Beat the Bushes

As we inch closer to this year's 100 Days of Scouting, let's make an effort to get the most out of it.

I learned so much last year, and stayed motivated, by reading the 100 Days of Scouting efforts made by others--Scouts and Scouters both.

So, today's mission:  ask others to join the effort this year.  I know of three Scouters in my own council that I think could make a big difference, and not just to me.

Do you know someone who would be good at this?  Someone who has opinions and likes to take action?  Someone who is a busy Scouter and sets a great example?

Don't forget Scouts or even a professional Scouter.  I know I would have more appreciation for what they do if I had more of a window into what they have to do--in addition to working with me!

Invite them to join us.  Spread the knowledge, the experience and the joy of Scouting.

Start them here.

And tell them to post their blog in the comments, so we can all find it!

100 Days of Scouting: 08 FEB 2011

Coming soon...100 Days of Scouting for 2011.  Beginning on the anniversary of Scouting is a great time to dedicate ourselves to 100 days of focus on the things we hold near and dear--Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturing.

Think about it...get yourself psyched...make a plan.  February 8th will be here before you know it.

You can do it!  And we want to hear all about it!

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?