TROOP NEWS
Max Kennedy looked out the windshield. But instead of an open road, he faced puffy clouds and a whirring propeller. The 14-year-old First Class Scout was flying more than 1,500 feet above the ground inside a Cessna 172 Skylane airplane. He could see an amusement park below. The roller coasters looked like they came out of a model kit. Cars on the highway seemed like toys. But this flight was a little different from a commercial airliner. “It was definitely bumpier since it’s a smaller aircraft,” he says. An aerial tour capped off a campout during which Troop 94 of…
If you bought your last pair of sunglasses in a convenience store or got them free somewhere, they’re probably fun to wear, but they might not be protecting your eyes. Glare reflecting off snow, sand, water and even the sidewalk can burn your eyeballs and impact your vision. It’s worth spending a few extra bucks to get sunglasses that block ultraviolet light, fit your face and have the right lenses for the activities you like to do. Here’s how to be a smart sunglass shopper. BLOCK THE SUN’S UVB AND UVA RAYS Good sunglasses make it easier to see in…
There’s nothing quite like it. Thousands of Scouts from around the country in one place, making new friends, showing off Scouting skills and having so much fun they’ll remember that week-and-a-half for the rest of their lives. It’s the National Jamboree. The largest gathering of Scouts in the U.S. returns this July at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. It will be an adventure for everyone who attends. WHAT’S A JAMBOREE? To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America, the BSA planned a big gathering in Washington, D.C., in 1935. President Franklin D. Roosevelt hoped every…
Q: I’m looking for comfortable hiking boots that are affordable and waterproof. — Charles, Canal Winchester, Ohio A: Start thinking about your footwear well before your hike. Being prepared applies to shopping, too, especially if you want to save some cash. First, visit a local shoe store or outdoors store and try on their boots. The best way to gauge a boot’s comfort is to wear one and walk around. Wear your hiking socks and liners, too, so you can make your most accurate judgment. Your heel shouldn’t slip, but you should have enough room to wiggle your toes. After…
What’s going on in this picture? What is that car doing or thinking? If you can think of a funny caption for this photo, just post it in the comment form at the bottom of this page. After we approve it, your funny caption will be on this page for everyone to read. Click here to write captions for more funny photos.
Here’s what you’ll find inside the May 2023 issue of Scout Life magazine. Remember, many articles are only available to subscribers and are not available online. Please visit scoutlife.org/subscribe to subscribe to the print or digital editions of Scout Life magazine. MAY 2023 FEATURES THEY RIDE AGAIN For 25 years, this troop has pedaled to summer camp, creating memories and a legacy. • For 25 Years, This Pennsylvania Troop Has Biked to Summer Camp GEAR GUY: ON THE ROAD Get your bicycle ready and grab this gear to go bikepacking. • Get Your Bicycle Ready and Grab This Gear to…
Floating in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico aboard a charter boat with your friends, you don’t have the luxury of finding a secluded spot to fish. “You can’t really cast; there’s too many people to cast,” says Life Scout Zachary Bartling, 15. “You can drop your bait right in. You let the line out until you hit the bottom — that’s normally 40 or 50 feet.” Then you wait. Who knows what will strike your piece of squid at the end of your line: A giant grouper? A red snapper? A shark? “It’s pretty much wait-and-see if you…
To help prevent water accidents and drownings, it’s important to know how to rescue someone in the water. If you see someone in trouble, stay calm and take a moment to figure out what’s happening. Are there other people who need help? Are there things nearby that could be used to rescue them? If you see someone trying to rescue the person in trouble, be ready to help. Make sure someone has called for help, and keep an eye on the person who needs rescuing. If they go underwater, remember where you last saw them. To rescue someone, think about…
Are you tired of being caught off guard when someone asks you for a joke? Do you want to have your favorite jokes on hand at all times? Look no further than these handy joke books that you can easily download, print and fold into pocket-sized fun. With these books, you’ll never be without a good laugh again. Whether you’re at a party, waiting in line, or just in need of a quick pick-me-up, these joke books have got you covered. Keep them in your pocket or purse, and you’ll always Be Prepared to share a joke with friends, family,…
Bikepacking is a camping trip you take on your bike. It’s a fun way to see the sights from a saddle, cruising roads and trails. Here’s what you need to get started. PREPARATION FOR BIKEPACKING CHOOSE A DESTINATION: Adventure can happen anywhere, even when you set out from your back door. Ultra-endurance racer and avid bikepacker Lael Wilcox says to go where you want to be, where you can see what you want to see. Get ideas for routes by checking out topographic maps (which will likely include backroads) or asking local bicycling shops and clubs. You can find an…