Tag: Troop Committee

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This is not a cliché

camping_250You’ve undoubtedly heard the clever saying Scouting is three-fourths Outing or something similar to that. You’ve also thought “yeah, sure… we go outside and go camping but that’s a bit of an exaggeration.”

Well, it’s not a cliché, and in fact, there is a lot of truth to it.

Scouting was intended to be conducted in the outdoors. Sir Robert Baden-Powell based Scouting on his military experience leading British troops in the Boer War. He helped to bring the strategic skills of observation of the enemy into civilian life by turning it toward nature, along with the survival skills needed to live in the outdoors without proper shelter and indoor comforts.

Today, the program largely consists of weekly meetings, giving rise to the thought that the outdoor aspect is overrated. But it’s not Continue reading “This is not a cliché”

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Committee chair timeline: March

march_200March is nearly here, and with it longer days and the urge to get outside. But before we lace up our hiking boots, let’s talk about some of the business items the committee needs to tend to this month.

Your primary happening this month will be welcoming the Webelos Scouts who are headed your way. Cub Scout packs are having their crossover ceremonies, and hopefully the bridge leads to your troop. If you’ve been doing your homework, you have had many prospective Scouts and their parents come and check out your troop at a troop meeting, court of honor or an outdoor event. Be prepared to welcome these new Scouts to your troop! Make sure your committee members who have a role in welcoming new members know their part in the process. Continue reading “Committee chair timeline: March”

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You talk too much!

megaphone_200You talk too much, you worry me to death

You talk too much, you even worry my pet

You just talk – talk too much!

John Lee Hooker’s lyrics made famous in a song by the 1960s R&B singer Joe Jones often resonate all too true for most of us. It’s been said that most people don’t listen to understand, they listen to reply. How often have you been in a conversation with someone, and as they’re telling you a story or relating an experience, the things that pop into your mind are what you’re going to tell them in response? Continue reading “You talk too much!”

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Committee chair timeline: February

feb_200As we move through the cold winter months, here are some thoughts of things to keep you and your committee occupied and looking forward to warmer days ahead.

  • Webelos Scouts are putting the ribbons on their Arrow of Light requirements, and now is the time to make sure they know that the bridge they’re about to cross leads to your troop. Your Scoutmaster and senior patrol leader should be visiting Webelos dens, giving them the “sales pitch” and inviting them to attend your troop meetings. Continue reading “Committee chair timeline: February”