Ramblings Blog


  A Christmas Mistake

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience.I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending.Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter... [More]

By: Scott Robertson On: 2012-12-17

  The Christmas Scout

The Christmas Scout By Samuel D. BoganIn spite of the fun and laughter, 13-year-old Frank Wilson was not happy.It was true that he had received all the presents he wanted. And he enjoyed these traditional Christmas Eve reunions of relatives - this year at Aunt Susan's - for the purpose of exchanging gifts and good wishes.But Frank was not happy because this was his first Christmas without his brother, Steve, who, during the year, had... [More]

By: Scott Robertson On: 2012-12-16

  SM tips: Awards 101

What are the requirements for the 50-Miler Award? What recognition items are available for the National Honor Patrol Award? Where can I find more information on the Leave No Trace Award?You can find the answers to those questions – and many more – at Awards Central, a new section of the BSA website that covers non-advancement awards such as those mentioned above. The idea is to provide high-level information about each award, including an... [More]

By: Scott Robertson On: 2012-12-15

  What is The Best Way to Travel to Philmont?

Now that we have explored all your travel options and the difficult logistics and many pitfalls of this trip, it’s time to explore the best choice…HIRE A REPUTABLE TOUR COMPANY like Blue Sky Adventures!When you really study this option, this is your best bet. Our company is safe, licensed, and insured. We create a reliable, error free trip with no headaches for you and great memories for your Crew. This is much different than the... [More]

By: Blue Sky Adventures On: 2012-12-14

  Boy Scout excel Tracker Sheet

While searching the web today, I found a really nice excel tracker sheet for boy scouts. At the bottom you will notice the different levels to fill out as they progress all the way to Eagle. Feel free to download and use as you need, this will come in handy of you have a large troop to keep track of requirements for badges. ... [More]

By: Kristine Theriault On: 2012-12-13

  New Scouting Year for a New Cub Scout Roundtable Commissoner

Hello Everyone,Hope the Summer was good to you and welcome to another year of Scouting. Last year I was asked to take over my District's Roundtable and as part of that organizing the Cub Scout side.Tonight was the first Roundtable of the new Scouting Year. My staff and I knew what was going to happen and had confidence in the new program. District Leadership supported me and didn't know what to expect.What did we do?... [More]

By: Steve O'Connor On: 2012-12-11

  SM Tip: Mind Your Own Business … or Else

Submitted by Raymond GrayWay back in January, I offered a suggestion for breaking adult leaders of the habit of undermining youth leaders. The idea was to create a variation of a cuss jar, charging a fine of 25� (or whatever the market will bear) for each infraction. Proceeds would go toward a pizza party for the patrol leaders’ council.Raymond Gray from Austin suggested an alternative, which a troop in his area uses. The troop keeps... [More]

By: Scott Robertson On: 2012-12-08

  Setting the Trip Up On Your Own…Easy? Not a Chance.

Now that you have won the lottery and have your travel options laid out in front of you - what will you choose?? There are many difficulties about setting this trip up on your own…from cost to safety to reliability. Let’s break down each option and look into their pros and cons.Option #1: You can rent vehicles and camp on your way to Philmont. This sounds cheap and easy, but it isn’t. Remember a... [More]

By: Blue Sky Adventures On: 2012-12-07

  Two Scouts collecting hickory nuts & a cemetery

Two boy scouts went on a nature hike in the hills picking hickory nuts. Along the way, they filled their small pails and then started to fill their pockets and shirts. When they could hold no more nuts, they started down the country road until they came across a cemetery. The boys decided that would be a good place to stop and rest and divide out the nuts. The two boys sat in the shade... [More]

By: Insane Scouter On: 2012-12-06

  Are You HIP? - SM Tip

Submitted by Mark WoodworthMy last tip introduced the acronym CFD, which stands for Confusion, Frustration, and Danger, the only times adult leaders should interfere with the Scout-led troop program. That tip prompted subscriber Mark Woodworth to share an acronym he uses in San Diego’s Troop 271.Mark likes to tell leaders and parents to be HIP, which stands for Hands In Pockets. As he explained in an email, “This keeps them from jumping in and folding... [More]

By: Insane Scouter On: 2012-12-04


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