Happy 102nd Birthday, Boy Scouts of America!

8 February 2012

For 102 years old, the Boy Scouts of America sure looks good.

The nation’s top youth-serving organization was born on Feb. 8, 1910 — five score and two years ago today. But despite its age, the BSA remains a vibrant, relevant movement of youth and adults who have a positive impact on the world.

Each Feb. 8 offers a timely opportunity to look back on the year in Scouting. (Just like I did on Feb. 8, 2011 and 2010.)

And what a good one last year was, both for the organization and for me personally.

U.K.’s newest Scouter: Kate Middleton

27 January 2012

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No shock that Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, is making headlines again.

But what may surprise you is why: She just joined the global Scouting movement as a volunteer with the U.K. Scout Association.

The “other” Scouting magazine, which serves 400,000 boys and girls involved with Scouting in the U.K., features Kate in a cover story for its February-March issue, due out next week. Check out the cover at left. Sure beats People or Vogue, if you ask me.

Kate will join 40,000 female Scouters in the U.K. Her plans include volunteering with Scout units near the royal couple’s home in north Wales, recruiting additional Scouters, and traveling the country to lead activities relevant to her skills and interests.

“Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout?” debuts fall 2012

20 January 2012

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In a test of outdoors skills, who would win: Boy Scouts or adults who are out of Scouting?

Though the answer seems obvious, it’ll sure be fun to see those adults try.

That’s the promise behind the newest reality show, Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout?, set to debut this fall on the National Geographic Channel.

The most refreshing Pinewood Derby car ever

19 January 2012

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Here’s a Pinewood Derby car so cool you can almost taste it.

It belongs to 10-year-old Madisson Garcia, who entered her “Bottle of Coca-Cola” car at Saturday’s Pack 316 Pinewood Derby in Old Bridge, N.J.

Madisson competed in the “sisters” division and finished sixth in the traditional downhill race. But her design won “Best in Show” for its unique take on the classic American beverage. Continue reading »

Reaching a goal, inspiring Scouts to do the same

11 January 2012

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How far would you go to inspire your Scouts?

One assistant Scoutmaster had a specific distance in mind: 140.6 miles.

That’s the distance of an Ironman triathlon — 2.4 miles swimming, 112 miles biking, and 26.2 miles running. All that effort, says Mark Williams of Troop 16 in Parker, Colo., shows his Scouts what training and perseverance can accomplish.

What’s on a Scouter’s holiday wish list?

21 December 2011

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Naughty or nice?

If you’re a Scouter, I’ll bet you’ve been nice (and Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, etc.) all year.

After all, the BSA wouldn’t exist without the selflessness of adult volunteers like you.

Surely Santa plans to reward you. But with what?

To find out, I asked Scouting magazine’s Facebook fans what’s on their wish list this year.

Chili recipes from the Scouting magazine team

15 December 2011

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When the weather is frigid, few campfire creations hit the spot quite like chili. Add a side of cornbread—or keep it simple with corn chips—and you’ve got a meal that will please a large crowd.

Take a page from our own recipe books—the recipes below are favorites around the Scouting magazine offices. Try one for yourself! These can be easily adapted from a kitchen Crock-Pot to campfire Dutch oven. And, you can heat things up or take things down a notch (for those who don’t like spicy foods) with the add-it-yourself seasoning.

51 years ago, 30 Lubbock Eagle Scouts made history

18 July 2011

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If you think 30 boys getting the Eagle Scout Award at once is impressive today, just imagine that feat happening 51 years ago.

In 1960, the accomplishment was so amazing, in fact, that the President of the United States took notice. Click here to check out the telegram he sent.

On July 1, 1960, 30 boys from Lubbock, Tex., gathered for what was, at the time, the largest Eagle Scout Court of Honor in history. Continue reading »

Let this Virginia camp’s sign point you toward 10 famous Scouting spots

12 July 2011

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Looking for the world’s top Scouting destinations?

You can put away your compass.

Thanks to a sign at the Heart of Virginia Council’s Camp T Brady Saunders, finding your way to the 10 most-famous Scouting spots is easier than ever.

The guidepost, which recently added a sign pointing to the new Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve, lists the as-the-crow-flies distance from the camp near Richmond, Va., to sites around the globe. Continue reading »

Watch History channel’s “Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy” to see Kansas Boy Scouts and Venturers

24 June 2011

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Update (11:30 a.m. June 30): The episode, “Larry Beefs Up,” is now available for download on iTunes. Click here for the $1.99 SD version or here for the $2.99 HD version.

“It’s not every day you get to teach a comedian to tie a sheepshank,” said Boy Scout Colin Goodman.

True. But then again, it’s not every day your Scout troop gets featured on national TV. Continue reading »

Bryan on Scouting

The official blog of Scouting magazine, a publication of the Boy Scouts of America.

Category Archives: Fun

Happy 102nd Birthday, Boy Scouts of America!

U.K.’s newest Scouter: Kate Middleton

“Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout?” debuts fall 2012

The most refreshing Pinewood Derby car ever

Reaching a goal, inspiring Scouts to do the same

What’s on a Scouter’s holiday wish list?

Chili recipes from the Scouting magazine team

51 years ago, 30 Lubbock Eagle Scouts made history

Let this Virginia camp’s sign point you toward 10 famous Scouting spots

Watch History channel’s “Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy” to see Kansas Boy Scouts and Venturers

Update (11:30 a.m. June 30): The episode, “Larry Beefs Up,” is now available for download on iTunes. Click here for the $1.99 SD version or here for the $2.99 HD version.