It has been a big week for the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). On May 23, the voting members of the National Council approved a resolution to remove the restriction of its membership policy denying membership to youth based on sexual orientation. The change will go into effect Jan. 1, 2014.

I believe the change in the membership policy is a big win for everyone involved – especially for the youth. It lets all young men participate in Scouting. Regardless of background, personal beliefs or sexual orientation, young men will always benefit from the values and morals the Scout Oath and Law helps instill in them.

The single largest BSA chartering partner – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – agrees with the policy change, which aligns with the Church’s own policy regarding sexual orientation. In a statement released to the public and news media, the Church states:

“The Church’s long-established policy for participation in activities is stated in the basic instructional handbook used by lay leaders of the Church: ‘”young men … who agree to abide by Church standards” are “welcomed warmly and encouraged to participate.” This policy applies to Church-sponsored Scout units. Sexual orientation has not previously been – and is not now – a disqualifying factor for boys who want to join Latter-day Saint Scout troops. Willingness to abide by standards of behavior continues to be our compelling interest.”

 Imagine for a moment, a young man of the Church confides with his Bishop he is wondering about his sexual orientation and believes he may be homosexual, but has not acted upon those feelings. This young man could participate in all church activities, hold and honor his Priesthood callings and be in good standing throughout the Church. While on the other hand, under the old membership policy, this same young man was technically not permitted to participate in his Scout Troop.

The BSA’s new policy aligns itself well with the Church’s long-standing policy, which focuses less on sexual orientation and more on abiding by good and moral standards. The new BSA policy will not deny “membership in the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of sexual orientation or preference,” but it also reiterates, “Scouting is a youth program, and any sexual conduct, whether homosexual or heterosexual, by youth of scouting age is contrary to the virtues of Scouting.”

Likewise, the Church’s statement reiterated its standards in its statement saying, “These standards are outlined in the booklet For the Strength of Youth and include abstinence from sexual relationships. We remain firmly committed to upholding these standards and to protecting and strengthening boys and young men.”

The issue of same sex attraction has been a divisive one that has been aimed squarely at the BSA. With the new membership policy in place, the BSA can now get back to doing what it has always done and will continue to do; implement its mission to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

Likewise, the Utah National Parks Council in its own statement stated it will “continue to work closely with the BSA and its chartering partners as plans are developed for implementation of the policy change. The Utah National Parks Council remains dedicated to its leadership role in the BSA to provide the resources, funding, activities, training and programs needed to give all youth, volunteer leaders and BSA units the greatest experience possible.”

Now that this week is over, let’s all go for a hike. It’s beautiful out there!

Additional links:

Boy Scouts of America: http://www.scouting.org

Utah National Parks Council: http://www.utahscouts.org

Mormon Newsroom: http://www.mormonnewsroom.org

Mormons and Gays: http://www.mormonsandgays.org

Author: A. Cory Maloy | Google+

Christian and Conrad Smith, 17 year-old twins and Eagle Scouts, know personally the physical challenges from Scouting. The twins have earned every merit badge available in Scouting, an achievement that is both mentally and physically challenging.

Fitness doesn’t just include hard hikes and exercise, but also general health and wellness. Eating healthy is one way to give your body the ability to do hard things. Boy Scouts take an oath to keep themselves physically strong and mentally awake. Scouts are committed to keeping their minds and bodies clean and fit. They learn that it is important and easy to eat a healthy diet and how a fitness program can be part of their daily routine.

For David Card, founder of ENGRY Inc, the commitment to keeping his mind and body clean as a Scout has driven him professionally and personally to maintain the Scout oath throughout his life.

Total Enrgy is a healthy alternative to sugary and caffeine-saturated sports drinks.

He is passionate about two things: Maintaining the standards he learned in Scouting and personal health.

He has worked in the Health and Nutrition Industry for over 20 years and worked directly with chlorophyll based drinks for the past eight years. He searched everywhere to find a product that addresses all seven critical pillars of health and found nothing. He went to work and consulted with medical professionals and biochemists to develop Total ENRGY.

“Being physically strong and mentally awake are two parts of the Scout oath that have resonated throughout the development of a healthy energy drink alternative,” Card said.

“Our intent was to create a drink that helped clean out the bad in the body and help regenerate the good. As a Scout, I always believed that being clean started on the inside.”

When a Scout reaches for his favorite soft drink, sports drink, or energy drink he is consuming large quantities of sugar and/or caffeine. When you’re eating poorly, it’s hard to find the energy needed to keep pace with the hard physical and mental demands of Scouting, and later in life.

David Card knows that people and Scouts need a more natural and healthier solution to their energy needs, without sugar and caffeine.

“It’s always been my desire to ‘help other people at all times.’ Creating Total ENRGY has given me a platform to be able to do this,” he said.

“Being an eagle scout, I took a pledge to help strengthen my fellow men and build a stronger home, community and world. We’ll start by building healthy, strong people who can then help to build healthy strong communities.”

Scouting doesn’t stop with a healthy body when teaching and advocating fitness, but also a healthy mind, and emotions.

A creative-thinking and problem-solving mind, is a Scout mind. Scouts learn to be emotionally healthy through practicing self-control, self-respect and courage.

It’s not hard to imagine a Scout surviving a three-day excursion, building a complex bridge, or bravely saving another life. It’s not surprising, because a Scout aims to be such a person.

David Card is donating a gift basket to the Utah National Parks Council valued at $150 to be auctioned online with all proceeds going to improve programs in the Council.

Author: Melany Gardner | Marketing and Program Assistant, Utah National Parks Council

From the groups website:

A Piece of History

Titled, “A Century of Honor,” the program showed how Scouting has created bridges for those who came later and today’s youth continue to benefit from the principles of Scouting in a partnership that is faith-based.

The centennial celebration of the LDS-BSA partnership, documented significant events, people, and milestones of the past century including Sir Robert Baden-Powell, William D. Boyce, Abraham Lincoln and Joseph F. Smith.

The reenactment of William D. Boyce’s first experience with a boy Scout, tells of him reading from the “Scouting for Boys” where he find a solemn promise: “On my honor, I promise to do my duty to god and the king (or ‘my country’ in the American version).”

The boy’s actions touched Boyce’s heart and he realized that “heroism is just as needed on a city street as it is in the uncharted wilderness.”

As the founder of Scouting, the program honored Sir Robert Baden-Powell with a reenactment, videos and audio quotes.

“Scouting has been around for centuries, practiced by honorable men through out the ages. I simply took note of something they already knew,” he said. This quote sparked the original song, “On My Honor” highlighting the honorable men of the past including the knights of King Arthur, the religious reformers, explorers, pilgrims and the american founding fathers.

Today, there are three Scout councils in Utah with the Utah National Parks Council being the largest in the state and across the nation.

For over 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America has created a strong foundation of leadership, service, and community for millions of America’s young people. The Utah National Parks Council joined in the celebration of a century of service. In 2012, Scouts in the Council provided 1,006,776 hours of community service.

Thousands of boys, dads and grandfathers in uniform came out to help celebrate “A Century of Honor.” The program, although produced by the LDS Church, was for people of all faiths to celebrate the benefits of the Scouting program to America’s youth.

The program included an Eagle Scout Choir, a performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, a Cub Scout Choir and video tributes that included former Scouts and the history of Scouting.

The highlight of the evening came when Wayne Perry, National President of the Boy Scouts of America, presented President Thomas S. Monson with a special recognition for his devotion to Scouting.

