Scouting Articles (most recent first)

It’s been nearly two years since the BSA debuted Preview Adventures, elective Adventures for Cub Scouts that count toward advancement just like other Adventures, but haven’t yet made their way into the printed handbooks. During the preview period, these Adventures remain under evaluation — and up for possible revision, depending on response from Cub Scouts…

Find out more about Dinomania. Is your Scout a “dinomaniac?” A passion for dinosaurs opens the door to learning other related sciences, including animal science, biodiversity, biology, geology and more. Plus, Scouts can dig deeper into paleontology through awards like the Geology merit badge or STEM Nova Awards. You can help nurture their interest and…

In Beaverton, Ore., Troop 618 was “just kind of jarred.” In Columbia, S.C., volunteers with Troop 900 were “really angry.” And in Louisville, Ky., Troop 72’s leaders called what happened “really disappointing.” As far as we can tell, the Scouts and Scouters in these three troops have never met. But they share a similarly heartbreaking…

To participate in Scouting events, campouts and high-adventure trips, Scouts and Scouters must complete the Annual Health and Medical Record. Now is the time to make sure your and your Scout’s records are up-to-date and complete, especially if your unit has summer activities scheduled. The Annual Health and Medical Record has three different parts: Part…

Spencer Buddington, Eagle Scout and University of Virginia student. Photo courtesy of Dan Addison, University of Virginia Communications. Spencer Buddington and his friends Tanner Humbert, Clayton Ball and Bryce Vandergriff were shopping for college room decor in January when a general store owner approached them, pleading for help. The store owner’s friend, James Ward, who…

Jaime Latorre and his mom, Esther, stand with Jaime’s Eagle project. Jaime says his mom “inspires me every day to keep fighting to preserve our precious planet.” (All photos courtesy of the Latorre family) This gives a whole new meaning to the term “creature comforts.” For his Eagle Scout service project, Jaime Latorre of Troop…

Slade Caltrider came home from a summer canoeing trip with his troop with his legs covered in mosquito bites. Over the next five months, the itching and discomfort never went away. It was definitely odd. What the 16-year-old didn’t know was that he had mediastinal b-cell lymphoma, a cancer that was attacking his lymphatic system.…

Troop 219 cleans up trash at Shacktown Falls (All images courtesy of Troop 219) The first thing Milana Nostrand noticed about Shacktown Falls was its natural beauty. Water cascades down in wide stairsteps before settling into a peaceful pool 10 feet below. The second thing she noticed was all the litter. “It would be a…

This is the 35th in an occasional series where I share Eagle Scout project before-and-after photos. See the complete collection here and submit your own here. COVID-19 note: Some of these Eagle projects were completed before the pandemic, meaning the photos may not necessarily depict coronavirus-related health and safety protocols. To fully understand the impact Eagle Scout…