Scouting Articles (most recent first)
Can You Hang a Hammock in a Tent?
Q: Is there a way to hang a hammock inside a tent? — Cory, Dallas Georgia A: Tent poles aren’t designed to safely hang a hammock, but you have a couple of options: Many manufacturers sell tarps designed to go over your hammock to shield you from rain and wind. You can find some for…
Read MoreMerit badges for social distancing: 58 badges Scouts can complete at home
In times of crisis, Scouts find a way to adapt. We’re hearing from Scouts and leaders across the country who have found creative ways to keep on Scouting even while practicing social distancing (staying home and remaining at least 6 feet from others if you must go out). Today we wanted to share another way…
Read MoreFun projects for kids that you can do from home
As public places, including many parks and campgrounds, are closing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, you might be left scratching your head on what you and your kids can do. Plenty! As we’ve highlighted this week, Scouts can still meet virtually and serve others. They can also go on nature hikes around your…
Read MoreGood Turns during the coronavirus: Acts of Scouting service you can do from home
With schools closed and many Scouting events on pause, how do you continue to “Do a Good Turn Daily”? By remembering that acts of Scouting service don’t have to stop because you’re at home practicing social distancing. “We don’t stop being Scouts just because our meetings are physically on hold,” says Leah Nehls, a volunteer…
Read MoreScouting Show & Tell: Scouting remotely
With the concerns of COVID-19 spreading, units are cancelling campouts and in-person meetings, but that doesn’t mean Scouting stops. Bob Trejo, Scoutmaster of Troop 98 of Whitpain Township, Pa., shared with us how about 60 Scouts in his troop met virtually recently. The troop used Webex; a free account also allowed them to record the…
Read MoreHow to conduct a board of review through videoconferencing
The board of review, like most aspects of Scouting, works best in person. But sometimes, for a number of legitimate reasons, that’s not an option. That’s why, as outlined in the Guide to Advancement (section 8.0.1.6), the BSA allows units to conduct boards of review by teleconferencing, using tools like Skype, Google Hangouts or Zoom. Even…
Read MoreWhat’s your 11th Essential? Seasoned Scout leader has a suggestion to share
Roger Tate (right) shows off what he calls his “11th Essential.” If you only have room in your backpack for 10 items, make it the Ten Essentials. But let’s say your pack still has some space to spare. What’s the next must-include item to put in there? For one seasoned Scouter from Texas, it’s simple:…
Read MoreAven Alexander to lead Sea Scouts as 2020–2021 National Sea Scout Boatswain
It’s more smooth sailing ahead for Sea Scouting as another outstanding young person has been selected to lead the BSA’s aquatically inclined program. Aven Alexander, a high school junior from Texas who has earned the Quartermaster Award, Sea Scouting’s highest honor, will serve as the 2020–2021 National Sea Scout Boatswain. As National Boatswain (pronounced “bosun”),…
Read MoreTwo Scouts BSA troops — one for boys, one for girls — summit Mount Kilimanjaro
Scouting can take you to some pretty incredible places. For proof, look up — way up — at a pair of Scouts BSA troops from Connecticut that successfully summited Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Troop 175 for boys and Troop 1175 for girls were led by senior patrol leaders Max and Kate Hollister.…
Read MoreAt Florida Sea Base, Scouts are helping ocean wildlife, one dolphinfish at a time
On land or on the sea, if you want something done, call the Scouts. Scouts at the Florida Sea Base’s Brinton Environmental Center are being recognized by a national nonprofit for their best-in-class efforts to tag dolphinfish, also known as mahi-mahi. Beyond Our Shores Inc. presented the Scouts of Sea Base with the 2019 Dolphinfish…
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