U.S. Scouting Service Project Updates

2012-01-27T19:59:00.000-08:00

The new Boy Scout Requirements book is now available, and we've posted our annual report on the changes at http://usscouts.org/advance/changes/advchanges12.asp The new book contains changes to 2 ranks, 14 merit badges, and the requirements for one new merit badge - Welding (plus Chess and Robotics, which were released during 2011).

Here are the details:

These are the items that have changed from last year's edition (Items in RED are not noted on the inside front cover):

Second Class— Requirement 5.
Eagle -- Requirement 5

Revised merit badge requirements for
Woodwork (1, 6b, 7)

Minor merit badge requirement updates for
Archery (5, option B[f]2)
Astronomy (1 & 9)
Athletics (1)
Bugling (2b)
Camping (1, 9)
Climbing (1, 3)
Fly-Fishing (1)
Graphic Arts (2)
Hiking (1)
Motorboating (1)
Music (3b, 3c, 4b, 4d)
Personal Fitness (8)
Scouting Heritage (2, 8 & footnote to 4b revised last year, but not noted either then or now)

New merit badges:
Chess
Robotics
and Welding

Note that the new WELDING MB is listed above, and the requirements for the badge appear in the book, even though the official announcement of the new merit badge has not been made yet, and the badge and pamphlet are not yet available for purchase. At BSA's request, we've held off posting the Welding requirements until next week, after the official release by BSA (They're waiting for the pamphlets to be printed and available, due to the safety issues in the subject).

The changes to Requirement 1 in the various merit badges are in line with this statement from BSA:

The seven (sic) merit badge pamphlets bearing the new risk-related requirement 1 have an outdoor focus with a greater level of risk. As our pamphlets get updated by our Merit Badge Maintenance Task Force, more will have this new requirement.

Actually there are 9 merit badges with the new requirement, including Woodwork and Welding.

The new requirement is in this format (Insert the appropriate term where I show a blank.), which is then followed by the old requirement as b, c, etc, as appropriate.:

Quote:

1. Do the following:
a. Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while participating in ___________ activities, and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.

I've updated and uploaded all the appropriate files on the USSSP website, including these files:

a. Revised requirements pages for the ranks and merit badges that changed

b. Pages showing what exactly changed for each rank and merit badge

c. Pages showing the previous requirements for those still working on them.

d. The requirements and worksheets for Welding MB will be at: http://usscouts.org/mb/mb148.asp next week.

e. My annual summary of all changes I've identified in the book. That summary can be found at:
http://usscouts.org/advance/changes.advchanges12.asp

f. Worksheets for the revised merit badges, (in both DOC and PDF formats).

g. Miscellaneous files in support of these changes (images, zip files, index pages, links, etc.)

If you find any typos, omissions, or other errors or problems, please let me know.

Baloo's Bugle for Resourcefulness (Jan RT, Feb Activities) is on-line

2012-01-03T05:17:00.000-08:00

Baloo's Bugle for Resourcefulness and Turn Back the Clock are on-line to help with January's RT and February's Cub Scout activities.

Also, supplemental material for meetings 11 & 12!!!

The complete list of the firsts set of supplemental themes for Pack Meetings is in this issue. Kim, the Task Force leader, is now busily working on the second set!!

The first set is -

Month Core Value Supplemental Theme

· September - Cooperation - Hometown Heroes

· October - Responsibility - Jungle of Fun

· November - Citizenship - 50 Great States

· December - Respect - Holiday Lights

· January - Positive Attitude - Abracadabra

· February - Resourcefulness - Turn Back the Clock

· March - Compassion - Planting Seeds of Kindness

· April - Faith - Cub Scouts Give Thanks

· May - Health and Fitness - Cub Cafe

· June - Perseverance - Head West Young Man

· July - Courage - Cubs in Shining Armor

· August - Honesty - Kids Against Crime

The agendas for Jungle of Fun, 50 Great States, and Holiday Lights are already posted. The agendas for the other nine are at National awaiting final review, approval, and posting.

Also, check out the article on Philmont Training Center!!
It looks like another great summer.
Several members of the Baloo Staff (Alice, Pat, and Myself for sure) are planning on attending the Effective Roundtables session in July. We still have much to learn.
Come and join us!!

Be a STAR - Scouter That Attends Roundtable!!!

Enjoy!!!

Baloo's Bugle for Positive Attitude and Abracadabra are on-line

2011-11-27T19:49:00.000-08:00

Baloo's Bugle for Positive Attitude and Abracadabra are on-line to help with December's RT and January's Cub Scout activities.

Also, supplemental material for meetings 9 & 10!!!

Abracadabra is the theme for a supplemental PM plan for Positive Attitude.
National is developing three supplemental PM plans for each Core Value!!

Be a STAR - Scouter That Attends Roundtable!!!

Enjoy!!!

The Patches Have Arrived

2011-11-09T19:04:00.000-08:00

We are happy to announce that the patches for the Internet Scout Patch Program have arrived and look great. Here's a picture.

Change in Internet Scout Patch appearance.

2011-11-01T15:32:00.000-07:00

We changed the text in the patch from white to dark green after seeing the proof from the patch vendor. We noticed that it was difficult to read the text with white stitching and decided it would be much better with a darker color.

The Patch Proof looked like this.

The patches now look like this.

Internet Scout Patch Program Version 2 Launches

2011-10-25T11:58:00.001-07:00

The New Internet Scout Patch Program

The U.S. Scouting Service Project is pleased to announce Version 2 of it's Internet Scout Patch Program. With the explosive growth of the Internet and the rise of Social Media, it was necessary to re-engineer the program to assure it remained relevant and useful. The new program focuses on fostering a dialog between parent/mentor and Scout that will help prepare Scouts to be aware and alert when using the Internet.

This is a difficult and challenging program. It will require both the mentor and the participants to work hard. But, it will be worth it! As we continue to become more dependent on the Internet in our daily lives, it is critically important that we develop an understanding of its dangers and how to be prepared, aware, and alert to avoid trouble.

The Patches

Scouts and Mentors can earn the following patches:

Though it should go without saying, the patch is NOT an official award or emblem of the BSA. The patch maybe worn by Scouts and Scouters as a temporary emblem to signify their education about the role of the Internet and the World Wide Web in particular as it relates to Scouting. It may also be worn on patch vests or jackets at the personal option of the Scout or Scouter.

The Program Guide and the Requirements

The Internet Scout Patch Program Guide includes the patch requirements and may be downloaded by clicking this link: Internet Scout Patch Program Guide and Requirements (This is a PDF file and requires the latest version of Adobe Reader to view the contents. If you do not have the latest version, you can download it from http://get.adobe.com/reader/

Read more at http://usscouts.org/InternetScoutPatch.asp

Baloo's Bugle for Citizenship & Den Mtgs 5 & 6 is on-line

2011-09-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

Check out the Baloo's Bugle for October RTs and November's Core Value - CITIZENSHIP
It is posted on line at www.usscouts.org/bbugle.asp

Read about my experiences at the Philmont Training Center and
in the Master Trainer Certification course!!!

Get the link to the National's new Theme Based Pack Meeting Agendas.
"Jungle of Fun" is the theme for Responsibility (October)
More theme based agendas will be posted soon!!!!

Read the last 2 parts of the pencil and the pencil maker

Plus Scouter Jim's Thoughts, Bill Smith's Training Topic, and more from Alice, Felicia, Pamela, Wendy, Joe, and others!!!!!!!!

Music for the Bugling Merit Badge

2011-09-19T13:19:00.000-07:00

Our thanks go out to Kerri Lynn Nichols, a Scouter and professional musician, who has created new image files of the music for each of the bugle calls needed to earn the Bugling Merit Badge. Kerri noted that some of the images we had available at the US Scouting Service Project , and those in BSA's merit badge pamphlets were hard to read, and/or blurry when printed, so she created fresh images of each bugle call, and sent them to us for our website. She's also given us permission to forward them to BSA, for their use, if they so desire, which we have done.

The music for each individual bugle call can be accessed through links on our page with the requirements for the badge at http://usscouts.org/mb/mb032.asp

All of the bugle calls on one page can be viewed at http://usscouts.org/usscouts/mb/bugle_calls.asp

A 4 page PDF file with the music for all of the bugle calls can also be downloaded and/or printed from http://usscouts.org/usscouts/mb/bugle/BugleCalls.pdf

Baloo's Bugle for COOPERATION is on-line

2011-08-03T05:23:00.000-07:00

Baloo's Bugle for COOPERATION, Core Value for August RT and September Pack Meeting, is on-line and ready for you.

Ideas for Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos and Arrow of Light Meetings 1 & 2.

Check out the Crazy Holidays by Jodi!!

Come check out the latest from
Dave, Alice, Wendy, Jim, Felicia, Roxanne, and Joe!!

Ideas for "Join Scouting Night," too!!!!

Tell us about your 2012 ScoutCamp Experience

2011-07-10T09:36:00.000-07:00

Each year hundreds of thousands of Scouts & leaders visit BSA camps across America and have experiences to share, good, bad, funny, and recommendations for other leaders and suggestions for improvements.

Visit Scoutcamp.org @ the U.S. Scouting Service Project

Find your camp & read the comments of other leaders and add your own. What was good about your camp? Why would you recommend it for others?

Scoutcamp.org is also a great place to learn about other camps you might want to visit. How do you get in touch with their council office, do they have a website, what are the amenities or even the weather forecast this weekend and the driving directions from your house.

Scoutcamp.org is one of the websites of the U.S. Scouting Service Project. As always be scout like and constructive in your critiques.

Baloo's Bugle for HONESTY is on-line

2011-07-05T04:09:00.000-07:00

Baloo's Bugle for July Roundtables and August Activities is on line

Read about the new RT Study Committee being formed by the National Commissioner Service Team lead for Roundtables, Dan Maxfield

And send him an E-mail, if you want, to volunteer to help!!!

Issue features water activities and links to more water activities.

Enjoy your summer -

NAYLE OPPORTUNITY “WINDOWS” CLOSING!

2011-06-23T20:15:00.000-07:00

At the battle of San Juan Hill over a hundred years ago, Colonel Theodore Roosevelt (later the first and only Chief Scout Citizen) didn’t shout “Charge,” or “Go Get ‘em” to his Rough Riders! He shouted, “FOLLOW ME!”

NAYLE is the BSA’s premiere Outdoor Leadership Training for Scouts, Venturers and Sea Scouts—both young men and young women. The closing date for the Central and Northeast region courses is fast approaching: FRIDAY, JULY 8TH!

At NAYLE, you’ll experience fun activities and group challenges, all outdoors, that will change your life and your approach to leadership! Here’s what one participant said:

“I had the best time of my life! NAYLE brought it all together in a once-in-a-lifetime experience I took home and used in my life. It’s not just Scouting!

NAYLE is for YOU if you’re…

14 years old and not yet 18.
Completed NYLT or “The NYLT-to-NAYLE Bridge.”
In good physical condition for outdoor activities.

Iif you’re in the CENTRAL REGION, contact:

Becky Fisk, Course Dir., Email: beckyfisk@hotmail.com
Check it out at: www.stlbsa.org Then click NAYLE link
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY, JULY 8th.
Dates: August 1-5, 2011
Camp: S-F Scout Ranch, Knob Lick, MO
St. Louis Area Council (www.stlbsa.org)

If you’re in the NORTHEAST REGION, contact:

John Glockner, Course Dir., Email: QPI@mail.com – [908] 928-1115
Check it out at: www.trcbsa.org/Onteora/NE-NAYLE.htm
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY, JULY 8th.
Dates: August 7-11, 2011
Camp: Onteora Scout Reservation, Livingston Manor, NY
Theodore Roosevelt Council (www.trcbsa.org)

NAYLE Course Fee:

$355, includes all meals, lodging, training materials, NAYLE cap, and 2 NAYLE t-shirts. (Payment in full due with registration.)

Baloo's Bugle for COURAGE is on-line

2011-06-02T05:28:00.000-07:00

Come check out the latest from
Dave, Alice, Wendy, Jim, Felicia, Roxanne, Jay, and Joe!!

Baloo's Bugle for COURAGE -
June RT and July Core Value on-line

Lots of OUTDOORS, FIRE SAFETY, and PERSEVERANCE ideas.

There is only one edition this month (and next) -
It is listed as the Pack Edition but contains Den and Pack ideas.

The Edition highlights several more Supplemental Meetings for outdoors
(those with letters versus numbers) for each rank.

Baloo's Bugle for Perseverance is on-line

2011-05-03T18:42:00.000-07:00

Come check out the latest from Dave, Alice, Wendy, Jim, Felicia, Jay, and Joe!!

Baloo's Bugle for PERSEVERANCE - May RT and Hune Core Value on-line

Lots of OUTDOORS and PERSEVERANCE ideas.
Den Edition highlights several Supplemental Meetings for outdoors
(those with letters versus numbers) for each rank.

Be sure to sign up for CAMP!!!

I will be attending the Philmont Training Center during their September week
Check it out at www.philmontscoutranch.org

Baloo's Bugle for HEALTH & FITNESS - April RT and May Core Value on-line

2011-04-03T14:48:00.000-07:00

Come check out the latest from Dave, Alice, Wendy, Jim, Felicia, and Joe!!

Lots of Health and Fitness ideas and some ideas to get your dens outside.
Deb Edition highlights several Supplemental Meetings
(those with letters versus numbers) for each rank
(Except Webelos as they should be doing Showman,
Arrow of Light den has generally graduated)

See you next month
CD

Baloo's Bugle for FAITH (March RT/April Core Value) is on-line

2011-03-02T05:45:00.000-08:00

The Baloo's Bugle for FAITH is on line!!

Info on the new Tour Plan

Games and Activites for FAITH

Read & Enjoy

Boys Life Wayback Machine

2011-01-22T22:13:00.000-08:00

Ever want to see those issues of Boys Life that were in print when you were a kid? Want to see the very first issues of Boys Life? You are in luck! Boys Life has set ups a new area on its site that will allow you to view nearly 100 years of Boys Life Magazine. For example, you can go back in time and read "The Lost Express" by John Carisford in the March 1911 edition of Boys Life!

