100 Days in the Future

100 Days of Scouting has come to a close.

It began with the centennial anniversary of Scouting in the United States.  The original idea was to motivate people--and especially me--to make sure we did something to improve the Scouting universe each day.

Things

Big things like becoming a BSA Speaker or beginning a new Scouting blog.

Medium-sized things like using Twitter and Facebook to encourage other Scouters to get active and stay active.

Small things like taking a phone call from a Scout, shooting the breeze with a former leader in line at Walmart, or signing another blue card.

They all add up to moving Scouting along.

What's Next?

First, if you are just discovering 100 Days, jump in.  Get started.  Right now.  Blog it.  Add a comment below to tell us all that your 100 Days blog is running.  Tweet it if you like.  But get started today.

Don't be bashful--A Scout is brave.  Do your best.

If you've been here awhile, you have either jumped in or been following along. Following along is fine.  Nothing like reading and being inspired.

Now, here's your chance:  08 FEB 2011 (and each year thereafter) we should commemorate the anniversary of Scouting by exercising the 100 Days again.

It is the middle of winter then, so the weather isn't cooperating for much Scouting.  The Scouting year is just over half finished.  For many Scouts and Scouters, the blahs have set in.

No more.  This is the time of year we need a swift kick to get us moving.  Spring and Summer are coming fast, and will be all the better for our February focus.

Interested?

The best way to get reminders is to Subscribe--click on the "Posts" button and have it added to your RSS feed.

Another great way is to follow along on Twitter--you'll see the automatic posts from the blog there.

Any other ideas for making the most of 100 Days?  An annual re-dedication seems like a commitment I can live with--how about you?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 100

Today I:

Spent a lot of time thinking about the 100 Days of Scouting project.  I wanted it to make a difference in Scouting, for my Scouts, and for me personally.  At this point, I hope that has happened.  We'll see what seeds sprout.

Publicized our Scout-A-Rama.

Posted a couple of Scout related links to our council's Facebook page--one is for an Eagle project that ties out to D-Day and the other is for the Scout-A-Rama.

...and that's it.  Simple beginning, simple ending.  Hope you've enjoyed your 100 Days--and I'm enjoying reading about yours!

100 Days of Scouting: Day 99

Today I:

Helped a Tiger earn another elective: #42

Worked with the council office to confirm our troop, pack and crew commitments for the Scout-A-Rama this weekend.

Swapped email with a new Scout dad about being able to camp with his son this weekend at the Scout-A-Rama.  He wanted to let me know that he thinks that a couple of campouts will help get his son off on the right foot.  OK.

Well, tomorrow is the big day!  100 Days of Scouting becomes 100!  What did you think of it?  Did it help?  Learn anything?  Get any fresh ideas?  Share your thoughts...and wish 100 Days a "Happy 100th!" tomorow!

100 Days of Scouting: Day 98

Today I:

Hosted a Patrol Leaders Council with our incoming and outgoing Scout leaders.

Completed a Scoutmaster conference for a new Scout.

Followed up with a dad who needs to be dropped at the airport on the way home from a backpacking trip in June.  Now that is dedication!  Yep, we'll accommodate him.

Thought about how to turn 100 Days of Scouting into something more lasting...

PLC is just one more meeting a month that eats up our time, but yields great results down the road.  Always tough with the new patrol leaders, too. ;-)  

100 Days of Scouting: Day 97

Today I:

Relaxed after planting 48 tomato and 48 pepper plants, by reading Scouting blogs.  It was the perfect way to recover.

Flipped through a few random 100 Days of Scouting posts--I'm amazed at all the stuff I've already forgotten!

It was hot and that was all I accomplished.  Definitely an early bedtime tonight!  What did you do today?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 96

Today I:

Fixed a new Scout's Boy's Life subscription.  He paid for it but it wasn't marked on the registration form.

Contacted all of the troop's dads about stepping up to help handle one campout year.

Helped a Dad get the dates for Cub Scout summer camp so that he can surprise his son and go!

That was it for today--busy at work, but just a little time for Scouting.  Always try to make a few minutes for Scouting.  What was in your minute today?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 95

Today I:

Attended the council's Centennial Committee meeting.

Attended the council's Scout-A-Rama Committee meeting.

Turned in two new Scout applications--one for the pack and one for the troop.

Meetings and Scouting go together like shoes and socks.  Today was a meeting day with other great Scouters.  Do you help Scouting with adult-facing meetings?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 94

Today I:

Helped a Scout finish up Citizenship in the Nation--must have a Board of Review tonight...;-)

Fielded a phone call about helping a den leader out.  Could only offer encouragement, as the troop is swamped tonight.

Conducted a scad of Scoutmaster conferences for Scout, Second Class, First Class, Star and Life ranks.  Yep, definitely a Board of Review tonight.

I bet out of 19 Scouts, I have 10 Scoutmaster conferences to go over tonight--to be fair, half of them are for Scout badges.  Big night for Scouting, locally anyway.  How about you?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 93

Today I:

Had a long conversation about our Order of the Arrow program.  Not thrilled, but sounds like new direction is coming.

Scheduled a visit in a couple of weeks with the OA to visit our troop for OA elections.

