Category Archives: Philmont Scout Ranch

storytelling

Learn the secrets of storytelling in the age of social media

9 May 2012

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You don’t tell young people why they should join Scouting.

You show them.

That’s the thinking behind the BSA’s new Visual Storytelling Workshops, happening this summer.

Here’s a chance to spend several days learning the secrets of storytelling in the age of social media. The goal? Turning Scouters and Scouts nationwide into visual storytellers, ready and able to share the excitement and adventure of Scouting through audio, video, and photography.

Do I have your attention? Read on to find out how you can sharpen your storytelling skill-set.

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Room to grow: Bringing Scouting to the Hispanic community

6 March 2012

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You can’t ignore the numbers.

According to the 2010 Census, 16.3 percent of U.S. citizens are of Hispanic or Latino origin.

In the BSA, the proportion is much lower. Hispanic youth account for just 6.8 percent of all members.

I see that discrepancy as a challenge to volunteers and professionals at the national, council, district, and unit levels to continue to grow the Scouting program in the Hispanic community. You can make a difference; read on to find out how.

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More great photos, video from the Philmont Photo Workshop

13 October 2011

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Get some of the nation’s top photographers together with a bunch of eager amateurs, and what’s the result? Perfect pictures.

Want proof? Look no further than Brent Uberty, who serves as Western Region Venturing President on the National Youth Cabinet of the Boy Scouts of America.

Uberty and 32 other skilled amateurs and professionals have gathered this week at the 2011 Philmont Photographic Workshop, hosted by the BSA and Canon USA.

Who’s teaching them? The workshop team includes Ken Sklute, who has been honored as a Canon Explorer of Light, a designation shared by only 78 top photographers worldwide. Also on site is Al Satterwhite, who has shot on assignment for Life, Look, Newsweek, and Sports Illustrated magazines. Learn more about the workshop by watching this introduction from workshop director Roger Morgan. Continue reading »

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How to photograph a black-powder rifle being fired, and other lessons

11 October 2011

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Snapping a photo of a blink-of-an-eye event, like a black-powder rifle firing, takes a lot more than luck.

You need the right tools, proper preparation, and a lot of patience, says professional photographer Daniel Giles.

Giles is among the attendees at the 2011 Philmont Photographic Workshop, happening right now during a beautiful time to visit the BSA’s New Mexico high-adventure base. It’s hosted by the Boy Scouts of America and Canon USA.

This week, I’ll be sharing exclusive videos from the event. The aim of the videos — and the workshop itself — is to inspire, entertain, and educate you about the tricks and techniques that professional photographers use. Continue reading »

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Philmont Training Center releases 2012 conference schedule

18 August 2011

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Thinking about next summer already?

You’re not alone. With summer camp behind you and the school year about to start, it’s natural for Scouters like you to start dreaming up their next big adventure.

That makes it the perfect time to check out Philmont’s recently released 2012 training center schedule. You can find it here.

As you’ve surely heard, a week at the Philmont Training Center (or PTC) makes for a great vacation. And it’s not just for Scouters. Bring your spouse and your kids — they’ll thank you profusely on the drive home. For more on that subject, read my blog post about why the PTC offers the “ultimate family vacation.”

Your first step is finding a training center course that suits you. Courses last a week and run from June 10 to Aug. 18. There’s also a special Fall Week in mid-September.

At PTC, you’re sure to find several appealing courses. Perhaps you’ll choose a timeless Scouting topic presented in a fresh way, such as “Putting More Outing in Scouting,” “Retaining Youth in Scouting,” or “Orienteering and Scouting.” Or maybe you’ll pick a course subject that didn’t exist 10 years ago, like “Social Media and Scouting.”

Registration opens two weeks from today, on Sept. 1, so you still have time to think it over. But don’t wait too long. Scouters who register before Jan. 1, 2012, receive a $25 discount on their conference fees.

Get goin’! Next summer will be here before you know it!