BSA's ScoutCast

Not being one to rest on its laurels, the Boy Scouts of America is constantly looking at ways to improve the Boy Scouting experience for both youth and adults. We invited 411 Task Force member Diane Cannon from the Sam Houston Area Council in Houston, Texas, to ScoutCast to share the process of how updates to the current program are decided. Join us for this surprisingly fun discussion.

You’ve probably heard of it, maybe even know someone who’s in it. Some people think it has something to do with Indians…(maybe?) Some even suspect it’s a “secret society” within the Boy Scout organization. And why are the members so gosh-darn loyal? National Chief Nick Dannemiller joins us as we explore the mystery that is the Order of the Arrow. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Not being one to rest on its laurels, the Boy Scouts of America is constantly looking at ways to improve the Boy Scouting experience for both youth and adults. We invited 411 Task Force member Diane Cannon from the Sam Houston Area Council in Houston, Texas, to ScoutCast to share the process of how updates to the current program are decided. Join us for this surprisingly fun discussion.

Letting your community know what your unit is up to is good for both the unit and the community. Michael Ramsey, department manager of Marketing and Experience Management, is here to explain how spreading the joy of Scouting in our communities can be your best recruiting tool.

You’ve probably heard of it, maybe even know someone who’s in it. Some people think it has something to do with Indians…(maybe?) Some even suspect it’s a “secret society” within the Boy Scout organization. And why are the members so gosh-darn loyal? National Chief Nick Dannemiller joins us as we explore the mystery that is the Order of the Arrow. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

With the new Cub Scouting program, Webelos are going to be a whole lot better prepared than they used to be to join your troop. What do you, as a Scout leader, need to do to get ready? Join ScoutCast hosts Lee Shaw and Bryan on Scouting blogger Bryan Wendell as they discuss all the details with Dennis Kampa, author of the BALOO Training Guide and Cub Scout Adventures task force member. His answer may surprise you.

With the new Cub Scouting program, Webelos are going to be a whole lot better prepared than they used to be to join your troop. What do you, as a Scout leader, need to do to get ready? Join ScoutCast hosts Lee Shaw and Bryan on Scouting blogger Bryan Wendell as they discuss all the details with Dennis Kampa, author of the BALOO Training Guide and Cub Scout Adventures task force member. His answer may surprise you.

Contrary to popular opinion, the Venturing program does not have plans to take the boys out of your troop and into its crews. Actually, it’s quite the opposite. Venturers can be mentors, help with service projects and help strengthen your unit. Still not buying it? Then click the Download button and listen in as District Executive Patrick Higgins, of the Simon Kenton Council in Columbus, Ohio, chats with us about how these two programs can harmoniously work together.

Contrary to popular opinion, the Venturing program does not have plans to take the boys out of your troop and into its crews. Actually, it’s quite the opposite. Venturers can be mentors, help with service projects and help strengthen your unit. Still not buying it? Then click the Download button and listen in as District Executive Patrick Higgins, of the Simon Kenton Council in Columbus, Ohio, chats with us about how these two programs can harmoniously work together.

Is your troop stuck in a rut, doing the same activities year after year? How about using pipe foam and duct tape to build a miniature roller coaster (and learning about kinetic energy) or making a catapult out of craft sticks and rubber bands and sending things flying through the air (while secretly measuring velocity and distance)? Ron Colletti of the Greater St. Louis Council shares the kits he prepares for incorporating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math in your den and pack Meetings. Your Scouts will have a blast…literally!

Is your troop stuck in a rut, doing the same activities year after year? How about using pipe foam and duct tape to build a miniature roller coaster (and learning about kinetic energy) or making a catapult out of craft sticks and rubber bands and sending things flying through the air (while secretly measuring velocity and distance)? Ron Colletti of the Greater St. Louis Council shares the kits he prepares for incorporating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math in your den and pack Meetings. Your Scouts will have a blast…literally!

How do you explain the benefits of merit badges to a boy? Sure, you’re the adult, you get it, but how do we explain it so the Scout gets it? And what if all he wants to do is earn the outdoor badges like Camping and Kayaking? How do you pique his interest in ones like Chess, Law, or Reptile and Amphibian Study? Zach Chopp-Adams, advisor for the C2 section of the Michigan Crossroads Council, wrote one of his Wood Badge tickets on motivating Scouts to earn merit badges and shares his insight right here on ScoutCast.

If you’re a seasoned Scoutmaster, assistant Scoutmaster, or Venturing Advisor, you know what we’re talking about. Awkward situations and the discussions that need to take place because of them is a common occurrence in Scouting. But, the Scout or Venturer is not your child, so first you have to have an awkward conversation with the parent or guardian to get permission to have that discussion. It takes some experience to know how to handle these situations tactfully, so longtime Scoutmaster and current Venturing Advisor Peter Self shares the microphone with us to discuss in great detail how to get permission to handle awkward situations.

How do you explain the benefits of merit badges to a boy? Sure, you’re the adult, you get it, but how do we explain it so the Scout gets it? And what if all he wants to do is earn the outdoor badges like Camping and Kayaking? How do you pique his interest in ones like Chess, Law, or Reptile and Amphibian Study? Zach Chopp-Adams, advisor for the C2 section of the Michigan Crossroads Council, wrote one of his Wood Badge tickets on motivating Scouts to earn merit badges and shares his insight right here on ScoutCast.

If you’re a seasoned Scoutmaster, assistant Scoutmaster, or Venturing Advisor, you know what we’re talking about. Awkward situations and the discussions that need to take place because of them is a common occurrence in Scouting. But, the Scout or Venturer is not your child, so first you have to have an awkward conversation with the parent or guardian to get permission to have that discussion. It takes some experience to know how to handle these situations tactfully, so longtime Scoutmaster and current Venturing Advisor Peter Self shares the microphone with us to discuss in great detail how to get permission to handle awkward situations.