Q: My troop is going on a 25-mile hike soon. What is the best way to prepare for it? A: We went straight to an expert for this question: Joe Koehly, director and guide for Backwoods Adventures, which takes people hiking and backpacking all over the world. Here are his top tips: Make sure your…

When planning new Scout activities, the first question to ask yourself is: In what official BSA publication is this activity listed? If the answer is “it isn’t,” then it might be time to look in another direction. Having said that, the official BSA handbooks and other materials have evolved over the years. That’s because it’s…

Hydration packs have built-in access to water you can drink while you’re wearing the pack. They come in many designs and sizes, specialized for activities like hiking, mountain biking and running. Like a camel, these packs are equipped with a special bladder that lets you carry all your water on your body; you just drink…

In the old days, registered youth could enjoy the BSA’s national high-adventure bases alongside other Scouts and adult leaders, but their parents and siblings had to seek opportunities elsewhere. Those days are close to being no more. After the successful debut of Philmont’s BSA Family Adventure Camp, the BSA is expanding its family adventure camping…

Two Februarys ago, Troop 6 in Sellersburg, Ind., welcomed 14 graduating Webelos Scouts from a single den; 10 are still active and form the troop’s core leadership group. In March 2020, Troop 828 in Lutherville, Md., welcomed a den of 15 graduating Webelos Scouts; it has retained 100% of them despite the turmoil of the…

What’s going on in this picture? What are the bear and eagle 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.…

Every Scouting unit “belongs” to a local organization like a school, religious institution or service club. Here’s an overview of this essential relationship. What is a chartered organization? A chartered organization is a community-based group whose objectives, mission and methodologies are compatible with those of the BSA. It agrees to use the Scouting program to…

A few years ago, one of Melanie Dale’s kids started wearing unmatched shoes to school every day. “It drove me absolutely bananas,” Dale says. “I would watch this kid walk out of the house with two different shoes every day, but I was like, ‘This is not a big deal; eventually the kid’s feet are…

When it comes to exploring everything the coast of Florida and the nearby waters of the Gulf of Mexico have to offer, there’s no better option than Florida National High Adventure Sea Base. One of the four national BSA high-adventure bases, Sea Base is an aquatics-lover’s dream, with options for sailing, scuba, fishing, canoeing and…

Across the Divide Follow Troop 321 of Long Beach, Miss., as Scouts backpack across the Continental Divide in Colorado. Not only did they have to adjust to the change in elevation, but some of them also encountered a bear in camp. Read how they handled such challenges, and learn about one of the longest trails…