– Bryan On Scouting

Robots are everywhere. Car manufacturers use them on the assembly line. Doctors use them to perform intricate surgeries. You might have one to vacuum your house. Scouts with Troop 125 of Dallas, Texas, recently saw how robotics help Dr. Elizabeth Coronado, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Medical City Plano hospital. The medical team there brought…

The Glade Creek Grist Mill in West Virginia. Photo by Gary Hartley Amateur photographers know a whole lot happens between point and shoot. Each shooting situation presents a challenge, and the solution involves the right mix of light, color, composition, distance and a captivating subject. You aren’t born able to pull off a perfect picture;…

The Ninja Monkeys. The Flaming Eagles. The Deviled Eggs. Scouts can concoct some pretty awesome patrol and den names — and make really cool flags and emblems to proudly display their creations. You can see some here. Sometimes, adult leaders form patrols, too. While adult patrols aren’t an official part of the BSA’s program, there…

Soldier Field in Chicago could fit the Eagle Scout Class of 2019 — but just barely. More young people became Eagle Scouts in 2019 than in any other year in the 108-year history of the prestigious award. Exactly 61,353 young men earned the Eagle Scout award last year, beating the previous record of 58,659 set…

Joseph Merton (center) with Scouts Stephen Lombard (left) and Stephen’s brother Kevin. Joseph Merton simply had a knack for leadership. As a Scout on the South Side of Chicago, his talent for rallying the guys in his troop came in handy at meetings and campouts. As a member of the Tuskegee Airmen in World War…

Welcome to Scouts Then and Now, a Bryan on Scouting blog series. The premise is simple. We share two photos of the same Scout or Venturer: once in his or her early Scouting years (Cub Scout, younger Scout, younger Venturer) and again in his or her later Scouting years (Life Scout, Eagle Scout, older Venturer). Find Chapter…

Shannon Stokes holds an official congratulatory proclamation from her town and the Summit Award medal. Shannon Stokes completed all the requirements for the Summit Award — Venturing’s highest honor. And then the U.S. Army came calling. Shannon’s Venturing crew —  Crew 32 of Hope Mills, N.C. (Occoneechee Council) — wasn’t able to recognize her at…

If you’re reading this, you have probably experienced the positive impact of Scouting. And I’m guessing that – like me – you want Scouting to be around to serve kids in our communities for many years to come. I’m hoping you also agree that it’s important that the BSA supports victims of past abuse in…

I have just three words: Camping. Is. Back. After staking out a spot in seventh or eighth place in popularity from 2014 to 2018, the Eagle-required Camping merit badge jumped to third place in the 2019 rankings, released this month. The 52,328 young people who earned Camping in 2019 accounted for a 5% increase over 2018’s…

Daniel (right) and Joshua Kevil This is Unsung Heroes, a Bryan on Scouting blog series celebrating under-reported acts of Scouting heroism. These are stories that don’t make national headlines — but should. That’s doubly true in this world that can always use more good news. Read the latest story below, and find instructions for sharing your own…