Emergency Situation You’re enjoying a snowshoeing trek in Utah’s majestic Wasatch Mountains. A recent 12-inch snowfall has made the trek extra laborious, but the stunning scenery makes up for it. It would be just about the perfect day … if only this weren’t a “Survive This!” column. Suddenly, you hear muffled whumps in the near…

The COVID-19 pandemic has limited what we’re able to do in groups, but that hasn’t stopped Scouts and Scouters from continuing Scouting. This article features ways Scouts are making a difference in their communities. (See some other examples here.) If your unit is planning to meet in person again, make sure to follow these guidelines…

(This story appeared in the January-February 2018 issue of Scouting magazine.) One December day in 1926, James E. West, the first Chief Scout Executive, ran into Bill Hillcourt, a new Supply Service employee. They were standing by the elevator inside BSA headquarters, which was then in New York City. “Well, my young man, what do…

After researchers John Palfrey and Urs Gasser wrote the research-heavy Born Digital: Understanding the First Generation of Digital Nativesback in 2008, parents started peppering them with requests for advice. In response, they’ve written The Connected Parent: An Expert Guide to Parenting in a Digital World (Hachette, 2020). The book distills what they’ve learned from 15 years…

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step; a journey of 50 miles can begin with a step, a J-stroke or even a “giddyap.” The BSA’s 50-Miler Award recognizes Scouts and adult leaders who travel 50 miles over five or more days without the aid of motors. The mileage is defined, but…

This story was originally published in the January-February 2020 issue of Scouting magazine. Since kids don’t grow up overnight, it sometimes can be hard to tell from week to week how much of a difference you’re making as a Scouting volunteer. The BSA’s training awards and keys can help you track your progress and help…

Dogsledding at Snow Base Ride along with Scouts at Snow Base in Wisconsin as they zip along the winter terrain on dogsleds. December’s issue also details how Scouts went cross-country skiing and tubing, and built quinzees to sleep overnight in the snow. Photo by Getty Images Look Up You don’t need to visit an observatory…

Last fall, the Unicorn Patrol — a group of girl Webelos Scouts from Pack 374 in Virginia Beach, Va. — just happened to be planning a meal for their council’s fall festival when they noticed a certain story in their favorite magazine. The timing was perfect. The Boys’ Life article about a Scouts BSA troop from…

This story originally appeared in the November-December 2018 issue of Scouting magazine It’s the Saturday before Thanksgiving, and Samuel Wynn is spending the morning riding around a St. Louis neighborhood in a truck picking up bags of donated food. Some are so heavy that they take two boys to lift. “People put in a lot of…

Staying inside all winter shouldn’t be an option for Scout units. Sure, it might be cold. But as long as it’s safe to go outside, you should make every effort to get out there. Make sure you check the Restart Scouting Checklist, and then check our list below to Be Prepared for cold-weather outings. Make…