North American Scout Associations to Host 24th World Scout Jamboree

2011-01-13T22:13:00.000-08:00

Scouts from Canada, Mexico, and the United States will welcome more than 35,000 from around the world

CURITIBA, Brazil, Jan. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Scouts from every corner of the world will soon have the experience of a lifetime at The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia [http://www.facebook.com/TheBechtelSummit]. The bid to host the 2019 World Scout Jamboree is a combined effort of the Boy Scouts of America, Scouts Canada, and the Scout Association of Mexico. This will be the first time the World Scout Jamboree has been held in the United States in more than 40 years.

The bid to win the 2019 World Scout Jamboree was voted on by the World Scout Conference, which comprises 160 national Scout associations that represent 220 countries and territories around the world. The 160 associations make up the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and each member association is able to send Scouts to represent their country at a world jamboree.

The North American bid committee began its work in 2009 and met six times to plan the bid process. A youth contingent from Canada, Mexico, and the United States submitted its bid to the World Scout Conference, and toured the West Virginia site. The group wanted to experience the site firsthand and gather photos and other testimonials to support its presentation to the World Scout Conference in Brazil in January.

For 12 days, thousands of young people from around the world gather in a tented city for activities and adventure during a world jamboree. Scouts have an opportunity to interact and participate with others from different cultures and to build solidarity and understanding across cultural and geographical boundaries.

The Summit, the Boy Scouts of America's newest high-adventure base and the permanent home for the BSA's national Scout jamboree beginning in 2013 and continuing in 2017, consists of 10,600 acres.

"Scouts who attend the 2019 World Scout Jamboree at The Summit will, for the first time at a world jamboree, be able to participate in white-water rafting, rock climbing, and mountain biking. We are very pleased that the conference saw the wealth of new and exciting activities that will be available at this site and will make it available to young people in the program," said James Turley, international commissioner.

Aimed at 14- to 17-year-olds, Scouts attend the world jamboree in groups called contingents. They are encouraged to meet other Scouts from different cultures, religions, and countries, ultimately learning that strangers can become friends. The event is supported by thousands of international adult volunteers.

While Scouts Canada has hosted a world jamboree in the past—1955 and 1983—this will be the first time that Asociacion de Scouts de Mexico, Asociacion Civil will share hosting duties with Canada and the United States. "The Asociacion de Scouts de Mexico is proud to join Scouts Canada and the Boy Scouts of America to host the 2019 World Scout Jamboree. The opportunity before us is magnificent because the Asociacion de Scouts de Mexico is a smaller Scout association and most likely would never host a world Scout jamboree on our own. Here, we will combine our talents and our cultures to bring what will prove to be one of the most incredible, successful jamborees ever!" said Presidente Nacional Omar Lugo Aguirre.

To enhance international contingents' visit to North America, some Scouts will begin this trip in Mexico, where they can immerse themselves in more than 3,000 years of Mesoamerican culture. Also available will be tours of Canada's vibrant cities and unspoiled wilderness. U..S. tours will include Washington, D.C., the Grand Canyon, and Hollywood.

"There has always been a wonderful relationship between Scouts Canada, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Asociacion de Scouts de Mexico," said Mike Scott, international commissioner for Scouts Canada. "The planning process for the 2019 World Scout Jamboree will help develop this friendship and spirit of cooperation even more. This event will involve and engage a huge number of our adult volunteer leaders and young people in a process that will immerse them in different cultures and cause them to be terrific ambassadors for Canada."

About the Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts of America prepares young people for life by providing the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. The Scouting organization is composed of 2.7 million youth members between the ages of 7 and 21, and more than a million volunteers, in nearly 300 local councils throughout the United States and its territories. For more information on the Boy Scouts of America, please visit www.scouting.org.

About Scouts Canada

Scouts Canada was founded in 1909 and is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada. With a membership of about 146,000 it is the second largest Scout association in North America. Scouts Canada has always been in the forefront of world Scouting, providing leadership and financial support to other Scout associations. Scouts Canada hosted the last world Scout jamboree held in North America in Calgary in 1983. For more information on Scouts Canada, please visit www.scouts.ca.

About the Asociacion de Scouts de Mexico

The Asociacion de Scouts de Mexico has always been a leader for Scouting in Spanish-speaking countries throughout the Americas. It continues to host large regional events and provide leadership to several Scout associations. Founded in 1920, the Asociacion de Scouts de Mexico is headquartered in Mexico City and boasts a membership of more than 30,000 members, making it one of the largest Scout associations in Latin America. For more information on the Asociacion de Scouts de Mexico, please visit www.scouts.org.mx.

(SOURCE Boy Scouts of America via PR Newswire)

Baloo's Bugle for January RT, February's B&G/Pack Mtg, (Resourcefulness) and Den Mtgs 11 & 12 is on line

2011-01-08T17:38:00.000-08:00

The finished edition of Baloo's Bugle editions for Resourcefulness and Meetings 11 and 12 are posted on-line.

Sorry for the delay.

Commissioner Dave

Baloo's Bugle for January RT, February's B&G/Pack Mtg, (Resourcefulness) and Den Mtgs 11 & 12 is on line

2011-01-02T20:54:00.000-08:00

An interim Edition of Baloo's Bugle for January RT, February's B&G/Pack Mtg, (Resourcefulness) and Den Meetings 11 & 12 is on line.

I still need to do some updates (e.g. all of Wendy's ideas for Tiger, Wolf, and Bear Den Meetings). Hopefully, the final edition will be ready by Wednesday.

Sorry

Dave

Baloo's Bugle for December RT, January's Pack Mtg, (Positive Attitude) and Den Mtgs 9 & 10 is on line

2010-11-29T21:01:00.000-08:00

Baloo's Bugle is On-Line!!!

Two editions -
One focused on the Core value, Positive Attitude, and on Pinewood Derby
Also, lots of hints for you pack

One focused on the Den and Den activities for Meetings 9 & 10

ENJOY!!!!!!!!!

Knots Cartoon Caption Contest

2010-11-20T18:43:00.001-08:00

For over a decade the U.S. Scouting Service Project has featured a monthly cartoon by Richard Diesslin. Have you ever wanted to suggest what should be in a cartoon? Well if you have, stop over at http://knotscartoons.blogspot.com/ where you can suggest the wording and caption for a cartoon in the KNOTS Caption Contest. While you are there check out his new book of KNOTS Cartoons - your way to have every cartoon published over the last eleven years. I think I'm going to get a few as stocking stuffers for some great Scouters I know and maybe you'll want to do that too.

TheNetCommish

Baloo's Bugle for Den Mtgs 7 & 8, RESPECT, Nov RTs and Dec Pack Mtg is on-line

2010-10-31T16:08:00.000-07:00

Hey gang -

Baloo's Bugle is on line
(Actually it has been there, this post is late)

There are two editions -

The Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos edition has helps and ideas for Meetings 7 & 8

The Pack Leaders' and Pack Meeting editions has ideas for the RESPECT Core Value and other items to help you succeed.

ENJOY!!!!

Baloo's Bugle for CITIZENSHIP - Oct RT, Nov Pack Meetings

2010-10-03T20:11:00.001-07:00

Baloo's Bugle for CITIZENSHIP is now posted.

New format this month -
One issue for Den Activities
One issue for Pack Activities

Check it out!!!

Baloo's Bugle for RESPONSIBILITY - Sept RT, Oct Pack Meetings

2010-09-05T20:34:00.000-07:00

Baloo's Bugle is finished and posted on-line!!

There are lots of RESPONSIBILITY ideas for October's Pack Meeting
And lots of ideas to help you with Weeks 3 & 4 from the Den and Pack Meeting Resource Guide.

Comments welcome on the new delivery method and what you are doing
Also, comments on how Baloo's Bugle should adapt.

Happy Scouting!

Bugling reinstated as separate merit badge

2010-08-15T15:25:00.000-07:00

On June 2nd we announced that Bugling Merit Badge would be discontinued next January.

I'm happy to announce that, on Augst 4th, BSA posted a note on their blog stating that that decision has been reversed, Here's their announcement:

Bugling reinstated as separate merit badge

Have your guys start practicing "Taps," because Bugling is here to stay.

In early June, we reported that the Bugling merit badge was to be discontinued and its requirements merged into Music merit badge.

That's no longer the case. Responding to concerns from hundreds of Scouters, the BSA's Youth Development team has decided to reinstate Bugling as a separate merit badge.

Oddly enough, this means that Bugling will never have officially been part of Music merit badge, because the changes were never reflected in a Boy Scout Requirements book.

Bugling and Music will continue to share a merit badge pamphlet. Requirements and information for both of the badges will be contained within that single booklet.

Ask Andy at Jambo

2010-07-31T11:02:00.000-07:00

Don't be surprised to see Ask Andy wandering around the grounds of the Jamboree today.

Baloo's Bugle for August RT and September Core Value, "COOPERATION" is on-line

2010-07-30T03:01:00.000-07:00

Come check out the first edition based on the new delivery system!!

Comments from Bob Scott at National about RT and Den Meetings

Lots of Cooperative games.

Lots of FUN things to do

A new feature on RTs by Bev at Capital Area

And ideas from Wendy at Chief Seattle

Plus Alice, Jim, and others.

National Venturing Event

2010-07-28T21:38:00.001-07:00

Amanda VogtJuly 26, 2010 at 8:58pm

Subject: National Venturing Event- Early Registration Date Approaching

This is to remind everyone that registration for the National Venturing Event-Fall Fun Rally is open, and the deadline for the earliest registration cost is August 2nd. The current cost for the event is $14 (includes events/t-shirt), you can also sign-up for the meal plan which is an additional $18. You must have your paperwork into the Greater St. Louis Area Council by August 2nd, for this pricing to take effect. To register head over to http://www.facebook.com/l/34797xFkB5uhQLm86yq0txgL5cg;www.fallfunrally.org/ and click on ‘Register for the Event’ to get your crew, ship, or post registered for this event.

Registration Information: http://www.facebook.com/l/34797E2s4LQpl__Zx06mpX0iiCQ;www.fallfunrally.org/files/FFR2010Registration.pdf

With units from around the country coming, t-shirts and food orders; the registration this year will be partially online. You’ll fill out your paperwork online and then print out payment ticket and mail, fax, or bring that into the Greater St. Louis Area Scout Office. This should help cut down on the confusion, and will allow you to get your roster up to date and hopefully cut down any confusion on what your unit needs for the event.

The Venturing Officers’ Association of the Greater St. Louis Area Council is proud to invite you and your crew to the BSA Centennial Year National Venturing Event! This year we have over 50 events planned, promising a great weekend for all to attend.

Date: September 24-26, 2010

Location: Beaumont Scout Reservation, High Ridge, MO (Just 45 minutes SW of downtown St. Louis)

Who can attend: Venturers, Explorers, Sea Scouts, and Boy Scouts, between the ages of 13.5-20 years of age, along with their adult leadership

Check out our websites now and down the road as more events are announced.
Websites: http://www.facebook.com/l/34797G4nQFX4hg_ZSmKihwktE5Q;www.nationalventuringevent.org/ or http://www.facebook.com/l/34797xFkB5uhQLm86yq0txgL5cg;www.fallfunrally.org/

If you are not a member of the National Venturing Event Facebook Page please join to keep yourself informed. We are sending out messages at least once a week to keep everyone up to date on things happening at the event.
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Fall-Fun-Rally-2010-BSAs-Centennial-Year-National-Venturing-Event/103544269695560

Mark your Crew’s calendar now to attend the first National Venturing Event. We look forward to welcoming you to St. Louis and the Fall Fun Rally.

Andrea Lane, Greater St. Louis Area Council VOA Vice-President of Program and Youth Chairperson for the Fall Fun Rally

Amanda Vogt, Greater St. Louis Area Council VOA President and 2008-2009 National Venturing President

Jennifer Lowe, 2010-2011 National Venturing President

P.S.: If you are an administrator on another Venturing Facebook Group, please feel free to post this message to your group.

Centennial Celebration via Ham Radio

2010-07-25T13:23:00.000-07:00

KANSAS – Amateur Radio Special event stations WØB, WØS, and WØA will be operating from the Boy Scouts of America, Heart of America Council’s Centennial Celebration located at the Theodore Naish Scout Reservation in Kansas City, Kansas. The event is to be held on September 24^th, 25^th and 26^th, 2010, to commemorate the 100^th birthday of the BSA. Operations will be on the suggested Scout frequencies on all bands. The event will also feature four high altitude balloon launches, equipped with amateur radio.There will be a certificate for working each of the stations and a special certificate for working all three stations. QSL via Doug Roberts, NEØA, 4415 NW Normandy Ln, Kansas City, MO 64116.

It's OPEN!!! National Venturing Event Registration

2010-07-11T16:19:00.000-07:00

Posted by Amanda Vogt to facebook:

Registration for the National Venturing Event-Fall Fun Rally is officially open at http://www.facebook.com/l/b7646BXvKUf5p4Zgdi1YOEvOcTA;www.fallfunrally.org/registration. Early registration is due August 2nd, so get your information turned in as soon as possible.

Registration Packet Information: http://www.facebook.com/l/b7646YY4JrYysKPDJIvJiTKx5LA;www.fallfunrally.org/files/FFR2010Registration.pdf

With thousands of people, t-shirts and food orders; the registration this year will be partially online. You’ll fill out your paperwork online and then print out payment ticket and mail, fax, or bring that into the Greater St. Louis Area Scout Office. This should help cut down on the confusion, and will allow you to get your roster up to date and hopefully cut down any confusion on what your unit needs for the event.

The Fall Fun Rally is the largest Venturing event held each year in the country. The Venturing Officers’ Association of the Greater St. Louis Area Council is proud to invite you and your crew to the 37th Annual Fall Fun Rally, the BSA Centennial Year National Venturing Event! This year we have over 50 events planned, promising a great weekend for all to attend.

