On Scouting

Scouts work on Exploration merit badge by exploring iconic Manhattan location

December 7, 2022 1

How important is the concept of exploration to modern society? The BSA’s Exploration merit badge pamphlet puts it best: “Exploration is the key to discovery.”
Scouts can become yo-yo masters with this cool Duncan program

December 6, 2022 0

We’ve told you before about the Cub Scout Yo-Yo Preview Adventure. But did you know that Duncan Toys also offers a fun yo-yo program for older Scouts, featuring an awesome set of badges?
Our favorite holiday-themed content from the Scout Life website

December 5, 2022 0

Winter break is right around the corner. With the kids at home when they would normally be at school, you could be the one expected to provide entertainment. Have no fear. Scout Life is here.

Making winter fun for your Cub Scouts

December 2, 2022 0

If you’re ready to brave the elements with your Cub Scout boys and girls, here are some keys to success from these winter camp veterans.
Another reason to attend the 2023 Jamboree: the Cultural Showcase

December 1, 2022 0

There are lots of reasons to be excited about the 2023 National Jamboree, happening July 19-28, 2023, at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. Today, in the first of what will be a series of stories, we
Council’s winter camping program raises awareness about the dangers of opioids

November 30, 2022 0

As part of the Scout Out Opioids program, Scouts and their families learned about the dangers of opioids abuse and misuse from the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.

The EPIC conclusion to National Geographic’s Explorer Academy book series

November 1, 2022 0

In this book, The Forbidden Island, Cruz is faced with another shocking surprise even after completing dozens of high-risk missions and traveling to all seven continents.

Extreme Makeovers, Round 46: Eagle Scout project before-and-after photos

November 29, 2022 0

The latest batch of 11 projects — from 9 different states — includes installing new signage at a local park in Missouri, improving access to outdoors areas at a rehabilitation facility in Ohio and installing new outdoor games at a middle school in Kentucky.
Kids are losing their ability to see far away — here’s how Scouting can help

November 28, 2022 0

Pediatric ophthalmologist Noha Ekdawi says spending time outdoors — specifically, in the sunlight — is the best way to prevent myopia, or nearsightedness, in children. What do most Scout units do several times a month? Go outside!
‘Tis the season to overeat … but it doesn’t have to be!

November 25, 2022 0

Researchers say that what we eat and how much we consume is determined not by hunger, primarily, but by environmental cues such as color, aroma, variety and volume.
Counting down the 3 things we’re most thankful for: No. 1

November 24, 2022 1

“A Scout is thankful” — not officially part of the Scout Law, but certainly worth making it part of our lives this week. So much so that I’ll be publishing three consecutive posts leading up to Thanksgiving about the three things we at On Scouting are most thankful for.
‘The Fabelmans’ features a heartfelt, authentic depiction of Scouting

November 23, 2022 6

The Fabelmans is a semi-autobiographical drama written and directed by Steven Spielberg, the legendary director and Eagle Scout who in real life discovered his love of filmmaking while working on the Photography merit badge.
Counting down the 3 things we’re most thankful for: No. 2

November 22, 2022 0

“A Scout is thankful” — not officially part of the Scout Law, but certainly worth making it part of our lives this week. So much so that I’ll be publishing three consecutive posts leading up to Thanksgiving about the three things we at On Scouting are most thankful for.
Counting down the 3 things we’re most thankful for: No. 3

November 21, 2022 1

“A Scout is thankful” — not officially part of the Scout Law, but certainly worth making it part of our lives this week. So much so that I’ll be publishing three consecutive posts leading up to Thanksgiving about the three things we at On Scouting are most thankful for.
Scouting for Food is one good turn that benefits everyone

November 18, 2022 0

Scouting for Food began in St. Louis in 1985 as a council-wide service project. Starting in 1988, it became a national BSA program. Today, many councils across the country participate, collectively gathering hundreds of thousands of pounds of shelf-stable goods for food-disadvantaged residents of their local communities.
What to do when your child is no longer a Scout: A Wood Badge participant weighs in

November 17, 2022 13

“When my son left Scouts, I was left with an empty feeling,” writes Charles Brown, a longtime volunteer with the Shenandoah Area Council. “What do I do now?”
Incident reporting in the BSA: How it works, and why it matters

November 16, 2022 8

Incidents can occur even when the program is being delivered as designed. That’s when the BSA’s incident reporting process comes into play.
Ask us anything! We answer some of your most frequently asked questions

November 15, 2022 3

Have questions about the BSA? We’ve got answers. And if we don’t have the answers, we’ll find someone who does.
Worth reading: Acclaimed Explorer got his start in Scouting

November 14, 2022 0

Growing up in New York City in the 1950s, J.R. Harris developed a love of exploring when he got to go to work with his dad, a waiter in the dining car of a long-distance train. He developed his love of the outdoors, however, in Scouting.
How to get trained for emergencies in the wild

November 11, 2022 0

A WFA certification helps prepare both adults and 14-and-older Scouts with the knowledge and hands-on training that can mean the difference between life and death for someone severely ill or injured in the wild.
Being prepared for Cold-Weather Camping

November 10, 2022 4

Sure, it might be cold. But as long as it’s safe to go outside, you should make every effort to get out there. Check our list below to Be Prepared for cold-weather outings.