Perry said, “The Boy Scouts of America stands for the kind of leadership that goes beyond a single act of heroism. We champion moral leadership demonstrated through a lifetime of service. Only this type of leadership can truly prepare young people to be leaders throughout their lives.”

In honor of Monson’s distinguished service, the BSA they named the Thomas S. Monson Leadership Excellence Complex Summit at the Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve.

President Monson has served on the National Council Executive Board for an impressive 44 years, the longest tenured member. A video tribute, that included remarks by his two counselors in the First Presidency, President Eyring and President Uchtdorf, showed how Scouting is truly a part of President Monson’s character.

“He has been a bridge builder for boys and for people in need all over the world,” President Uchtdorf said.

They concluded with the thousands-strong audience standing and repeating the Scout Oath and Law. Everyone seemed to leave with a new dedication and appreciation for the values of Scouting.

Check out more photos on Facebook.

See the entire broadcast below:

Author: Heidi Sanders & Melany Gardner | Marketing Team, Utah National Parks Council

VERNAL — When Brent Taylor first heard about Moonshine Arch, the scoutmaster for Troop 544 knew it was a perfect spot for a weekend campout.

And when he found out the arch had been vandalized, Taylor knew his Scouts could clean it up.

“I thought this would be a good service project for the boys,” he said.

Taylor just didn’t know how to remove the names that had been scrawled in charcoal at the base of the natural arch, located north of Steinaker State Park on land administered by the Bureau of Land Management.

“I thought, I’m not going to take it on my own to go clean it up,” he said, “because I didn’t know if it would destroy the sandstone.”

So Taylor asked the experts.

“He came and talked to us ahead of time, met with our archaeologist and found out a way to do it right,” said Jason West, outdoor recreation planner for the BLM’s field office in Vernal.

“Sandstone is a very sensitive and brittle rock,” West said. “It’s very easy to mess it up.”

After camping out Friday a few hundred feet from Moonshine Arch, Taylor and his Scouts spent Saturday morning cleaning away the graffiti with the scrub brushes and soapy water recommended by the BLM.

“It just doesn’t make sense,” Boy Scout Nick Willoughby said. “Why would people put graffiti on a nice, wonderful landform like this?”

Access to the arch used to be limited, but the area was recently opened to motorized travel. That made it easier for some visitors to haul in scores of wooden pallets for large bonfires, West said.

“We came up and found 30 stashed pallets,” he said, referring to one find last spring. “It looked like there was going to be a really large burn that would have done significant damage to the arch.”

At present, the BLM is working with stakeholders to develop a travel management plan for the lands it administers in eastern Utah. As part of that plan, the agency may seek to restrict direct motorized access to Moonshine Arch, West said, because the bonfires leave countless nails behind, along with piles of charcoal that people use to write on the walls.

“We’re lucky it was only charcoal,” Taylor said Saturday. “If it had been paint, we’d have had a much bigger job to do.”

Of course, the public image of scoutmasters like Taylor has taken a hit in the past couple of weeks, thanks to the actions two Utah men.

Dave Hall and Glenn Taylor — no relation to Brent Taylor — became viral video pariahs in October after a YouTube clip showed them toppling a 170-million-year-old hoodoo at Goblin Valley State Park.

“We have just modified Goblin Valley,” Hall crowed on camera as Glenn Taylor looked on.

Both men were booted from the Boy Scouts and could still face criminal charges. They said they feared the rock formation might fall on someone, but admit they never contacted state park officials before deciding to take action on their own.

What happened in Emery County last month is “really disheartening,” Brent Taylor said.

“I hope this (service project) will shed light on the true side of the Scout scene,” he said, adding that one of his goals for the Moonshine Arch clean up was to help his boys learn respect for the natural world.

The message appeared to get through to Willoughby.

“Go find something funner and better to do with your day, (rather) than come up here and mark up landforms and rocks that people are coming to see,” the teen said. “I think it’s just stupid to do that.”

Article and video by KSL News. See original post here .

The group of former LDS missionaries began sending people and relief supplies to the people in the Philippines after the devastating storm. Austin Bailey from Highland said he heard about the initiative on ksl.com and he wanted to help.

“I learned about it on KSL,” Bailey said. “I read the story about how devastating it was and that’s when I wanted to start helping. And I just hope everything will turn out well for the people in the Philippines.”

Dozens of volunteers from the neighborhood arrived at Bailey’s house Tuesday to help him sort hundreds of pounds of goods. He collected clothes, shoes, diapers, baby formula and hygiene and medical kits. He said they are trying to prioritize what food to send immediately and load it on pallets.

Global Goods also helped with the project that Boy Scout, Bailey has now taken on as his Eagle Project.

“We’re in communication with the groups that we’re sending,” said Global Goods President Brian Oaks. “We’ve had over 85 different volunteers that have said, ‘I’m willing to pay. I’m willing to go. Organize a group for me.’ So that’s what we’ve been doing.”

Individuals participating with Global Goods said they are determined to press on with the cause as long as necessary. Those on the ground in the Philippines say the need after the typhoon will not end for years.

The men who served missions in the Philippines in the 1990s plan to keep the relief flowing.

Author: Carole Mikita, “Highland Boy Scout gathers donations for Philippines typhoon victims.”

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 purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.

According to Steve Innskeep, NPR host, “In the pattern of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, tomorrow is labeled Giving Tuesday. Charities want to attract new donors. It’s the third  #GivingTuesday and the biggest so far.”  The #GivingTuesday movement will kick off the giving season with hundreds of causes.

Boy Scouts of America joined this movement in 2014 and has encouraged local councils to participate. We invite you to help by giving to the BSA through the Utah National Parks Council donation website.

Gary Herbert, Governor of the State of Utah

“Scouting is one of the greatest forces for good in our country today. At a time when our nation faces many challenges, I am grateful Scouting continues to play a vibrant and meaningful role in the lives of numerous youth.”

Whether Scouts are involved in a Cub Scout pack, Boy Scout troop, Varsity Scout team or Venturing crew, your gift has helped and will help to change their lives.

Interesting Facts about the Utah National Parks Council

The Utah National Parks Council serves more than 85,000 youth, making it the largest council by membership within the Boy Scouts of America.  Nearly 10,000 of these youth are served in public schools through our Learning for LIfe program, and thousands of them are from at-risk environments. Many need positive adult role models in their lives. In a world of constant change, Scouting and Learning for Life programs provide educational activities and lifelong values to help youth be Prepared. For Life.™

The Utah National Parks Council is also one of the most cost-effective council in the BSA system, providing a high-quality program for its registered Scouts for the lowest cost-per-participant in the country. The Council stretches from the Point of the Mountain in northern Utah County to the northern tip of the Grand Canyon and from Alamo, NV on the west to Moab on the east.

Youth Served
The Utah National Parks Council provides a Scouting program to 85,225 young people in 6,553 different units. At the end of October 2014, we had 25,532 registered Cub Scouts, 37,793 Boy/Varsity Scouts, 14,066 Ventures and 7,834 Learning for Life/Explorers.

Adult Scout Volunteers
There are 42,822 registered adult Scout volunteers in the Utah National Parks Council—more than one leader for every two Scouts. The Council has an active training program, providing several different levels of instruction to all leaders. As part of BSA policy, all leaders need to be trained upon registration.