Date: September 24-26, 2010

Location: Beaumont Scout Reservation, High Ridge, MO (Just 45 minutes SW of downtown St. Louis)

Who can attend: Venturers, Explorers, & Sea Scouts along with their adult leadership

Events from the Fall Fun Rally:
Volleyball Tournament, Tug-of-War Competitions, Rifle Range, Shotgun Range, Archery, Climbing Tower, Slacklining, Wild Caving, Mountain Men Village, Blacksmithing, , Helicopters, , Kickball, Crab Soccer, Wiffleball, Dodgeball, Hillbilly Golf & Washers, National Venturing Fencing Competition, Pool Noodle Jousting, Police & Military Demonstrations, Table Top Competitions, Dutch-oven Cooking Competitions, Skit/Talent Competition, Fear Factor Event, Horseback Riding, Adult Venturing Training, Venturing Officer Association Elections, Game/Trivia Night, Movie Night, Twister for 50, Karaoke Night, Award Show, Dance, Model Rockets, Backyard Games, Obstacle Course, Frisbee Golf, Sea Scouting Activities, Drunk Driving Simulator, All Star Sports Challenge, Crazy Building Competitions, Dunking Booth, and much more.

Check out our websites now and down the road as more events are announced.
Websites: http://www.facebook.com/l/b7646ZAfP9pcgSeESibzBYN1o4g;www.nationalventuringevent.org/ or http://www.facebook.com/l/b7646dSY5mCneomxjGYMwHzyExQ;www.fallfunrally.org/

Join our National Venturing Event Facebook Page/Group to keep yourself informed:
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fall-Fun-Rally-2010-BSAs-Centennial-Year-National-Venturing-Event/103544269695560
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=207652002378&ref=ts

Mark your Crew’s calendar now to attend the first National Venturing Event. We look forward to welcoming you to St. Louis and the Fall Fun Rally.

Andrea Lane, Greater St. Louis Area Council VOA Vice-President of Program and Youth Chairperson for the Fall Fun Rally

Amanda Vogt, Greater St. Louis Area Council VOA President and 2008-2009 National Venturing President

Jennifer Lowe, 2010-2011 National Venturing President

P.S.: If you are an administrator on another Venturing Facebook Group, please feel free to post this message to your group. Also feel free to send out a message once the registration is open.

Baloo's Bugle for July RT and August Theme, "Waves of Fun" is on line

2010-07-03T05:43:00.000-07:00

The July issue for "WAVES of FUN" is on line in adobe.pdf and word.doc!!

This may be the ultimate source for water related games, skits, songs, and such!!

Lots of detailed info on the new delivery method for Cub Scouts, too!!!
Check it out.

Plus Alice, Scouter Jim's thoughts and Joe ("Webelos Willie") C. on Webelos.

Inventing Merit Badge Released. First badges awarded

2010-06-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

Boy Scouts and Lemelson-MIT Program introduce Inventing merit badge

The inventive spirit of young people burst onto the scene today in Cambridge, Mass., as hundreds gathered to see the first awarding of the Boy Scouts of America's new Inventing merit badge to 50 Scouts from the Boston area.

The ceremony was a part of EurekaFest, the Lemelson-MIT Program’s annual event at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Part of the program's mission is to inspire young people to pursue creative lives and careers through innovation.

“Throughout the Boy Scouts of America’s rich, 100-year history, merit badges have given Scouts an opportunity to experience and learn about a variety of hobbies and professions," he said. "We are very excited about the Inventing merit badge and what the future holds as Scouts use the tools learned while working on the requirements to help make the world a better place."

One of those merit badges from the BSA's 100-year history was the similarly named Invention merit badge. The badge was discontinued in 1915 after only 10 boys had earned it. The reason for its low popularity? The main requirement told boys to "Invent and patent some useful article." Receiving a product patent is not an easy feat in any generation.

Even though an official merit badge recognizing invention has been dormant for 95 years, the idea of innovation has been fully alive in the Scouting program over the past century. Whether it's a Boy Scout creating a useful camp gadget out of wood and rope or a Cub Scout tuning the aerodynamics on his pinewood derby car, Scouts never stop innovating.

Ready to introduce Inventing merit badge to your troop? Start with the official requirements, available here.

Note: The numbering of the requirements as listed on BSA's web site is incorrect (each subsection is numbered as a separate requirement). The link above, to the version on the US Scouting Service project web site, shows the correct requirements numbering.

BSA announces important changes to its Youth Protection policies

2010-06-08T10:51:00.000-07:00

Recently, the Boy Scouts of America announced important changes to its Youth Protection policies. The purpose of these changes is to increase awareness of this societal problem and to create even greater barriers to abuse than already exist today in Scouting.

Effective June 1, 2010:

Youth Protection training is required for all BSA registered volunteers, regardless of their position.

New leaders are required to take Youth Protection training before submitting an application for registration. The certificate of completion for this training must be submitted at the time the application is made and before volunteer service with youth begins.

Youth Protection training must be taken every two years. If a volunteer's Youth Protection training record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be reregistered.

To find out more about the Youth Protection policies of the Boy Scouts of America and how to help Scouting keep your family safe, see the Parent's Guide in any of the Cub Scouting or Boy Scouting handbooks, or go to http://www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection.aspx .

Questions and Answers
The following are answers to some of the questions we have received about these important changes. To read more, visit www.scouting.org/youthprotection.

Q1: When does the change go into effect?
A1: As of June 1, 2010, all registered adult volunteers--no matter what their position entails--must complete Youth Protection training prior to beginning their volunteer service.

Q2: Why a new training policy on such short notice?
A2: Youth safety is the No. 1 concern of the Boy Scouts of America. It is important to implement this training at all levels of the organization. The BSA is always reevaluating and reassessing its policies to ensure the safest youth program and the best training are offered. The BSA's Youth Protection training has been in existence long enough for it to be understood and accepted as a mandated training for all registered BSA adult volunteers.

Q3: What is the deadline to meet the new Youth Protection training standard?
A3: All registered leaders should take or renew their Youth Protection training so that it is current as of today. A unit will not be able to recharter without its key registered adults being up-to-date on their Youth Protection training. No individual leader will be able to register without being up-to-date on his or her Youth Protection training.

Q4: Is there a grace period to get all adults trained?
A4: No. If a leader's Youth Protection training is not current, the volunteer must take or renew this training immediately. Every effort should be taken so that all adults involved in Scouting have a current certificate of completion of the Youth Protection training.

Q5: Will the system be able to handle the overload of people taking training at the last minute?
A5: The system platform that houses e-learning is expected to be able to handle
the high volume.

Q6: Does "all volunteers" mean all volunteers -- even board members and council presidents?
A6: Yes. The goal is to have all registered volunteers Youth Protection-trained. This is an important statement for the Boy Scouts of America as a youth organization and reinforces the BSA's commitment to the well-being of all youth members and volunteers.

Q7: I am sure I know all there is to know about youth protection. Can I "test out" by only taking the Youth Protection online quiz?
A7: No. You must complete the entire online training in order for your Youth Protection certificate to be valid. This ensures you receive the latest information on BSA Youth Protection.
Important: Please note that the quiz has been removed from the e-Learning Center because the content did not reflect the new changes in Youth Protection policy.

Q8: Does the executive officer (institutional head) of a unit need to take Youth Protection training?
A8: If the executive officer is not a registered leader, he or she is not required to complete Youth Protection training, although it is strongly recommended. If the executive officer is a registered member of the BSA, then he or she must complete Youth Protection training.

Q9: I am a Tiger Cub adult partner and ScoutParent. Do I need to take Youth Protection training?
A9: The Tiger Cub adult partner and ScoutParent designations are not registered adult positions; therefore, mandatory Youth Protection training is not required. It is strongly recommended, however, that all adults involved in Scouting take Youth Protection training. All registered adults are required to take Youth Protection training.

Q10: I am an Explorer post Advisor. Does this new policy apply to me?
A10: Yes. All registered adults are required to take Youth Protection training.

Q11: The new policy indicates that a Youth Protection certificate of completion must be submitted "at the time of application." What does that mean?
A11: A BSA application should be collected from a prospective leader only with the fully completed form, with a copy of the individual's Youth Protection certificate of completion. Both documents should be submitted together to the council service center.

Q12: Do leaders need to wait until they have final clearance on the background check to meet with youth?
A12: No. As long as their application is fully completed, submitted to the council service center, and approved, their fee is paid, and their Youth Protection training has been received by and acknowledged by the council, they will be able to interact with youth members while the criminal background check (CBC) is still pending.

Q13: Do merit badge counselors need to take Youth Protection training?
A13: Yes. A merit badge counselor is a registered volunteer position.

Q14: Can units that have some adult leaders who have not completed Youth Protection training be rechartered?
A14: In order for a unit to be rechartered, it must have all the required positions filled with Youth Protection-trained adults. Adults who do not have current (within the past two years) Youth Protection training will not be reregistered.

Q15: Will the new adult applications have this information?
A15: Yes. All new applications will reflect these changes.

Q16: Can a council or district organize Youth Protection group training for its adults?
A16: Yes. It is encouraged that adults take the training via the online module, but the instructor-led model is still acceptable as long as the most current version of the Youth Protection DVD (item No. 610327 or 36121) is used and the end-of-course quiz is proctored by the trainer at the end of the training session. Reminder: It is critical that training completion certificates be issued after successful completion and that a formal training record roster be submitted to the council registrar so proper credit can be recorded in the profiles of each participant.

Q17: Will both the regular and Venturing leader versions of Youth Protection training meet the requirement?
A17: Yes, as long as the most current versions of the DVDs are used for group training. The online version is the preferred method, as it allows for those taking the training to get one-on-one training and take all the time they need for review. The individual is issued an immediate certificate of completion, which allows for the updating of the volunteer's ScoutNet record.

Q18: If a person is not a registered leader, how can he or she log in and take the Youth Protection training?
A18: A person does not have to be a registered volunteer to take Youth Protection training. To take the training, log in to myscouting.org and click on create an account. After you have confirmed your new myscouting account user name and password, log in to myscouting.org and click on e-training to begin the Youth Protection training. Upon completion, print a certificate to submit with a completed adult leader application to the unit leader or your local council representative for processing. Remember to keep a copy for your records.
Once the application is approved, the new leader will receive his or her membership card with their member ID. It is important that new members log back in to myscouting.org and update their profile with this member ID to receive credit for completing this and any other training.

Providing Scouters with clear and helpful information is a priority of the BSA. This blog post was adapted from an E-mail received from BSA on my "My Scouting" E-mail.

If you have additional questions, please contact your council or please let BSA National know by sending your questions to youthprotection@scouting.org. They will review all inquires and post updates to www.scouting.org/youthprotection.

Bugling Merit Badge being discontinued, and revisions to Music merit badge

2010-06-02T13:34:00.000-07:00

Bugling merit badge is being discontinued as of next January, 2011.

Bill Nelson, a Scouter in the Grand Canyon Council (and former member of the USSSP team) wrote to BSA's "Ask the Expert" as follows:

The Bugling merit badge is no longer on the scouting.org site, and it looks like the Music merit badge requirements have changed to absorb Bugling. What's happening there?

Here's their reply, which confirms the guess I made a week or so ago:
-------------------------------------
That's a great question, and it's one that a lot of Scouters are asking. Diane Leicht of the BSA's Youth Development team tells us that the Bugling merit badge will be discontinued in 2011 and its requirements will be merged into Music merit badge. Here's her full response:

The revised merit badge pamphlet that merged Bugling into Music was released earlier this year. It won’t be official until the 2011 Boy Scout Requirements book is released in January 2011.

Scouts may continue to earn the Bugling merit badge using the old pamphlet until that time. If Scouts have a copy of the new merit badge pamphlet with Music only, they can choose to earn the Music merit badge and complete the new bugling option as part of the requirements for the Music merit badge.

The two merit badge pamphlet covers illustrate this change. Previously, Music and Bugling were two separate merit badges that shared a pamphlet. With the new pamphlet, Bugling is no longer a separate badge, and bugling-related requirements become an option for Scouts seeking the Music merit badge.
-----------------------
I've posted the revised requirements, including what specifically changed, and including an image of the new pamphlet cover.

Most of the requirements from Bugling were incorporated into Music, with a few changes and some of the less well known and less frequently used bugle calls eliminated.

For details see:Bugling requirements
Music requirements changes

Yours in Scouting,
Paul S. Wolf, P.E. pwolf@usscouts.org
***********************************************
Secretary, U.S. Scouting Service Project, Inc.

Baloo's Bugle for "Celebrate Freedom," June RT's and July Theme is on-line

2010-06-01T19:08:00.000-07:00

Baloo's Bugle for June RTs and July's Theme, "Celebrate Freedom" is on line

Check it out -

Lots of classic patriotic stuff

Articles by Scouter Jim about honoring veterans and

Bill Smith, the Roundtable guy, about the new delivery method, CS 2010.

Have a great summer and get those Cubs - OUTSIDE!!!!!

Info and links Youth Protection Training Update

Youth Protection update

2010-05-29T08:35:00.000-07:00

We've been informed of a major change to the Youth Protection Training Requirements, in a letter from the Assistant Chief Scout Executive.

Effective June 1, 2010:

Youth Protection Training is required for all registered volunteers.
New leaders are required to take Youth Protection Training before they submit their application for registration. The certificate of completion for this training must be submitted at the time application is made and before volunteer service with youth begins.
Youth Protection Training must be taken every two years.
If a volunteer’s Youth Protection Training record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be reregistered.

For further details see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Boy-Scout-Talk/files/Youth Protection Training Policies.pdf

Brown Recluse - UPDATE

2010-05-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

After we posted the information and pictures of the damage supposedly caused by a Brown Recluse Spider bite, we were informed that the pictures are of the damage caused by a MRSA infection, which followed a probable spider bite, which in turn may or may not have been from a Brown Recluse.

We've removed that page and the pictures.

Brown Recluse: Little Bite ... BIG Damage!

2010-05-10T19:31:00.000-07:00

We've added a page to our safety area with information about the Brown Recluse Spider. The page includes some graphic photos of the skin damage caused by bites from these spiders, so some caution should be used in showing them to younger Scouts.

