100 Days of Scouting: Day 82

Today I:

Had my Scouting derailed by a problem at work.

Updated pack and troop accounts with summer camp deposits.

That was about it.  Sometimes work is the highest priority--and it allows me to keep Scouting a high priority the rest of my life.  Work ever get in your way?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 81

Today I:

Broadcasted the new Scouting Heritage merit badge information on Twitter, Facebook, via email to the troop, and other Scouters.  Oh, asked the Scout store when we can expect the manuals.

Reminded the crew about the new age and grade requirements for Venturing, effective Saturday.

Began to prep the troop's Scout-o-Rama registration form, due Friday.  I have all the details, I just need to get them all down.

Anyone else glad to see a new merit badge?  I think this is a great idea, and will encourage new Scouts to get connected to the origins.  I asked for a show of hands last night about who Baden-Powell was.  Not impressive.  How about you? Could you earn this merit badge?  Share your thoughts on it in the Comments.

100 Days of Scouting: Day 80

Today I:

Pulled together the list of awards needed for the pack meeting tonight.

Went to the Scout store--still out of a lot of Academics and Sports belt loops and pins (primarily the new ones).

Filled out the award cards--this always gives me a minute to remember each Scout and think about him for a minute. Are we meeting his needs?

Completed a pack meeting!  Man, I love those!  They always leave me pumped up!

Completed a troop meeting.  Lots of requests from the new Scouts for Reading and Family Life merit badges.

Listened to some of the growing pains that the crew is having.

Energy to spare tonight!  How charged are you after your Scout meeting night?  Comment and let us know!  Woo!

100 Days of Scouting: Day 79

Today I:

Caught up all of the Scout accounts for the troop and the pack.

Emailed each family with the total bill they owe for summer camp this year.  Very painful with families where they have 3 or 4 Scouts in the program, and especially if Dad wants to come along.

This took up most of my free time today--I'm very careful to make sure all accounting is squared away before I give them the camp bill.  Is this a problem for you?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 78

Today I:

Pulled down a few fresh images for Scouting posts!

Updated files for pack's summer camp.

Updated files for troop's summer camp.

Updated file for troop's C&O Canal work day.

Broadcasted a reminder that all summer camp fees are due this week!

Received my assignments (final) for serving on camp visitation teams in NC this summer--can't wait!

Attending a Tiger Go See It at the newspaper tonight.

Today was a paperwork day for Scouting.  There will be more to do this week to register for events, get physical forms out, tour permits, and summer plans in place.  When do you process Scouting paper?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 77

Today I:

Caught up on reading Scouting blogs.

Pulled together details for pack meeting awards--pack meeting is this week!  Already!

Played "mailman" at home--delivering multiple copies of Boy's Life and Scouting magazine!  We get enough of them, that BSA bundles them all together in plastic!

As the 100 Days of Scouting begins to down-shift towards the finish, I'm doing a lot of thinking about how I can continue to make a difference.  What are your thoughts?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 76

Today I:

Purchased three 21" bow saws so that each patrol will have one for their backpacking and camping use.  Small, lightweight, and perfect for younger (and smaller) hands. They were on sale for $2.97 each.

Yep, that was it for Scouting today.  My daughter is home from college this weekend, so a lot of family time.  You?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 75

Today I:

Managed to tweet about St. George's Feast Day (today).  St. George is the patron saint of Scouting, and important to my Scout units.

Prepared and alert a Scout follows the lead Of our Patron Saint George and his spirited steed."  - Baden-Powell in "Scouting for Boys

Tried to get something posted for the council, but the details just weren't forthcoming.  Maybe next week.

Some days just don't get started right, and stay right there.  Try harder, and the wheels just keep spinning in the mud.  How did you Scouting day go?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 74

Today I:

Helped a young Boy Scout work out his family logistics so that he can go camping with us in May.  Good kid.

Got to let a parent know how exemplary their son was on our Cub Scout field trip last night.

Worked out (hopefully) missing issues of Boys' Life.

Let a Scouting magazine advertiser know that I liked their ad, and would be interested in purchasing a product from them.  Been looking for a tent, and there it was.

Notified parents that the Cub Scout year ends in a few weeks--time to wrap up advancement for those still hanging out there.

Today it was the little things that mattered.  Missing Boys' Life is a big deal to a Tiger; selling tents is important to Coleman and Scouting magazine; helping a Scout go camping is vital.  What did you do today?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 73

Today I:

Distributed 7 copies of the Parvuli Dei religious emblem book and 2 copies of Light of Christ.

Escorted the Tiger Den and the Webelos Scout den to the fire station.

Confirmed the Tiger Go See It at the newspaper on Monday.

Enjoyed the 100th post of a fellow Scouting blogger, the only Scout I know who blogs.