Day Camps, Summer Camp Facilities and High Adventure Bases
The council operates six Scout camps in central and southern Utah, including Maple Dell Scout Camp, Tifie Scout Camp at Mountain Dell Scout Ranch, Thunder Ridge Scout Camp, Frandsen Scout Ranch, High Uintah Scout Camp, and Blue Mountain Scout Camp. They also serve both boys and girls at Camp Jeremiah Johnson Day Camps and at Beaver High Adventure and Entrada High Adventure Bases.

Most Popular Merit Badges
Youth learned about possible future careers by earning more than 80,500 merit badges last year. The First Aid merit badge was awarded 3,887 times, making it the most popular. Other popular merit badges included Environmental Science, Environmental Science, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Wilderness Survival, Communication, and Swimming.

Advanced Leadership Training
1,745 youth attended Advanced Leadership Training programs in the Council during 2013, while 735 adults also attended Wood Badge, our advanced leadership course for adults. 463 adults and youth were certified in CPR/First Aid, and 164 individuals earned their NRA Safety Certifications during the year.

Approx 46,600 Needy Individuals Assisted with Food
The Council’s Scouting for Food service project collected more than 700,000 pounds of food. More than 46,600 individuals served by the local food pantries were assisted as a result.

2591 Eagles and 41 Outstanding Eagles Awarded
In 2013, 2,591 young men received their Eagle Scout awards. Collectively 14,529 Cub Scout (Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos) and 20,788 Boy Scout (Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life) rank advancements were awarded. 41 adult Eagle Scouts received the Oustanding Eagle Award

Make BSA your #GivingTuesday Choice Today!

Author: Darryl Alder | Strategic Initiatives Director, Utah National Parks Council, BSA.

We invite you to get social with this article:

I love the new program features because they focus on experiences and adventures. You can use them to plan months of activities that build toward a goal while being geared toward the needs and interests of your Scouts. Be sure to check out our tips on implementing these new features in your LDS troop, team, or crew.

After the Planning Conference

Prepare the calendar in an easy-to-use format for distribution. Here are some features to consider.

• Include as much detail as possible, including meeting start and end times.
• Indicate when regular meetings won’t be held or will be held at different times.
• Color-code events for easy reference. For example, you might use blue for unit meetings and outings, green for meetings that don’t affect all members (such as patrol leaders; council, unit committee, boards of review), red for special notices (such as meeting cancellations), and black for external events (such as national Scout jamborees, roundtables, and training courses).
• Add a revision date at the bottom of every page. If the calendar must be updated later, change the revision date and highlight the changes.

Distribute copies of the final plan to youth members and their families, adult leaders, members of the unit committee, and representatives of the chartered organization. Be sure to include Cub Scout pack leaders, the unit commissioner and district executive, and the chartered organization’s leader, secretary, and facilities manager. Also be sure to post the calendar on the unit website and at the meeting place.

Monthly Program Planning

No matter how comprehensive and well planned your calendar is, it’s simply a skeleton on which to build your program. Short-term planning puts flesh on the bones. Each month, the patrol leaders’ council or crew officers plan in detail the coming month’s outing and meetings. If the group is on the ball, it actually looks at three months of programming each time.

• Briefly review the month that’s just ending using the “start, stop, continue” model.
• Plan in detail everything the unit will do in the month that is just beginning (or will soon begin).
• Briefly preview the following month and make assignments for tasks like reserving campsites.

As with the annual plan, be sure to communicate the results of each monthly planning meeting with all members, leaders, and other stakeholders—especially if changes are made to the annual plan.

How to Use the Program Features

Each program feature in this book provides a month’s worth of program ideas for Boy Scout troops, Varsity Scout teams, and Venturing crews. You will find the following content:

• General information about the topic
• Related advancement requirements and awards
• Games related to the topic (or that are just for fun)
• Ideas for using the EDGE method (Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, Enable) to teach topics
• Four weeks’ worth of meeting plans
• Outlines of three main events (outings) that build in length and intensity
• Print and online resources related to the topic, including a list of related program features

You will find these icons in each program feature:

Essential: Basic skills-development information and beginner-level activities

Challenging: Skills-development information and activities for those who have moved beyond the basics.

Advanced: Learning topics and activities for those who are ready for the ultimate challenge

A Note to Venturers

For the purpose of earning the Discovery and Pathfinder awards, the main event examples from each module can be considered as follows:

Essential (Tier I): Beginner level activities requiring little preparation or planning; events often last less than a full day (not overnight); activities are not far beyond the comfort zone of most participants.

Challenging (Tier II): Midlevel activities requiring some planning or preparation; events last less than four days; some prior skills development may be desirable or required; activities extend beyond the standard range for most participants.

Advanced (Tier III): Higher level activities requiring extensive preparation; events last at least four days; activities are mentally and physically challenging, requiring skills development prior to participation; such adventures are highlights of the program year and may take place once or twice annually.

See also the Boys’ Life Troop Program Planning Chart

See more of this introduction in Part 1 and Part 2.

Stay tuned! Next week we’ll go over specific program features and how you can use them in your troop, team, or crew.

Author: Utah National Parks Council | Information from the introduction to the new Program Features for Troops, Teams, and Crews: A Guide to Program Planning

Purposes of Cub Scouting

I’d like to take a look at some of the reasons WHY Cub Scouting is important and relevant as well as HOW we achieve those purposes and I’d like to start at the end. (Why? Just because…)  So lets start with…Cub Scout Purpose #10—Preparation for Boy Scouts

First let me say that I do not want anyone to think that I am saying that a boy MUST be a Cub Scout first in order to make a good Boy Scout.  That is obviously not true.  There are many great Boy Scouts who were never involved in Cub Scouts for one reason or another.  But let’s think about those Boy Scouts who WERE Cub Scouts first and talk about how that program helped prepare them.

HOW does Cub Scouting prepare Boys Scouts?  There are very likely more ways than just these 12 that I have thought of and listed here.  Feel free to leave your ideas and additions in the comment section at the end.