We've included a prominent disclaimer, and a large white area above the photos, so the text can be seen without viewing the photos.

The page can be viewed from our safety index page http://usscouts.org/safety.asp, or directly at http://usscouts.org/safety/recluse.asp

National Hosting Webinars on Cub Scouts 2010

2010-05-05T18:53:00.000-07:00

Webinars: New Cub Scout Delivery Method

National is rolling out the NEW Cub Scout Delivery Method and is inviting CS Leaders to attend one of 22 webinar sessions to learn how to use the new method and resources.

Beginning Monday, May 3rd and ending on Friday, May 14th, National is hosting webinars that will detail and discuss the new method and resources. They have varied session times to try to accommodate as many of your schedules as possible.

To register for one of these webinars, please click on the following link and follow the simple instructions. http://programimpact.kintera.org/cubscoutsnewmethod . You will receive a confirmation email once you've completed your registration. (If you do not receive a confirmation, you have not completed the registration process. Be sure you have received a confirmation.)

Webinars are limited to the first 100 registrants per session. If the sessions during this two-week period are filled, additional sessions will be added to support the demand.

The webinar links and teleconference information will be sent to you in a separate email within 24 hours of the start of the webinar session.

We hope you will all be able to make this very important webinar so that you can help us get the word out about this terrific new delivery method that is sure to support advancement and retain our youth in Cub Scouts!

--- And....

In support of local councils, a series of webinars will be hosted this fall, in the August/September/October timeframe to train any interested den and pack leadership on the use of the new method and the resources to support it. (Specifics regarding these dates and times will be communicated to you at a later time and posted on www.scouting.org/cubscouts .)

In addition, on www.scouting.org we will post a list of resources that will aid local councils in the rollout of the new delivery method. Some of these resources include: a YouTube video link for new den leaders on conducting a den meeting, overview brochures and PowerPoint slides and scripts to deliver training on the new method.

New Den and Pack Meeting Resource Guide available on-line and in stores

2010-05-05T18:22:00.000-07:00

The new Den and Pack Meeting Resource Guide is now available on-line and in stores.
Check it out on line at http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/content/Home/CubScouts/Leaders/DenLeaderResources/DenandPackMeetingResourceGuide.aspx (Link is also in the title of this post)

This Guide has the complete meeting plans for all levels (Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos Badge , and Arrow of light)

Plus, Pack Meeting plans for all 12 Pack Meetings using a different Core Value for each Pack Meeting.

The Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide is designed to help prepare you for your den and pack meetings and to provide you with the tools necessary to advance your boys along the Cub Scout advancement trail while having fun. Below you will find the contents of the Resource Guide in an online form.

Also, available (at least at the Wilmington, DE, store) and at www.scoutstuff.org
Ceremonies (Cover Change only), Position Specific Training (revised syllabus), CS Roundtable Planning Guide and CS Leaders' Book(But Del-Mar-Va Council bought out the initial supply of both of these. I have pre-paid for the first one of each in the next shipment.)

Keep Scouting!!

Baloo's Bugle for May RTs and June's Theme, "Hoop-De-Do" is on line

2010-04-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

Baloo's Bugle for May RTs and June's Theme, "Hoop-De-Do" is on line

Check it out -

Articles by Scouter Jim and Bill Smith, the Roundtable guy.

Lots of good material from Alice in Golden Empire

BSA Announces new GEOCACHING Merit Badge

2010-04-12T13:09:00.000-07:00

BSA today, on the Scouting Magazine BLOG announced the release of the final requirements for a new Merit Badge for the sport of GEOCACHING.

The merit badge pamphlet is not yet available, but the Boy Scouts of America wanted to get the official requirements in the hands of Scouts and Scouters as soon as possible. The BSA knows that troops, districts, and councils will be planning spring and summer activities around this newest merit badge.

A copy of the requirements can be downloaded from BSA's site, or they can be viewed online on the US Scouting Service Project at http://usscouts.org/mb/Geocaching.asp. We'll post a worksheet as soon as we can develop one.

BSA IndyCar

2010-04-08T21:04:00.000-07:00

Scouts got a chance to preview the planned BSA Indy Car last August.

Credits to marjcr " August 27, 2009 — Scout representatives from southern Sonoma County go to the Indy Car race at Infineon Raceway to learn about plans for a Boy Scout branded car for next season. "

The car is now a reality and you can see both the car and the BSA racing uniforms via the BSA facebook website. Awesome!!

Watkin's Mill Trail Hike - New!

2010-04-07T20:27:00.000-07:00

The Heart of America Council has a set of new hiking trails called "Watkin's Mill Trail" with a wonderful patch available.

Watkins Mill's theme and history is based on the highly successful woolen business by a turn of the century, rural family in the central Midwest. The historic buildings feature a rare look at their life and times through a living history experience and tour of the mill including its Original equipment, still intact.

The trails are open year round. Cubs, Webelos, boy scouts, leaders, all are welcome participants. Both trails are a good length for younger scouts, about 4 miles, and one of few this length in the Central region. You can choose either the woodland / equestrian trail or the paved lake trail. Both are scenic and relaxing. We have both family and primitive camping available, but it's not required to earn the patch. W2 dens like it because they can do their overnight requirement and earn a cool patch on the same outing. It's also appealing to troops with younger boy scouts like 1st years, that can't yet manage a full length (20mi) trail hike. But the miles and historical tour count for Camping mb, 50 miler, Historic Trails, Hiking mb etc for all scouts and leaders.

Follow this link to read more and see the photo's of the historic mill, maps, living history exhibit and trails.
http://www.mostateparks.com/wwmill/map.htm

Guides are available on request but mostly we use a self-certifying system. The leader emails us the total number of scouts and leaders that hiked one of the trails and want the patch. They cost $3 each which includes shipping. When we receive the payment, we will mail out the patches.

Trailmaster Doug

More Info:

Length, season: Choice of two historic, scenic and nature trails, 3.75 miles each, open all year. Mill tour and living history available only in season. Reservations suggested.

Off roads: All, both trails. Lake trail is paved; Woodland / equestrian trail is mowed grass; mostly gentle to rolling terrain.

Starting point: Watkin's Mill State Park camping areas (2), mix and match with desired trail.

Ending point starting point of chosen trail

Points of interest: 19th century woolen mill with original mill equipment, original mill buildings, school, church, workshops. Living history farm experience in summer months. State camp ground with lake, picnic areas, beach (seasonal), fishing and wooded streams. Jesse James' farm GeoCache

Overnight camping: Yes. Primitive area (5) groups; Family area (100) sites

Campsite facilities: Primitive – firepits, outhouse, no water; Family - toilets, showers, laundry; Firewood for sale.

backpacking camp along the trail: None. Picnic areas along lake trail with tables

Trail camp facilities: None

Requirements for hiking trail: Have proper adult leadership, scout T-shirts encouraged

Groups permitted on trail: Open to the public. We share the paved lake trail with bicycles and other hikers. The woodland trail we share with very occasional equestrian trail ride groups. Both trails open 7AM to sunset.

Trail maps available: Yes, in packet or see park website http://www.mostateparks.com/wwmill/map.htm

Trail well marked: Yes, maintained by DNR

Trail marker design: state symbols

Guides available if requested: Yes. Guided mill tours available on weekends, reservations requested ($). Visitor center open daily. Mill and visitor center are approx 1.0 mile from woodland trail and .5 mile from lake trail. Most hikers drive to the mill site before or after the hike. Mill tour is not required to receive patch, only adult leader's self-certification of completion of trail hikers. http://www.mostateparks.com/wwmill/map.htm

Someone to meet hikers at starting point if requested: Yes

Available awards: colorful patch by famous designer through trailmaster. Not available at visitor's center. Allow mailing time after receipt of order.

Advance reservation required: None for trail hike. Family camping see http://www.mostateparks.com/wwmill/camp.htm Primitive area camping call 816-580-3387

For more information contact: trailmaster, watkinsmilltrailhike@gmail.com
Please indicate how many participants completed one of the trails and how many patches you are ordering. Patch is worn as a temporary patch (BSA) on the right pocket. Other organizations have their own guidelines about trail hike patches.

BSA Commemorative Locomotive

2010-04-06T20:45:00.000-07:00

Narrated Video Coverage of the Locomotive by the Houston Chronicle

Joint News Release - Union Pacific and Boy Scouts of America

Union Pacific Railroad Unveils No. 2010 Boy Scouts of America
Commemorative Locomotive
Special Locomotive Celebrates Scouting’s 100-year History

For Immediate Release:

Houston, Texas, March 31, 2010 -- Union Pacific Railroad today unveiled the UP No. 2010 Boy Scouts of America Locomotive, created as a tribute to the organization’s centennial celebration. The UP No. 2010 honors Scouting’s 100-year impact on the nation and the many Scouting enthusiasts in Union Pacific’s work force and communities.

“Union Pacific and the Boy Scouts of America have played leadership roles in shaping America’s history. With the UP No. 2010, we are proud to celebrate 100 years of Scouting, progress and patriotism,” said Robert W. Turner, Union Pacific senior vice president-Corporate Relations.

“We are deeply honored by the tribute Union Pacific has given to Scouting through the creation of the commemorative locomotive,” said Bob Mazzuca, Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America. “We also owe a great deal of gratitude to our UP employee Scouting alumni base, which has spearheaded the movement to create the UP No. 2010. Their efforts mean that for years to come, the locomotive will serve as a reminder of the impact millions of Scouts have had on this country for 100 years.”

A very rare honor, Union Pacific has created only 14 commemorative locomotives in its nearly 150-year history. The Boy Scouts-themed locomotive is decorated with a series of four distinct graphics:

The national Boy Scouts of America logo;
The BSA’s 100th Anniversary logo;
The words “100 Years of Scouting,” and,
Ten emblems representing stages of Scouting and an 11th emblem for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree

The UP No. 2010 locomotive will celebrate the BSA’s centennial as it hauls the freight that supports America across Union Pacific’s 32,000-mile, 7,000-community network. Because it is one of the newest and most fuel-efficient locomotives, the UP No. 2010 likely will carry service-sensitive consists such as automotive and intermodal trains.

About Union Pacific

Union Pacific Corporation owns one of America's leading transportation companies. Its principal operating company, Union Pacific Railroad, links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers and provides Americans with a fuel-efficient, environmentally responsible and safe mode of freight transportation. Union Pacific's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Energy, Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad emphasizes excellent customer service and offers competitive routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways. Union Pacific connects with Canada’s rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major gateways to Mexico, making it North America's premier rail franchise.

About The Boy Scouts of America

The Scouting movement is composed of 2.8 million young people between the ages of 7 and 20 and 1.1 million volunteers in more than 290 local councils throughout the United States and its territories. The Boy Scouts of America is the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. For more information on the Boy Scouts of America, please visit www.scouting.org. More information about 100 Years of Scouting can be found at www.scouting.org/100years

Media contacts: Raquel Espinoza, 713-962-8155 or respinoza@up.com (UP)
Virginia Starr, 214-665-1330 or virginia.starr@fleishman.com (BSA)

www.up.com www.facebook.com/unionpacific
www.twitter.com/unionpacific
-

BSA Patches on Space Shuttle

2010-04-05T20:38:00.000-07:00

BSA Press Release

Contact: Julie Bulthaus
314-982-8779
314-920-8004 (cell)
julie.bulthaus@fleishman.com

Scouting’s Centennial is Out of This World—Literally!
Boy Scouts of America’s 100th Anniversary Year of Celebration Patches
Head to International Space Station on the Space Shuttle Discovery

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.— (April 5, 2010)—The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has officially taken its 100th Anniversary Celebration to new heights. Four Year of Celebration patches left the stratosphere today as cargo on the space shuttle Discovery’s STS-131 mission to the International Space Station. A Year of Celebration, A Century of Making a Difference is the BSA’s 100th Anniversary patch-earning program that allows participants to earn recognition for making a difference in their communities.

“This collaboration between the BSA and NASA underscores a long history between Scouting and space programs,” said BSA Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca. “At the earliest opportunities in Scouting, we are exposing young people to space exploration and preparing them for future work in science and technology fields.”

The relationship between Scouting and space stretches to before man’s first steps on the moon. In May 1964, 29 of America’s 30 astronauts visited Philmont Scout Ranch, the BSA’s high-adventure base in Cimarron, New Mexico, for a two-week training trip to learn geological mapping and seismographic studies in preparation for the Apollo programs. Of the 12 astronauts who have walked on the moon, 11 were Boy Scouts. More than half of all U.S. astronauts have been involved in Scouting, including well-known astronauts Neil Armstrong and Jim Lovell, who are Eagle Scouts.

In 2010, the BSA will introduce three new technology-driven merit badges, including Robotics. During STS-131, mission specialist Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger will use the robotic shuttle arm to inspect the space shuttle for any damage that may have occurred during launch or while in space. Other members of the STS-131 crew will use the space station's robotic system, Canadarm2, to move equipment from the shuttle's payload bay to the station.

Though firmly rooted in an unchanged set of core values, the BSA is committed to remaining current and relevant by adapting how it delivers programs and reaches its audiences. The BSA’s three new merit badges—Robotics, Inventing, and Geocaching—are indicative of how it is adjusting to prepare young people to become leaders and participating citizens in an increasingly technological world. Today, Scouts can read the Boy Scout Handbook on an iPhone, use GPS devices in addition to a map and compass, and receive BSA news via social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Any Scout, leader, or Scouting alumnus, can earn five special award ribbons that hang from the Year of Celebration patch. Reflective of a century of Scouting values, the ribbons honor dedication to leadership, character, community service, achievement, and the outdoors.

After the patches return from space, they will be displayed as part of the 100th Anniversary exhibit at the National Scouting Museum in Irving, Texas. Eight major national 100th Anniversary engagement programs have been designed to reintroduce Scouting to the next generation of young leaders and reconnect millions of alumni with the organization. Flying high on the space shuttle isn’t the only high-speed recognition of the BSA’s 100th Anniversary. Earlier this year, the BSA announced its Scout-themed IndyCar collaboration with Dale Coyne Racing. Just last week, Union Pacific unveiled UP No. 2010 Boy Scouts of America, only the 14th commemorative locomotive in the company’s history.