Yep, Wednesday again.  Den and Troop meetings tonight.  It is the most direct impact I have on Scouting--what is your best Scouting day?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 72

Today I:

Helped a Scout with Citizenship in the Nation merit badge (as counselor).

Helped a Scout with Camping merit badge (as counselor).

Tweeted a link to a Cub Scout friendly booklet of the Academics and Sports requirements.

Received both of the BSA dollars in the mail...as a gift from my uncle.  WOW!  They look great!

So what Scouting is happening in your neighborhood?  Share--let us in on your fun!

100 Days of Scouting: Day 71

Today I:

Swapped messages with a new Scouter in my area via Twitter.  So now we can meet in "real" life.

Updated council and camp Facebook pages.

Looked an Kelty 3-man tents at Costco...hmmmm....$57 each.

How are you doing with Scouting this spring? Weather got you busy with Scouting, or catching up on everything but Scouting?  Share your thoughts with us!

100 Days of Scouting: Day 70

Today I:

Attended the Patrol Leader's Conference.  Two hours of Scouting where lots was planned--including election cycle, Scout-o-Rama, and weekend service project with campout.

Two hours is enough Scouting for today--lots of work to be done to make May a success.  SPL has a lot on his plate this month.

100 Days of Scouting: Day 69

Today I:

Helped a Tiger build a project at Lowe's (free kits twice a month!).

Confirmed plans for PLC tomorrow night.

Encouraged a Scout beginning on the Painting merit badge.  Yes, scraping the old border off the walls first is important!

Beautiful weather, seeds to plant, planters to fill, grass to mow, Scouts to lead...how about your Scouting adventure today?  Commenting contributes to Scouting, too!

100 Days of Scouting: Day 68

Today I:

Uploaded a couple of hundred pictures from recent camp-outs with the Scouts.

Helped a parent understand that I'm not going to watch her Boy Scout until they get there 30 minutes after the meeting ends.  Sigh.  

Planned a family outing with my Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Venturer to a National Park tomorrow--all US National Parks have free admission 17-25 APR.  Putting the "outing in Scouting"!

Stormy weather is blowing through, opening up a great weekend for Scouting.  How about you?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 67

Today I:

Finished cleaning up from the camping trip this weekend.  Yuck.

Mailed in the check for the crew's fundraiser...as they get ready to launch another one.  Busy crew!  Very motivated.

Started fielding questions from new Boy Scout parents...;-)

Researched sleeping bag options suggested on yesterday's post.

Gorgeous out, and I'm getting ready to do some work outside...which will lead to making room for a Scouting project...or 6!  What did you do for Scouting today?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 66

Today I:

Updated a previous 100 Days of Scouting, to reflect a Scoutmaster Conference successfully had on our campout Saturday.  

Continued my quest for a fairly inexpensive, 15 degree-ish, mummy-style sleeping bag.  I'm a big guy and not having much luck.  (Suggestions in the comments would be terrific!)

Planned out my Webelos Scout meeting.  I have one Webelos Scout left, and he will qualify to join the troop with his Arrow of Light when he turns 10.5 in June.

Wrote my Cub Scout parents about the chance to move our Cub Scout meetings back 30 minutes, and finish 30 minutes sooner.  We'll see if they think it is a good idea!

Wednesday, the busiest Scout day of the week.  I'll be doing my best to be ready for whatever comes tonight!  Comments on that sleeping bag?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 65

Today I:

Helped a Scout pull together a merit badge notebook to help track all of his work and documents for the 8 different badges he is working on.

Purchased several new merit badge books.

Completed my backlog of reading Scout blogs!

Made sure the PLC knows the time and date of our next PLC meeting (this Sunday)--especially our new patrol leader from the Webelos Crossover last weekend.  (In case you were wondering, "Leadership" is the Troop Program featured for May.)

Do you provide a lot of glue to keep your Scout ship moving along?  How's that working for you?  Share in the comments!

100 Days of Scouting: Day 64

Today I:

Helped a Scout finish his Camping merit badge (I'm a counselor).

Discussed how to pay vendor share of crew's fundraiser.

Light work on Scouting today, but managed to help a young man get one step closer to Eagle Scout...so it was a GREAT day for Scouting!

100 Days of Scouting: Day 63

Today I:

Cleaned up my gear from the campout.

Participated in a spirited debate on the value of "boy-led" troops, and to what extent they should be "boy-led".

Remembered:  last night, helped an injured Scout at the Crossover.

What a busy weekend!  Webelos Crossover, troop campout, and drove 200 miles for Scouting.  You?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 62

Today I:

Hiked a few miles with the troop.

Completed all but the Board of Review for a Scout who really wants his Second Class rank.

Wrapped up a camping trip, and drove some of the Boy Scouts out for the Webelos Crossover tonight.

Received six brand new Boy Scouts into the troop.  They have decided to be the Flaming Arrow patrol.  Cool patrol emblem.

