ScouterStan - Scout Leader Podcast

Explore the vital roles of BSA Councils, Districts, and the Commissioner Corps, the backbone of Scouting's structure. Many volunteers overlook the Commissioner Corps' purpose, designed to offer crucial support. Join us as we unveil its strategic framework, empowering volunteers to enhance program quality and community engagement. Discover the keys to maximizing Scouting's impact and ensure every volunteer is equipped for success.

Discover the religious emblem coordinator position within your area. There are three major positions concerning religious emblems. The council should have a coordinator that works with each district. Every unit should have a contact for all of the different faiths that this covers. Scouting has always been faith-based. The first promise in the scout oath is to God. This award recognizes individuals who have dedicated time to enrich their faiths path.

James E. West Fellowship Award recognizes the financial contribution to the Boy Scouts of America. It would seem that this is kind of straightforward however it's not. There are many ways to contribute and there are different levels of recognition. This is recognized by a colorful green and yellow square knot with a red border. Many recipients receive this recognition when a contribution is made in their honor.

The Historic Trails Award is achieved by scouting units in recognition of historic activity on a historic trail. Hiking metals on specific trails can qualify for this group award. Typically Scout Troops can hike and camp along the trail to give service back to the historic society. There are only three requirements for the Historic Trails Award. There is a link to the national list here in the description.

The meritorious action award is often referred to as the heroism award and lifesaving award. This rare and unique award is given to individuals who have gone above and beyond to help others. Many scout skills or life-saving such as first aid, emergency preparedness, and water safety. Nominations for the award must be made within three years of the incident.

This is the follow-up video from the advancement team video from a few years back. From this, we dive into some of the new changes that have happened to advancement. Scoutbook is the preferred reporting method for unit advancement. There are other third-party software that units may prefer to use but eventually, it all needs to be integrated into Scoutbook. The unit advancement team which is a critical part of the unit committee needs to work together to maintain and update the scouts' records. This is no longer accepted in paper form at many council offices. Many other changes are talked about. We even cover a question about Lodge Master.

Scout Leaders are witnessing young people becoming more and more addicted to screen time. Cellular or mobile phones make it easy for anyone to stay connected to the Internet. Unfortunately, screen time addiction is an issue for many young Americans. There are times when scouts are out at a remote camp and cannot use their mobile phones. For some this is a relief for many others it is a form of homesickness known as “mobilesickness”. For many youths, the Fear Of Missing Out known as FOMO has become challenging. Often insecure young people check their media connections far too often in a day. This is incredibly distracting and disruptive. What are we to do in Scouting? You can't teach a Scouting skill to a scout who's staring at a screen while flipping through TikTok.

This is a critical youth leadership position that is often overlooked. The Den Chief position is essential in many respects. They are the representation of the best of the troop. They are youth leaders who work with Den Leaders and interact with Cub Scouts. What many troop leaders mistakenly consider a minor youth position. They are a crucial part of the troop's long-range recruitment goals. Den chiefs encourage Cub Scouts to cross over to their Troop. When they arrive the Den Chief should become a Toop Guide for the new first-year patrol. The cycle of Den Chief to Troop Guide is something to consider when thinking long range.

Just over the words, Boy Scouts of America or Scouts BSA on the right pocket is a space reserved for the interpreter strip. All too often we forget that the Scouting movement is international. It's important that scouts and scouters who are bilingual display what language they are proficient in. This is a way of living up to being courteous and friendly. It also helps keep with the scout oath to help others at all times by being that interpreter that helps them understand what is going on in scouting. Today's technology can subtitle using closed captions on almost any video in any language. Almost every smartphone has an interpreter feature. Google can translate entire websites into a language that the user may be more comfortable reading. The interpreter strip is often forgotten as a good turn in scouting to help others.

Eagle Scouts are rare in the world. They represent individuals who have dedicated themselves to live their lives according to the Scout Oath and Law. Many of today's leaders are Eagle Scouts living fulfilling lives of leadership throughout our community. Scout leaders should dedicate themselves to promoting this achievement by mentoring young people towards it. Now that the first class of female Eagle Scouts has been officially recognized by Scouting BSA. The final barrier to young people is no longer an obstacle. Scouting should always be for all young people to participate in. Leaders all over our country need to rededicate themselves to young Scouts who are looking toward the mountain peak of Eagle Scout. Becoming an Eagle Scout mentor is a good place to start. “Be The Change”

On the 100th Anniversary of Scouting in America (2010), the Centennial series commemorated this incredible event. The BSA reintroduced 4 discontinued merit badges with gold borders. Also introduced were Cub Scout and Scout Troop 2010 Centennial ranks many camps and council celebrations also commemorated this Centennial event. Join ScouterStan as he dives into the commemorative series of badges. This also includes the Centennial Membership Ring (donut) and other council specialty patches.

Discover the unofficial top five tips for den leaders to get the most out of their leadership experience. These 5 tips could be for all unit leaders whether they are in a pack, troop, crew, or ship. We dive into the necessity of being trained and not reinventing the wheel. Being the example and not the exception and what critical meetings are most important to attend. Most leaders only have a short time (less than five years). Making fantastic memories and keeping them for whenever you need them. Making a real difference in the world by helping young people learn and adopt the Scout Oath and Law.

