Scouting Articles (most recent first)
Let’s close the debate on open-toe shoes vs. closed-toe shoes at Scouting events
Fashion trends ebb and flow. And while this blog probably isn’t the place to discuss the ins and outs of skinny jeans or no-show socks, there is one clothing debate we can settle once and for all. It’s a question that’s been asked since at least the 1990s, when I first joined Scouting: Should Scouts…
Read More3 Proven Ways to Avoid Bug Bites in the Outdoors
Nobody likes bug bites. And some insects can spread serious diseases, such as Lyme disease, West Nile virus and dengue fever. You can avoid biting insects using this three-part strategy. 1. DON’T GO WHERE BUGS ARE. Mosquitoes, ticks, no-see-ums, horseflies and the like generally emerge with warmer temperatures in spring. They thrive in wet places,…
Read MoreRemember, there are activities Scouts shouldn’t do
Your unit might have big plans this year, but it’s important to remember what shouldn’t be on your schedule. Throwing boomerangs? Tree climbing? Cliff-diving? You can find a list of many prohibited activities here in the BSA’s Guide to Safe Scouting. The guide, introduced in 1991, isn’t meant to take the fun out of Scouting.…
Read MoreEagle Scout leads building of hydroponic garden at orphanage in Panama
Ian Simon built a hydroponic garden for an orphanage in Panama. (Courtesy of Ian Simon) If you’re supposed to bloom where you’re planted, then Life Scout Ian Simon is flourishing. And he’s helping a local orphanage do some growing of its own as well. For his Eagle Scout service project, Ian planned, developed and gave…
Read MoreBest Sleeping Bags for Staying Cool on a Warm Night
Q: What sleeping bag should I use if I don’t want the heat to get to me? — Gus, Atlanta, Georgia A: Many factors affect a sleeping bag’s comfort: rectangular or mummy design, temperature rating, down or synthetic insulation — it can be tough to find the right fit. Your easiest solution can be to…
Read MoreHere are some ideas for Summer of Service projects
Scouts help other people at all times, and after a year of staying home because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of them are excited to start serving their communities like they did pre-pandemic. If your Scout has read this month’s issue of Scout Life magazine, he or she would’ve seen senior editor Aaron Derr’s story…
Read MoreHear from Eagle Scout Rex Tillerson at Vanguard Scouting virtual event
Rex Tillerson addresses BSA volunteers and professionals at Philmont Scout Ranch in 2012. (BSA file photo) Even after leading one of the world’s largest companies and serving as Secretary of State, Distinguished Eagle Scout Rex Tillerson has never strayed far from his Scouting roots. In the latest example of his continued enthusiasm for the Scouting…
Read More15 hidden gems in the ‘Scouts BSA Handbook’ that will interest adult volunteers
The Scouts BSA Handbook isn’t just for young people enjoying confidence-boosting experiences along the Scouting trail. Like a Pixar movie with jokes meant for those of us born before the 21st century, the Handbook contains plenty of useful features that adults will appreciate. You just have to know where to look. Today we’re sharing 15…
Read MoreIt’s time to get ready for camp again
We know you and your Scouts have been itching to return to summer camp. Before then, though, make sure you’re all up-to-date on the Annual Health and Medical Record and you’ve reviewed these helpful tips. Many camps will be open this summer, but remember to follow COVID-19 guidelines for the area where you’ll be. To help…
Read MoreNineteen Cub Scout elective adventures will be retired next year
If your Bear Cub Scout earned the World of Sound elective adventure, he or she was one of the few who did. Nineteen elective adventures (listed below) have been some of the least popular with some being earned by fewer than 3% of Cub Scouts. Elective adventures are reviewed for content and popularity. These 19…
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