Ready for takeoff with kites

Ready for takeoff with kites

Let’s go fly some kites, a sport every Scout can enjoy even though there are always strings attached. Kites can be the focus of STEM activities featuring the science of weather, technology of flight, engineering of aeronautical design, and math for figuring angles and...
How to smooth the transition to a Scout troop

How to smooth the transition to a Scout troop

When Paula Castleman looked at her district’s track record for Webelos-to-Scout transition a couple of years ago, she was not impressed. “We only had about 25 percent of our boys going from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts,” she says. “There was a problem there, and we needed...
From the Chief: Scouting is for everyone

From the Chief: Scouting is for everyone

One of the many things I appreciate about the Scout Motto is the way it demands self-reliance. To “Be Prepared,” one must take personal responsibility. Self-reliance is one of the main values we work to instill in Scouts, and our program is uniquely positioned to help...
Raising the stakes for backcountry tents

Raising the stakes for backcountry tents

Perhaps no gear category has witnessed more rapid improvement in recent years than backcountry tents. Here are some of the best: SlingFin 2Lite Trek: The 2Lite Trek shines for its balance between minimalist weight, strength and livability. When pitched properly —...
From the Commissioner: Making Scouting accessible

From the Commissioner: Making Scouting accessible

Hats off to the Palmetto Council for reaching out to the deaf community through Scouting! What an awesome opportunity for these kids. (Read about this great program here.) As I think about it, I’m reminded of Scouting individuals who have reached out to groups of kids...