Bryan on Scouting

Mike Lanning says the secret to recruiting Scouts boils down to three simple words: invite, invite, invite. What if every Scouting family invited one other family to join their Scouting adventure? Even if just a quarter of those invited families joined, we’d...

James Dus, a member of Cub Scout Pack 350 in Evansville, Indiana, has always been a fan of Thor, the Marvel Comics character who has shot into the public consciousness with his appearance in the most recent series of Marvel movies. (The actor who plays Thor in the MCU...

The BSA has a message to young people concerned that the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak will prevent them from completing Eagle Scout rank requirements before their 18th birthday: Don’t worry; we’ve got your back. During this unprecedented interruption to...

When I think about survival, hydration is top of mind. It is fundamental to us as humans, as in over half of our bodies are made up of water. Being dehydrated can lead to serious complications and side effects, with fatigue, headache and crankiness being some of the...

Carry hundreds of pages of Scouting knowledge right in your pocket. The Scouts BSA Handbook for Boys and Scouts BSA Handbook for Girls are now available on Kindle, making it easier than ever for you or your Scouts to find essential information in a few simple taps....

In times of crisis, Scouts find a way to adapt. We’re hearing from Scouts and leaders across the country who have found creative ways to keep on Scouting even while practicing social distancing (staying home and remaining at least 6 feet from others if you must...

As public places, including many parks and campgrounds, are closing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, you might be left scratching your head on what you and your kids can do. Plenty! As we’ve highlighted this week, Scouts can still meet virtually and serve...

With schools closed and many Scouting events on pause, how do you continue to “Do a Good Turn Daily”? By remembering that acts of Scouting service don’t have to stop because you’re at home practicing social distancing. “We don’t...

With the concerns of COVID-19 spreading, units are cancelling campouts and in-person meetings, but that doesn’t mean Scouting stops. Bob Trejo, Scoutmaster of Troop 98 of Whitpain Township, Pa., shared with us how about 60 Scouts in his troop met virtually...

The board of review, like most aspects of Scouting, works best in person. But sometimes, for a number of legitimate reasons, that’s not an option. That’s why, as outlined in the Guide to Advancement (section 8.0.1.6), the BSA allows units to conduct...

If you only have room in your backpack for 10 items, make it the Ten Essentials. But let’s say your pack still has some space to spare. What’s the next must-include item to put in there? For one seasoned Scouter from Texas, it’s simple: a 5-by-7-foot...

It’s more smooth sailing ahead for Sea Scouting as another outstanding young person has been selected to lead the BSA’s aquatically inclined program. Aven Alexander, a high school junior from Texas who has earned the Quartermaster Award, Sea...

Scouting can take you to some pretty incredible places. For proof, look up — way up — at a pair of Scouts BSA troops from Connecticut that successfully summited Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Troop 175 for boys and Troop 1175 for girls...

On land or on the sea, if you want something done, call the Scouts. Scouts at the Florida Sea Base’s Brinton Environmental Center are being recognized by a national nonprofit for their best-in-class efforts to tag dolphinfish, also known as mahi-mahi. Beyond Our...

It turns out you, loyal Scouting volunteer, have quite a bit in common with MacGyver — and I don’t just mean your ability to solve problems in creative ways. A recent episode of the CBS action series MacGyver confirms what I’ve long hoped: the...

As soon as she returned to the hotel, Star Scout Isabella Tunney grabbed a pen and paper. Her fellow Report to the Nation delegates huddled around her, recounting what happened in the Oval Office. Since no cameras, cellphones or recorders were permitted in that part...

It’s March 3, 1913. It’s been 65 years since the country’s first women’s rights convention. Those pushing for women’s suffrage are marching in the streets of Washington, D.C., the day before President-elect Woodrow Wilson’s...

America’s first president is remembered for his humble leadership, bravery and honesty. One of those tales of his honesty — admitting that he had damaged his father’s cherry tree when he was 6 years old — is actually a myth. Still, virtue was...

Carrying the processional cross, Eagle Scout Zachary Bryant walked down the center aisle at the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel, followed by Star Scout Isabella Tunney, Bible in hand. The Report to the Nation delegates helped with a Sunday service at the chapel, including...

Your Scout is looking forward to new experiences and lots of fun at summer camp — one of which can be driving an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Every year, Polaris Industries donates 150 ATVs to select BSA council camps. It’s part of a 10-year partnership with...

Report to the Nation delegates snapped some selfies from the roof terrace at 101 Constitution, capturing a spectacular view of the U.S. Capitol. They soon learned they have the mining industry to thank for those photos — and for practically everything they use....

Next week’s big news out of Washington likely won’t be covered on cable news. But for those of us who care about the BSA, this will be the top story. Thirteen of the country’s most impressive Scouts will gather in Washington, D.C., to deliver the...

Robots are everywhere. Car manufacturers use them on the assembly line. Doctors use them to perform intricate surgeries. You might have one to vacuum your house. Scouts with Troop 125 of Dallas, Texas, recently saw how robotics help Dr. Elizabeth Coronado, an...

Amateur photographers know a whole lot happens between point and shoot. Each shooting situation presents a challenge, and the solution involves the right mix of light, color, composition, distance and a captivating subject. You aren’t born able to pull off a...

The Ninja Monkeys. The Flaming Eagles. The Deviled Eggs. Scouts can concoct some pretty awesome patrol and den names — and make really cool flags and emblems to proudly display their creations. You can see some here. Sometimes, adult leaders form patrols, too....

More young people became Eagle Scouts in 2019 than in any other year in the 108-year history of the prestigious award. Exactly 61,353 young men earned the Eagle Scout award last year, beating the previous record of 58,659 set in 2012, the 100-year anniversary of the...

Joseph Merton simply had a knack for leadership. As a Scout on the South Side of Chicago, his talent for rallying the guys in his troop came in handy at meetings and campouts. As a member of the Tuskegee Airmen in World War II, he showed incredible cool while flying...

Welcome to Scouts Then and Now, a Bryan on Scouting blog series. The premise is simple. We share two photos of the same Scout or Venturer: once in his or her early Scouting years (Cub Scout, younger Scout, younger Venturer) and again in his or her later Scouting...

Shannon Stokes completed all the requirements for the Summit Award — Venturing’s highest honor. And then the U.S. Army came calling. Shannon’s Venturing crew —  Crew 32 of Hope Mills, N.C. (Occoneechee Council) — wasn’t able to...

If you’re reading this, you have probably experienced the positive impact of Scouting. And I’m guessing that – like me – you want Scouting to be around to serve kids in our communities for many years to come. I’m hoping you also agree...