Frank Maynard is a troop committee chairman writes the blog Bobwhite Blather. In a recent article Frank discusses three things that Scouters should never do for their Scouts; As Scouters, though, we really need to put… parenting instincts aside in order to make sure that we not only deliver the Scouting program as promised, but also to help our…continue reading
Three Handy Phrases for Scoutmasters
April 26, 2013 by · 11 Comments
Here’s three handy phrases for Scoutmasters from an interview on next week’s podcast. You may find these useful in any number of situations. How would you use these phrases?
Synthetic or Authentic Scouting?
April 16, 2013 by · 14 Comments
What is authentic Scouting? 52 Scout leaders from 16 countries in the European Scout Region replied to a survey about the retention of young people in Scouting conducted by the World Organization of the Scouting Movement (WOSM) during the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden. Their responses indicate that Scouting everywhere shares common challenges. Here’s some key thoughts offered in…continue reading
Webelos Crossover – Every Scoutmaster Should Read This
April 2, 2013 by · 3 Comments
This email about one Webelos crossover to a troop needs little introduction or explanation, but one part bears repeating; Meetings don’t cut it, selling the parents on how great a troop is doesn’t cut it, your “reputation” of being a strong troop doesn’t cut it. What does? Read on; Clarke – I recently stumbled across your…continue reading
The Heart Grows Smarter
December 27, 2012 by ·
From an article by columnist David Brooks , read the full article at The Heart Grows Smarter In 1938, a group of researchers began an intensive study of 268 students at Harvard University. The plan was to track them through their entire lives, measuring, testing and interviewing them every few years to see how lives develop. … as…continue reading
Three Keys to Scoutmaster Survival
November 4, 2012 by ·
Scoutmaster survival can hinge on these three P’s – proportion, perspective and preparation, every Scoutmaster should know: Proportion You can only do so much, you have limitations and you have a breaking point. Having a sober estimate of these things about ourselves is important. Your Scouts can only do so much, they have limitations and they have a…continue reading
Scouting as a Game – Green Bar Bill
October 17, 2012 by ·
William “Green Bar Bill” Hillcourt is the man who wrote the book on Scouting, literally. His Patrol Leader’s Handbook is, without a doubt, his best and most influential work. His understanding of scouting was simple, but not simplistic. To an outsider, Scouting must at first appear to be a very complex matter. If it were only…continue reading
Scouting is a Verb
October 16, 2012 by ·
On my honor, I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight Be Prepared Do a good turn daily How do Scouts advance? By doing the things…continue reading
The Sunday Phone Call
September 30, 2012 by ·
(Historic fiction inspired by Larry’s comments on this post – have you ever had a call like this?) After a weekend camping trip a twelve year-old Scout throws his pack into the trunk and gets in the car. His parent asks, “So, what did you do this weekend? Did you get a lot of work done?…continue reading
Are You a Safety Net or Nursemaid?
September 28, 2012 by ·
Priceless! Dear Andy, I returned from Scout camp after spending six days with my son and his troop a couple of weeks ago, and I have to say is I’m shocked. I was there with the Scoutmaster, and he never lifted a finger to help the boys. All he did was sit in his lawn…continue reading
What’s Happening Now?
September 18, 2012 by ·
Think for a moment about the way a Scout-aged-boy’s mind develops – He is becoming increasingly able to think abstractly. He may be sharply self-conscious thinking that he is constantly being watched and judged by others; believing no one can relate to his personal experiences. He is beginning to think systematically about morality, friendship, faith, democracy,…continue reading
10 Ways to Support the Senior Patrol Leader
September 4, 2012 by ·
The senior patrol leader is in charge of troop meetings from beginning to end. He chairs meetings of the patrol leaders’ council as they plan troop activities and programs… To help the senior patrol leader achieve that leadership goal, you as Scoutmaster should work with him before and after troop meetings to mentor him, encourage him, and provide him with the tools to succeed. …continue reading
Scoutmasters from the Scout’s Perspective
August 21, 2012 by ·
Enoch is an active 17-year-old Scout and blogger at Scouting Rediscovered I asked Enoch to write about his experiences with adult volunteers in Scouting: When I first joined my Troop, I really didn’t know what to expect; I was never a Cub or Webelos, and my family had not really been involved in Scouting. All I…continue reading
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