1.  Scout Oath & Law – One of the most obvious ways that Cub Scouting helps prepare a boy to be a Boy Scout is directly due to the change last year (2015) to One Oath and Law.  Cub Scouting now gives a boy years of preparation in that regard.  In a Cub Scout pack each month one of the 12 points of the Scout Law is used as the focus.  Each week at den meetings boys should be reciting the Scout Oath and Law.  Each Cub Scout must first earn the Bobcat rank—two of the requirements of which are to
   “Learn and Say”  the Scout Oath and Law.  Each handbook has multiple pages explaining the meaning of the Scout Oath and each point of the Scout Law in kid-friendly language.  Each handbook has multiple “Character Compass” highlights that help these young boys understand how they can apply the points of the Scout Law into the particular requirement or activity they are doing.  The Scout Oath is a model for good citizenship and the Scout Law is a list of positive values to live up to and incorporate into your daily life.  It just seems obvious that their years of repeating and talking about the Scout Oath and Law will help prepare boys to be Boy Scouts.
2. Cub Scout Adventures are sort of like merit badges. In Cub Scouting there are various adventures. Some adventures are required and some are electives. Each adventure has multiple requirements and each one should take some time. When a boy has completed that adventure, whether it is done with his den, with his family, or by himself, he should be awarded the accompanying adventure loop or pin (depending on rank). These completed adventures lead him towards earning his rank. There may not be merit badge counselors involved (yes it is a different process) but I believe that by completing adventures he is taking the first step towards knowing how to earn Boy Scout ranks as well.  It’s a process that increases in demands and complexity according to his age.  It’s a process that helps him know what to shoot for—the end goal, and what is required to reach that goal. In Cub Scouting a boy has 1 year to earn his rank (exclusive of the Bobcat Rank) and hopefully he will learn a little about deadlines and goal setting while working towards his rank each year.  In Boy Scouting the deadlines might be much further out  and a bit more customizable but his Cub Scout experience should help him understand how to set goals and give him some skills to set the goals needed to attain the rank he’s shooting for.
3. Personal Responsibility – A Cub Scout who for years has been required to keep track of his uniform and his handbook and wear/bring it to den meetings (Moms, please let him do this himself!) is a Boy Scout who will be used to wearing his uniform and know where his handbook is so he is able to bring it to patrol meetings too. Now there is a catch, they need to use it at den meetings often enough for them to feel the need to bring it.  If they bring it and never use it, soon they will stop bringing it and it will get “lost” somewhere in their rooms. So leaders, have the boys use their books at den meetings.  Have them refer to something in them often.  One of the great things about the new handbooks is that the Scout Oath and Law is printed on the back cover for easy reference while they are learning it.  Maybe it would be better not to have a poster at the front of the room for everyone to see, maybe it would be better if each boy had a need to bring his own handbook.  Reading the back cover is not enough, have them look inside, encourage them to read what Ethan (The new Cub Scout “mentor”—not sure that’s the correct term) has to say about the adventure they are working on this month.  Ask them what the requirements are to complete the adventure—it’s in their books. Odds are they can (and should) take on more responsibility than they currently do.
4. Leadership – In Cub Scouting there are 2 basic leadership positions that each boy should get a chance at —Denner and Assistant Denner.  The duties of the Denner are determined by the den leader.  And his assistant is usually just a back up in case the Denner isn’t there, but the assistant could certainly have his own set of responsibilities.  Think of the specific duties that you, as a den leader, assign to these boys.  Do the boys know what you expect them to do?  Do his parents know that he is serving as the Denner and what his duties will be?  These are very young boys and most likely they will need reminding, coaching, and help but odds are these young Cub Scouts are capable of more than we, and they, think they are.  A Denner in a Webelos den will do more than the Denner in a Wolf den and that’s as it should be.  The duties assigned may even vary depending on the individual boy’s abilities.  A boy can learn leadership in other ways as well—ask a boy to be a team captain for a game, or have a boy teach another boy a skill he has already mastered. Learning to lead is an important skill, the beginnings of which can be taught in Cub Scouts.  A boy who learned the basics of leadership in Cub Scouts will better understand his role in the Boy Scout Patrol.
5. Buddy System – Cub Scouts who have been taught about the importance of the buddy system at a young age will be Boy Scouts who are used to doing things with a buddy.  In Cub Scouts there really isn’t a whole lot that actually requires them to have a buddy (Tigers have the advantage here with their Tiger Partner) but there are many ways to teach about and use the buddy system.  When hiking or swimming of course it is best to have the boys pick (or assign them) a buddy.  Of course first you need to teach them about WHY they are safer with a buddy through lots of “what if” scenarios. Then they need a chance to practice also.  When you are taking the boys on a hike and they have been assigned a buddy, do you as the leader do a “buddy check” every so often to reinforce the idea?  Do you have activities or play games where you split the boys into teams of two (buddies) to accomplish a task together.  Some boys get lost in a den of boys and may not get a chance to express them selves but in a twosome it’s much harder to fade into the background and just watch.  The buddy system isn’t just about safety, it can also teach teamwork, friendship, and how to be a part of the whole by still being an individual.  Somewhat indirectly it helps boys understand Two Deep Leadership.  Their leaders need to have a buddy at every meeting.  A leader’s “buddy” is there not just for safety but as a helper, a back up and of course to help share the load of planning and teaching (teamwork).
6. Citizenship –  All boys are part of a family.  Large or small he usually understands what a family is and what part he plays in it. Odds are he has never been told he is a “Citizen” of his family but essentially he is.    In Cub Scouting boys are placed in dens.  Ideally dens should be a group of 6-8 boys, similar in age, working towards the same rank.  Each pack is made up of multiple dens.  In Cub Scouting he learns how being a part of a den can help (or not) the pack as a whole.  Cub Scouting gives boys opportunities to be a part of a small community – his den, which is part of a bigger community – his pack, which is chartered by an organization, which is part of his local  even larger community, etc..  There are of course requirements (see examples to the right) in many of the adventures that are Citizenship building activities.  Boys this age are just starting to learn that there is a world out there and that small changes can and should be made for the greater good.  Cub Scouts who know and understand the structure of Cub Scouting will more easily understand the structure of Boy Scouts—troops, patrols etc… and how they as an individual and as a group can help the communities in which they live. This helps them understand the “Duty to Country” part of the Scout Oath they repeat weekly. And of course regular flag ceremonies and learning about the proper care and use of the US flag is a must for every citizen and will be second nature to a Boy Scout who was first a Cub Scout.
7. Service – Cub Scouts, as with all Scouting, have many opportunities to provide service— service to their families, service to their den, service to their chartering organization and to their community.  Cub Scouts in their own small ways can even help provide service to the world.  Service should be a regular part of every scouting unit.  Giving service to others helps with the previously mentioned citizenship as well as the “to help other people at all times” part of the Scout Oath. (Here is a really great article about this very phrase) The new Cub Scout program has even more service opportunities than before to help boys grow and learn and become the kind of young man/scout the world needs. I wrote another article all about the service opportunities, with a helpful chart of requirements for The Boy Scout last fall.  Cub Scouts who are used to participating in den or pack service projects will be better prepared to fulfill the service hours required in Boy Scouting.
8. Cub Scouts Belong – This is part of the above mentioned Citizenship and yet it’s different enough I thought it deserved a separate mention.  As written on page nine in the Cub Scout Leader Book, “Belonging is important to boys; they like to be accepted as part of a group.  In Cub Scouting, boys take part in interesting and meaningful activities with their friends, learning sportsmanship, citizenship and loyalty.  The Cub Scout uniform, symbols like the Cub Scout sign, and being a member of a den help boys feel part of a distinct group that shares a common purpose.”  Cub Scouting gives a boy something worthwhile and positive to belong to.  Cub Scouting and Boy Scouting is about the individual boy but… he is not in it alone.  There is always someone there to help in one way or another and that’s a great life skill to understand too.  We are not alone!  Cub scouts who know what it means to belong to a den and pack will understand what it means to belong to a patrol and troop.
9. Duty to God – Not only is Duty to God a part of the Scout Oath but in the new Cub Scout program one of each the 7 adventures required to earn a rank (Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos and Arrow of Light) is a required Duty to God adventure.  Each boy is required to learn about, practice and show what it means to do his Duty to God.  No matter what religion or what a boy and his family believe about God, he is taught to fulfill this duty to the best of his ability.  When a Cub Scout becomes a Boy Scout he will already understand this vital part of the Scout Oath.  He will already have had opportunities to explore and express how he feels he has done and can continue to do his duty to God.
10. Outdoor Experiences – Hiking and Camping are some of the most notable parts of Scouting. Cub Scouts do them first.  For some boys their first camping trip may be because of the new adventure requirements for Cub Scout Camping (You can find a chart with those requirements here). For some boys, Cub Scouting may introduce them to parts of nature and the outside world that they never knew existed. There is something special about being out in nature, seeing all the various parts of nature and learning how they all fit together and affect each other. I know many a Scout who will readily tell you that some of their most spiritual and profound realizations happened while on a camping trip.  But it’s not just about camping and hiking, it’s about going outside. Of course It’s always better to ride a bike outdoors and kite flying is usually hard indoors too. So while some things must be done outdoors, I think it’s fair to say that just about everything is more fun when done outside.   When we eat outside we even give it a special name—a picnic.  And while a campfire program technically could be done inside with a fake fire, it will never quite measure up to the real thing.  Boys love to be active and sure you can have relay races in a gym but when you take it outside every boy is faster. Who knows, the boys might even think it’s fun (or at least funny) to play video games outside. The Wii version of skateboards and skiing is nothing like the real thing (Not that I am saying those activities are allowed in Cub Scouting – see the Guide to Safe Scouting for further guidance on appropriate activities). Cub Scouts who have learned about the outdoor code, leave no trace principals, the essential items to take on a hike, who have been camping and spent time in nature will have a much better time on those Boy Scout campouts and other outdoor activities too.
11. Do Your Best – It’s the Cub Scout motto and a part of the Scout Oath too.  Each boy is only required to do his best, not his leader’s, not his parent’s nor that of another boy—HIS best.  This will vary with each boy and that’s okay.  This is where the individual boy really comes into play.  When we teach a boy at a young age that competition is fun, it does not define his worth. So one boy can’t throw a ball as far as another, or run as fast as another. That’s okay. Each boy has his own set of strengths and weaknesses and individual traits that make him… well, him.  The more a boy learns these lessons as a Cub Scout less bullying and teasing there should be in the Boy Scout troop. When he joins Scouting a boy is part of a den/patrol, a part of a team.  And while teamwork and cooperation are important, in the end it truly about the individual. If each individual learned to work hard and always do their best, everyone would be happier individual and as a group.
12. The Scouting Adventure – In the new Cub Scout program one of the required adventures that a boy must complete to earn the Arrow of Light rank is called “The Scouting Adventure” (I wrote an article in The Boy Scout about this last fall too). The main objective of this adventure is to introduce a boy to Boy Scouting. In this adventure he learns about merit badges and what it takes to earn one. He learns about the patrol method and what it means to have a “Boy-led program.” He observes and participates with a Boy Scout troop (twice) which will most likely get him excited about this next step in Scouting. It’s quite obvious how just this one adventure, out of the many a boy will have during his Cub Scout years, helps prepare a boy to be a Boy Scout.