About the Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts of America is the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. The Scouting organization is composed of 2.7 million youth members between the ages of 7 and 20, 1.1 million volunteers, and nearly 300 local councils throughout the United States and its territories. For more information on the Boy Scouts of America, please visit www.scouting.org.

More information about 100 Years of Scouting can be found at www.scouting.org/100years, www.twitter.com/boyscouts, and www.facebook.com/boyscoutsofamerica.

Jambo Area Camping At Camp Snyder

2010-04-05T20:13:00.000-07:00

From the National Capital Area Council

Attending the Jamboree??

Camp William B. Snyder, located 75 miles outside Fort A.P. Hill, VA, is the perfect location for visiting Scouts and units. Cabins, dining hall, swimming pool, wall tents, and more will be available. We will also have transportation to all major attractions. Click the link below for details

http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=22174&orgkey=370

Perfect location for your school vacation.

Are you looking for a fun place to stay while you visit Washington D.C.?

The Conference Center at Camp William B. Snyder is the perfect way to enjoy all that Washington D.C. has to offer with-out breaking the bank.

We provide Monday-Friday programs for Packs, Troops, Posts, Crews and Teams we also serve school groups, corporations, and government agencies. Click the link below to see how we can make your stay the best!

http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=24713&orgkey=1933

Cub Scouts 2010 - Materials Availability

2010-04-03T18:37:00.000-07:00

National Council has announced the following via E-mail sent to council execs and others -

Cub Scouts 2010 - Materials Availability

Development of materials to support the rollout of Cub Scouts 2010 is well under way, and we are now in a position to confirm that the leader materials and training needed to support the change in delivery method will be completed and in local council service centers between April 30 and May 7, 2010.

The resources affected include the following:

Literature:
2010-2011 Cub Scout Roundtable Guide New
Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide (printed) New
Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide (online*) New
Cub Scout Leader Book Revised
Webelos Leader Guide Revised

Training:
Fast Start Training (online) Revised
Position Specific Leader Training with CD (literature) Revised

As discussed previously, there will be a new version of Position Specific Leader Training which will be available online via the E-Learning Center at myscouting.org. This module is scheduled to be available 6/1/2010.

*The Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide will be available online in two forms: a no-fee download of individual den and pack meeting plans via www.scouting.org http://www.scouting.org/> or a for-fee purchase of the full resource via www.scoutstuff.org http://www.scoutstuff.org/> . Both versions will be accessible from scouting.org.

In addition, you will begin to see new covers on many of our other Cub Scout leader publications so that we have a unified look for the brand. New covers will start appearing for the following publications as the Supply Group needs additional inventory. Note, however, that the content remains the same - the new cover does not make the "old" version obsolete.

Cub Scout Leader How-To Book
Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program Guide
Cub Scout Ceremonies for Dens and Packs
BALOO - Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation

And finally, please note that two elective sessions have been added to the agenda of the National Annual Meeting to support Cub Scouts 2010. The electives, titled "Our Future Begins With Cub Scouts" (E-119 and E-319) are scheduled Thursday afternoon, 5/27. Please share this information within your council and encourage your staff and volunteers to take advantage of the opportunity.

Baloo's Bugle for April RTs and May's Theme, "In the Spotlight" is on line

2010-04-03T18:15:00.000-07:00

Baloo's Bugle for April RTs and May's Theme, "In the Spotlight" is on line

Check it out -
Articles by Scouter Jim and Bill Smith, the Roundtable guy.
Lots of good material from Alice in Golden Empire

Historic Merit Badges Officially Released

2010-04-01T16:08:00.000-07:00

The BSA officially released the requirements and information on the four Historic Merit Badges (Carpentry, Pathfinding, Signaling, and Tracking) today, April, 1, 2010. Scouts may work on them now, but must complete them by December 31, 2010, if they wish to use them for rank advancement.

Included in the release are copies of merit badge pamphlets (from 1927, 1928, 1940, and 1942) available for download and additional background information for Scouts working on the badges.

The US Scouting Service Project has provided information on the badges on our website, and included links to the information on BSA's site, too.

A worksheet for Carpentry is already available. We hope to have worksheets for the other badges shortly.

"Spring Into Action" Baloo's Bugle for April's Themem (March RT) is posted

2010-03-06T18:41:00.000-08:00

Baloo's Bugle for "Spring Into Action" April's Theme, March RTs is ON-LINE

Get ready to spring into action - litter pick ups, conservation, service projects and more when you set out o enjoy the warm months ahead.

Lots of hints for "Spring Into Action" - games, openings, closings, ceremonies, jokes, and more

Bill Smith, the Roundtable guy, is going strong again writing about Pinewood Derbies. As he says in Cub Scouts, "You are either a Den Leader or you support Den Leaders. No other choice."

Detailed info for Cub Scouts on earning BSA's Centennial Patch ribbons . Read it and have fun.

March Issue of Baloo's Bugle for April's Theme, "Spring into Action" is delayed

2010-02-28T18:05:00.000-08:00

The March 2010 Issue of Baloo's Bugle for April's Theme, "Spring into Action" is delayed.
Too much Scouting the last two weeks!!

If you need a copy now, e-mail me at davethecommish@gmail.com and
I will send you what is done and a few Pow Wow Book files I have not yet incorporated.

Sorry

Dave

NZ AdventureJam News on Facebook

2010-02-19T18:12:00.001-08:00

From facebook

Subject: Registrations for AdventureJam are now OPEN!

Hey - jump on to the http://www.facebook.com/l/1d6e5;AdventureJam.scouts.com.au website and download your application form for the New Zealand Jamboree and Tour! Remember to take a look at the Tour page to see what you will be up to as it is looking really good...

The application form is a PDF and if you have trouble opening it make sure your PDF reader is at the latest version. Still having trouble...send me an email: AdventureJam@scouts.com.au

Have you let your scouting mates know about your up-coming adventure? Don't forget...unless you don't want them to know about the fantastic time you will have!

Randall

Longest Pinewood Derby Track

2010-02-14T20:45:00.000-08:00

Everybody who has been in Cub Scouts or had a son in Cub Scouting has probably enjoyed the wonder of racing in a Pinewood Derby. The folks in Milwaukee are taking it to new heights literally. There will be a Pinewood Derby event just before the Milwaukee Wave game against Philadelphia at the stadium with a 200 foot long track that starts high in the stands. Game fans are being invited to bring a car to race. What a great way to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. News Story at http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/84311852.html.

BSA to be Featured Category on Jeopardy - Feb 25

2010-02-14T18:06:00.000-08:00

From BSA

The Boy Scouts of America is proud to announce that we will be a featured category on the February 25 episode of Jeopardy!.

This is a tremendous opportunity to extend our brand footprint to a nationally televised audience during our 100-year celebration.

Jeopardy! has been the top-rated television game show for several years. Having the opportunity to align our brand and movement with such a highly visible platform is strategically sound and organizationally exciting.

Be sure to stay tuned for the entire show, including the commercial breaks, because the BSA will be spotlighted during the first or second commercial break.

Brand Management would like to thank Scout Executive Jim Martin and the staff at the Golden Empire Council for supporting this effort.

Please check your local listings for stations and times in your area.
If you have questions, please contact Eric Moore at the BSA national office at eric.moore@scouting.org .

Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program

2010-02-06T13:24:00.000-08:00

We've had a chance to review the new 2009 edition of the BSA Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program Guide. In addition to a number of new academics subjects and new sports included in the program, most of the other subjects and sports have had revisions to their requirements.

We've updated our web pages to reflect the current requirements for all academics subjects and sports. The old requirements are also still available so you can see what has changed.

The Academics Program pages can be accessed at http://usscouts.org/advance/cubscout/academics.asp

The Sports Program pages can be accessed at http://usscouts.org/advance/cubscout/sports.asp

Paul Wolf

Venturing Creation Day on facebook

2010-02-04T18:03:00.000-08:00

"Celebrate Venturing Creation Day" on Tuesday, February 9 at 1:00am.

Event: Celebrate Venturing Creation Day
"Go Green - Go Venturing!"
What: Rally
Start Time: Tuesday, February 9 at 1:00am End Time: Tuesday, February 9 at 11:00pm
Where: everywhere

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=260855272769&mid=1d15d4dG4edcd0f8G18a6c0dG7

Historic Merit Badge Program on HOLD

2010-02-02T11:55:00.001-08:00

WE've gottten a note from BSA that the Historic Merit Badge program for the Centennial has been delayed. Although a notice was placed in the Scouting Magazine "Cracker Barrel" blog, it was premature. The requirements we posted were DRAFTS, and have bnot been finalized pr approved yet.

We'll be removing them from our site until BSA approves the program officially.

Paul

Baloo's Bugle for "Take Flight" March's Theme, February RTs is ON-LINE

2010-02-02T03:00:00.000-08:00

Get ready to soar into the wild, bue yonder (or at least your kites, will !!) when you "Take Flight."

Lots of hints for "Take Flight" - games, openings, closings, ceremonies, jokes, and more

Jim Jones talks about the flight of the Votager and how it bagan with model airplanes!.
Bill Smith, the Roundtable guy, is going strong again wroting about Den Leaders. As he says in Cub Scouts, "You are either a Den Leader or you support Den Leaders. No other choice."

Detailed info on Cub Scouts 2010 direct from National via a presentation at the SNJC Pow Wow by the Innovation Coordinator who is leading the way. Read it and have fun.

Baloo's Bugle for March's Theme "Take Flight," is at the Webmaster's

2010-02-01T03:15:00.000-08:00

The next issue of Baloo's Bugle is at the Webmaster's.
If you need a .pdf today, please write me at davethecommish@gmail.com

2010 Advancement Requirements Changes

2010-01-29T09:28:00.000-08:00

Last evening I completed a review of the new BOY SCOUT REQUIREMENTS 2010 booklet and uploaded information on all of the known changes to Merit Badge and Rank requirements. I also included the new definition and explanation of he procedure to be used for identifying "ACTIVE" Scouts.

Note that the stock number for the requirements booklet, which for many years was 33215x, and last year was changed to 33216, has once again changed, this time to 34765.

A summary of all of the changes can be accessed on the US Scouting Service Project web site at:

http://usscouts.org/advance/changes/advchanges10.asp

As usual, I've used color highlighting in the summary to identify exactly what wording has changed. There are links from the summary to the full requirements for each badge, both with and without highlighting, and from the new requirements to the old requirements for those still using them.

One other item of note is that BSA has clarified the positions of responsibility lists for Star/Life/Eagle to specifically include Webmaster and LNT Trainer as valid for all three ranks in any unit (Troop/Team/Crew/Ship), and that Bugler is valid for Star/Life, it is NOT an eligible position for Eagle (correcting an error in the new Handbook). They also reworded the Eagle "Scout Spirit" requirement, but that is not noted on the inside cover. And the "age requirement" for joining was clarified, but not listed as a change.

17 merit badges have changes. Of those, 5 have major changes, and the other 12 have just a few changes (some of those are really quite minor in scope or just editorial, really), and Scuba Diving is included, of course. Some of the changes bring the book into conformance with merit badge books issued in the past few years (such as Graphic Arts).

New Merit Badge pamphlets are available for 8 subjects: Communications, Computers, Fishing, Fly-Fishing, Home Repairs, Medicine, and Oceanography, plus Scuba Diving, of course.

The summary also includes what I've found as the requirements for the four "Retro" or "Historical" Merit Badges available this year. The name of one is still in question, however, as I've seen it listed as both "Signaller" and "Signaling" in different documents. The original name of Signaller was only used in 1910, and the badge was known as Signaling from 1911-1992, so either name could be the final choice. I've listed it as Signaling at this point, using the name that was used in the announcement in Scouting Magazine's Cracker Barrel blog.

If you find any errors or typos, please let me know.

Scout Uniform Day

2010-01-25T17:25:00.000-08:00

Scoutmaster Ben Dibble wrote to us with a splendid idea:

Scout Uniform Day!

February 8, 2010

The 100th Birthday of Scouting

On February 8th join us in celebrating the 100th Birthday of Scouting. On that day we would like everyone to wear their Scout uniform. Wear it to work. Wear it to school. Let us show the country how many of us are involved in Scouting.

I’m sure you know that many sports teams wear their jerseys or “shirt and tie” on game days. This is just like that. We are letting everyone know that we’re proud of our group. We do great things like Scouting for Food, charity work, and Eagle Projects.

You will be surprised at how many people will ask you about Scouting. This may be your chance to get a new member of you Den or Pack. Or perhaps some group in your community needs help, and you can direct them to your Scout Troop for a Citizenship in the Community project, or an Eagle Project.

Tell all the Scouters you know! Forward this on!

See you on Monday the 8th in your uniform!

More information on the National Venturing Event!!

2010-01-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

Amanda Vogt, former National Venturing President, wrote the following on January 16:

-------------------

The Venturing Officer Association of the Greater St. Louis Area Council is proud to announce that the Fall Fun Rally has been designated as the first National Venturing Event. The council is proud to sponsor this event and to open it up to Venturers from across the country to attend.

The Fall Fun Rally is the largest Venturing event held each year in the country. The Fall Fun Rally is in its 37th year. We have the facilities, the staff, and the experience to host several thousand Venturers for this 3-day event. In 2008 it was the Central Region’s 10th Anniversary event for Venturing. Venturers from throughout the Central Region attended. This event is centrally located in the USA.

The Fall Fun Rally is a youth lead event. The Council’s V.O.A., the 9 District V.O.As, and hundreds of other Venturers staff the event each year. Venturing is many things, but of uppermost importance is youth leadership development. Planning for the 2010 event started at last year’s event. This is the first time that a National Venturing event is being done and it is the youth of the Venturing program that are doing it. We are honored to take on this endeavor. We thank our council and the National Office for the trust they have placed in us to accomplish this unique opportunity. We hope that this will be the start of more and bigger future National Venturing Events, but today’s good news is that the first one is on the way. So let’s get excited about it!

