Friday 30 August 2013

Did You Know: TSA Edition #31


Did You Know........

Scout Leaders contribute the equivalent of 37 million hours of voluntary work every year.........worth an estimated 380 million Euros.

Source:




Yours in Scouting Service
Mark West
Eagle Scout
ASM Troop 1316/Troop 0669
Council Aquatics/Outdoor Ethics
Council Program/Training/Camping


If you are paid to do Scouting, you are called a professional. If you are not paid to do Scouting, you are called a Volunteer. If you pay to do Scouting, then you are called a Scouter.

Wednesday 28 August 2013

Did You Know: TSA Edition #30


Did You Know........

In the past decade, 43,000 girls and young women have joined Scouts, Cubs and Beavers. That's the same as the population of Folkestone!

Source:




Yours in Scouting Service
Mark West
Eagle Scout
ASM Troop 1316/Troop 0669
Council Aquatics/Outdoor Ethics
Council Program/Training/Camping


If you are paid to do Scouting, you are called a professional. If you are not paid to do Scouting, you are called a Volunteer. If you pay to do Scouting, then you are called a Scouter.

Monday 26 August 2013

Did You Know: TSA Edition #29


Did You Know........

Sea Scouts helped evacuate Dunkirk during World War II.

Source:




Yours in Scouting Service
Mark West
Eagle Scout
ASM Troop 1316/Troop 0669
Council Aquatics/Outdoor Ethics
Council Program/Training/Camping


If you are paid to do Scouting, you are called a professional. If you are not paid to do Scouting, you are called a Volunteer. If you pay to do Scouting, then you are called a Scouter.

Saturday 24 August 2013

Did You Know: TSA Edition #28


Did You Know........

During Scout Community Week, 16,000 Scouts and volunteers across the UK cleared 800 tonnes of rubbish, which is equivalent to 65 full double-decker buses.

Source:




Yours in Scouting Service
Mark West
Eagle Scout
ASM Troop 1316/Troop 0669
Council Aquatics/Outdoor Ethics
Council Program/Training/Camping


If you are paid to do Scouting, you are called a professional. If you are not paid to do Scouting, you are called a Volunteer. If you pay to do Scouting, then you are called a Scouter.

Friday 23 August 2013

The Intent: What Do Cub Scouts Want From Scouting?

During my last post "The Promise: What Do Cub Scouts Want From Scouting?" I discussed a couple of key things, which include Cub Scouting is an OUTDOOR activity NOT an INDOOR activity. I just have to repeat that in case you misunderstood me...........Cub Scouting is an OUTDOOR activity NOT an INDOOR activity. But you may ask................"Why do something outside when it can be done inside?" Because doing something "inside" that should be done "outside" doesn't make you a Scout, it makes you, well, I don't know what it makes you, but it most definitely makes you not a Scout. So then what makes a "Scout" a "Scout"? While the answer to this should be simple and straightforward, the true meaning of what a "Scout" is has become skewed. It has become skewed to the point where some even question whether "Modern Scouting" is "Scouting" at all. But not all hope is lost and it would only require slight changes to make "Modern Scouting", "Real Scouting". So then what is a "Scout"?

A Scout....................enjoys a hike through the woods more than he does a walk over the city's streets.

A Scout.....................Can tell North from South and East from West with or without a compass.

A Scout.....................Can find his way in unfamiliar territory.

A Scout.....................Knows his city.

A Scout.....................Can give directions to those in need.

A Scout.....................Knows where to get help if the need may arise.

A Scout.....................Knows where the nearest police or fire station is to his house, his school, and his Troop Meeting spot.

A Scout.....................Is not above asking for help but also can find his own way.

A Scout.....................Knows their is strength in being gentle.

A Scout.....................Knows when and how to defend himself.

A Scout.....................Knows to not cause any living thing undue harm.

A Scout.....................Knows the difference between "right" and "wrong."

A Scout.....................Can tie a knot that will hold.

A Scout.....................Can climb a tree with ease.

A Scout.....................Can swim a river or lake.

A Scout.....................Can pitch a tent and make a comfortable bed in the middle of nowhere.

A Scout.....................Can give first aid.

A Scout.....................Can row a boat or paddle a canoe.

A Scout.....................Knows the stars by name and can find his way by them.

A Scout.....................Walks through the woods with silent tread.

A Scout.....................Has keen eyes to notice many things that others won't see.

A Scout.....................Has ears to hear things that others would miss.

A Scout.....................Has a sharp sense of smell.

A Scout.....................Can kindle a fire even on the wettest or coldest day.

A Scout.....................Rarely uses more than one match.

A Scout.....................Can kindle a fire without a match.

A Scout.....................Can use and sharpen his blade.

A Scout.....................Can split and chop wood with ease.

A Scout.....................Can use an ax or a saw safely and efficiently.

A Scout.....................Knows that bravery doesn't mean you don't have fears.

Obviously, A Scout can do many things, as this is only a short list of the things a Scout should know. The take-away point here isn't about what a Scout can do, it is that many things a Scout can do must be done outside. And since most things a Scout can do are outside activities a Scout prides himself on knowing and understanding the woods. He is a true outdoors-men, an explorer, an adventurer, a seeker, and a craftsman.

Well, as normal I haven't made it as far as I would have liked to but the good news is that we still have made progress.

Blessed are the Cub Scouts who are led with patience and understanding.........................For they will learn the strength of endurance and the gift of tolerance.

May the Great Scoutmaster or all the Scoutmasters, be with you until we meet again.


Yours in Scouting Service
Mark West
Eagle Scout
ASM Troop 1316/Troop 0669
Council Aquatics/Outdoor Ethics
Council Program/Training/Camping
Council Special Needs Scouting Support Services

If you are paid to do Scouting, you are called a Professional. If you are not paid to do Scouting, you are called a volunteer. If you pay to do Scouting, then you are called a Scouter.

Thursday 22 August 2013

Did You Know: TSA Edition #27

Did You Know........

Polar Explorer Ernest Shackleton took two Scouts with him on his final expedition to the Antarctic on the RSS Discovery.

Source:




Yours in Scouting Service
Mark West
Eagle Scout
ASM Troop 1316/Troop 0669
Council Aquatics/Outdoor Ethics
Council Program/Training/Camping


If you are paid to do Scouting, you are called a professional. If you are not paid to do Scouting, you are called a Volunteer. If you pay to do Scouting, then you are called a Scouter.

Wednesday 21 August 2013

The Promise: What Do Cub Scouts Want From Scouting?

Cub Scouting is supposed to be "fun", "exciting", "vigorous", and most importantly "outside". Why is "being outside" the most important element of Cub Scouting? It is the most important element because Scouting is deliberately designed to happen outside. But this "outside element" of Scouting is ignored on a frequent basis for many different excuses. Excuses like.........

  • It's too cold outside.
  • It's too windy outside.
  • It's too hot outside.
  • It's too dark outside.
  • It's too light outside.
  • It's raining.
  • It's snowing.
I could go on and on and on with excuses people, especially parents, have told me as why they don't want or won't let their Cub Scout go outside. But if the "outside" is the most important element of Cub Scouting, then why do we deny them of this element?

We deny them because of fear. We deny them because of worry. We deny them because of anxiety. We deny them because the world is a dangerous place. We deny them because they could get hurt. We deny them because their is too much risk involved. We deny them because we don't want them to get hurt. We deny them because they will get dirty. We deny them because they will make a mess. We deny them because we don't want to go outside. We deny them because we don't want to be cold. We deny them because we don't want to get wet. We deny them because we will get dirty. We deny them because we don't like nature. We deny them because we don't understand what the outdoors does for kids.

But yet...............We complain when they can't concentrate.

But yet................We complain when they can't focus.

But yet................We complain when they don't have self-discipline.

But yet.................We complain when they lack self-control.

But yet.................We complain about lack of self-esteem.

But yet.................We complain about lack of self-confidence.

But yet.................We complain when they are loud.

But yet.................We complain when they are rowdy.

But yet.................We complain they are obnoxious.

But yet.................We complain they are rude and inappropriate.

But yet.................We complain they can't sit still.

But yet.................We complain that they won't go outside.

But yet.................We complain that they are lazy.

But yet.................We complain that they are not physically fit.

But yet.................We complain that they don't like rain.

But yet.................We complain that they don't like snow.

But yet.................We complain that they don't enjoy the outdoors.

But yet.................We complain that they don't respect the environment.

But yet.................We complain that they don't enjoy mother nature.

There are many more complaints I could come up with but I think you get the picture. So now that we know what the problem is, how do we solve it? For now I leave you with that question to ponder yourself.

And for now.............."May the Great Scoutmaster of all the Scoutmaster's be with you until we meet again."

Blessed are the Cub Scouts who are taught to see beauty in all things around them.........................For their world will be a place of grace and wonder.


Yours in Scouting Service
Mark West
Eagle Scout
ASM Troop 1316/Troop 0669
Council Aquatics/Outdoor Ethics
Council Program/Training/Camping

If you are paid to do Scouting, you are called a Professional. If you are not paid to do Scouting, you are called a Volunteer. If you pay to do Scouting, then you are called a Scouter.

Tuesday 20 August 2013

Did You Know: TSA Edition #26

Did You Know........

Scouts are in the news all the time! Each month more than 70 positive mentions are made on the radio, TV and in the papers.

Source:




Yours in Scouting Service
Mark West
Eagle Scout
ASM Troop 1316/Troop 0669
Council Aquatics/Outdoor Ethics
Council Program/Training/Camping


If you are paid to do Scouting, you are called a professional. If you are not paid to do Scouting, you are called a Volunteer. If you pay to do Scouting, then you are called a Scouter.

Sunday 18 August 2013

Did You Know: TSA Edition #25

Did You Know........

When Scout volunteer The Duchess of Cambridge was pictured wearing a pair of Le Chameau Vierzonard Wellies, sales of the boots rocketed over 30%.

Source:




Yours in Scouting Service
Mark West
Eagle Scout
ASM Troop 1316/Troop 0669
Council Aquatics/Outdoor Ethics
Council Program/Training/Camping


If you are paid to do Scouting, you are called a professional. If you are not paid to do Scouting, you are called a Volunteer. If you pay to do Scouting, then you are called a Scouter.

Friday 16 August 2013

Did You Know: TSA Edition #24

Did You Know........

John Lennon and Paul McCartney went to Cubs together.

Source:




Yours in Scouting Service
Mark West
Eagle Scout
ASM Troop 1316/Troop 0669
Council Aquatics/Outdoor Ethics
Council Program/Training/Camping


If you are paid to do Scouting, you are called a professional. If you are not paid to do Scouting, you are called a Volunteer. If you pay to do Scouting, then you are called a Scouter.

Thursday 15 August 2013

"If I Were King"

If I were King of France I wouldn't allow any child of under twelve years to come into a town. Till then youngsters would have to live in the open......................out in the sun, in the fields, in the woods, in company with dogs and horses, face to face with nature, which strengthens the bodies, lends intelligence to understanding, gives poetry to the soul, and rouses in them a curiosity which is more valuable to education than all the grammar books in the world.

They would understand the noises as well as the silences of the night; they would have the best of religions.................that which God himself reveals in the glorious sight of his daily wonders. And at twelve years of age, strong, high-minded, and full of understanding they would be capable of receiving the methodical instruction which it would be right to give them, and whose inculcation would then be easily accomplished in four or five years.

"Unfortunately for youngsters, though happily for France,
I don't happen to be king."

Wednesday 14 August 2013

Did You Know: TSA Edition #23

Did You Know........

In 2009 a group of Cub Scouts (aged 8 to 10) lobbying against the "rain tax" were banned from entering Parliament for being too young.

Source:




Yours in Scouting Service
Mark West
Eagle Scout
ASM Troop 1316/Troop 0669
Council Aquatics/Outdoor Ethics
Council Program/Training/Camping


If you are paid to do Scouting, you are called a professional. If you are not paid to do Scouting, you are called a Volunteer. If you pay to do Scouting, then you are called a Scouter.

Monday 12 August 2013

Did You Know: TSA Edition #22

Did You Know........

Robert Baden-Powell, the Founder of the Scouting Movement wast voted the UK's 13th most influential person of the 20th Century.

Source:




Yours in Scouting Service
Mark West
Eagle Scout
ASM Troop 1316/Troop 0669
Council Aquatics/Outdoor Ethics
Council Program/Training/Camping


If you are paid to do Scouting, you are called a professional. If you are not paid to do Scouting, you are called a Volunteer. If you pay to do Scouting, then you are called a Scouter.

Sunday 11 August 2013

Camp Counselor's Manifesto

I am a Summer Camp Counselor..............

I believe in camp.
I believe in shorts, t-shirts, and sandals.
I believe in singing at the table.
I believe everyone should know five games to play on a bus.
I believe in early morning dip (even if I don't always go).
I believe if you play with children you will stay childlike.
I believe that camp makes a difference in every camper's life, as well as my own.
Camp is a place that I can get away from the rush of everyday life and back to the basics.
I come to camp for the campers, but also for myself.
Every camper is an individual and I need to treat them as such.
One method does not work with all campers.
I will strive to find the balance that will help me to see each camper as an individual.
And help me to give them each the summer of their lives.
I will remember my favorite counselors and teachers.
By remembering I draw on the positives of these people to make myself into a better counselor.
I am the most important person at camp to my campers.
My campers will watch everything that I do and say this summer.
So I want to do what is right and say what is good.
Camper see, camper do.
I need help and I will not be afraid to ask for it.
The staff want to see me succeed and will help me to do so, but only if I ask.
Camp is camp because of the people that are there.
I believe that every child should have an opportunity to attend camp at some point in their lives.
Camp is good, no camp is great...........in fact, I believe camp is the best place to be.
I believe this going to be the best summer yet.

Source:


Yours in Scouting Service
Mark West
Eagle Scout
ASM Troop 1316/Troop 0669
Council Aquatics/Outdoor Ethics
Council Program/Training/Camping

Saturday 10 August 2013

Did You Know: TSA Edition #21

Did You Know........

The current and youngest ever Chief Scout, Bear Grylls, was one of the youngest people every to climb to the summit of Mount Everest at the tender age of 23.

Source:



Yours in Scouting Service

Mark West
Eagle Scout
ASM Troop 1316/Troop 0669
Council Aquatics/Outdoor Ethics
Council Program/Training/Camping

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