Author Archives: Gretchen

New Scoutingmagazine.org Web Site

The new Scoutingmagazine.org

30 August 2011

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You rely on Scouting for relevant information to help you better serve Scouts. Now, you can find this same advice and much more on the Web, at the redesigned and easy-to-navigate scoutingmagazine.org.

Whether it’s up-to-date policy information, guides to advancement, outdoor advice, and more, you’ll find that scoutingmagazine.org goes beyond the magazine pages to offer readers additional in-depth tips and tools.

To help tell you more about the new features of scoutingmagazine.org, we called on our friend Tico Perez, National Commissioner of the Boy Scouts of America. In this brief clip, shown if you click “Read More”, Tico shares why he thinks Scouters and volunteers should bookmark scoutingmagazine.org and keep coming back for more.

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june5_2011

BeAScout.org simplified

19 August 2011

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Now, when a friend of your son or daughter—or even a fellow adult—asks, “How can I get involved in Scouting?” your answer just got easier: BeAScout.org.

While the recruitment Web site isn’t new, the BSA has simplified its searchability, making it a breeze for new Scouts or Venturers to get plugged into their local Scouting community. All that’s needed is a ZIP code and a few clicks of a mouse.

The search bar isn’t the only new addition. A series of “Matrix”-like videos showcase what it means to be a Scout or Venturer. (Hint: lots of high-adventure fun.) If you haven’t seen the videos, check them out here.

The next time someone asks you about Scouting, you can be sure this easy-to-remember answer will make a lasting impression.

Scout Surge

A ‘Surge’ of Goodwill

16 August 2011

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There’s no better way to honor the memory of Sept. 11, 2001, than by reaching out and lending a hand to members of your local community.

This year, Scouts will once again focus acts of service as tribute to the 10-year anniversary of the Sept. 11th attacks during Scout Surge 9/11.

From Sept. 1-10, Scouts are encouraged to dedicate service projects in their community to the victims and their families. And, on the day of the anniversary, units will gather to honor the memory and celebrate the patriotism that stemmed from this devastating day. Continue reading »

Zip-lining

Register now for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree

11 August 2011

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Have you registered for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree? If not, the time is now.

Zip-lining through the 175-foot-tall canopy of West Virginia’s towering Hemlock trees. Scaling sandstone rock-climbing routes in the New River Gorge. Biking, hiking, rafting—whew, we’re outta breath just thinking about it!

Aside from plenty of heart-racing activities, the next jamboree—spanning July 15-24, 2013—will bring together 50,000 youth and adults in Scouting’s brand-new digs: the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve, W.Va. Continue reading »

Partner Logos

New partnerships offer a source of volunteers, sponsorship

10 August 2011

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Your local council’s goal of achieving diversity just got way easier.

Two new BSA partnerships with the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) aim to help with the challenges of finding manpower, funding, new charter opportunities, and sponsorship—specifically among Latino business leaders and families.

The USHCC partnership revives council-level professionals’ need to reach out to local Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, says Marcos Nava, national director of Hispanic partnerships. The local chamber is a source of businessmen and women who can diversify council boards, as well as help generate new funds and charter opportunities.

“You know that you need to build that relationship [with the local Hispanic Chamber of Commerce], and now you have a reason to reach out,” Nava emphasizes. Continue reading »

Archery Target

Take aim with new shooting-sports reference

9 August 2011

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If you’re an instructor for shooting sports, you can’t just keep your eye on the target. You’ve got another bulls-eye to focus on: safety.

That’s why you need to check out the newly released Shooting Sports Manual, designed for unit and camp leadership, merit badge counselors, and council shooting-sport committees.

Developed by the BSA’s Shooting Sports Committee in conjunction with the National Rifle Association, this comprehensive manual explains the roles and responsibilities of shooting-sports personnel, lists equipment inspection guidelines, outlines the instructions for councils operating shooting ranges, and much more. Continue reading »

Boy Scout Ranks

Record-keeping tips

8 August 2011

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When tracking your Scouts’ advancement achievements, you could find yourself in a sky-high pile of disorganized chaos. So what do you do as a den leader, Scoutmaster, advancement chair, or even a parent when a Scout needs proof to backup his next rank advancement?

We asked our 10,000-plus Facebook friends for their suggestions on record-keeping techniques. Click through to read their advice.

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The Community Organization Award square knot is now available at your local Scout Shop.

Updates to Community Organization Award square knot

1 August 2011

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The Community Organization Award square knot might not be easy to earn, but it’s now easier to get.

You can buy the knot, recognizing Scouters’ volunteer achievements in national charter organizations such as the Elks, Alpha Phi Omega, the Masonic Lodge, and more, at your local Scout Shop—instead of going through your charter organization.

Once you’ve been recognized with one of the awards (listed below), just take your award documentation to the nearest Scout Shop and purchase the square knot, No. 613864. Award recipients no longer need to contact the Program Impact Department and the charter organization to order the knot as in previous years.

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Rainier-SummitView

30 Years of summit success

25 July 2011

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Troop 474 Scoutmaster recounts his climb time on Mount Rainier.

If your troop harbors a bunch of avid hikers-turned-mountaineers, summiting Mount Rainier could represent a lifetime achievement. But how about 30 consecutive years spent leading Scouts to the summit of Rainier?

The challenging glacial traverse to the 14,410-foot summit separates weekend warriors from those adept in technical climbing, avalanche safety, self-rescue, and other specialized skills. Which makes the three decades of annual treks led by Kent Brooten, an Eagle Scout and Scoutmaster of Troop 474 of Kent, Wash., even more worthy of celebrating.

What began as a way to keep boys interested in Scouting culminated on June 26, when Brooten’s most recent team of climbers stood on the summit of the highest mountain in Washington, southeast of Seattle. His climbers included adult leader John Hogg and Troop 474 Scouts Daniel Rothschilds, 15, and Ryan Kolbrick, 15. Ryan’s 24-year-old brother Reece, an Eagle Scout who made the 25th-anniversary climb in 2006 (see Scouting magazine article), also made the ascent.

Here, you can read some of the 34-year veteran Scoutmaster’s recollections of this year’s climb:

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