Even since the early years of Scouting, retaining older youth provides a challenge. There are many reasons why boys decide to quit Scouting. Many want to be with their peers and, for the most part, Boy Scout troops lack a good peer environment for high-school-aged boys. Other boys may get bored with the program around the […]
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A few weeks ago I had a conversation with some of my school colleagues. For one reason or another, the Boy Scouts came up and I found myself for a few moments as a listener. Personal sentiments were shared about the Eagle program not accomplishing what it used to. I recall the phrase “it’s not […]
Growing up, I lived very close to my elementary school, so every weekday I found myself walking to school. My mom told me it was good for me, but I was not a fan. I walked to and from school every day, head down, feet moving as quickly as possible.This was my routine for many […]
“Meet the requirements as they are written with no exception.” This quote is from the Guide to Advancement, topic 10.2.2.0. At first glance, it may sound a bit harsh or restrictive. It could even leave one wondering how a Scout with special needs can meet requirements that seem too tough. Well, through some creativity and […]
Your best buddies know you. Mama grew up with you. Your faithful scoutmaster helped you lead. But, your board of review members for your Eagle may not know how you personally conduct your life. For that reason, reference letters can be a good way for members to verify that you live by the Scout Oath […]
Last December marked my four-year anniversary of coming home from my mission. Spain was marvelous, as you may imagine. I was blessed with two great mission presidents and 11 outstanding mission companions. I could not have asked for better long-lasting relationships than those I gained while arduously serving the Lord with these faithful priesthood holders. […]
It has been a while, but before my summer hiatus and summer camp adventures, we were talking and sharing about my own Scouting experience – as a Scout. But, now let’s switch gears and talk about you – the Boy Scout. As you first join Scouting, you will probably hear – or did hear – […]
Blake’s Eagle project was recently featured on the Voice of Scouting as part of the 12 Days of a Scout Christmas, reminding us that a Scout is friendly. His mother gives the full story of his project and its impact here: Over this summer, I was biting my nails a bit. My son was a […]
Last May I was at BSA’s National Annual Meeting, where Michael S. Malone was recognized at the Americanism Breakfast. He had just completed a new and enlarged edition of his history of Eagle Scouting, “Four Percent” (WindRush Publishing, 2012), for which he was being honored. Then, in October, Mr. Malone agreed to write for us in The Voice […]
I have been thinking a lot about the role of mothers in Scouting. Now my intent in this blog is not to slight the fathers out there who are helping out in so many ways. My intent is to recognize the women of Scouting who normally don’t get any recognition, who work behind the scenes […]
With six sons outnumbering the lone daughter, there was always a lot of Scouting happening in the Pack house. After thousands of Scout activities and countless Courts of Honor, beads, beltloops, and merit badges, all six sons became Eagle Scouts and all six went on to serve missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of […]
Scouting tends to build strong bonds—between the Scouts themselves, between the Scouts and their adult leaders, and between the individual leaders themselves. So, it has a profound impact on a Troop when a Scout passes away, even if it occurs years after a Scout has graduated from the Troop. Tragically, one of our Eagle Scouts, […]
This project happened last year at our father-son campout at a campground up near Coalville, UT that is co-owned by several Methodist Churches. Pinecliff Campground is one of our favorite camping spots and we typically try to plan our father-son campout there in the Spring to welcome our new rookie Scouts and their dads, as […]
Last Friday, after several days of Top Hands Conference, we enjoyed something quite different to close this event. Usually it’s all about business, membership, new units, fundraising, program, etc. but this was a different ending. It was a kind of campfire program, but only the last part where the Scouts have quieted down and it’s […]
Sam was an Eagle Scout in our Boy Scout Troop. As he became a venture crew member he decided that he wanted to be in the Olympics and win a Gold Medal. Well, at least the Utah Summer Games in Cedar City, Utah. He took up cycling and Mountain biking. He biked all year long […]
Periodically, there is a news story about a 12 or 13 year old Scout who completes the requirements for their Eagle Scout Award. Typically, this news item is followed by a brief period of passionate discussion on various Scouting forums about whether it is appropriate for a Scout to complete their award requirements at such […]
Only about 6 percent of all Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout rank every year, which makes the Eagle Scout rank a relatively rare occurrence. In Utah, Eagle Scouts are not as rare as the great American eagle from which the award was named as they are in other states, but what is even more […]
We have a day for giving thanks (Thanksgiving). We have two for getting deals (Black Friday and Cyber Monday). After two days of shopping, take a day to give back. December 2nd is #GivingTuesday This Tuesday, December 2, 2014, charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world will come together for one common […]
Name: Caleb Belk Age: 18 Hometown: Payson, UT Troop: 96 Date of Eagle: Sept. 14, 2014 Favorite merit badge The Fishing Merit Badge was my favorite. Fishing has always been a big part of my life and I have always spent those times with my Dad, so being able to earn a merit badge about […]
While reading the Book of Mormon a few years ago, I was once again impressed with the young man we know as Nephi. All Latter Day Saints are familiar with his heroics. That got me to thinking that the Church should create some kind of award for young men that emulate Nephi, something in addition […]