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  • [ May 30, 2025 ] Eagle Scout named festival princess, plus other news in Scouting this week App Feed - Scouts BSA
  • [ May 29, 2025 ] NYLT Leadership Academy is life-changing — take it from these Scouts App Feed
  • [ May 28, 2025 ] Early impressions of Scouting America’s new Safeguarding Youth training App Feed - Health and Safety
  • [ May 27, 2025 ] Find adventures close to home like this Indiana troop did App Feed
  • [ May 23, 2025 ] Scout honors veterans ahead of Memorial Day, plus other news in Scouting this week Scouting Tips

Scouting 101

Camping

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

November 7, 2017 26

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.

Advancement

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

October 3, 2017 60

By the time they become an Eagle Scout, a young person will have served at least 16 months in positions of responsibility.

Scouting 101

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.

Cub Scouting

Cub Scout day camp and twilight camp: 14 perfect planning tips

April 11, 2017 14

You can make Cub Scout day camp or twilight camp a fun and memorable learning experience for everyone involved. All you need to do is Be Prepared.

Cub Scouting

How to create a budget for your pack, troop or crew

April 5, 2017 9

Creating a budget for your pack, troop, team, post, ship or crew is an essential part of every well-managed, well-financed unit.

Scouting 101

All about ILST: the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops

February 7, 2017 29

Upon completion of the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST), the Scout is qualified to wear the “Trained” emblem on their uniform.

Cub Scouting

Which Scout sign and salute do I use?

January 23, 2017 58

Used when reciting the Scout Oath and Scout Law — or when you want to quiet a room quickly — the Scout sign is an important part of all BSA programs.

Health and Safety

Inside the Scouter Code of Conduct, a critical checklist for adult volunteers

January 13, 2017 96

It’s called the Scouter Code of Conduct. Think of it like a checklist of expectations for adult conduct in the Scouting program.

Scouting 101

The Boy Scout board of review, a guide to getting started

November 3, 2016 97

The board of review lets adults talk with the Scout about what he’s done, what he’s learned, how has it helped him and how he likes the program.

Merit Badges

Step by step: How to be a merit badge counselor

October 6, 2016 23

The merit badge counselor is one of the coolest jobs in Scouting. It also could be one of the most meaningful. Here’s how to do it right.

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Aaron on Scouting Contributors

Aaron Derr

Aaron Derr is the senior editor of Aaron on Scouting and Scout Life magazine, and also a former Cubmaster and Scouts BSA volunteer.


Michael Freeman

Michael Freeman, an Eagle Scout, is an associate editor of Scout Life and Scouting magazines.


Sheniece Chappell

Sheniece Chappell is an associate editor of Scout Life and Scouting magazines.


Bryan Wendell

Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting (now Aaron on Scouting).

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