have found creative ways to keep on Scouting even while practicing social distancing (staying home and remaining at least 6 feet from others if you must go out). Today we wanted to share another way…
Read MoreFun projects for kids that you can do from home
As public places, including many parks and campgrounds, are closing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, you might be left scratching your head on what you and your kids can do. Plenty! As we’ve highlighted this week, Scouts can still meet virtually and serve others. They can also go on nature hikes around your…
Read MoreGood Turns during the coronavirus: Acts of Scouting service you can do from home
With schools closed and many Scouting events on pause, how do you continue to “Do a Good Turn Daily”? By remembering that acts of Scouting service don’t have to stop because you’re at home practicing social distancing. “We don’t stop being Scouts just because our meetings are physically on hold,” says Leah Nehls, a volunteer…
Read MoreScouting Show & Tell: Scouting remotely
With the concerns of COVID-19 spreading, units are cancelling campouts and in-person meetings, but that doesn’t mean Scouting stops. Bob Trejo, Scoutmaster of Troop 98 of Whitpain Township, Pa., shared with us how about 60 Scouts in his troop met virtually recently. The troop used Webex; a free account also allowed them to record the…
Read MoreHow to conduct a board of review through videoconferencing
The board of review, like most aspects of Scouting, works best in person. But sometimes, for a number of legitimate reasons, that’s not an option. That’s why, as outlined in the Guide to Advancement (section 8.0.1.6), the BSA allows units to conduct boards of review by teleconferencing, using tools like Skype, Google Hangouts or Zoom. Even…
Read MoreWhat’s your 11th Essential? Seasoned Scout leader has a suggestion to share
Roger Tate (right) shows off what he calls his “11th Essential.” If you only have room in your backpack for 10 items, make it the Ten Essentials. But let’s say your pack still has some space to spare. What’s the next must-include item to put in there? For one seasoned Scouter from Texas, it’s simple:…
Read MoreAven Alexander to lead Sea Scouts as 2020–2021 National Sea Scout Boatswain
It’s more smooth sailing ahead for Sea Scouting as another outstanding young person has been selected to lead the BSA’s aquatically inclined program. Aven Alexander, a high school junior from Texas who has earned the Quartermaster Award, Sea Scouting’s highest honor, will serve as the 2020–2021 National Sea Scout Boatswain. As National Boatswain (pronounced “bosun”),…
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