WHY is Preparation for Boy Scouts one of the purposes of Cub Scouting?  First let’s state the obvious—the BSA wants boys to stay in the program.  It helps with recruiting, retention and let’s face it, keeps the program alive.  But let’s set aside the corporate or business aspects of it and it still makes sense that the younger boy program—Cub Scouting—should help a boy do better in the older boy program—Boy Scouts.  Its part of the natural progression.  As a boy gets older he can do more things and so he is required to do more.  He is capable of more so those requirements get harder. It’s all about the boy from young to old (and even older as a leader too) to fulfill the mission of the BSA which is “To prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law” and the Vision Statement of the BSA as well: “The Boy Scouts of America will prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and Law.”  What city, state and country would not want that from their citizens. The boys in Cub Scouting… that’s where it starts! So, yes, Cub Scouting prepares a boy for Boy Scouting and for life.

So, If Preparation for Boy Scouts, given all the ways that is done, was the only purpose of Cub Scouting, I still think it would be a great program. But it isn’t; there are 9 other purposes besides just this one.  Next time let’s talk about the Cub Scout Purpose of… Character Development.

Author:    Annaleis Smith is a “stay at home” mom of 5 (3 boys). She has been a Cub Scout leader (Cubmaster, Den Leader, Roundtable Staff & more) for over 12 years. She is currently a Cubmaster (2nd time), a Unit Commissioner and Assistant Council Commissioner for Cub Scouting in the Utah National Parks Council.

A Test Council for Online Registration

We are excited to be chosen to beta test the new BSA online registration. We have every confidence that as online registration becomes available to us, many of your rosters will soon be more accurate and up-to-date, most boys will be registered more promptly and will advance appropriately through the Scouting programs according to their age, you will be able to get your leaders registered more quickly so their background checks will not be delayed, and charter renewal will become a much more efficient process.

For years, leaders have been asking for a simple online registration procedure. You have pointed out repeatedly that our paperwork was archaic and wasteful of resources including time, money, energy, and paper. Units need to be able to control their own destiny by processing their own registrations and maintaining their own advancement records.

In a survey taken in the Spring, people who impact and are impacted by Scouting, from church leaders to Distinguished Eagles, pointed out to us once again that we need to use technology to simplify our processes and free the leaders to spend their time and energy working with boys and doing those things that will have the most impact in their lives.

Committed to Helping You Understand Online Registration

We are absolutely committed to supporting our parents and volunteers through every step of this process. The first step is to help you get started. You will need to make sure that your leaders are registered in the appropriate positions, have my.scouting accounts, and, if necessary, have been given the appropriate rights in my.scouting.org (see below).

A Mini-lesson on the Language of Scouting

Scouting has a terminology all its own, so sometimes it is difficult to follow official instructions. The Council staff are happy to translate. Feel free to call or email us or stop by the office for help. The instructions often refer to the “Key 3.” In your ward, the first of those “Key 3” is your chartered organization representative, aka COR or CR. In units sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that is the counselor in the bishopric who is over Scouting, and it will be the same individual for Cub Scouts (8–10 yr old boys), Boy Scouts (usually 11–13 yr old boys), Varsity Scouts (14-15 yr old boys), and Venturers (16–18 yr old boys).

The other members of the Key 3 are the committee chair and the unit leader. The committee chair can be the same individual for all four groups or can be a different person. In the LDS Church, it is most often one individual for the Cub Scout pack and another who is over the Boy Scout troop, the Varsity team, and the Venturing crew. The unit leader is the Cubmaster, the Scoutmaster, the Varsity coach, or the crew advisor—basically the main leader who works with the boys on their activity night.

To assign online registration rights in my.scouting

Each of the Key 3 has the right to designate other members of the committee as “delegates” who have the same leadership rights in my.scouting.org as the Key 3. To make this designation, a member of the Key 3 will go to your my.scouting.org account and select the “menu” button, click on the unit you want to to update, and select “Organization Security Manager.” Select “Key 3 Delegate” and click on the green plus sign on the right side of the page. A list of committee members will appear, from which you can select the right person. This will allow you to designate a specific individual to be in charge of registration. The person who is in charge of getting people registered will be able to send invitations to new boys and leaders to join the unit. Boys who live in your neighborhood will be able to find your unit by going to “Be a Scout” at scouting.org. The “Key 3” and their delegates will be able to see the online applications that have been submitted, review and approve them, and submit them to National.

Training is Available

Click here to view and take the training that has been created to familiarize you with this new service. At the bottom of that training page, you will find step-by-step instructions to update your “Contact Us” pin in Be a Scout. As soon as we are able, some of us will begin using it for our own units and we will create a simplified version of this training and put it online. As we discover weaknesses, we will work with the National help desk to find solutions. We will write more articles to help people navigate and troubleshoot this new process. We will be working with the few units who are piloting this program to learn about the strengths and weaknesses and fix any problems. As this becomes available to everyone, we invite you to partner with us by sharing your experiences.  We will incorporate your suggestions and discoveries into our training and articles to make registration simple and painless.

