– Bryan On Scouting

If you were to tell a time traveler from any year before 2020 about William Shuster’s Eagle Scout project, that visitor might furrow their brow. “Say what? He made face coverings for senior citizens? And he planned everything without a single in-person meeting?” Welcome to Eagle Scout projects in the age of COVID-19. For more…

Trevor deRosier embarks on the mystery hike devised by his mom, Cindy. Scoutmaster Hassler is missing! Perhaps he’s at Rockville Hills Park, a frequent hiking destination for Troop 482. Or maybe he’s at Cenario’s Pizza, a favorite pre-pandemic meeting spot for the Troop 482 patrol leaders’ council. To solve this mystery before the next virtual…

From the awe-inspiring to the aww!-inspiring, the BSA’s Family Fun Fest is shaping up to be the summer’s biggest event. On Aug. 8, you’ll hear from NASCAR driver Joey Logano, discover the secrets of spacewalks from a barrier-breaking NASA astronaut and score expert advice for crafting the fastest, best-looking Pinewood Derby car ever built. It’s all…

It doesn’t take much digging to uncover the parallels between an Eagle Scout and an investigative journalist. Both are helpful, courteous and brave. They’re curious — willing to ask questions and go places others might avoid. They’re committed to helping other people at all times — especially the forgotten or downtrodden. So it was not…

Every year, people watch colorful floats, horse-drawn carriages and marching bands make their way down the streets of Pasadena, Calif., on New Year’s Day. That won’t happen next year. Last week, officials cancelled the 132nd Tournament of Roses Parade because of concerns stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. It marks the first time since 1945 that…

We could use a few more Jimmy Stewarts in the world. The Oscar-winning actor, philanthropist and military officer was a Scout in Troop 3 of Indiana, Pa. — about an hour east of Pittsburgh. As an adult, he was a dedicated friend of Scouting and received the Silver Buffalo Award, the BSA’s top honor for…

The Chickasaw Council’s 2008 Eagle Scout Class was named after Sammie and Phil Gilmer, who also have a campsite at Philmont Scout Ranch named in their honor. No Eagle Scout reaches that mountaintop moment alone. While the young person initiates and completes the work themselves, they are supported by a team of selfless adults. That…

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

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

Not only can trekking 50 miles put a feather in your hat of Scouting accomplishments, but it can also put a patch on your sash. The 50-Miler Award is a favorite among Scouts who conquer long, multiday adventures. Often, they go on foot, by boat or on a bicycle. But we’ve received a few questions…