Scouting Articles (most recent first)
Inside Momentum Launch, the Order of the Arrow’s largest-ever virtual event
It has become the most overused word of the pandemic: pivot. As in: “When Synergy 2.0: The Business Jargon Conference was canceled, organizers pivoted to a digital-first experience.” But as Scouts, we’ve been pivoting since long before that was a buzzword. When Scouts run into problems, we pivot. We find a bold and innovative workaround…
Read MoreBuilding model trains at home can put your Scout on track to earning the Railroading merit badge
Last summer, more than 120 Scouts met at the Chicagoland Lionel Railroad Club’s clubhouse in New Lenox, Ill., to learn about the world of model trains. The 3,600-square-foot clubhouse features dozens of model trains that run through handcrafted terrain built by club members. This summer, the clubhouse has been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic,…
Read MoreScout shares advice for completing Eagle Scout projects during COVID-19
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…
Read MoreTry this safe, smart ‘Mystery Hike’ activity with your Scouts and their families
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…
Read MoreRockets, pets and race cars: Family Fun Fest on Aug. 8 is this summer’s can’t-miss event
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…
Read MoreThree Things to Know About Launching Water Bottle Rockets
Did you know you can launch a rocket in your backyard using only an empty plastic bottle, water and a launchpad? Unlike engine-powered rockets, water bottle rockets don’t pose a fire risk and often require less prep. These DIY rockets still pack a powerful launch and should be treated with caution. Read on to prepare…
Read MoreDogged determination helped him earn Eagle Scout Award, 2020 Pulitzer Prize
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…
Read MoreScouter shares moments of watching son with cerebral palsy march in the Rose Parade
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…
Read MoreHow your Scouts can earn the James M. Stewart Good Citizenship Award
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…
Read MoreUnderstanding the Churchill Plan and What It Means for Scouting
In 2019, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the BSA asked six teams of volunteers and professionals from the local, area, regional and national level – including current or recent youth members and subject-matter experts – to develop plans on how to optimize the BSA for success in key areas based on input provided by…
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