Author: Susan Cheever | Utah National Parks Council Marketing Team Administrative Assistant

1. Throw a playful wedding reception.

Dreading the long line of strangers and uptight clothing of a typical reception?  Exchange the  strange line for a zip line, and keep it casual by booking your reception at Maple Dell Scout Camp. If you want something classy, you can have that too. Host a large dinner in the new stake activity center, and take advantage of its equipped kitchen. Plus, what says great decorations better than the backdrop of nature?

2. Take your employees on a retreat.

Sometimes, it’s nice to work outside the blandness of four white walls and office desks. Take your employees somewhere  they can think more clearly and stress less (yes, nature tends to do the job!). And, you don’t even have to worry about having technical resources. You can utilize the Digital Media Center to create and edit presentations.

3. Have Girl’s Camp there, for crying out loud.

Girls just want to have fun. But they also want to grow spiritually, gain life skills, and make memories. It’s time to consider Maple Dell for more than just the boys. The girls in your ward or stake will be able to  accomplish all the necessary requirements while at the camp. Also, what female won’t appreciate the benefits of new showers while camping?

4. Utilize the grounds for a great youth conference.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints explains the purposes of youth conference on their website: “Build faith in Jesus Christ, strengthen testimonies, develop talents, make new friends, and have fun with youth who share similar beliefs and standards.”  Maple Dell Camp blends the spirituality of nature with the fun of outdoor recreation to achieve that goal.

5. Host your next family reunion.

A family that camps together, stays together. At least, we think that’s how the saying goes. There’s plenty for your relatives to enjoy: archery, shooting, rock climbing, zip lining, and more. Besides, if you really want to tie your family together, the new High COPE Ropes Challenge Course should do the job.

From eager Scouts to playful brides, Maple Dell Scout Camp, or any of your other 12 camps,  can be used in ways you might not have imagined. Have ideas for how you want to use the camp? Contact John Gailey for rental questions.

Author: Michelle Carpenter | Marketing Associate, Utah National Parks Council.

According to Wikipedia, “The national Scout jamboree is a gathering, or jamboree, of thousands of members of the Boy Scouts of America, usually held every four years and organized by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America.”

Six months may seem like a long time for the enthusiastic youngsters and their committed leaders to wait for the event. But, some have already been preparing for Jamboree 2017 for over two years.

The reason? Jamboree is worth preparing for.

Jordan Durtschi, a thirteen-year-old from Ephraim, has done a lot in the past months to get ready for Jamboree.

He’s completed odd jobs to earn money for the $2,995 cost. He’s also attended Jamboree meetings to stay updated. Last Saturday, he came with others to the classes to receive training.

He has some fears about going too. For instance, he’s afraid about the plane ride. But, his fear of flying in an airplane hasn’t stopped his efforts– or his enthusiasm.

“The tour before is going to be awesome,” said Durtschi.

He’s  eager to visit the Sacred Grove in Palmyra, New York and to go the Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. He also hopes he will be able to grow as he leads others. He wants to gain more responsibility as he tries to think of solutions to problems.

Alec Goodric, a thirteen-year-old from Vernal, Utah, said he first became excited about Jamboree after talking with his dad.

His dad told him stories about his own Jamboree experiences. Then, he started to hear things that made him think Jamboree 2017 would be even more exciting. He’s eager to participate in scuba diving, mountain biking, and shooting.

He’s also excited about going on the tour and visiting American and LDS history sites. He hasn’t been to any of the locations before, so it will all be new for him.

“I’m hoping it will be a big testimony builder,” said Goodric.

Thousands of boys have attended and will attend the BSA’s National Jamboree. This year, around 40,000 youth will make the trek. Want to accrue memories, talent, and spiritual/intellectual knowledge? Then, come to Jamboree 2017!  A limited amount of spots are still open. Contact michelle.carpenter@scouting.org to register now.

Of course, Scouting has much to offer to prospective missionaries. That’s obvious; the Church wouldn’t include it in their youth programs if it didn’t.

Many of our youth even achieve the high esteemed Eagle Scout rank. However, the real questions are, why are they achieving the Eagle Scout rank? Are we holding their hand as they go through Scouting or are we allowing boys to take on challenges as they develop within the Scouting program?

Brad Harris, past member of the LDS Young Men’s General Board, author of Trails to Testimony, and 22-year career professional with the Boy Scouts of America, has much to say on the topic.

Harris believes a paradigm shift is needed. Our focus in the LDS community must not be to just GET YOUR EAGLE. Instead, we must hone in on how Scouting is a tool to bring young men to Christ. If it’s simply about the Eagle rank, the answer to if Scouting keeps boys on missions is potentially a huge no. Scouting done right prepares young men for missions in ways that few other programs can. Harris has a few ideas on how. First is privation.

What is Privation and why is it Necessary?

Missionaries now come home early because they have not had much privation before their missions.

Privation is lack of the usual comforts or necessaries of life. According to Harris, many missionaries return home simply because they have addictions to video games that they can’t let go of. With the many comforts our youth have, it is imperative now more than ever to make sure our youth have mini-privations. As Scout leaders and parents, we should ask ourselves, “What am I doing to help them have mini-privations?”

Privation has been a part of missionary work since the beginning. Privation is referenced in Alma 26: 28-29:

28 And now behold, we have come, and been forth amongst them; and we have been patient in our sufferings, and we have suffered every privation; yea, we have traveled from house to house, relying upon the mercies of the world—not upon the mercies of the world alone but upon the mercies of God.

 29 And we have entered into their houses and taught them, and we have taught them in their streets; yea, and we have taught them upon their hills; and we have also entered into their temples and their synagogues and taught them; and we have been cast out, and mocked, and spit upon, and smote upon our cheeks; and we have been stoned, and taken and bound with strong cords, and cast into prison; and through the power and wisdom of God we have been delivered again.

Missionary work is hard. It has been hard since the sons of Mosiah were doing it, and it will continue to be hard. Ask anyone that has served a mission, and they will tell you that there were some days that felt like they were not going to end. Rejection, weather, language barrier, culture barrier, distance from family and many other trials make the mission difficult.

Youth need tough experiences before the mission. They need them, so that when they get on the mission it’s not the first time they encounter difficulty. As Scout leaders, we shouldn’t be the first one to always come to the rescue when a problem arises. If a youth forgets his sleeping bag for a camp out, a night on the rocky ground won’t kill them. These tough love experiences will pay dividends in the long run. 

Mimic Mission Life Before Their Mission

Harris has a list of things that young men should accomplish before they go on their missions. According to him, young men should have experienced the following:

• Have been away from home for an extended period of time
• Worked from sunup to sundown
• Cooked their own meal
• Shopped for groceries to make that meal
• Gotten up early
• Walked more than 10 miles in a day

The great thing about all of the things he lists is that each can be accomplished in the Scouting program. However, accomplishing it is not enough if we are doing the work for them or spoon-feeding them along the way. It’s ok for them to make mistakes and suffer a little as they do these hard things.

A survey was done in 2014 of 62 recently returned Elders ranking resources that helped prepare them for the rigors of their missions. Scouting ranked number one above seminary and mission prep class.

Scouting done right will help youth stay on missions. So, next time you want to jump in to save one of your Scouts, think twice. Does making your son get his Eagle before he gets his license make that much of a difference? It may pay in the long run to go against your natural inclination. 

