Guest Blog: Here’s how we went from no Scouts to 100 in 4 years
Boston parent Kim Kulasekaran decided to get involved in Scouting four years ago. Today, the pack and troop are thriving and happily serve this urban community.
Join the discussion at 2 p.m. tomorrow (Wednesday) on #TroopTalkLive
Topics include advancement resources and updates to merit badges requirements, including Personal Fitness, Safety and Wilderness Survival.
Get more from your meetings with these new resources
Want to run more meaningful, productive and fun Cub Scout meetings. These new resources are for you.
On what would have been his 125th birthday, let’s celebrate the legacy of ‘Green Bar Bill’
William Hillcourt, also known as “Green Bar Bill” and the “Scoutmaster to the World,” was born on this date in 1900.
Good news! Here’s how to get your Scouts featured in local media
You don’t need a degree in journalism to get your Scouts featured in the local news. You just need the right pitch.
Points in history: Three things to know about why Scouts use the fleur-de-lis
Where else might you find the fleur-de-lis? Why did Baden-Powell choose it to represent Scouting? And what does the symbol mean today?
What’s the highest award in every Boy Scouts of America program?
There are dozens of awards in Scouting, but each BSA program (Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts) has one that towers above the rest.
Let’s be blunt about pocket knife safety
A sharp blade can be a useful tool when setting up camp, fishing or cooking. It can also be dangerous when used carelessly.
What is Journey to Excellence, and why should you care?
Journey to Excellence, or JTE, is a self-evaluation tool that lets unit leaders see, quantitatively how well their unit is meeting the goals of Scouting.
What’s the difference between Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA?
What’s the difference between Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA? Unit structure, leadership, parental involvement, advancement, camping and more.
The big difference between Cub Scout advancement and Scouts BSA advancement
Rank advancement in Cub Scouts is not like rank advancement in Scouts BSA. In Cub Scouts, it’s grade- or age-based. In Scouts BSA, the youth hold the reins.
Don’t leave your bear bag at home this winter
You’re packing for a winter camping trip. Tent, check. Clothes, check. Food, check. Bear bag… Do you need one? It’s winter. Aren’t the bears hibernating?
A Scout’s guide to earning and wearing a religious emblem
Representing an array of faiths, religious emblems encourage Scouts, Venturers and adult volunteers to strengthen their faith-based journey within Scouting.
Buddy check! The importance of getting a friend wherever you go
Do Scouts really need to get a friend for a quick trip to the latrine or when they meet with a merit badge counselor? Simply put, yes.
Which positions of responsibility count toward Star, Life and Eagle Scout?
By the time they become an Eagle Scout, a young person will have served at least 16 months in positions of responsibility.
The Teaching EDGE: The best way to teach someone a new skill
When teaching someone a new skill — be it splinting a broken arm or making s’mores — the Teaching EDGE method is the best method.
Cub Scout day camp and twilight camp: 14 perfect planning tips
You can make Cub Scout day camp or twilight camp a fun and memorable learning experience for everyone involved. All you need to do is Be Prepared.
How to create a budget for your pack, troop or crew
Creating a budget for your pack, troop, team, post, ship or crew is an essential part of every well-managed, well-financed unit.
All about ILST: the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops
Upon completion of the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST), the Scout is qualified to wear the “Trained” emblem on their uniform.
Which Scout sign and salute do I use?
Used when reciting the Scout Oath and Scout Law — or when you want to quiet a room quickly — the Scout sign is an important part of all BSA programs.
Inside the Scouter Code of Conduct, a critical checklist for adult volunteers
It’s called the Scouter Code of Conduct. Think of it like a checklist of expectations for adult conduct in the Scouting program.
The Boy Scout board of review, a guide to getting started
The board of review lets adults talk with the Scout about what he’s done, what he’s learned, how has it helped him and how he likes the program.
Step by step: How to be a merit badge counselor
The merit badge counselor is one of the coolest jobs in Scouting. It also could be one of the most meaningful. Here’s how to do it right.
What are the BSA’s regions and areas?
Figuring out the region and area of some Boy Scouts of America councils requires a little bit of guesswork. Or — better yet — a really good map.
Why is the Scout handshake done with the left hand?
The left-handed Scout handshake unites two Scouts from anywhere on the planet. But why is this nonverbal greeting done with the left hand?
When can adult leaders wear the BSA’s Trained patch?
The BSA’s Trained patch sends a clear message to Scouts, fellow Scouters and parents. It says, “I know what I’m doing.” Here’s who can wear it.
What is Scouting for Food?
Scouting for Food is the annual food-collection drive run by your local council. It’s another reminder to local communities that Scouts do good turns here.
What is Friends of Scouting?
Friends of Scouting is your council’s annual giving campaign. In most councils, Friends of Scouting (or FOS) represents the council’s largest income source.
What are Lone Scouts?
Certain circumstances make traditional Scouting an imperfect fit for certain young men. That’s why Lone Scouts was created.
This is how to earn a merit badge
Merit badges cover American Business, Woodwork and everything between. Boy Scouts should read these 12 steps to learn how to earn a merit badge.