Scouting Articles (most recent first)
How to Prepare For a Long Hike
Q: My troop is going on a 25-mile hike soon. What is the best way to prepare for it? A: We went straight to an expert for this question: Joe Koehly, director and guide for Backwoods Adventures, which takes people hiking and backpacking all over the world. Here are his top tips: Make sure your…
Read MoreScouters prepare for another paddling trip to fight against cancer
Every year since 2000, a group of kayakers paddle from Miami to Key West, Fla., to raise money in the fight against cancer. Over the years, the group, called Castaways Against Cancer, has raised more than $1.3 million, and this year’s trek might be its most successful. Two of the Castaways are BSA executives and…
Read MoreHow this proud mom created custom Eagle Scout court of honor programs
Marina (left) and Grant Mitchell hold the programs custom-designed by their mom, Elaine. (All photos courtesy of the Mitchell family) The trail to the Eagle Scout Award has been conquered more than 2 million times, and yet no two Eagle Scouts are the same. Elaine Mitchell had that in mind when planning the Eagle Scout…
Read MoreNew River Gorge, just minutes from the Summit, becomes our 63rd national park
The New River Gorge Bridge (BSA photo by Randy Piland) The New River Gorge in West Virginia, a wild and wonderful adventure playground conveniently located in the Summit Bechtel Reserve’s backyard, has officially become our country’s 63rd national park. That’s great news for the Summit, which already takes full advantage of its proximity to this…
Read MoreFive things young people can do after becoming Eagle Scouts
Venturers enjoy a bicycling trip in 2017. (Photo by Walter P. Calahan/BSA) After an Eagle Scout court of honor, with all the air-fives exchanged and all the red, white and blue cupcakes reduced to crumbs, it might feel like the end of a young person’s character-building journey. But for many newly minted Eagle Scouts, their…
Read MoreUse your head and protect it while driving ATVs
The right fit A poorly fitted helmet won’t provide the best protection. You’ll want the helmet to fit snugly on your head, and not shift when you move your head. You shouldn’t be able to easily squeeze a finger between the helmet and your forehead. Wiggling the helmet with your hands should wiggle your cheeks…
Read MoreEagle Scout with Down syndrome enjoys every minute of journey toward program’s highest rank
Tim Burns enjoyed rock climbing in January 2019. (All photos courtesy of Ben Burns) It’s been 11 years since Tim Burns first spotted the Eagle Scout badge in his Scout Handbook. He knew he wanted it — though, like most new Scouts, he didn’t fully understand all the hard work it would take to get…
Read MoreCub Scouts can build some fun with new Modular Design Preview Adventure
Do your Cub Scouts love to create and build? Then, they’ll be thrilled with the new Modular Design Cub Scout Preview Adventure presented by Snap Ships. Preview Adventures launched two years ago to deliver new adventures on Scouting.org instead of in a handbook. They are offered for a limited time, and these experimental adventures count…
Read MorePrepare for a successful summer of camping at this free OA event open to all
We’re not fully back in the woods just yet, but momentum is building toward a return to normal Scouting adventures. This month, the Order of the Arrow wants to help you and your Scouts continue that momentum, recommit yourself to the joys of camping and prepare for a successful summer season in the outdoors. At…
Read MoreAward-winning volunteer shares how Scouting connects to his family’s Muslim faith
Hassnain Malik (courtesy of the Malik family) It started as a father-son activity — a way for Hassnain Malik to spend more time with the older of his two sons. Before long, as often happens, Scouting became something for the entire family. It became a place where Malik, his wife and their two sons could grow…
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