Author: Jarom Shaver | Marketing Executive, Utah National Parks Council

“Neil has a natural inclination to achieve excellence,” said Mayfield’s father. “For him, if he was going to earn 21 merit badges, the only thing that made sense was to earn them all.”

Mayfield’s hard work ethic and passion for Scouting started before he was a Boy Scout. At age eight, he started Cub Scouts with a uniform donated by his grandmother, who also is his role model. “When I turned eight she got me a full uniform and has provided support, encouragement and mentorship in every scouting endeavor since then.” said Mayfield. Mayfield went on to earn all his Cub Scout ranks, including all 20 Activity Badges while he was a Webelos.

Path to 138 Merit Badges

When he became a Boy Scout he really enjoyed the Scouting activities, especially camping. He earned his first merit badge and decided to set a goal to earn them all.  He became a Den Chief for the Webelos Den and served for a year and a half, earning his Den Chief Award. He completed his Eagle in October of 2013 while living in Henderson, NV, part of the Las Vegas Area Council. In late 2013 he moved to American Fork, UT and continued his passion for earning merit badges. Neil completed his last merit badge in September of 2016.  

One of the badges that stands out in Mayfield’s memory is the Space Exploration merit badge. He worked for weeks building his rocket with his counselor. He worked hard cutting and sanding the fins, painting, building the motor, putting composites together and getting the parachute ready. Mayfield was able to take his rocket out into the desert south of Las Vegas for launch with a rocketry club.

When asked why he would continue to do Scouting when there were all these other great things he was doing, Mayfield responded simply. “One of the reasons that I keep Scouting, even though I got my Eagle three years ago is because it continues to challenge and stretch me. I keep learning new things and making new friends. As new merit badges come out, I’ll keep earning them.” 

Neil Outside of Scouting

Mayfield’s passion for life and achieving excellence was always evident for Ryan Gunther, Mayfield’s Scoutmaster. “Neil has a drive about him, a hunger to achieve, a goal-oriented approach to life that helps see him through anything that comes his way,” said Gunther. “He sets his sights on something, and everything else just blurs away.  He sees the goal and pursues it.”

This is never more evident than when you see how much Mayfield has achieved outside of Scouting. He constantly draws from the diverse knowledge and experience he gained while earning 138 merit badges. Mayfield studies multiple languages including German, Japanese, Dutch, Russian and Swedish. He is also a section leader in the American Fork High School Marching Band as a tenor on the drum line.

Mayfield plans to attend college after high school. We are sure Mayfield will succeed in any environment he is placed in, with his hard work ethic and his thorough background in Scouting.

The moment is epic and traditional—wooden, carefully painted cars glide down the track, the hopes of a young boy mounted on fast rolling wheels.  

But, traditions change, and it’s okay.  

With developing technology, shaping a car from wood is simply not the only option.

Before everyone gets mad and screams at me because I’m veering from tradition, consider why 3D printing may be a fun (but not the only) way to approach derby making.

Here’re some things to consider if your son proceeds with this idea:

Can he do it?

The title of the race insinuates that you use wooden cars. As a Facebook user pointed out, it’s not the “plastic derby”.  It’s got to be against the rules then, right?

It depends. First, districts and packs create their own rules. On our council website, the rules state that you can use alternatives for the body of the car as long as weight and height requirements are met. Some ask that you use the full kit, however. 

Even then, my husband, a 3D printing expert and teacher, pointed out a boy could turn the wood to sawdust and create his own filament to print. Now, that is genius (and yes, you can print in wood).

Why should he do it?

It’s fun!  More importantly, it’s a useful skill to learn. A boy will understand engineering principles, how to 3D Model, and how to do computer simulations.

Also, the car’s going to be better if it’s 3D printed. According to my husband, a printed car will be more aerodynamic. Additionally, because plastic is harder, it’s less likely for the wheels to be out of alignment.

You may think this is too hard for a young Cub Scout. However, my husband teaches elementary kids all the time to 3D print, and they master it. 

 How does he do it?

Many schools and libraries offer 3D printers to use. There are also kid-friendly Makerspaces available throughout Utah.

Your boy can use an online open source program for free. My husband recommends OnShape and TinkerCad for children. Classes are available through various after-school programs. He can also watch a video on Youtube to learn more basics.

After he masters the derby car project, he can move on to more exciting things (like a life-size car–it’s a real thing). 

This upcoming week my husband is hosting a “Pinewood Derby” that’s anything but traditional. The boys will be older than Cubs (7th-12th grade). The event will be cohosted by Utah County 4-H. And, to top it off, everyone is 3D printing their cars. 

But, breaking tradition can be a good thing. 

The moment will be epic– advanced computer engineered cars glide down the track, the hopes of teen boys mounted on fast rolling wheels.  

Author: Michelle Carpenter | Marketing Associate, Utah National Parks Council

Camping Gear for Scouters of All Ages

When I headed into the shop’s event that day, I was not disappointed by all of the new equipment that you could pick up. One of my favorite things I found was a new camping lantern by Luci. This lantern is small, light, solar-powered and easy to carry. By clipping it on the outside of your pack, this little light can spend the day charging in the sun as you hike. Once you’re ready to use your lantern, it inflates into its full size and illuminates your area. Talk about a space-saver!

Another exciting new thing you can find at the Scout Shop is this revolutionary Dutch Oven, by CampMaid. Some features include a kickstand to lift and hold the hot lid.  There are also multiple different ways to grill, steam, and bake camp food. Scouters of all ages can enjoy this advanced new tool and take their campfire cooking to a whole new level. Get an even better look at this awesome new tool here.

I also had a great time getting fitted by a backpack while I was there. I don’t own a backpacking pack, so it was a really great opportunity to learn about what worked best. This can also be a great experience for any camper who is like me and doesn’t own a pack yet. Or for that matter, any other camping supplies you could need. At the shop, you can get fitted for all your new gear and find all the information you need to get started. 

Prepared For Life

Whether you’re getting ready for camp, a Scout leader, a dedicated camper, or a lifetime Scouter, the Scout Shop is the perfect place to start your search. So, grab your camping checklist and head to the shop to find tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, camp chairs, first aid kits, and everything else you could need. Being prepared for life starts here

If you have questions, just call your National Scout Shop at the number listed below!

National Scout Shop, Orem, Utah: (801) 221-1008

Author: Madison Austin | Marketing Associate, Utah National Parks Council 

Two young Bear Scouts from the Cedar Breaks District of the Utah National Parks Council exemplified this, demonstrating just how hard Scouts can work. Jaren Green, from pack 1891, and Braxton Anderson, from Pack 335, accomplished a huge feat while fundraising for their pack by selling tickets to the 2017 Scout Expo.

The fundraiser begins each spring when the Cedar Breaks District holds a Scouting Expo in Southern Utah. This year, the 2017 Scout Expo was held on Saturday, May 20^th at the Cedar High School soccer field. The Expo itself consists of a patriotic-themed opening ceremony and features booths that are sponsored by local Scouting units from the community.  This year the Expo had a wide variety of themed booths along with demonstrations from the Cedar City Police K-9 Unit and paramedics from Gold Cross Ambulance.

The Scout Expo is a fundraiser for the local Scout units and for the district itself. Before the big event, tickets are sold to the local community for $5 each. The ticket features coupons from local business owners in the community and furthermore, is valued at over $100 in savings. Tickets are mostly sold by Cub Scout-aged youth (8-10 years old) sell the tickets door to door. The boys earn $1 from each ticket sold.  Also, if their Cub Scout pack sponsors a booth the pack earns $2 from each ticket sold. 