Most unit leaders may not be aware of the structure of their District and how important it is. The District is a critical part of your Council in its direct operations with all Scouting units in your area. The District Committee has 4 standard functions that directly relate to all Packs, Troops, Crews, Ships, and Posts. The District Committee Chair and District Commissioner work directly with the District Executives to manage all of the departments within the scope of leading activities within your District. A basic understanding of how this structure works for you is essential to understanding what is happening within your District.

We take you on a journey to explore the exciting world of patch trading at a Boy Scout summer camp. If you're a Boy Scout enthusiast or collector, you won't want to miss this! We show you the ins and outs of the patch trading scene at camp, from the different types of patches to the friendly competition between scouts. We even get up close and personal with some of the rarest and most sought-after patches in the community. You'll also learn some tips and tricks to make the most out of your patch-trading experience at Boy Scout summer camp. We cover everything from etiquette to organization and bargaining skills, so you can trade like a pro. So sit back, relax, and join us on this exciting patch-trading adventure. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just getting started, you're sure to have a blast. Happy patch trading!

Being a new Assistant Scoutmaster can be a challenging but rewarding experience, and it's important to “be prepared” for the role. We'll cover everything from building relationships with your scouts and fellow leaders to helping the youth plan meetings and outings, to effectively managing time. Getting to know them on a personal level, being approachable, and actively listening to their concerns and ideas. Be organized and plan ahead. Develop a strong understanding of the Scout Oath and Law. Lead by example and inspire your scouts to be the best versions of themselves. Foster a positive troop culture. Be proficient in basic outdoor skills. Communicate effectively with youth leaders and parents. Encourage your scouts to take an active role in planning and leading troop activities. Prioritize safety and risk management. Get feedback from your scouts and fellow leaders, and more.

Many non-scouters believe that Scouting is militaristic. Almost to the point of an “urban legend”. This rumor that somehow our peace movement is actually militarily oriented. Baden-Powell the founder of Scouting spend most of his professional career in the military. As the Scouting movement was developing it became more of a peace movement throughout the world. Citizenship and one's duty to the country are regarded as institutional morals. In the past, the Boy Scouts of America have been asked to participate in campaigns for volunteer citizens. Retaining the principles and beliefs of the scout movement as a peaceful organization.

So many units fail when it comes time to replace a critical leader. Unlocking the secret of mentoring replacements is a critical skill that all leaders should have. Adult leaders need to work with the youth leadership to do the same. All too often we rely on friends to fill the space we leave behind. Many times the unit completely folds, trusting that others will step up. Mentoring your replacement shows a good example to other leaders to think of the future. Making sure that leadership candidates have the ability, availability, and capability to take over critical roles within your unit. Having a plan in place helps us “Be Prepared” for the eventual progression of youth and adult leadership.

Proclaimed to be the book that started the Scouting movement in the world. Originally was an instruction manual for the military. This little book of the 20th century became extremely popular in England with the postindustrial youth. Baden-Powell struggled to get the book published as he was in the midst of a siege in the little town of Mafeking (today Mafikeng) South Africa in the Second Boer War. Many scout leaders have heard of this book but few have read this iconic text. Here are some fantastic and lesser-known facts about this little book that started the World Organization of the Scouting Movement.

This podcast dispels many of the mysteries about Wilderness First Aid (WFA) training & CPR/AED Certification. Many scout leaders that are heading off to high adventure are required to take this training. This first aid training is recommended for scout leaders heading off to remote locations where rapid first aid transport is not readily available. Many councils have opportunities throughout the year for training at their scout camp. They are organizations that can also do the training outside of your counsel. It's recommended that you contact your council about this training and alternatives.

The Scout uniform is part of the methods of Scouting. As a uniformed organization, we transform our daily life into being a Scout. Boys & Girls in uniform are Scouts, not kids. There are places to be in uniform and places where the uniform would be inappropriate. The dress uniform, uniform, and activity uniform (class B) are explained. Regular uniform at scout meetings, training, and events. Full dress uniform at ceremonies and Court of Honor (COH). Activity or “Class B” for physical activities or clothing hazards situations.

The history of the Den Chief is fascinating. Ernest Thompson Seton had the original idea from woodcraft indenes. The newly formed BSA just wasn’t ready for the new Cub Scouts. James West persuaded the founders to let Scouting get established before starting this new part. Baden-Powell published his Wolf Cubs handbook based on Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book. Cub Scout Packs started in 1930 with the Den Chief running the Den. Den Mothers were brought in to help but it soon became clear that they were in charge. Den Chiefs still are a critical part of the Cub Scout program. Den Leaders need them.

We hear about people getting “kicked out of Scouting” all the time. Many famous people make this fashionable claim. The reality is that not many scouts are asked to leave their unit. Most of the time with adults it's because of Youth Protection Training (YPT) violations or not passing the required background checks. In this video, we talk about this serious matter of membership. The unit's membership is controlled by the charter organization. Charter organizations take this responsibility extremely seriously.

