Sometimes, an opportunity presents itself and we get a chance to do something that we didn’t plan on. As a scout leader, this is a great chance to let everyone, including us, try something new. But how do we take something that isn’t in the plan, and make it a scout project? Is it the same as any project you...
Forms and Leader Guides / GSM Tips / Pathfinders / Timberwolves
by Laura Sowdon · Published April 7, 2021 · Last modified August 26, 2021
As a fully inclusive program of all genders, scout leaders need to be knowledgeable about menstruation and provide appropriate support for scouts who experience menstruation. The typical age for a first period is 12, with most people starting to have cycles between age 10 and 15. However, there are those who get them earlier and later, so age alone does...
by Laura Sowdon · Published March 15, 2021 · Last modified March 31, 2022
As OSG scouts, we wear large, traditional neckers. But what are those and why do we wear them? Scout neckers go back to the start of scouting in England in 1908. They are “original equipment” if you will. Each group in OSG selects their own necker color or pattern, and chooses when and how to give those to group members....
Okay, forgive my bluntness, but there are some key differences in leading girls vs. boys. In big, general terms that don’t apply to every scout, girls and boys tend to have some differences in where they most need us as leaders to push them along. Part of the challenge of the program we offer, is that we have mixed gender...
What is the patrol method? The patrol method is a small group learning technique where a group of four to eight scouts form a team to work together to meet their goals. As teams have colors and mascots, a patrol selects colors and a patrol animals to represent them. The patrol also invents a call, or a fun way to...
I’ve asked this question a lot! What do you need to have to be a great scout leader? Here are ten of my favorite answers from a variety of wonderful Outdoor Service Guides leaders! A Sense of Humor! A good rain coat! A sense of fun! Sturdy, waterproof boots! A desire to learn and...
GSM Tips / Otters / Pathfinders / Timberwolves
by Laura Sowdon · Published October 5, 2020 · Last modified June 11, 2022
As an OSG leader, one of your goals is probably taking the group camping. You probably even know a place or two you can go. However, as your group grows, you are going to want some ideas for exploring further afield. What to do? National Parks Camping in a National Park is a very reliable way to find group camping....
Finding our way into scouting this fall is challenging. The pandemic means that many groups aren’t able to return to “normal” with meetings and activities. What are some reasonable ideas? The 17th Black Bears has decided to do a 3 pronged approach. Those 3 prongs are on-line meetings, home projects and monthly in person, socially distant activities. Each one is...
When a child has a learning challenge, scouts can become a safe haven for them. The struggles of school can take a back seat while a child learns to light camp fires and takes long hikes. As scout leaders, it is important that we not let the challenges of school become challenges to scouting, if at all possible. What to...
An essential part of having a great scout program, is having adults who help make it happen. In today’s busy world, it isn’t always easy to convince parents to help, and it can be hard to figure out how to distribute the work of running a BPSA group. At your interest meeting, look for the parents who’s eyes light up...
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