Welcome Scouts and Scouters! Here you can find resources for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturers. I also have ideas for games, crafts, recipes, ceremonies, songs, skits, themes and more.
Current Topics for Scouts and Scouters
-
Scholarship Merit Badge
The Scholarship merit badge helps Scouts focus on the importance of education. To earn this badge, you’ll show your academic progress, explore learning outside of school, and reflect on teamwork and leadership. You’ll also think about how education connects to your future by writing about careers or lifelong learning. This badge teaches valuable skills like organization, goal setting, and responsibility. It’s a great way to see how your efforts in school and beyond prepare you for success in life.
-
Parent Interviews at Eagle Board of Review
A reader asks a question about parent interviews at an Eagle Board of Review. While the official policy is that parents should not be involved in any capacity during a BOR, some local councils or troops may have their own traditions or procedures that include a parent interview. The purpose of such an interview would be to gain additional insight into the scout’s character and qualifications for the Eagle rank.
-
The Legend of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox
The legend of Paul Bunyan tells the story of a giant lumberjack and his faithful blue ox, Babe, whose adventures shaped the land and inspired generations. From creating the Great Lakes to flipping house-sized pancakes, Paul’s tall tales highlight themes of teamwork, perseverance, and imagination. Originating in lumber camps, these stories were passed down to entertain and connect people. Today, Paul Bunyan remains a symbol of American folklore, with his stories often shared at campfires to teach lessons and spark creativity. His legend reminds us of the power of storytelling to bring people together and keep traditions alive.
-
What Is the Order of the Arrow?
Some of you may have Scouts BSA or Venturers in your families who are in the process of becoming members of the Order of the Arrow. Just when you thought you were getting a grasp on Scouting, they threw something new at you!
-
Bear Paws for Action Adventure
Paws for Action is one of the Bear required adventures. For this adventure, Bears learn about history, law enforcement, and conservation.
-
Public Speaking Merit Badge
The Public Speaking merit badge helps Scouts improve their communication skills. You’ll learn how to prepare and give speeches, use body language, and connect with an audience. The badge includes giving prepared and impromptu talks. It also covers parliamentary procedure, where you lead a meeting or answer questions about meeting rules. This badge builds confidence and teaches valuable skills you can use in school, work, and everyday life. It’s a great opportunity to learn how to express yourself clearly and become a more effective leader. Practice is key to success in earning this badge.
-
BSA Substance Abuse Prevention Program
Have you helped a Scout complete the substance abuse prevention requirement? What resources or creative ideas worked for you? Share your experiences in the comment section below! Your suggestions can help other families and Scouts find the best way to learn about this important topic. Let’s work together to support Scouts on their journey to making healthy choices.
-
Make a Fake Pocketknife for Safety Demonstrations
The Fake Pocketknife is a craft made from cardboard to teach Cub Scouts knife safety. Scouts learn to open, close, and handle a knife without risk of injury. It’s easy to make and gives Scouts time to practice safe techniques. Leaders can use lipstick or a marker on the “blade” to show mistakes. Scouts check their hands for marks to see if they are holding the knife safely. This helps them build skills and confidence before handling a real knife. The Fake Pocketknife is a simple way to teach responsibility, focus, and respect for tools.
-
Bear Fellowship Den Meeting Plan
In this Bear Fellowship den meeting, Scouts explore their family’s traditions and learn about other faiths. They make a craft, prepare a snack, and create a kindness jar. A guided discussion helps them see that all faiths share values like kindness and respect. This meeting encourages Scouts to be reverent and kind in their daily lives.
-
Electronics Merit Badge
The Electronics merit badge teaches Scouts how electronic circuits work and how to build and test them. Scouts will work with components like resistors, capacitors, and transistors and use tools such as soldering irons and multimeters. Safety is a key part of the badge, ensuring Scouts learn to handle electricity responsibly. Scouts complete projects like building simple circuits and explore careers in electronics. The badge provides hands-on experience and helps Scouts discover how electronics are used in everyday life. It’s a fun and educational way to gain useful skills and learn about an exciting field.
Recent Comments
When talking about public speaking, I always mention that the audience doesn’t know what the speaker is intending to say,…
I am a merit badge counselor. I don’t require the workbooks, and am not really interested in checking them unless…
You should always follow your council’s directions over the workbooks. The workbooks are not official materials and are not necessarily…
This is a great resource. I am teaching the first aid merit badge to our troop and am slightly confused…
Cub Scouts can’t earn merit badges, so he will have to wait until he crosses over to a Scouts BSA…
That’s a great insight. I think that one of the best things youth can learn from Scouting is that things…