Scouting 101 Archives - Aaron On Scouting

On what would have been his 125th birthday, let’s celebrate the legacy of ‘Green Bar Bill’

August 6, 2025 5

William Hillcourt, also known as “Green Bar Bill” and the “Scoutmaster to the World,” was born on this date in 1900.

Good news! Here’s how to get your Scouts featured in local media

July 7, 2021 1

You don’t need a degree in journalism to get your Scouts featured in the local news. You just need the right pitch.

Points in history: Three things to know about why Scouts use the fleur-de-lis

January 13, 2021 9

Where else might you find the fleur-de-lis? Why did Baden-Powell choose it to represent Scouting? And what does the symbol mean today?

Insignia for the highest Scouting ranks: Arrow of Light, Eagle Scout, Summit Award and Quartermaster Award

What’s the highest award in every Boy Scouts of America program?

May 27, 2020 10

There are dozens of awards in Scouting, but each BSA program (Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts) has one that towers above the rest.

Let’s be blunt about pocket knife safety

August 27, 2019 43

A sharp blade can be a useful tool when setting up camp, fishing or cooking. It can also be dangerous when used carelessly.

What is Journey to Excellence, and why should you care?

February 1, 2019 25

Journey to Excellence, or JTE, is a self-evaluation tool that lets unit leaders see, quantitatively how well their unit is meeting the goals of Scouting.

What’s the difference between Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA?

January 22, 2019 78

What’s the difference between Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA? Unit structure, leadership, parental involvement, advancement, camping and more.

The big difference between Cub Scout advancement and Scouts BSA advancement

January 21, 2019 29

Rank advancement in Cub Scouts is not like rank advancement in Scouts BSA. In Cub Scouts, it’s grade- or age-based. In Scouts BSA, the youth hold the reins.

Don’t leave your bear bag at home this winter

November 28, 2017 3

You’re packing for a winter camping trip. Tent, check. Clothes, check. Food, check. Bear bag… Do you need one? It’s winter. Aren’t the bears hibernating?

A Scout’s guide to earning and wearing a religious emblem

November 13, 2017 66

Representing an array of faiths, religious emblems encourage Scouts, Venturers and adult volunteers to strengthen their faith-based journey within Scouting.