Date: September 24-26, 2010

Location: Beaumont Scout Reservation, High Ridge, MO (Just 45 minutes SW of downtown St. Louis)

Who can attend: Venturers, Explorers, & Sea Scouts along with their adult leadership

Events from the Fall Fun Rally:

Volleyball Tournament, Tug-of-War Competitions, Rifle Range, Shotgun Range, Archery, Climbing Tower, Slacklining, Wild Caving, Mountain Men Village, Blacksmithing, , Helicopters, , Kickball, Crab Soccer, Wiffleball, Dodgeball, Hillbilly Golf & Washers, National Venturing Fencing Competition, Pool Noodle Jousting, Police & Military Demonstrations, Table Top Competitions, Dutch-oven Cooking Competitions, Skit/Talent Competition, Fear Factor Event, Horseback Riding, Adult Venturing Training, Venturing Officer Association Elections, Game/Trivia Night, Movie Night, Twister for 50, Karaoke Night, Award Show, Dance, Model Rockets, Backyard Games, Obstacle Course, Frisbee Golf, Sea Scouting Activities, Drunk Driving Simulator, All Star Sports Challenge, Crazy Building Competitions, Dunking Booth, and much more.

Check out our websites in the near future as more events are announced.
Websites: http://www.nationalventuringevent.org http://www.fallfunrally.org

Join our National Venturing Event Facebook Group to keep yourself informed:
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=207652002378&ref=ts

Mark your Crew’s calendar now to attend the first National Venturing Event. Registration and leader’s information will be posted and updated through the website. Cost is just $15 for the weekend and will include an event t-shirt. We look forward to welcoming you to St. Louis and the Fall Fun Rally.

Andrea Lane, Greater St. Louis Area Council V.O.A.
Vice-President of Program and Youth Chairperson for the Fall Fun Rally

Amanda Vogt, Greater St. Louis Area Council V.O.A. President
2008-2009 National Venturing President

Matthew McGroarty, 2009-2010 National Venturing President

-----------------
If you're a Venturing youth or adult member, or a Sea Scouting youth or adult member, this is one event you really shouldn't miss out on!!

Settummanque!

Historical merit badges help Boy Scouts celebrate Scouting’s past

2010-01-12T15:09:00.000-08:00

BSA Announced today, via the Scouting Magazine Blog at http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org that in honor of the BSA’s 100th Anniversary, today’s generation of Scouts will get the unique opportunity to experience some of the activities their predecessors enjoyed. That’s possible thanks to the BSA’s new Historical Merit Badge Program, a set of four discontinued merit badges that today’s Scouts can earn.

Boys can earn any or all of these merit badges:

Signaling

First offered in 1910 (as Signaller merit badge) and discontinued in 1992.

Tracking

First offered in 1911 (as Stalker merit badge) and discontinued in 1952.

Pathfinding

First offered in 1911 and discontinued in 1952.

Carpentry

First offered in 1911 and discontinued in 1952.

The US Scouting Service Project has posted the requirements for these badges and Scouts can start working on them NOW.

The basics of the 2010 Historical Merit Badge program include:

The merit badges will closely resemble the original designs of the merit badges with the exception of the borders. The borders will be embroidered with a shiny gold thread that will be immediately identifiable as a 2010 Historical Merit Badge.
The original merit badge requirements will be used wherever possible. Exceptions will be made when current safety or social standards dictate. Adaptations can also be made for special needs Scouts.
The merit badges will count for towards a boy’s rank advancement.
Work on the badges is not to commence prior to January 1, 2010 and is to be finished no later than December 31, 2010.
The Supply Division will not create or reprint pamphlets for the merit badges. Any and all material will be posted to a special section of the 100th Anniversary web site that can be accessed by the interested boys and their merit badge counselors.

More Central Region Venturing on 2010 Event and facebook

2010-01-11T20:28:00.000-08:00

Subject: Info on the Jan 15 National Venturing event announcement

We are very excited about the National Venturing event and it has generated a lot of membership for our regional Facebook group. While we use it rarely at the region level, one nice feature for groups is being able to message all members. However, once a group goes over 5000 members, the messaging feature is no longer available (Facebook rules).

The Central Region Venturing group is quickly approaching the 5000 membership threshold. If you are in the Central Region and would like to receive announcements about the National Venturing event and other important Venturing news, it is very important that you join your appropriate Area and Council Venturing Facebook groups as well.

Because of the facebook limit, the message will be sent out to all members of CRV AREA Venturing Facebook groups, arriving in your fb Inboxes and email if your account settings permit it. If you do not join your Area group, you will need to look on the Central Region Venturing facebook group wall for the National Venturing event announcement on Jan 15.

Here are the Area Venturing Facebook group URLs:
Area 1 Venturing Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=18910637702 (Bay-Lakes, Central Minnesota, Chippewa Valley, Gamehaven, Gateway Area, Northeast Iowa, Northern Lights, Northern Star, Samoset, Sioux, Twin Valley, Voyageurs Area, Winnebago Councils)

Area 2 Venturing Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=47322620098 (Blue Water, Chief Okemos, Erie Shores, Gerald R. Ford, Great Sauk Trail, Great Lakes, Hiawathaland, Lake Huron Area, Scenic Trails, Southwest Michigan, Tall Pine Councils)

Area 3 Venturing Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=17279505847 (Abraham Lincoln, Glaciers Edge, Greater St. Louis, Hawkeye Area, Illowa, Lewis & Clark, Milwaukee County, Mississippi Valley, Northeast Iowa, Potawatomi Area, Southeast Wisconsin, W.D. Boyce Councils)

Area 4 Venturing Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=28066577816 (Allohak, Buckeye, Buckskin, Great Trail, Greater Cleveland, Grtr. Western Reserve, Heart of Ohio, Miami Valley, Mountaineer Area, Muskingum Valley, Ohio River Valley, Simon Kenton, Tri-State Area Councils)

Area 5 Venturing Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=13021927491 (Cornhusker, Coronado Area, Great Rivers, Heart of America, Jayhawk Area, Mid-America, Mid-Iowa, Overland Trails, Ozark Trails, Pony Express, Quivira, Santa Fe Trail Councils)

Area 6 Venturing Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=59251792261 (Anthony Wayne Area, Black Swamp Area, Buffalo Trace, Crossroads of America, Dan Beard, Hoosier Trails, LaSalle, Lincoln Trails, Miami Valley, Prairielands, Sagamore, Tecumseh Councils)

Area 7 Venturing Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=61314387639 (Blackhawk Area, Calumet, Chicago Area, Des Plaines Valley, Northeast Illinois, Northwest Suburban, Rainbow, Three Fires Councils)

We still encourage you to continue inviting your friends to the Central Region group & have it continue to be one of the largest Scouting groups on Facebook.

Finally, don't forget to check out http://www.facebook.com/l/90a0d;www.crventuring.org for all of the latest news and resources for Venturing!

YIV,
the Central Region Venturing committee

Scouting for Food on facebook

2010-01-11T17:59:00.000-08:00

Become a fan of Scouting for Food at

http://www.facebook.com/n/?ScoutingForFood&mid=1b5b841G4edcd0f8G170d82cG4c

National Venturing Event 2010 on facebook

2010-01-11T17:58:00.000-08:00

There will be a National Venturing Event in 2010!! Please join, join your regional section, Stay tuned and also click here http://www.facebook.com/l/4e7a2;www.nationalventuringevent.org

Southern Region Venturing

2010-01-11T17:57:00.001-08:00

January 15th at 6:00pm CST, on this Facebook Group (Southern Region Venturing) will be announced the information on the first ever National Venturing Event. Please join our group and invite all your friends to join so that they will be the first to know.”".

To see more details and confirm this group invitation, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?group.php&gid=2226316891&mid=1b31fdbG4edcd0f8G16e8674G6

Central Region Venturing - 2010 National Venturing Event

2010-01-11T17:54:00.000-08:00

Amanda Vogt sent a message to the members of Central Region Venturing.

--------------------
Subject: First Ever National Venturing Event Announcement

That’s right. The National Office of the Boy Scouts of America has granted approval for a large council to host the first ever National Venturing Event in conjunction with the 100th Anniversary year. It will happen in 2010! The official announcement of the event will be made on the internet and this group is one of just a few groups that has been selected for the announcement. The date of the announcement will be January 15, 2010 at 6:00pm CST. We need to get this information to as many people as possible.

This is where we need your help. We need to grow this group as large as possible in just a few days. Some people don’t believe that we can pull this off, but we can with your help. We need you to invite all your Facebook friends (both youth and adults) to join this group. They do not have to be a Venturer to become a member of this group. The purpose of this group is to promote Venturing to everyone.

Here is what we need each member of this group to do:
1. Go to the Central Region Venturing Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?=599627843&gv=4#/group.php?gid=2292491801

2. Click on the “Invite People to Join” link on the upper left hand column under the group photo

3. Invite every single friend you have on Facebook to join this group. We mean every single person whether they are involved in Scouting or not.

4. Paste the following message into the personal message spot when you are inviting them:
“January 15th at 6:00pm CST, on this Facebook Group will be announced the information on the first ever National Venturing Event. Please join our group and invite all your friends to join so that they will be the first to know.”

5. Click the send invitations button, and sit back and watch the number of group members grow.

6. Check back with this group on January 15th, 2010 at 6:00pm CST for information on the National Venturing Event.

Some people reading this message are probably confused right now as to just what is Venturing, so let us help you out:

Venturing is the high school/college age co-ed program of the Boy Scouts of America for young adults ages 14-20. Most units focus on high adventure activities, but other units range from specialties such as religious life, search and rescue units, theater groups, sport teams, and many more unique emphasis areas. The program features its own system of recognitions and awards that can be earned, but the main emphasis of the program is to learn life skills and leadership skills while having a blast doing activities you want to do. The idea is that this program can be anything you want it to be, because the youth are responsible for planning and leading the activities. There are units that spend a week in the summer mountain biking, hiking, white water rafting, scuba diving, climbing, canoeing, and much more. Or a unit might spend a week going to every theme park they can on the East Coast. Venturing is what you make of it.

If you are not involved in this program and would like more information on what it is about, visit the following website: http://www.facebook.com/l/1d17f;www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Venturing.aspx

The countdown to the announcement: http://www.facebook.com/l/1d17f;www.nationalventuringevent.org

Please be part of making this upcoming announcement an exciting event in and of itself. And then come join us as we continue to work towards the success of the Venturing program.

Yours in Venturing,
Amanda Vogt
2008-2009 National Venturing President

Matthew McGroarty
2009-2010 National Venturing President

P.S.: If you are an Administrator on another Venturing Facebook Group, please feel free to send this message and future messages to the members of your Venturing Facebook Group. Just change the information to your group’s link to help grow your group
--------------------

To reply to this message, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?inbox%2Freadmessage.php&t=1114591404746&mid=1b1dabdG4edcd0f8G16d7423G0

National Venturing Event in 2010

2010-01-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

Hey folks!! I'm forwarding an EXCITING event announcment which the National Venturing Cabinet needs our assistance. As you'll read, this does NOT just pertain to Venturing -- they really need the help from ALL of us in Scouting as well as parents and supporters of Scouting in the United States!!

The National Office of the Boy Scouts of America has granted approval for a large council to host the first ever National Venturing Event in conjunction with the 100th Anniversary year. It will happen in 2010! The official announcement of the event will be made on the internet and this group is one of just a few groups that has been selected for the announcement. The date of the announcement will be January 15, 2010 at 6:00pm CST. We need to get this information to as many people as possible.

This is where we need your help. We need to grow this group as large as possible in just a few days. Some people don’t believe that we can pull this off, but we can with your help. We need you to invite all your Facebook friends (both youth and adults) to join this group. They do not have to be a Venturer to become a member of this group. The purpose of this group is to promote Venturing to everyone.

Here is what we need each member of this group to do:
1. Go to the Central Region Venturing Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?=599627843&gv=4#/group.php?gid=2292491801

2. Click on the “Invite People to Join” link on the upper left hand column under the group photo

3. Invite every single friend you have on Facebook to join this group. We mean every single person whether they are involved in Scouting or not.

4. Paste the following message into the personal message spot when you are inviting them:

“January 15th at 6:00pm CST, on this Facebook Group will be announced the information on the first ever National Venturing Event. Please join our group and invite all your friends to join so that they will be the first to know.”

5. Click the send invitations button, and sit back and watch the number of group members grow.

6. Check back with this group on January 15th, 2010 at 6:00pm CST for information on the National Venturing Event.

Some people reading this message are probably confused right now as to just what is Venturing, so let us help you out:

Venturing is the high school/college age co-ed program of the Boy Scouts of America for young adults ages 14-20. Most units focus on high adventure activities, but other units range from specialties such as religious life, search and rescue units, theater groups, sport teams, and many more unique emphasis areas. The program features its own system of recognitions and awards that can be earned, but the main emphasis of the program is to learn life skills and leadership skills while having a blast doing activities you want to do. The idea is that this program can be anything you want it to be, because the youth are responsible for planning and leading the activities. There are units that spend a week in the summer mountain biking, hiking, white water rafting, scuba diving, climbing, canoeing, and much more. Or a unit might spend a week going to every theme park they can on the East Coast. Venturing is what you make of it.

If you are not involved in this program and would like more information on what it is about, visit the following website: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Venturing.aspx

The countdown to the announcement: http://www.nationalventuringevent.org

Please be part of making this upcoming announcement an exciting event in and of itself. And then come join us as we continue to work towards the success of the Venturing program.

Yours in Venturing,

Amanda Vogt
2008-2009 National Venturing President

Matthew McGroarty
2009-2010 National Venturing President

1964 Photos and Patches

2010-01-06T19:10:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of Chief Wayne Johnson, we now have a wonderful collection of more than 80 photographs from the 1964 National Jamboree at Valley Forge, PA and scans of all of the twelve regional Scouting patches from 1964. Take a stroll down Scouting's memory lane:

1964 Jamboree Photographs

1964 Regional Patches

Another correction to Video Games

2010-01-01T08:41:00.000-08:00

It now appears that Scoutstuff.org has the Video Games Loop and Pin categorized incorrectly, as both Scouting.org and the new edition of Scouting Magazine both list Video Games as an Academics subject, not a Sport. I've reversed the revisions I made a few days ago, and have re-identified the loop and pin under the Cub Scout Academics area.

