New InsaneScouter Rambling Blog Posts

Choose Your Own Adventure SMTip

Thu, 16 May 2013 01:52:00 -0700

When I first started in Scouting, troops figured out where to go camping based on word of mouth and the “where to go camping” directories that Order of the Arrow lodges occasionally published. These days, of course, camping information is as close as your web browser. But it’s easy to get overwhelmed; search for “camping in Kentucky” on Google, and you’ll get 11 million hits.Now, thanks to Circle 10 ...

A Salute from the Top Eagle Tip

Thu, 09 May 2013 01:52:00 -0700

When it comes to congratulatory letters at Eagle courts of honor, I’ve long preferred quality over quantity. Rather than solicit 100 random letters, request a tenth that many that will really mean something to the honoree.If your next honoree is interested in the military, you’ll definitely want to include the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) on your solicitation list. To receive a certificate from JCS, send a request letter...

A Lesson in Penmanship eagle tip

Thu, 02 May 2013 01:51:00 -0700

One of my favorite court of honor moments is when a new Eagle Scout looks into the audience and challenges younger Scouts to follow in his footsteps. That moment is especially great when he’s not afraid to name names and offer a personal challenge to, say, his younger brother or a Scout who needs a little extra encouragement.Awhile back, tip subscriber Rita Guarino offered an idea for making this moment...

Getting Cub Scout Leaders to Serve Again

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 01:49:00 -0700

Hello Everyone,While I have been an Adult Leader I have served with many other Adult Leaders who have been asked to serve again and I have been able to introduce in being a Cub Scout Leader.At the last Blue and Gold Dinner my boys Bridged to Boy Scouts and I was able to have both of my other Den Leaders step up and and become Den Leaders again for their younger boys. All I had...

A Video Letter to the Future Eagle Tip

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 01:50:00 -0700

People planning Eagle courts of honor often include slide shows or videos during their ceremonies. Computer technology is making such presentations easier than ever.But what about a video that documents a court of honor for the future? I don’t mean a straightforward video of the ceremony—although that’s a great keepsake to have—but a short video that encapsulates the spirit of the ceremony.That’s what Troop 360 in Garland Texas did recently. You can see the result...

Starting a new Boy Scout Troop

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 01:49:00 -0700

Hello Everyone,I have been humbled. I have been asked by the local BSA District I am in to establish a Special Needs Youth Troop. I said yes and started to work on this project as my son's were in their last year of Cub Scouts.I have gone through many challenges starting this Troop and many around finding a Charter Organization. I was able to recruit my "Dream Team" of Adult Leaders and they are now...