[By the way, today is the 100th day of the 100th year of Scouting, not to be confused with 100 Days of Scouting!]

Long, long day for Scouting--definitely ready for bed.  What did you do today?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 61

Today I:

Drove out early to secure 3 free campsites in our National Forest.  Nice impromptu field trip for my Tiger.  Nice hike tomorrow with the troop.

Stopped by WalMart to facilitate "oh, I have to buy food for the patrol this weekend".

Checked in with my Venturer who is about to go on their crew's first in-the-woods campout (no where near the troop).

Sent out last minute details and reminders to our families who have Webelos Scouts crossing over to the troop tomorrow night.

Spectacular camping weather this weekend--30s tonight, 60s during the day.  Great hikes, great new Boy Scouts coming in, great times for Scouting.  What are you preparing for today?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 60

Today I:

Paid for my peanut order.  They look really good, too.

Contacted Bears that missed the pack meeting last night--and getting their Bear rank.  Lots of illness going around.

Found out if a dad could still get in on the Webelos Crossover weekend his son is participating in.

Notified our District Executive that a local middle school has two end-of-year programs going on.  And they  want to give the BSA free booth space (!) to promote Scouting and conduct a registration drive.  Helps that the principal is one of our Scout moms...DE was thrilled!

Tomorrow will be a busy day getting ready for the Crossover ceremony Saturday night, as well as a troop overnighter tomorrow.  Do you have "outing in Scouting" plans for the weekend?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 59

Today I:

Drove to the Scout store to pick up all of my awards for tonight--last minute trip!

Filled out approximately 75 award cards by hand.  Cub Scout Academics and Sports awards are the best!  My guys love earning them, and apparently trying to see which is the weirdest one they can earn.  It is 90 out today, but I'll be giving out not one but TWO belt loops for "Ice Skating".

Worked out final logistics for Webelos Crossover ceremony at the council event this weekend, while camping with the troop an hour and a half away.  Nice weekend!

Pack meeting nights are fantastic!  I love the energy and enthusiasm--and that's before I even see the Scouts!  What special things do you do for Scouting? Comment!

100 Days of Scouting: Day 58

Today I:

Planned out a series of posts for Scoutsigns on the new Historic Merit Badges.  I'm as excited about these as my  Scouts are.

Put together my order for the pack meeting tomorrow night.  Our Webelos Scouts are crossing over to the troop this weekend, so we have a big crossover event planned.

Tomorrow is one of our biggest pack meetings of the year.  We move a whole den from the pack to a new Scout patrol in the troop.  This will be the largest our troop has ever been.  All for Scouting.

100 Days of Scouting: Day 57

Today I:

Confirmed my appointment to discuss basic backpacking with the Crew.

Planned my backpacking talk!

Ordered my 2010 rank advancement badges for the pack--they are FINALLY in! Woo!

Wrote out my pack meeting plan.

Printed out reminders to get the camp physicals in sooner than later for summer camp.

Finally, a decent day of Scouting!  Been awfully busy getting prepared for Easter, but now that time is free again.  How about you?  Have you been a good Scouter?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 56

Today I:

Practiced being reverent.  Happy Easter!

Today, the closest I'm going to come to Scouting is spending time with my family.  I'll get a phone call or two--like I do every Sunday when my Scouts think of something!

100 Days of Scouting: Day 55

Today I:

Worked on organizing my Scout paperwork some more.  I'm definitely paying for letting it go so long.

Helped a Scout with information on the Painting merit badge.

Easter is almost here, and I have a lot of non-Scout responsibilities.  How do you work in a little Scouting around a hectic holiday?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 54

Today I:

Helped yet another Scout with decisions about his summer camp merit badges.  I'm detecting a trend!

Aided a certain young Tiger Scout in the selection of his first baseball glove.  I'm sure the Baseball and Softball belt loops will be in his future.

It is Good Friday, and I had to provide a lot of transportation for my First Class Scout to perform his duties as altar boy.  Funny, most of the altar boys are Scouts.  Coincidence?  I think not.

100 Days of Scouting: Day 53

Today I:

Helped a(nother) Scout with his merit badge selection for summer camp.

Sent out a lot of information (all I could find) on Twitter about the new Historic Merit Badges:  Carpentry, Signaling, Pathfinding, and Tracking.  There are pdf files of the old merit badge manuals for these, too. Tracking was called "Stalking" then--probably a good idea to change in light of the current context of "stalking".

Notified my council store, my district executive, fellow Scouters in our council and, of course, my troop about the new Historic Merit Badge program.

Posted a new Friends Of Scouting event to our council blog.  If you are a Civil War buff and happen to be in the area, you might want to check it out.

There is certainly bad Scouting news coming out of Oregon right now.  How do you handle this kind of press?  Do families ask?  How do you support Scouting in bad times?  Share so that others will "be prepared".