A properly running Troop has a regular Patrol Leader Council (PLC) every month. Many Packs, Troops, and Crews could benefit from a similar meeting with the adult leadership. The Scout Leader Council (SLC) is a monthly meeting of all Scout-Facing and Back-Stage adult leaders within the unit. Subjects at the meeting will cover the support of the unit functions that the adult leadership is responsible for. Patrol Assignments, Leader Training, Fundraising, Scheduling, Advancement, program, and more. All successful units have regular Scout Leader Council meetings.

Looking for a place to belong as an “Aged-out” Scout? Check out the College Scouter Reserve! This Scouting position is perfect for Scouts over 18 who are looking for an adult leader position within their unit. You'll have access to Scouts BSA's vast resources, including camps and summer camp, as well as all the benefits that come with being a part of your scout unit. If you're looking for a place to belong, the College Scouter Reserve is the perfect place for you while away at school!

The International Souters Award recognizes Scouters that have participated in and promoted international Scouting. Often adult leaders don't realize when they have actually achieved this award. Looking over the requirements and completing 6 in any 3 of the 5 categories complete this award. This square knot identifies Scout Leaders with international Scouting experience. As members of the World Organization of the Scouting Movement (WOSM), this is recognition of leadership within international Scouting. This video reviews all of the requirements to help adult leaders identify how close they are to achieving this award.

Scouting is deeply tied to STEM while working with America's youth. We need to recognize youth that chooses to fulfill the requirements of STEM within Scouting. The Nova award and the Supernova are based on excellence within a STEM discipline. Scouts that achieve this high award should be recognized and celebrated. This is not new it's just that we now recognize that everything we do in Scouting has a STEM component. Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venture, and Sea Scouts have their own STEM requirements. Scout leaders can easily incorporate the program into existing plans. This video we'll help you understand some of the basics.

The New Member Coordinator for any unit is a critical role in any successful Scouting unit. This underutilized position needs to be a critical part of your unit planning. As a vital member of the recruitment team, the New Member Coordinator (NMC) oversees many tasks that include many of the adults that are often not utilized. The parents are often left out of the loop unless they get involved directly. This also leads to the complacency of the parents as they have no link to the unit other than their scout. The New Member Coordinator fills this gap and helps parents get more involved and stay informed.

Do you have new Scouts going to Summer Camp? This is the podcast for you! In this episode, we'll be discussing everything you need to know about first-year Scouting at Summer Camp. If you're looking for information about Summer Camp programs, this podcast is for you! We'll discuss everything from first-year scout programs to merit badges for First Class Scouts and beyond. We hope you enjoy this podcast and that it helps you get started on your Scouting journey! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to let me know!

In this podcast, I'm sharing a surprising truth about “aging out” in the Order of the Arrow. In short, it's not as bad as you think! You may have heard that you'll age out of the Order of the Arrow if you're over 18 with a Troop membership. But in this video, I'm sharing a surprising truth about aging out. In reality, it's not as bad as you think! After watching this video, you'll have a better understanding of the Order of the Arrow and you'll be less likely to feel anxiety or disappointment about your position in the Order of the Arrow. Watch this video and learn the surprising truth about aging out! Tune in and learn something new about the order of the arrow!

There is a debate about who is 3rd in command in youth leadership. Many maintain it’s the Troop Scribe while others put forth a good case for other positions. The Troop Scribe is part of the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) but has no vote in decisions. The Troop Scribe also reports and works with the Advancement Team and the Troop Finance Subcommittee. If both the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), and the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) are out or unavailable the Troop Scribe is the only youth that is aware of needed information.

Discover some of the fascinating histories of the tribe of Mic-O-say. One of the early honor societies of the Boy Scouts of America. Most Scouters know of the Order of the Arrow (OA) as the official Honor Society of the BSA. The history of Mic-O-say is fascinating and is very local to just a handful of councils to this day. Starting in 1925 at camp Brinton of the pony express council focused on Indian lore. Ernest Seaton (one of the founding fathers of the BSA and an influencer of its structure) and his organization of the Woodcraft Indians influenced young people at the time. This naturally carried over too many of the members of the newly formed BSA.

⚠️ Correction: ScouterStan could not find the correct pronunciation of the word Mic-O-Say. Therout the videos and podcasts he used "MicKuSay", "MikeOoSAy", or “McKooSAy”. This was not intentional or in any disrespectful way a commentary. ScouterStan just didn't know how to say it correctly.

Many outside of Scouting don't know why we would volunteer our time to be adult leaders. We believe in helping young people discover Scouting Values and incorporate them into their life choices. There are many rewards in helping young people instill Scouting Values of the Scout Oath & Law into their lives. It is amazing how many Scout Leaders find reward in all of the wonderful discoveries of Scout Skills. Scout Leaders often adopt these into their own lives and live by the example. Scout Leaders find a greater meaning by planting the acorn of Scouting for a brighter and greater future.