Camping for the Uninformed - SM Tip
I once figured out that I’d spent roughly two years of my life on various Scout outings, from weekend campouts as a Scout to multiple trips to national jamborees and the Philmont Training Center as an adult. One result: I have no idea what it’s like to be a brand-new camper. I’m guessing you’re in the same boat. That can be a problem because new Scouts – and new campers – are joining our troops... [More]
By: Insane Scouter On: 2013-01-22Avoiding Drowsy Driving - SM Tips
You would never transport your Scouts after drinking alcohol, but you may be putting them at just as much risk. According to a researcher at the Henry Ford Hospital Sleep Disorders and Research Center in Detroit, losing four hours of sleep is the same as drinking a six-pack of beer. (Learn more at http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/30/us-drunken-drivers-idUSBRE84T14W20120530.)I don’t know about you, but I can remember many troop outings when I’ve gotten at least one poor night’s sleep because... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2013-01-19Deluxe Tours in Colorado
Last week, we looked at our lower priced tour options with our Transportation only and No Frills packages. This week let’s take a look at our Deluxe Adventures in Colorado. Our Deluxe tours are 1 and 2 night options that fall in the middle of the price range. Deluxe Adventure The first option is our 1 night Deluxe Adventure. This tour requires an arrival in Denver by 10:00 AM where you will rendezvous with... [More]
By: Blue Sky Adventures On: 2013-01-18SM Tips - Gold-medal Scoutmaster's Minutes
Are you looking for great Scoutmaster’s minutes to share during the upcoming London Olympics? Look no farther than Reader’s Digest, which has been sharing inspiring stories for generations.One such inspiring story, which you can find at http://www.rd.com/true-stories/inspiring/jesseowens-my-greatest-olympic-prize, tells the surprising story of how Jesse Owen’s biggest challenger in the long jump at the 1936 Olympics, a German athlete, encouraged him and befriended him just 100 yards away from a glaring Adolph Hitler. (You may... [More]
By: Insane Scouter On: 2013-01-17SM Tip - Of Wood Tape and Balancing Points
Boy with SawIn the Disney classic "Follow Me, Boys," Scoutmaster Lem Siddons' biggest challenge is to tie a sheepshank. For the rest of us Boy Scout leaders, I think the biggest challenge is to figure out just how much support to give our youth leaders, especially the senior patrol leader. To continue with the rope analogy, some Scoutmasters give their SPLs enough rope to hang themselves, while others keep the leash so short that... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2013-01-15SM Tips - National Outdoor Awards Promote Outdoor Achievement
It’s summertime, and the living is anything but easy for many Scouts. Backpacking treks, canoe trips, and other rugged adventures are physically and mentally challenging—and far more satisfying than lolling around the pool or playing videogames all summer.Recently, the BSA has created a new set of awards to recognize Scouts who excel in the outdoors. Dubbed the National Outdoor Awards—catchy name, huh?—the awards cover the areas of adventure, aquatics, camping, hiking, and riding (bikes or... [More]
By: Kristine Theriault On: 2013-01-12Tour Options for Every Budget
Welcome back and Happy New Year! We hope you had a wonderful holiday season and that you are getting excited for the 2013 Philmont season! As we look forward, we are excited to share with you the options that we have for every budget. If you have a realistic understanding of what it costs to get to Philmont, you will find that we have something for everyone. This week we will look at our... [More]
By: Blue Sky Adventures On: 2013-01-11Surplus Alice Backpacks Review
A Troop in a county with a high poverty rate was able to obtain surplus government Alice packs for the Scouts. This video talks about the qualities of the pack, and serves a bit of an advertisement for the GovLiquidation.com, the site they went through to obtain the packs. I know nothing about the site itself but thought I would share the video as a possible resource. ... [More]
By: Insane Scouter On: 2013-01-10My Tiger Cubs have grown up!!!
Hello it is ptsteve again,Just got back from our Christmas Party and awarding my Webelos 2's their Arrow of Light award and patch. Had each Scout bring their parents forward to receive the parents pin when they received their patch. Many of the parents came up to me after the ceremony and said thanks for being their son's Den Leader. I managed to get through it all without tears, but now it is hard not... [More]
By: Steve O'Connor On: 2013-01-09I Want To Marry The Princess Skit
The Boy Scouts of Troop 68 perform the skit they call "I Want To Marry The Princess" in which a poor peasant wishes to marry a princess. It may start out slow but wait until it really gets going.... [More]
By: Insane Scouter On: 2013-01-07