Aaron Derr, Author at Aaron On Scouting

Past and present: A glimpse at the BSA’s historic National Annual Meetings

May 22, 2014 1

The first annual meeting of the BSA was held in 1911 at the White House, where U.S. President Howard Taft addressed a group of Scouting professionals.

A look back at ‘Cubbing’

May 15, 2014 8

As the new Cub Scouting program kicks off this month, take a look back at where it first began — a program called ‘Cubbing.’

What would your city be like without Scouts?

May 1, 2014 21

In Scouting’s April 1921 edition, a U.S. District Court judge states, “No city can afford to be without its Boy Scouts.” Judge Foster argues, “I have never come in touch with a man who had

Eight attributes of successful Scout camps

April 10, 2014 44

When I ask Scouters about their best memories as a Scout, they often call upon times spent at their favorite Scout camp. Summer camp memories last a lifetime, which is why it’s important to help

Videography tips from Scouting’s black-and-white film era

April 3, 2014 6

In the age of Smartphones and GoPros, the concept of documenting Scouting adventures in video format isn’t a novel idea. But in the 1930s, capturing troop meetings and outdoor activities posed a bit more challenge.

Investigate the archives for a chance to win a Stanley thermos

March 1, 2013 3

This month, we’re rolling out a fresh gear giveaway with a new twist: Instead of simply entering for a chance to win, readers must first investigate the Scouting magazine Archives to answer an elusive question.

September-October ‘Where Am I?’ winner and location revealed

October 22, 2012 1

What a view! And it’s one that doesn’t come without a little effort, either. If you want to perch atop this rock wall, you’ve got to rope up and climb nearly 75 feet of vertical

Enter daily to win one of six knives

August 1, 2012 7

When your job is to help prepare youth for life, you’ve got to make sure you’re prepared for anything, too. And a good knife is an essential part of being prepared, whether at a campout

ScoutFleet to celebrate Sea Scouting’s 100th anniversary

July 20, 2012 3

Hoist the main sail! Starting today, 28 vessels and 230 Sea Scouts arrive in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor for Centennial ScoutFleet 2012. The event, which celebrates this year’s 100th anniversary of Sea Scouts, will put the

Enter daily to win awesome water-filtration tools

May 8, 2012 2

Thirsty? If you’re not now, you will be in a couple months—summer is right around the corner! Be prepared for thirst with this package of water-purification gear offered in the JUST ADD WATER GIVEAWAY, starting