Listen Now

Scouts Scotland selects a president, Scouts in Canada fundraise with photos...and a Cub Scout holds a toy drive. News Stories The 2nd Smiths Falls Scout Group is selling Scouting & nature photo calendarsBuy a Calendar: https://www.cognitoforms.com/_2ndSmithsFallsScouting/_2021scoutingcalendarfundraiser?fbclid=IwAR0QoL7_A85ep2WwaSiEqAlIbncJXmAu-y3-_0wgWyC0ubwsVG_TDqj8FcMSherwood Park Cub Scout collects more than $15K worth of toys for 630 CHED Santas AnonymousMollie Hughes is the new President of Scouts Scotland Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Android | TuneIn Radio | Stitcher | Anchor | YouTubeDownload episode: MP3 Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Unexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle

Doing a “Good Turn” - to one person, if not to many - daily is a key element of what Scouting is (should be) about. Podcast Topics Ken and Colin discuss the concept of the “Good Turn”. It’s a phrase that many associate with Scouting, and rightly so, although the phrase itself — at least in Canada — only turns up in the Cub Scout Promise. That said, the concept of helping others permeates all levels of the Scouting program; it’s in the Beaver Scout Law, and in both the Scout Promise and Law.And it’s a concept that Baden-Powell discusses in some detail in Scouting for Boys; he places considerable emphasis on the concept, even urging Scouts who aren’t able to do a Good Turn one day to do an extra Good Turn the next day.Ken also argues that, contra the notion of “Random Acts of Kindness”, doing a Good Turn isn’t (or shouldn’t generally be) something that just happens spontaneously, without thought or planning. This isn’t to say that it’s a bad thing for Scouts to do random kind acts...but it is to say that Scouts should have a mindset of being ready to do a kind act, to think through the day ahead and anticipate possible opportunities to help out, to do good. Shout-Outs A much-belated shout-out goes to ScouterKoolAid, who left a comment on the Instagram post concerning Episode 102 (the topic of which was the then-pending return to in-person Scouting in Canada). Evidently, the good Scouter’s troop had recently held a virtual campfire: We did Zoom meal check-ins, Zoom falls for Friday opening, Saturday AM activity, early Saturday PM activity, evening activity, campfire, Sunday AM activity, Scouts Own, and closing. We also had an optional offline activity late Saturday afternoon. And as always, a big thank you to the folks at Scouting Radio for rebroadcasting Scouting Stuff episodes to their worldwide Scouting audience. If you're listening to us on Scouting Radio right now, let us know; reach out and get in touch. We'd love to hear from you. Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Android | TuneIn Radio | Stitcher | Anchor | YouTubeDownload episode: MP3 Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Slow Burn, by Kevin MacLeod

Scouts Canada goes virtual again (in places)...but Christmas tree sales proceed. News Stories Scouts Canada - Central Escarpment CouncilScouts across B.C. to stop meeting in person as cases surgeAt least 92,000 have filed sex abuse claims against the Boy Scouts, legal team says67th Winnipeg Scout tree sale smells like Christmas Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Android | TuneIn Radio | Stitcher | Anchor | YouTubeDownload episode: MP3 Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Unexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle

Czech Scouts help the elderly, Beaver Scouts buy pyjamas...and the Scout Association restructures. News Stories Downe Scout Activity Centre to be sold due to pandemicScouts announce plan to protect movement’s futureChilliwack Beavers donate nearly $500 worth of pyjamas to Cyrus CentreThe Czech Scouts Partner with the National Hotline Crisis Service to Offer Help to the Elderly Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Android | TuneIn Radio | Stitcher | Anchor | YouTubeDownload episode: MP3 Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Unexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle

Scouts looking to restart in Meridian, UK Scout troops face hard times...and Finnish Scouts go to school(s). News Stories Scouts BSA looks for foothold in Meridian Thunder Bay police charge Scouts leader with sexual offences involving a minorWorld Scouting and UN Environment renew their partnership on environmental education, protection500 UK scout troops face closure after Covid hits fundraising Scouts and Guides of Finland Bring Scouting to Thousands of Children in Primary Schools Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Android | TuneIn Radio | Stitcher | Anchor | YouTubeDownload episode: MP3 Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Unexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle

The Council Voting Representatives for Scouts Canada’s Northern Lights Council join us to speak a bit about what they do. Podcast Topics This week, Ken is joined by Richard Willimus, Sherri Brady, and Ann Huang, the Council Voting Representatives (CVRs) for Scouts Canada’s Northern Lights Council. The CVRs represent the interests of all members of Scouts Canada, especially those from the Council they represent, to the board that administers Scouts Canada. Each council selects - votes in, rather - three members from among their ranks (including one Youth member) that participate as Voting Representatives. Among their various roles, CVRs ensure that items prescribed by the bylaws of Scouts Canada actually happen. This includes the election of Board of Governors members as recommended by the Nominating Committee, voting on the approval of resolutions tabled by the Board of Governors that modify the bylaws of the organization, approval of the recommendation of the Audit Committee regarding the appointment of auditors for the following year, voting to receive reports from management, the Vice-Chair Finance, Audit Committee and management, and so on. CVRs also bring forward important issues to the Board of Governors. On occasion, CVRs may also propose resolutions for consideration at an AGM. Such resolutions may include resolutions asking that the Board of Governors consider making changes to Bylaws or policies of Scouts Canada. And finally, CVRs act as a safeguard against a Board acting egregiously, by being able to vote against, inconjunction with other voting members, the recommendation of the nominating committee and voting, in conjunction with other voting members to approve alternative nominations, thereby replacing the Board with another that would act in the interests of Scouts Canada.It all sounds very dry, but the distillation of it is this: CVRs are another means by which the “on the ground” membership of Scouts Canada can communicate with their councils, with Scouts Canada’s national office, and even with its governance apparatus, and make their concerns known.And if you want to chat with Richard, Sheri, and Ann, they’ll be hosting a pair of town hall meetings over the next two weeks: one this Wednesday (October 28th), and one the following weekend (November 7th), both at 7:00 PM Mountain Time. Shout-Outs As always, a big thank you to the folks at Scouting Radio for rebroadcasting Scouting Stuff episodes to their worldwide Scouting audience. If you're listening to us on Scouting Radio right now, let us know; reach out and get in touch. We'd love to hear from you. Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Android | TuneIn Radio | Stitcher | Anchor | YouTubeDownload episode: MP3 Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Slow Burn, by Kevin MacLeod

Scouts sell sandbags, a successful summer camp...and African Scouts turn the tide on plastic. News Stories $10,000 WORTH OF ITEMS STOLEN FROM SCOUTS CANADA CAMP IN THOROLD Support Kimberley Scouts; buy a sandbag Boy Scouts and United Way Unite together to offer summer camp Former Horsham scout leader jailed over sexual assault of girls Former leader of Speyside Scouts group embezzled more than £1,400Celebrating African Youth Turning the Tide On Plastic Pollution Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Android | TuneIn Radio | Stitcher | Anchor | YouTubeDownload episode: MP3 Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Unexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle

It takes a fair bit of effort to bring a new Scouter on board. But there’s a good reason why that is! Podcast Topics Ken and Colin recollect their own close brush with a child abuser, a certain individual who once volunteered as a Scouter with their Troop, when they were both youth. This individual was recently released into the Edmonton area under no conditions or supervision, and is thought likely to re-offend.Of course, back when Ken and Colin were Scouts, a lot of the youth protection and volunteer screening standards that are now strongly emphasized and strictly enforced by Scouts Canada either didn’t exist, or at least were not anywhere as comprehensive as they are today. Ken also explains the connection between Waffle House and FEMA (the US Federal Emergency Management Agency) to Colin.And hey...if you want to leave us a review but aren’t sure where you can do so, hit up our Love the Podcast profile to find out! Shout-Outs Scouter John from Concord, North Carolina, wrote in with some thoughts about fundraising back in early September (yes, it’s been that long since we recorded last): I am a scouter in North Carolina - former cubmaster and scoutmaster. In the southeast US (and probably elsewhere), the most success that our guys have is selling discount cards which are endorsed by various businesses. The sponsors of the cards are arranged on a district level (not by the individual units) - basically selling commercial businesses on doing deals to support local scouting. Some will be very 'local' (specific restaurants, tire dealers, etc) and some are regional (fast food and grocery stores). My boy scouts find this to be an easier way to pay their way towards summer camp and some of my 'hard chargers' can sell 100+ cards per year. The unit keeps 50% of the selling price, the district keeps everything else above the cost of getting the cards made. The manufacturer gets only their cost of printing. I have attached an image of an Atlanta card which sells for $5. In my area, our cards are selling for $10. This is a value purchase for the buyer - they can see this as an opportunity to save money. We sell these door to door as well as setting up outside cooperative businesses. A typical card would have 'snap off' discounts used once with the main card being used all year.They say 'camp card' on them since the premise is that the buyer (aside from getting great bargains) is helping to send a kid to summer camp So, a shout-out to John for the comments; maybe some groups, councils, or districts can pull together something similar in their area!And, as always, a big thank you to the folks at Scouting Radio for rebroadcasting Scouting Stuff episodes to their worldwide Scouting audience. If you're listening to us on Scouting Radio right now, let us know; reach out and get in touch. We'd love to hear from you. Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Android | TuneIn Radio | Stitcher | Anchor | YouTubeDownload episode: MP3 Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Slow Burn, by Kevin MacLeod

