Scouting 101 Archives - Bryan on Scouting

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 62

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

Buddy check! The importance of getting a friend wherever you go

November 7, 2017 23

Do Scouts really need to get a friend for a quick trip to the latrine or when they meet with a merit badge counselor? Simply put, yes.

Which positions of responsibility count toward Star, Life and Eagle Scout?

October 3, 2017 57

By the time he becomes an Eagle Scout, a young man will have served at least 16 months in positions of responsibility. It’s a dress rehearsal for life.

The Teaching EDGE: The best way to teach someone a new skill

May 5, 2017 10

When teaching someone a new skill — be it splinting a broken arm or making s’mores — the Teaching EDGE method is the best method.