Oh, Well!

Correction to new Cub Scout Sports and Academics Loops and Pins

2009-12-26T15:25:00.000-08:00

The new belt loops and pins are now available from Scoutstuff.org (National Supply).

Video Games is listed as a SPORT, not an Academics subject as previously reported, based on the listing on that web site.

I've updated our site accordingly, and added color images of all the new belt loops (except Reading & Writing, which wasn't available to download).

Merit Badge Counselor Database for Districts and Councils.

2009-12-24T20:40:00.001-08:00

James Eager has supplied the USSSP with a new version of his Merit Badge Counselor Data Base. This is a ZIP file (approx 100 KB each), he developed for the Thunderbird District, Gulf Ridge Council, containing 3 files: (1) An empty Access Data Base, (2) An rtf file with instructions, and (3) a pdf file of the instructions (the rtf and pdf files contain the exact same information). The RTF file can be opened by most word processing programs, like MSWord, WordPerfect, etc. The database is for tracking Merit Badge counselors within a District.

Anyone wishing to use this program will need a copy of any version of Microsoft Access from version 97 onwards. Note that there are two different versions of the database available for download. The original version works with Access 97, Access 2000, or Access 2002, while the new version works with Access 2003 or Access 2007.

Download this version if you are going to use Access 97, Access 2000, or Access 2002

Download this version if you are going to use Access 2003 or Access 2007

Cub Scout Sports and Acadenics Belt Loops and Pins

2009-12-24T20:35:00.001-08:00

BSA has released the official requirements for the 13 new academics and sports belt loops and pins. We've updated our pages to reflect the changes, since our earlier posts had requirements based on earlier drafts. The 2009 Printing of the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program Guide (34299) should be available in February, according to our sources at BSA.

Holiday Greetings and 2010 Challenge

2009-12-19T13:10:00.000-08:00

Hi Scouters, parents of Scouts, Ventures and Sea Scouts, and friends of American Scouting! I bring you warm Holiday greetings on behalf of the team here at the U.S. Scouting Service Project, Inc.

I wanted to take a few lines and ask each of you to assist us and more importantly the Boy Scouts of America as they enter into the 100th year of service to youth. Officially the BSA will become 100 years young in Feburary of next year. Unofficially, Scouting in America either started with the organization of a British Boy Scout Troop in the United States outside of Bartlesville, Oklahoma or as part of a YMCA program in Burnside, Kentucky in 1908.

The challenge is not in celebrating our heritage, our spirit, our service. That is easy to do and many of the BSA's local Councils, including the one where I am posting to all of you from here in Europe, will be doing so in some grand manner this coming year. There is something more important, however, which local Councils and their volunteer and professional staffs cannot do solely by themselves -- it is too large of a task for them to do alone.

I ask each of you to share the importance -- the relevance -- of Scouting to your friends, your co-workers, your communities during 2010. Many communities have simply forgotten the value of the Scouting program in the United States. Over the last 100 years, we have provided a quality set of programs which developed and created leaders with strong personal character, civic spirit and strong mental and physical abilities. Many of our high schools have been been led in the classroom and on the sports fields by Scouts -- First Class, Star, Life and Eagle Scouts. Our businesses, industries, and governmental bodies were led and are being led today by Scouting graduates. Some, more famous alumni became national figures in law, government, sciences, medicine, and the arts. Others, less famous and perhaps not even Eagle Scouts -- have strong and pleasant memories of their youth as Scouts, Explorers, Rovers, Sea Explorers, or just knowing friends who were part of Scouting. These men are contributing to our economy, our way of life, "the way we roll today".

It will become VERY IMPORTANT for you and me and everyone else involved in Scouting at any level to please tell the Scouting story -- YOUR Scouting story -- and share it with the world.

Whether you are a parent of a Scout; a longtime Scouter like myself with lots of great memories of Scouting; a former Girl Scout; or a youth member of one of the BSA's programs of ANY rank -- we do need you to tell YOUR Scouting story to the public! We need you to share how important -- how relevant -- Scouting is today with your friends, those you work with and where you live!

As we move forward with additional ways to bring Scouting information and resources to all of you, the USSSP thanks you for using our vast family of websites and their content to assist you. With your help, we have pledged to continue this Project well into the next century of service to our nation -- and it's youth!

Happy Holidays to you and your families and may the New Year bring a wealth of great positive to you, our Scouting programs, and to our nation!

Settummanque!

Mike Walton
Board member
U.S. Scouting Service Project, Inc.

Scouting Takes to the Road!

2009-12-18T19:17:00.001-08:00

Whether it is 300 Eagle Scouts marching in the Tournament of Roses Parade or the impressive mobile Adventure Base 100 that will visit 40 locations nationwide, Scouting is taking to the road to show its stuff. For the full story, check out the BSA press release:

Boy Scouts of America Launch 100th Year With Scouting Experience of a Lifetime

When you watch the Tournament of Roses Parade - watch for the BSA Float surrounded by 300 Eagle Scouts!

Get the schedule for Adventure Base 100 and see when it will be in a location near you.

You can also check out 100 Years of BSA History (link updated) to get some amazing stats about the history of BSA.

BSA Coin Announced by US Mint

2009-12-18T19:05:00.000-08:00

The United States Mint has announced that it will issue a commemorative coin honoring the first 100 years of Boy Scouts of America. 350,000 of these silver dollar coins will be issued.

More information about this coin can be found at The United States Mint web site. At the time this note was posted, the coin was not yet available for purchase. Check back at the Mint web site to keep tabs on this one.

Ask Andy Dec 13 Column

2009-12-13T20:26:00.000-08:00

Read the latest Ask Andy column at http://netcommish.com/askandy198.asp and find the answer to this and other questions:

Our troop’s having a disagreement about Totin’ Chip and Firem'n Chit patches. I’ve always though that these were like merit badges, that the card and the patch go together. Others feel it should be just the card. Who’s right? Do most troops give them both, or is just the card normally given?

100th Anniversary Rally Reminder

2009-12-08T20:47:00.000-08:00

From BSA:

One final reminder about the audiocast rally this Thursday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m. Central. Thanks to the ten-of-thousands who have signed-up already. We want this to be the largest virtual gathering in BSA history. We hope you will join us!

Not yet registered? Here are three things you'll NOT want to miss:

Hear about plans for the 100th Anniversary celebration and how to become involved.
THIS JUST IN! Get a sneak-peak preview of the BSA's new high-energy, high-adventure recruitment film for the Adventure Base 100 tour.
Become eligible for some very special prize drawings, including two tickets to Gala Twenty-Ten in Washington, D.C. (along with a one night's stay at a D.C. hotel).

To participate, you don't have to go any further than your own computer. Just register and then listen-in at http://audiocast.scouting.org.

If you have a previously scheduled, Scout meeting at the audiocast time, consider making the rally part of the meeting agenda. Tune in as a group (but register as individuals to be eligible for prizes)!

"See" you on December 10!

Revised Edition - Baloo's Bugle for Power Up (Jan Theme, Dec RT)

2009-12-05T19:14:00.000-08:00

A change was made to the list of new Belt Loops and Pins for CS Sports and Academics and

Alice's stuff is there now. Be sure to read her popcorn activity. It is really great!!!!!!!!!!

Plus as I said before -

Lots of hints for Power Up - games, openings, closings, ceremonies, jokes, and more
Ideas are technical and physical to help our Cubs power themselves up
Jim Jones talks about Training and Little Blue Box of Energy.
Bill Smith, the Roundtable guy, returns and writes about the Cub Scout Program
Have your Scouts do their Good Turn for America
Do your Blue & Gold Vegas Style -The Pack Admin hints article is from their Pow Wow CD
Activities for Webelos Fitness and Scientist

Link to National's website section on Cub Scouts 2010 -Read it and have fun.

Ask Andy - Dec. 2, 2009 Column

2009-12-02T18:54:00.000-08:00

What do we do with a Scout who can’t or won’t pass the First Class swimming test? He’s a good Scout, but how do I give him First Class rank? The swimming test is the only thing holding him back. His mother and I have tried every thing we know, but he just won’t take the test. (Scoutmaster, French Creek Council, PA)

See what Andy has to say - read the answer at:

http://netcommish.com/AskAndy197.asp

Advancement and Awards news of note - corrections

2009-12-02T18:36:00.001-08:00

We just made a few corrections and updates to the blog item posted last week.

The new Belt Loop and pin list was corrected to indicate the "Abilities Awareness" loop and pin will actually be named "Disabilities Awareness". The new name is in line with what the belt loop and pin really are and is also the accepted industry standard. The original name was what had been listed in the Insignia Guide last year.

We also updated information on four new Merit Badges that will appear during 2010.

Cub Scouting Program Gears Up - Changes in 2010

2009-12-02T18:29:00.001-08:00

2010 will see the biggest change to Cub Scouting since the introduction of Program Helps in the 50s – a new way of delivering the Cub Scout program that is handbook based, builds leader confidence (especially new ones), leverages the boy’s fun with advancement activities and has demonstrated improved retention.

All the current information is available at www.scouting.org/cubscouts2010.

100th Anniversary Rally - Prizes

2009-12-02T18:24:00.000-08:00

More information about the exciting 100th Anniversary Rally arrived today thanks to Julie Bulthaus.

Big news about the Dec. 10 BSA virtual 100th Anniversary rally!

During this rally by audiocast, BSA will get folks pumped up and energized for the 100th Anniversary celebration ... and will be giving away three once-in-a-lifetime prizes: two tickets and hotel accommodations to attend Gala Twenty-Ten (a special event in Washington, D.C. on February 9, 2010); a signed, limited edition Joseph Csatari 100th Anniversary print; and a limited edition U.S. Mint commemorative silver dollar honoring BSA's 100 years.

T0 BE ELIGIBLE, YOU MUST BE REGISTERED AND ONLINE DURING THE DEC. 10th VIRTUAL RALLY AUDIOCAST. VISIT HTTP://AUDIOCAST.SCOUTING.ORG.

Be part of BSA history. And, help spread the word!

100 Years of Scouting in Video

2009-11-30T17:29:00.000-08:00

Scoutstuff.org has a wonderful series of four YouTube videos that capture a century of Scouting in the United States. The fully narrated series of videos is awesome. To view these videos visit
http://www.scoutstuff.org/bsasupply/info.aspx?page=video.

If you like the video, you may also want to think about getting Boy Scouts of America: A Centennial History Book for yourself or giving it as a holiday gift. Great way to support Scouting!

Advancement and Awards news of note

2009-11-29T20:21:00.000-08:00

We've added a few new items in the past few days which may be of interest to Scouts and Scouters:

Awards -- see http://usscouts.org/awards.asp for these items:

We now have information and the requirements for the "2010 - A Year of Celebration" awards.

Unit Leader's Award of Merit - A new award has been developed which replaces the old Scoutmaster's AoM, Varsity Coach's AoM, and Venturing Advisor's AoM, and which is now also available to Cubmasters. The award includes a new square knot (design as yet unknown) and gold bordered position patches.

We've posted some revisions and corrections to the Philmont Training Center Masters Knot, including an image of the PTC device which goes to recipients for the third level award.

Advancements - see http://usscouts.org/advancementTOC.asp for these items:

13 new Cub Scout Belt Loops and Pins (8 Academics and 5 sports) are now being released. The new awards should be in the shops any day now, and the new guide in January, but we've found and posted copies of what we understand to be the proposed requirements. Until the new Guide is available, these requirements are not official, of course.

The new Academics subjects are:

Disabilities Awareness (originally discussed as "Abilities Awareness")
Family Travel
Good Manners
Nutrition
Pet Care
Photography
Reading and Writing
Video Games

The new Sports are:

Hiking
Hockey
Horseback Riding
Kickball
Skateboarding

Scuba Diving Merit Badge is official as of Tuesday, December 1, 2009.

Four other new merit badges will appear over the course of the coming year:

Inventing (First quarter 2010)
Geocaching (Second quarter 2010)
Scouting Heritage (Second quarter 2010)
Robotics (Fourth quarter 2010)

The Geocaching badge is obviously the GIS\GPS badge that had been rumored over the last year or so.

Nothing on any merit badges being dropped. Of course, come January, we'll have to wait until the new Boy Scout Requirements booklet comes out to see what else changes, including any clarifications on the new rank requirements in the new Handbook.

Holiday Mail for Heroes

2009-11-29T19:35:00.001-08:00

During the next week you can do a good turn for service members by sending a holiday card to

Holiday Mail For Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

All cards must be received no later than Monday, December 7th. Cards received after this date will unfortunately be returned to the sender. This deadline ensures enough time to sort and distribute cards before the holidays. For more details visit http://redcrosschat.org/2009/10/27/holiday-mail-for-heroes-2/

BSA Nationwide 100th Anniversary Kick-Off Rally

2009-11-29T19:20:00.000-08:00

BSA has sent the following announcement about its 100th Anniversary Kick-Off:

-------------------------------------

Join Our Nationwide 100th Anniversary Kick-Off Rally!

Just one month to go!

The year we celebrate our centennial and begin our next century of service.

One of the most exciting moments in our history.

To jump start the celebration, we're bringing together Scouting enthusiasts from coast-to-coast for a nationwide 100th Anniversary Kick-Off Rally. Hosted by AT&T CEO and Chairman and 100th Anniversary Chair Randall Stephenson, National President John Gottschalk, National Commissioner Tico Perez, and me, Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca, we'll recognize your important role and the difference you make - everyday. Through this live audiocast, we'll share important information about how you can be part of the 100th Anniversary. We'll also answer some of your questions (submitted in advance through the link below). Our goal is to rally more than a quarter of a million Scouting enthusiasts - the largest single gathering of its kind in BSA history.

