This story originally appeared in the May-June 2015 issue of Scouting magazine. Around midnight, three bears — a sow and two cubs — strolled into our camp, lured by something scattered on the ground: Our Scouts had used their extra snacks as ammunition in a food fight when I wasn’t looking. When the bears had devoured every…

Much like the BSA Fieldbook has become the gold standard in outdoor survival know-how — whether you’re a Scout or not — similarly valuable life hacks can be found in many other official BSA materials. Want to learn how to take better pictures? Read the Photography merit badge pamphlet. Want to get better at cooking…

Scouts follow the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Scouters — adult volunteers in any BSA program — follow the Oath, Law and one more document, called the Scouter Code of Conduct. Like the Guide to Safe Scouting, much of what’s in the Scouter Code of Conduct comes down to common sense. Still, it’s helpful to…

This story originally appeared in the January-February 2013 issue of Scouting magazine. Assistant Scoutmaster R.S.’s daughter, a first-year Scout, keeps leaving troop activities to ask her mom questions and hand her things to hold. R.S. asked for tips on redirecting her daughter without rejecting her. Below is advice provided by Scouting readers. Call me mister In our…

In his brief time as a Scout, Ken George of Hilliard, Ohio, earned just two merit badges. To make sure today’s Scouts have more opportunities, he runs a free regular event called Merit Badge Super Saturday, which concludes its 10th program year in August. How many Scouts have you served since you started out? It’s…

The COVID-19 pandemic called for us to wear face coverings to help slow the spread of the deadly virus. Soon, people — including Scouters — added their personal touches to their new life-saving accessories. We asked Scouters to share photos of their Scouting-themed face coverings. Below are a few that we received. While we look…

It’s their last pack meeting before a big family campout, and the Cubmaster from Pack 282 in Frisco, Texas, is going over the rules. “No, Nate,” he says to a Webelos Scout, “you can’t go hiking alone. Never go anywhere without a buddy.” “Yes, Rohan,” he says to a Bear, “you can bring your fishing…

Here’s what you’ll find inside the August 2021 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. AUGUST 2021 FEATURES THE GREAT RACE Come to win, cheer or chill out on…

Cool off with this backyard summertime sprinkler system made from PVC pipes. WHAT YOU’LL NEED Five 3⁄4″ x 10′ PVC pipes Following the cutting diagram below, cut the following lengths from the five 3⁄4″ x 10′ PVC pipes: Eight 36″ pieces Six 24″ pieces Four 12″ pieces 12 10″ pieces The following are 3⁄4″ fittings:…

When planning an aquatic trek, you’ll need the right vessel to carry you and your gear. That decision depends on how you want to travel and what kind of water you’ll encounter. Typically, kayaks are ideal for solo paddling, while canoes can fit two or three people. The kayak’s smaller size often allows for better…