Some Scouting days are focused on problems, and getting them resolved.  Do you ever need to solve problems for Scouting?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 92

Today I:

Spoke to another Scout about the Reading merit badge.  I detect a trend.

Signed off on Camping merit badge for another Scout.  He's working hard on Citizenship in the Nation now.  He has a goal.

Sent out reminder about Board of Review this week.

Sent out reminder about Court of Honor on 02 JUN.

My new Scouts are getting the merit badge fever faster than the previous ones did.  Makes for an exciting day of Scouting!  How was your 100 Days today?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 91

Today I:

Cleaned out the van from the campout and service project.  Wow.

Approved service hours for a Life Scout candidate.

Chatted with a Scout about the requirements for the Reading merit badge--had to switch into the "merit badge counselor" hat first.

Mother's Day provided no obstacle to getting Scouting done--and I'm especially grateful for the 3 Scouts I've been given!  And it was still a great Mother's Day!  How did yours go?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 90

Today I:

Completed 3 hours of service on the C&O Canal with our troop.  Great job guys!

Hiked 2 miles to see the coolest tunnel, ever.  3000 feet long, hand dug in the 1840s.

Drove back to town, all tasks completed.

It was a fast night and day of work, but completely worth it.  Hope your weekend went as well for Scouting!

100 Days of Scouting: Day 89

Today I:

Helped a patrol get their shopping done for the campout tonight.

Reconfigured the van to seat 15 now instead of 12--good turnout!

Clarified the water, fire and latrine situation where we are headed (all is as planned).

Picked up the guys...and hit the road!

And so begins another great Scouting adventure.  How about you?  Any plans for this weekend?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 88

Today I:

Helped a Scout get a job painting for an elderly neighbor...based on his performance with the Painting merit badge.

Updated Scouts on the weather for the coming weekend campout and service project.

Swapped comments with a new reader of the 100 Days of Scouting!

Spoke to the National Parks regarding the service project this weekend--they intend to waive our campground fees, so that helps a bunch.  Found out another troop will be in the area to work on an Eagle project, too.

Pitched our charter organization to continue the same level of contribution this year for each unit ($150 plus the registration fee, for each of the pack, troop and crew).  Holding my breath--this money usually helps pay for Scout who cannot afford summer camp otherwise.

Today was a "nuts and bolts" day for Scouting--the kind of work I really enjoy.  How about you?  Get your hands dirty Scouting today?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 87

Today I:

Publicized the BSA's Immunization Exemption Form as best as I could.  This is to be used, where applicable, with the new medical form for camp.

Reviewed logistics with the C&O Canal Trust for the upcoming work day.

Finalized the logistics with the troop for the upcoming work day.

Discussed last minute details with two Scouts trying to hit Star for the Board of Review next Wednesday.

Working on Readyman with a Webelos Scout who wants to join the troop the second he is 10.5 years old.

Monitoring troop meeting tonight.  Elections are coming soon!

The sun is shining, and all is right with the Scouting world.  Mine anyway, how about yours?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 86

Today I:

Helped a Scout with his summer camp merit badge selection.

Reminded other Scouts that the deadline for their summer camp merit badge selections are overdue.

Set up a plan for a Webelos Scout who wants to get his Arrow of Light and cross over to the troop the day he is 10.5 years old.  Just needs to finish Readyman and Outdoorsman (both started already).

Announced new meeting time for the pack--scooting to a half-hour earlier.  Every parent is happy so far.

Posted the April Eagle Scouts for our council!  Great job, guys!

Today, Scouting was all about the boys--lending a helping hand to the Scouts, council and Scout families.  How about your Scouts?  Something special today?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 85

Today I:

Deposited more overdue summer camp fees--not a problem though, folks are just so busy now.

Purchased a new 3-man tent and a new sleeping bag.  Scouting related?  Yep.  Bag is for me, tent is one I hope the Scouts will adopt for our excursions.  Either way, I'll probably keep the tent for me...

Posted information on the new fundraiser the council is having.  Books-A-Million is having a book fair, with proceeds going to the council.  Nice idea!  Competitions and more.

Added a Scout to the troop's YahooGroup--he finally has his own email address!

Answered a slightly anxious question from a new Boy Scout mom--apparently, he is going camping but isn't exactly sure where we are going...or when...or for how long...Great opportunity to educate her on the "go ask your patrol leader" method.

Finally, a full day of Scouting!  Some days just lend themselves to it better than others--I think it is by staying vigilant to opportunities.  What do you think?

100 Days of Scouting: Day 84

Today I:

Collected a couple of late summer camp payments.

Listened to the crew's adventure at the Orioles-Red Sox game.

95 degrees today, and gardening was king.  More Scouting tomorrow--promise!

100 Days of Scouting: Day 83

Today I:

Made six deposits for different things for the pack, troop and crew--WHEW!  Glad to have that off my desk!

Helped a Scout take care of a Painting merit badge requirement.  Just had to provide the opportunity...and the paint.

Coming into the home stretch with the 100 Days project--really?  83 days?  This is the only free weekend I have until the end of August.  Half of those are for Scouting!  How about you?  Is your Scouting calendar balanced with your personal needs?