What: 100th Anniversary Kick-Off Audiocast Rally

Date: Thursday, December 10, 2009

Time:
8:00 - 8:30 p.m. Eastern
7:00 - 7:30 p.m. Central
6:00 - 6:30 p.m. Mountain
5:00 - 5:30 p.m. Pacific

How: RSVP by clicking on "100th Anniversary Kick-Off Rally" at http://audiocast.scouting.org. That's also where you'll find the link to the audiocast on December 10th.

You are the reason this great movement works - the passionate supporters and boots on the ground serving youth across America. The 100th Anniversary celebration is meant to inspire, excite, and engage the entire Scouting family. Join us as we embark upon this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Save the date! And, tune in on December 10th.

Baloo's Bugle for January's Theme, "Power UP," and December's RTs is on line

2009-11-29T16:50:00.000-08:00

Lots of hints for Power Up - games, openings, closings, ceremonies, jokes, and more
Ideas are technical and physical to help our Cubs power themselves up

Jim Jones talks about Training and Little blue Box of Energy.

Bill Smith, the Roundtable guy, returns and writes about the Cub Scout Program

Have your Scouts do their Good Turn for America

Do your Blue & Gold Vegas Style -
The Pack Admin hints rticle is from their Pow Wow CD

Activities for Webelos Fitness and Scientist

Link to National's website section on Cub Scouts 2010 -

Read it and have fun.

As Dave in California wrote me, "I was named Cubmaster of the year but I am just an ordinary guy with a copy of Baloo's Bugle under my arm."

The Summit: Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve

2009-11-25T19:51:00.001-08:00

BSA has announced the approved site for a new Eastern High Adventure Center in the New River Gorge area near Bechtel, West Virginia, to be named The Summit: Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve. The over 10,000 acre site will also serve, beginning in 2013, as the permanent home of the quadrennial National Boy Scout Jamborees.

Through the efforts of a Scouter active on the meritbadge.net web site, which complements the US Scouting Service Project sites, we've obtained and posted some images of the site.

An aerial photo (apparently derived from Google Earth) of the area, showing an outline of the site at http://usscouts.org/images/New-Jambo-Site-Photo.jpg

A topographic map (composite of USGS quads) of the area, also showing an outline of the site at http://usscouts.org/images/New-Jambo-Site-Topo.jpg

and a very preliminary site plan of the site, showing general plans for the various facilities which will be developed to support the high adventure center and Jamborees, at http://usscouts.org/images/New-Jambo-Site-Map.jpg

Baloo's Bugle for November's RTs and December's Theme, "Works of Art," is on-line

2009-11-01T14:06:00.000-08:00

Lots of hints for Works of Art - games, openings, closings, ceremonies, jokes, and more
Items for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, too

Ways to have your Cubs display their talent
and
Suggestions to connect the core value of Faith to the theme, Works of Art.
Check out the back page for one of God's works of art.

Jim Jones talks about God;s masterpiece.

Have your Scouts earn the Art Loop and Pin - see Special Opportunity
(Also, Boys' Life Reading Contest - last chance for 2009)

Activities for Webelos Craftsman and Scientist

Link to National's website section on Cub Scouts 2010 -

Read it and have fun.

As Dave in California wrote me, "I was named Cubmaster of the year but I am just an ordinary guy with a copy of Baloo's Bugle under my arm."

Baloo's Bugle for November's Theme, Cub Scout Salute," is on-line and ready for October RTs

2009-10-01T19:06:00.000-07:00

Lots of hints for Cub Scout Salute - games, openings, closings, ceremonies, jokes, and more
Info for Veteran's day and Thanksgiving, too

Ways to honor all your everyday heroes and

Invite some local Police or Fire Fighters or members of the military -
Make your November Pack Meeting a time of recognition of others.

Bill Smith, the RT Guy, checks in with his opinion on Cub Scouts - 2010

Jim Jones talks about "The First Salute," a touching story.

Have your Scouts earn the Emergency Preparedness Award - see Special Opportunity
(Also, Boys' Life Reading Contest)

Activities for Webelos Craftsman and Readyman

Link to National's website section on Cub Scouts 2010 -

Read it and have fun.

As Dave in California wrote me, "I was named Cubmaster of the year but I am just an ordinary guy with a copy of Baloo's Bugle under my arm."

Ask Andy

2009-09-29T11:47:00.000-07:00

New column! September 28th is now up and online! Some new questions, some variations on old themes. Enjoy! Andy

Scouting Movie - 759: Boy Scouts of Harlem

2009-09-28T19:59:00.000-07:00

The following invitation was shared on Scouts-L. We are presenting it here for broader distribution.

Hello everyone,

Some of you are aware of the documentary called "759: Boy Scouts of Harlem." I would like to invite you to a special screening coming up on October 8th. I understand that only a few of you are in the DC area--but please feel free to forward this message to anyone who you think might be interested. The event is free but you have to RSVP.

Thanks very much,

Justin Szlasa

INVITATION TO A SPECIAL CAPITOL HILL SCREENING

Sponsored by Senators Jeff Sessions and Senator Ben Nelson

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

5:30 PM sharp

Capitol Hill Visitor’s Center

Congressional Auditorium - CVC 200

Enter on First Street & E. Capitol Street and allow time to clear security

You are invited to attend the Washington, DC premiere of the film 759:
Boy Scouts of Harlem to celebrate Scouting and its contribution to American values. The screening is sponsored by Senator Jeff Sessions and Senator Ben Nelson. Members of Troop 759 and local and national Scouting representatives will be present and a Q&A with the filmmakers will follow the screening.

Please come to this exciting DC premiere of the film. The event is free but you’ll have to RSVP at dcscreening@gmail.com or call Justin Szlasa at 917.355.9895.

This is an open invitation so please forward it to friends, colleagues or Scouters who you think might be interested to attend.

ABOUT THE FILM

The film follows Boy Scout Troop 759, a Troop located in Harlem, NY, and eleven-year-old scout Keith Dozier who takes his first trip to a Scout summer camp. The film shows, in a fun way, how Scouting can transcend geography, age, race and economics to teach practical skills and build character among America’s youth. It is the first major documentary ever made about a Boy Scout Troop and celebrates Scouting’s contribution to America in one of America’s most iconic neighborhoods. The film is warm, tender, funny and upbeat. You can learn more about the film and watch the trailer at www.harlemscouts.com.

ABOUT THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

The Boy Scouts of America is the largest youth scouting organization in the United States and will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2010. Since 1910, more than 111,000,000 people have been members of the Boy Scouts of America, including over 215 currently serving Members of Congress and Senators. In 1916, Congress granted the Boy Scouts of America a Federal charter.

Justin Szlasa
director/producer
759: Boy Scouts of Harlem
917.355.9895
justin@harlemscouts.com

watch the trailer and join the emailing list at www.harlemscouts.com

Baloo's Bugle for October's Theme, Jungle Safari," is on-line an dready for Septemver RTs

2009-09-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

Lots of hints for Jungle Safari - games, openings, closings, ceremonies, jokes, and more
Have everyone make rainsticks!!!
Plenty of material for this traditional theme
Make your October Pack Meeting really "SOCKO" or "BOFFO"

Bill Smith, the RT Guy, writes about Promises we make and must keep

Jim Jones talks about being safe in our modern "jungle" - the world

Have your Scouts earn the recruiter patch - see Special Opportunity
(Also, Boys' Life Reading Contest)

Activities for Webelos Showman & Citizen

Limk to National's website section on Cub Scouts 2010 -

Read it and have fun.

As Dave in California wrote me, "I was named Cubmaster of the year but I am just an ordinary guy with a copy of Baloo's Bugle under my arm."

Scout Museum to Celebrate 100th Anniversary of Scouting

2009-08-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

The Ottawa Scouting Museum, in Ottawa, Illinois, the home of Founder W. D. Boyce is preparing for a huge celebration to take place in Ottawa June 10-13, 2010. For details visit http://ottawascoutingmuseum.org or send an email to Mollie Perrot, the museum's Executive Director at scouter07@hotmail.co m. Mollie writes:

"We will be doing a variety of activities suitable for everyone. This event is open to anyone who wants to attend, so scouters can bring their families. We will be having an old fashioned soap box derby (wood construction, etc.), a Kid Kars Derby (like a Pinewood Derby), climbing wall, rapeling tower, zip line, Merit Badge Midway, trading cards, crafts, games, etc. "

Lions Club Community Service Awards Knot

2009-08-23T07:29:00.000-07:00

One of our readers, Marty Val Hill, shared the following with us:

I met a Scouter in San Antonio last week who told me the Lions Club and BSA finally established an Award for Lions Club members who wanted to earn the BSA Community Service Awards knot. I asked him to send me the link to their requirements and I have included it below.

This is a brand new award (only five awarded to date). Please forward this email as widely as you think would be beneficial.

The award requirements are online at: http://www.lionsclubscoutingserviceaward.com/

Award Requirements
General Information Sheet
1.	Must be a Lion in good standing with his/her local club, be a current registered Lion for five years and be nominated by the current president of a local Lions Club and/or District Governor.
2.	Be registered in a Scouting position at a Unit, District or Council level for a combination of five years;
3.	Be fully trained in his/her scouting positions and his/her Lions Club/district leadership positions;
4.	Have strengthened the relationship between local Lions Clubs and Scouting;
5.	Assisted Lions Clubs in forming new scouting units: and
6.	Exemplifies the BSA/Girl Scout Laws and Lions Motto.

Spirit of Adventure by Alvin Townley

2009-08-17T17:48:00.000-07:00

Alvin Townley's book Spirit of Adventure is a refreshing read that validates the values of Scouting and a book that ought to be in your Scouting library. Too often we hear about all the things gone wrong in the world around us. This book recounts many stories about what is right and good, sharing the lives and adventures of young men who share the distinction of being Eagle Scouts. The book is available from the author's website - http://www.alvintownley.com/ and major booksellers.

Mike - The NetCommish

From the press release:

The book highlights a new generation of Americans: Eagle Scouts in their 20s and 30s who are shaping our future by leading lives marked by service, perseverance, adventure, and purpose. Olympic athletes, Iraq veterans, CBS “Survivor” contestants, refugees from Sudan, and inner-city teachers – Townley captured these and other diverse stories in a round-the-world journey that became an adventure in itself.

“Spirit of Adventure shows the world how this rising generation is shaping the future in its own distinct way,” said author Alvin Townley, 33. “This book highlights young Americans who have chosen to live great adventures that have a noble purpose. In many cases, I found that Scouting has shaped their lives in dramatic ways. At home and abroad, this new generation is starting to inherit the reins of leadership and we’re being driven by a sense of purpose to make the world a better place. These stories point to a new hope and a bright future for America.”

Townley interviewed fellow Eagle Scouts who are now Navy SEALS, doctors in Afghanistan, Peace Corps volunteers in Africa, a coral reef biologist, and an NFL Super Bowl starter, among many others. To meet these young men, Townley traveled the globe, diving in Australia, surfing in Hawaii, rock climbing in Nevada, visiting students in America’s inner cities, venturing into Africa, and cruising home aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. He discovered an inspiring yet untold story of service, courage, and pure excitement that introduces America to its next generation of leaders.

NFL and Super Bowl MVP Peyton Manning commented, “Alvin Townley showcases the spirit of our young generation. Like so many of us, these Eagle Scouts are out there pushing limits, exploring new possibilities, and serving other people. Spirit of Adventure tells a compelling story about a new generation and America's future.”

Snapshots

1) Two cousins fled Sudan at age twelve and arrived in a violent Nebraska housing project. “Only three people were brave enough to come into our apartments,” one said. “The police, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and our Scoutmaster.” Scouting changed their lives forever, and now they are changing life for thousands in their native East Africa by drilling wells that provide villages with clean water.

2) Against all odds, twin brothers from a poor neighborhood became accomplished surgeons, and have since completed two dangerous and independent medical missions into Afghanistan to serve women and children. The pair was supported only by the local militiamen they hired; caves were common operating rooms. Now, local Afghans know them as doganagy, or “same face healers.” (Featured on/in: Oprah, CBS Evening News, Washington Post, Men’s Health, Ebony, and others)

3) An aspiring Scout undertook a service project to earn his Eagle Scout badge, and started the China Care Foundation, which provides medical care and adoption assistance for Chinese orphans. Now, nearly ten years later, this Harvard graduate oversees the foundation’s multi-million dollar budget and has changed the lives of thousands of children. (Featured on/in: Oprah, ABC WorldNews, The Early Show, People, Family Circle, and others)

About Scouting and Eagle Scouts

Scouting develops character and leadership in America’s youth through adventure-based programs. During 2009-2010, the Boy Scouts of America celebrates its Centennial Year. More than 112 million youth have been members since 1910, with 2 million earning the rank of Eagle Scout, including 52,000 in 2008. The 2 millionth Eagle Scout will be announced on May 22, 2009. Today, approximately 1.1 million adult volunteers help Scouting programs reach 3 million youth.

Only 4% of Scouts attain the high rank of Eagle. These young men must earn 21 challenging merit badges, advance through a series of ranks, complete a significant service project, and hold positions of leadership. Eagle Scouts comprise 12-15% of classes at our military academies, 9% of the U.S. Senate, and Townley’s research has found them in disproportionately high numbers in many positions of leadership and service.

About Alvin Townley

Alvin Townley is an Eagle Scout, graduate of Washington & Lee University, and author of the acclaimed Legacy of Honor. He has traveled thousands of miles across America and around the world to explore the legacy of Scouting and capture stories of character, purpose, and adventure. He is considered the nation’s independent expert on Scouting and Eagle Scouts.

In writing his nationally-acclaimed first book, Legacy of Honor (St. Martin’s Press, 2007), he met with such Eagle Scouts as Michael Bloomberg, Cabinet secretaries Robert Gates and Gary Locke, J.W. Marriott, Jr., Bill Gates, Sr., Tuskegee Airman Percy Sutton, and Jim Lovell of Apollo 13.

Alvin has worked on Capitol Hill, managed strategy at a global firm, lectured at universities, coached track, and worked with inner-city Scouts. He lives in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia.