Facts: Sustainability and Scouting

Sustainability is a consideration in both design and day-to-day actions. It means thinking about people, the environment, and systems, and how they’re all interdependent. It means not shortchanging tomorrow by just thinking about today.

For more than a century, the Boy Scouts of America has been a leader in conservation. In the next 100 years, Scouting is taking the initiative to a new level from stewardship to sustainability, and from “Leave No Trace” to leaving the world a better place.

So, what guides sustainable thinking at the BSA?

• Demonstrating practices consistent with BSA organizational values of thrift and resourcefulness by reducing the energy and water our activities require.
  
• Practicing good stewardship of human communities by providing healthy and attractive workplaces for our employees and volunteers.
  
• Practicing good stewardship of the natural communities in which the BSA operates by enhancing natural system function and biodiversity.
  
• Expanding the principles of Leave No Trace camping by carefully considering how the BSA uses materials and reduces waste within its operations.
  
• Respecting the generosity of donors through the design of facilities that reduce or eliminate long-term operating costs to the organization.
  
• Demonstrating leadership in sustainability through measurements and verification of their efforts, communication of their practices, and continual improvement.

These information came from http://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/about-the-bsa/fact-sheets/sustainability-scouting/

There are other facts that is interested for anyone who might be doing research about scouting. Other information such as Programs, Eagle Scouts, Scouting Magazine, etc. has best facts of how the organization help with donation. (Don't quote me on this, I was informed about how things work out.)

Knot Awards

Knot awards are those to honor registered Adult Leader. Most awards are "knots", which are representative of pin-on medals, around the neck awards, or award certificates. These knots are worn on top of the left side pocket on the uniform, in row of three with the bottom edge of the knot emblems touching the edge of the flap. Rows of knots are placed in a initial set in a rows of three and again. There are some non-knot awards, such as Amateur Radio Operator Rating Strip, Arrowhead Honor, and Leave No Trace name badges. If medals are worn instead, only five medals may be worn at a time pinned in a single row immediately above the seam of the left pocket. Keep in mind though that in case of the District Award of Merit and Professional Training Award, the knot is the only wearable insignia. I have few pictures of what these knot awards look like and I can only tell you how you can achieve these...

Here are a few awards you can get as a youth.

Arrow of Light
 - Must earn as a Webelos Scout. 




Eagle Scout

 - Must earn the Eagle Scout Rank in Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, or Venturing.
*Note* There is a National Eagle Scout Association knot award.

Youth Religious Award
 - Working with individual religious units.




There are more of these kinds of awards that most leaders can achieve. Some awards can take a long time, some will not take very long, and by nomination. Yes, there are awards that you can only receive if you were nominated by a council or district for any great deeds you have made that will help the organization. Before I forget to mention about this, there are limits to how many awards can you wear at a time. Here is a diagram that I pulled from wikipedia of how you can wear these...

Of course this picture is an original graphic made by Mike Walton. As you notice you can have 10 awards on your uniform, but you can have 12 instead, as far as what I have seen. You do not have to worry about positioning your first award in the center on top of the left pocket; you can get away with having it on the edge, touching the edge in other words. The requirements are online in a PDF file, however; some websites you may run into may be out of dated. Your local council should have the updated requirements for you to know what would need done in order to get the award. I have quite a few links you can check into if you are willing to do any of the tasks, or incase if you want to learn any of the awards. Just to let you know, there are some awards that have been discounted a while ago so make sure you do keep that in mind while going through the list. I wish you the best of luck on working to obtain these awards.

Here are a few web address that will take you to the website... If you have any links to share, feel free to comment below.

Meritbadge.org

Heart of America Council

Boy Scout Trail

The meaning of Scout Oath

This also follows up with why scouts will need to know and must be able to show while in scouting. Before you pledge yourself into a oath or promise, you must know what it means. The paragraphs will help you what each of the details mean. You will need to know this when you are advancing to the next rank.


"On my honor"
By giving your word, you are promising to be guided by the ideals of the Scout Oath.


"I will do my best"
Try hard to live up to the points of the Scout Oath. Measure your achievements against your own high standards and don't be influenced by peer pressure or what other people do.


"To do my duty to God"
Your family and religious leaders teach you about God and the ways you can serve. You do your duty to God by following the wisdom of those teachings every day and by respecting and defending the rights of others to practice their own beliefs.


"and my country"
Help keep the United States a strong and fair nation by learning about our system of government and your responsibilities as a citizen and future voter.


"and to obey the Scout Law"
The twelve points of the Scout Law are guidelines that can lead you toward wise choices. When you obey the Scout Law, other people will respect you for the way you live, and you will respect yourself.


"To help other people of all times"
There are many people who need you. Your cheerful smile and helping hand will ease the burden of many who need assistance. By helping out whenever possible, you are doing your part to make this a better world.


"To keep myself physically strong"
Take care of your body so that it will serve you well for an entire lifetime. That means eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly to build strength and endurance. it also means avoiding harmful drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and anything else that can harm your health.


"mentally awake"
Develop your mind both in the classroom and outside of school. Be curious about everything around you, and work hard to make the most of your abilities. With an inquiring attitude and the willingness to ask questions, you can learn much about the exciting world around you and your role in it.


"and morally straight"
To be a person of strong character, your relationships with others should be honest and open. You should respect and defend the rights of all people. Be clean in your speech and actions, and remain faithful in your religious beliefs. The values you practice as a Scout will help you shape a life of virtue and self-reliance.


A lot of this information came from http://usscouts.org/advance/boyscout/bsoath.asp

The meaning of Scout Law

Every scout would need to know what each of the scout law means to them in order to advanced to the next rank. Each youth will need to go over this and to make sure what these means to them while in scouting. Here is what these represent...

A Scout Is...

TRUSTWORTHY

A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.

 

LOYAL

A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.

 

HELPFUL

A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.

 

FRIENDLY

A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.

 

COURTEOUS

A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.

 

KIND

A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without a reason.

 

OBEDIENT

A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.

 

CHEERFUL

A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.

 

THRIFTY

A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.

 

BRAVE

A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.

 

CLEAN

A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.

 

REVERENT

A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

Introduction to Merit Badge

Any scout in any Boy Scout troop can learn outdoors, sports, science, craft, business, programming, engineering, trades, and any other future careers as you can earn merit badges. There are an exact total of 135 merit badges (As of 2014). You may earn a merit badge anytime, however, you will only have a year to complete the merit badge once you start on any of them. You do not need to worry about rank advancement to be eligible. You are expected to meet with the requirements as they are stated (No more or less). You must do exactly what the requirement tells you what to do, both showing and/or demonstrating.


Before you start working on any of these choices of merit badges through here, you will need to do the following...



1. Pick a subject of your choice. Make sure you read the requirements and have an understanding of how you can complete any of them, eagle or non-eagle. You are required to take one at a time, unless your unit leader say otherwise. Your unit leader will give you a signed merit badge application, known as the Blue Card, with the name and contact information for the counselor. Each of these individuals have the knowledge to guide you through their merit badge subjects.


2. ALWAYS use the Scout Buddy System. You must bring a buddy a long with you to every meeting with the merit badge counselor, even if it has to be your friend, parent, foster, relatives, etc.


3. Contact the Merit Badge Counselor. Get in touch with the counselor so you can let them know that you want to earn that particular badge. The counselor might ask you to meet with them so they can go over the requirements.


4. Incase if the work is long, you can start working on a requirement at any time. Ask your counselor to help you learn the things you will need to know when starting a merit badge. You should also obtain and read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject. The requirements are also online in a website or in a PDF file.


5. FINALLY, Show your work to the counselor. When you are ready, you can contact the counselor again to set up an appointment. Make sure you take every paperwork or small projects with you before you meet with the counselor to present what you have made. If you do have a large project that you can not bring to the meeting, take pictures of it or have your parent tell in writing what you have done. The counselor will test you out on each requirement to make sure you know your stuff and have done, or can do, the things required. Keep in mind though that this will help you in the near future.


When the counselor is satisfied that you have met with each of the required requirement. They will sign your blue card and hand it back to you. Then, you want to give the blue card to your unit leader so that your merit badge emblem can be secured for you.


Note: If you have already started working on a merit badge when a new edition is introduced, you may continue to use the same merit badge pamphlet to fulfill the requirements. Do not worry about starting all over again the new and revised requirements.

Archery Class (2014)

I have taught an Archery class through Boy Scouts of America this past summer at Camp Mountain Run. My experience started off interesting because I have never taught an outdoor activity to any of the scouts in my life. How did I get the opportunity to teach Archery? Well, it started around right before camp season started, while everyone on staff was preparing the camp for troops. I was positioned in Assisting Shooting Sports at the rifle range, along with being as a "Site Guide." Originally, I wanted to teach Public Speaking merit badge so the scouts can learn how they can control their stage freights when speaking to the audience in front of the class.What also came to me is that this would also help youth get used to, especially if they plan to go to college. During the week of the setup, the Camp Program Director, Chuck Lines, offered me to teach Archery merit badge for this summer. I didn't want to take this opportunity because I had no experience of archery, but eventually I had to because I was at that proper age to run the program. Two of the other staff members offered to help me run through all of safety rules, parts of a recurve bow, and equipment. It did not take me that long to follow-up everything that I needed to know, although there were a few minor stuff I had to quickly learn while teaching. Chuck wrote me a lesson plan about which requirement to do for five days. I did not like the plan, so I changed it to make it easier for youth. It was also a good thing because there were some scouts, who had to make up 80 points for requirement 5F-1-B. There was also an issue where some of the youth had to finish making their arrows from a bare shaft. 

Jumping to starting off the class. First week of Boy Scout went well, although I did not attend a full week of teaching due to surgery appointment on a Thursday. On Monday, it was an interesting experience because I never taught a class that I had no knowledge of. Luckily, it was the first day where you meet with everyone and talk about all of safety when you are out in the field. The only mistake I made that day was, I did not give out some time to practice shooting. The following day, I managed to get the scout to do two rounds of practice before making it official. What kinda surprise me is almost every scout made it up close to 100 points, some went over. I felt bad though that I did not make any "Top Shot" awards to any of scouts who scored the most out of the whole competition. The downfall was that I didn't get to offer Open Archery so that it would be fair with everyone to come to the field and compete with others. On Wednesday, I went over making a bowstring out of Dacron string on a Bowstring Jig. While showing the scouts, I mentioned how you can make a jig out of a log and two-four nails or by hand; in which I took the time to make one and it was not fun. On Thursday, I had to start off the class by giving out details on what they will be working on. Before I had to leave, another staff member had to take over the class for the rest of the week. That was all of what went on during the first week of Boy Scouts. At the beginning of second week, I managed to adjust my lesson plan so every youth doesn't feel exhausted. This adjustment made everything seemed easier to run this class. The rest of the week was the same scenario, except I was able to teach for a whole week and got the opportunity to have Open Archery. For the rest of the weeks of Boy Scouts, every scout enjoyed being there to learn what they needed to know about Archery.



After three weeks of Boy Scouts, the staff rearranged their areas before Cub Scout week began. Of course same plan as before, except we were assign on what to teach. What I did not like about the schedule is whoever scheduled classes, did not add pins. To me, this didn't seem fair with everyone including the staff. Mostly because you don't have a lot of time to teach Webelos pin requirements while supervising younger cubs. In some areas, depending on how big the class is, you can do that, but in some areas, like shooting sports or aquatics, it requires more than one supervision. Luckily, I had a good decent size classes to teach both Archery Belt Loop and Pin. Same as what I did, I went over most of the safety; after that requirement, younger cub scouts got the chance to shoot while I went over more requirements to Webelos. As easy as it was, every scouts enjoyed shooting at targets with bow and arrows. They do look forward on coming back next year to go for Archery merit badge.


I had a great time teaching Archery, as well as working at summer camp. Next year I would like to stay in the same position, on the other hand though, I have to do internship for college next summer of 2015. I do hope everybody enjoyed reading my experience. This will help anyone who is also teaching Archery merit badge at their local camp. Incase if you do need a plan of how you can teach Archery merit badge within four days, I am willing to reply back and share how you can accomplish it. 

Boy Scout of America

Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest organization within the United States. The goal is to train youth in characteristics development, be responsible, and self-reliance through participation of activities, careers, educated programs, and older age level. The Scout method is part of the program, for younger scouts, to inculcate typical scouting values such as trustworthy, good citizenship, and outdoor skills. Outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, cycling, and aquatics can motivate youth to join the organization. Other various activities, scouts are allowed to participate in high-adventure bases in the following states: Florida, Minnesota, New Mexico, and West Virginia. Scouts can also take part of the events in Manitoba and Ontario in Canada.

The BSA is a constituent member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. The traditional Scouting divisions are as followed...

 

Cub Scouting: 7 to 10 1/2 years of age.
Boy Scouting: 10 1/2 to 18 years of age.
Venturing: 14 (or 13) through 21 for both young men and women.

The BSA operates traditional Scouting by chartering local organizations to implement the program for youth within their communities. Units are led by volunteers appointed by chartering organizations, who are supported by local councils. There are other membership opportunities for youth to become part of such as Order of the Arrow, Varsity Scouting, and Sea Scouting. Personally, I am not an expert on these three kinds of programs. Approximately, there are more than 100,000 physically or mentally disabled scouts throughout United States. Any scout who is certified as disabled may enroll in scouting and remain in the program beyond the regulation age limits. This will allow all members to advance in Scouting as far as they wish.

 

Moving onto Aims of Scouting. Moral character develop, citizenship training, and development of physical, mental, and emotional fitness are the objectives to the BSA Aims of Scouting. The BSA pursues these aims through an informal education system called the Scout method. Every scout will need to know both the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Here is a video for any scout to learn and must always keep in mind...

 

That is all of the information I wanted to share. I hope much of this information will help you understand the basics of Boy Scout of America. For any youth scouts (or adults) who has an interest to join, you can find your local organization through here. http://www.scouting.org/localcouncillocator.aspx

Some of this information came from...
Wikipedia