Friendly Competition

Top ticket sellers Jaren and Braxton battle at the Scout Expo.

This year, Scouts Jaren and Braxton decided to have a friendly competition. The competition evolved into quite the battle of who could sell the most tickets. To go the extra mile, the boys even got a vendor license to sell at Wal-Mart. And it sure paid off! Their parents were also extremely supportive and spent countless hours taking them out to sell. As a result, the two young men sold 888 tickets combined!  This represents $4,440 in ticket sells. Because a  typical unit only sells about 75-100 tickets combined, this is especially noteworthy. 

Out of the two boys, Jaren was the top seller with 500 tickets sold.  Because of this, he received a $500 Walmart gift card. Braxton was in second place with 388 tickets sold. He received a $388 Walmart gift card. Most importantly, through hard work, determination, and some friendly competition, they have helped their packs to be able to provide a fun, quality program for the whole pack over the next year. 

A Proud District

Lisa Jensen, from the Cedar Breaks District, says, “We as a district are extremely proud of these two boys…This is also the first time in the history of the Cedar Breaks Scout Expo that two individual boys have sold this many tickets so it is quite the accomplishment. ” We are always inspired by the things Scouts can accomplish, especially when their skills help all those around them. Good job to Jaren, Braxton, and all Scouts who are working hard to help their packs and gain new skills. 

So, don’t forget to ask your local Scouts for tickets next time they’re on sale so you can help support local packs!

Author: Madison Austin | Marketing Associate, Utah National Parks Council 

Sitting in front of the closing ceremonies to the Timberline at Scofield, this youngster had some interesting questions. He obviously felt perplexed by seeing girls in a Venturing uniform at a Boy Scout camp. I wanted so badly to show this young boy just how many girls were involved at camp the day before.

This last Friday at Scofield Scout Camp, while Timberline was still going on, we hosted 40 girls as part of their girls camp. They camped since Wednesday at a site about 15 miles away, and made the trip to Scofield for a day of fun. Leaders felt excited to bring the girls because the girls wanted to go. They had begged the adults saying “we want to do what all the boys get to do at Scout camp!”

The day started off with a “sacred grove moment” at the amphitheater in the trees on the hillside. The girls did personal scripture study for a while. Then, they came together to talk about what they had learned. It was so peaceful sitting there in the grass, with nothing but the sound of the cicadas and the wind blowing through the trees.

After being spiritually fed, it was time to have some fun on the water and at the shooting sports ranges. Even in the strong winds on the lake, the girls had a blast on the paddle boards and kayaks. The girls proudly showed me their paper targets after shooting .22 rifles on the range. Girls hit the bullseye with their bows at the archery range, screaming in enthusiasm.  For some, it was the first time ever shooting a gun or using a bow and arrow.

Overall, the girls camp day visit was successful, and they all had fun. I was able to talk to leaders who wished they had known about something like this earlier. There are so many places that girls in the council can go camping like Beaver High Adventure base.

If you or your Young Women group are interested in using any of the Boy Scout camps in the Council, please contact the Orem office for more information.

Author: Tyler North | Hispanic Outreach Specialist, Utah National Parks Council 

Rock Climbing 

The climbing staff at Entrada trained really well and encourage everyone to give rock climbing, bouldering, and repelling a try. During my visit, I was able to reach the top of their 40′ climbing wall, thanks to the lessons and encouragement from the staff. Boy Scouts can learn the basics of climbing here then put their skills to the test here. The bell at the top of the wall is waiting to be rung by Scouts who can make it all of the way up!

Entrada also features a 120′ repelling wall for those both new and experienced at repelling. The friendly staff walk you through the whole thing, provided instructions and guidance, so that first step off the ledge is nothing but exhilarating.

A brand new bouldering wall has also just been installed on site. Created by staff members, this wall challenges anyone who wants to put their climbing skills to the test. 

Biking 

For those who prefer to keep two feet (or wheels) on the ground, biking at Entrada is another exciting option. Biking staff can lead scouts on 40-mile adventures, including rides through Moab’s famous Magnificent 7 “Mag 7” trails. A fleet of Trek and Fezzari bikes are provided at the camp and are enjoyed by staff and campers alike! 

Rafting

There’s nothing like the cool Colorado River on a hot Moab day! River rafting at Entrada will give you lots of opportunities to get wet and take a break from the heat of the day. While rafting the mighty Colorado River you can experience a wonderful stretch of whitewater and famous red rock canyons. The trips are easily accessible from camp, making it the perfect activity for any group to enjoy. Come to Entrada to sample the beauty and excitement of this river tour!

Canyoneering

Canyoneering is new to Entrada, as of 2016. Here, participants can hike, scramble, and rappel through nearby canyons. This is a great opportunity to put your rappelling skills to the test, all while enjoying a scenic hike through the Moab Desert. 

Shooting Sports

Entrada has a shooting range and instructors that are ready for participants to visit. The range includes shotguns, rifles, pistols, archery, and knives. You will have a great opportunity to practice hand/eye coordination in sporting arrows. Handgun sports are for registered youth of Venturing age only, but there are plenty of other options at the shooting range!

Other Facilities

At Entrada, you will experience a unique camping experience, unlike any other. Campsites are situated throughout the rocks and plants, providing a scenic stay. The food at Entrada is also so much more than just camp food. Bring your hungriest Scouts and fuel them with a range of great meals. You’ll never be so well-fed at camp!

Entrada provides a one-of-a-kind experience in a world-class area, right in the heart of Moab, just outside Canyonlands and Arches National Park and Dead Horse State Park. Experience Entrada High Adventure Base this summer and find out why everyone gives this place two thumbs up!

Author: Madison Austin | Marketing Associate, Utah National Parks Council 

Buck Hollow Scout Ranch is home to Adventure Park and the Webelos Wilderness Adventure. While paying a visit to the 11-year olds as they were setting up camp for their weekend of adventure, I was able to see exactly what is so special about Buck Hollow. 

After setting up camp and cooking their own lunches, Scouts head off to various activities. These activities are geared towards building the personal, spiritual, and outdoor skills of the youth. 

Adventure Activities

Some of the most popular activities at Buck Hollow are Totin’ Chip and Knots & Lashings. Totin’ Chip is a fun experience for boys, as they get to use an ax almost half their size. That is, after they learn all about wood tool safety. At knots and lashings, boys put their thinking skills to the test and work together to tie difficult knots and create strong lashings.

Orienteering activities also let Scouts explore the surrounding wilderness while working together to learn. Nature and Leave-No-Trace classes are also great for Scouts, where they can learn the basics for understanding and respecting their surroundings. Many of these classes are the basis for which Scouts will build a strong foundation of knowledge and skill on, especially as they grow in the Scouting program. The skills that Scouts learn early on prepare them for a lifetime of learning.

A camp full of boys who are excited about being outdoors and learning new things is a great thing to see. And that is exactly what you’ll find at Buck Hollow. If your 11-year old or Webelos Troop is looking for a summer adventure, keep Buck Hollow Scout Ranch in mind! 

Want to see more of the Buck Hollow Adventure? Check out the picture gallery below!

[See image gallery at blog.utahscouts.org]

Author: Madison Austin | Marketing Associate, Utah National Parks Council