Sydney Ireland earns Eagle Scout, Scouts Canada councils limit in-person activities...and Greek Scouts help out after a freak storm. News Stories Scouts Canada offers free online resource to help kids be resilient Scouting for Food Happening This Week in Washington Young Woman Who Fought To Join Boy Scouts Earns Eagle Scout Rank Effective Immediately: All in-person activities shutdown for all Groups in Voyageur Council DOZENS OF GREEK SCOUTS ASSIST WITH RELIEF EFFORTS IN THE AFTERMATH OF A DEADLY STORM Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Android | TuneIn Radio | Stitcher | Anchor | YouTubeDownload episode: MP3 Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Unexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle

Kate Middleton meets with Scouts, Scouts Canada cancels camps...and a young lady earns Eagle. News Stories No more camps and sleepovers for Girl Guides and Scouts Canada due to COVID-19Kate Middleton Enjoys Outdoor Fun With Group Of Scouts Duchess of Cambridge toasts marshmallows with ScoutsAnnapolis girl soars past challenges to earn Eagle Scout titleDayton native Suzanna Stankute on verge of earning prominent Eagle Scout rank‘CBS Evening News’ profiles Arizona native Victoria Rader’s quest to join Inaugural Class of Female Eagle ScoutsScout Association plans job cuts due to ‘very challenging financial climate’ Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Android | TuneIn Radio | Stitcher | Anchor | YouTubeDownload episode: MP3 Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Unexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle

A museum opens a Scouting exhibit...and Scouts fundraise, fundraise, fundraise! News Stories Scouting exhibit opens at Penticton MuseumScout group secures backing for projectBBQ fundraiser supports Scouts going to Australian jamboree Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Android | TuneIn Radio | Stitcher | Anchor | YouTubeDownload episode: MP3 Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Unexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle

Scouts Canada's second National Virtual Campfire is coming up...submissions close tomorrow! Find out all the details and send in your submission by tomorrow evening! Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Android | TuneIn Radio | Stitcher | Anchor | YouTubeDownload episode: MP3 Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Unexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle

Boy Scouts get support from Elks, Scouts in Colchester meet again...and a Scouts Canada camp winds down an emergency program. News Stories Temporary shelter program at Oshawa’s Camp Samac winds down Encinitas Elks Lodge #2243 presents $1,000 donation to Boy Scouts of America Troop 777 What Scouts BSA Is Doing to Give Back During the Pandemic Scout groups across Colchester to meet face-to-face again Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Android | TuneIn Radio | Stitcher | Anchor | YouTubeDownload episode: MP3 Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Unexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle

It’s all about being prepared. Podcast Topics The Northern Lights Medical Venturers and the NPEMA Medical Venturers & Rovers — and possibly other MedVent companies across Canada — have negotiated some great pricing on some of the PPE and other equipment that Scouts Canada is asking groups to have on hand as they return to in-person meetings this fall under additional precautions and guidelines. The MedVents are even selling COVID-19 kits — for $20/each — that contain a collection of adult and youth-sized masks, face shields, gowns, and more.If you’re interested, get in touch with either MedVent company — links above! — or reach out to the MedVents in your region to see if they have a similar program going. Update from the MedVents: The Kits are vacuum sealed as well, so they’re flat, portable, waterproof and ready for any adventure Scouting can get up to!Just to be clear, the MedVents are willing to ship these kits ANYWHERE in Canada, though the shipping may be a touch more expensive the further you go. That’s why we settled on Shipping from Ontario and Alberta - one can go east easier and one can go west easier. We’d love to support any scouting group who may want one of these kits! They should just contact us through the form. Best option is a few groups order together and split the shipping cost - as it’s measured by cubic volume then by weight and the kits don’t weigh much. Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Android | TuneIn Radio | Stitcher | Anchor | YouTubeDownload episode: MP3 Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Unexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle

Fundraising in the post-COVID reality might look a little different. Podcast Topics Ken and Colin discuss some changes to its fundraising program that Scouts Canada recently announced. The yearly Scout Popcorn sales, which would normally take place in October and November, have been delayed to the spring, and in their place will be an online-only Scout Coffee fundraiser, in partnership with Equator Coffee Roasters. Functionally, it will be more or less the same as the Popcorn sales, but entirely contactless and online.Which, by the way, is something that Scouts BSA are able to do with their popcorn sales; Trail’s End, who supply popcorn to both Scouts Canada and Scouts BSA, allow their American clients to set up online sales portals. Sadly, no such capability is extended to Canadian clients...although we can hope that in the wake of the pandemic, we here in the north might gain that capability at last.Also coming in the spring is Scout Seeds, another fundraising initiative that will have an online component. This program — done in partnership with Make It Sow — was piloted in March and April of 2020; Scouts from about ninety groups sold seed packets — flowers, garden vegetables, etc. — online and raised about $50,000 over the course of a month.For those Scout groups who have relied on bottle drives, there will have to be some significant changes to how those are carried out in order to be in alignment with the precautionary measures Scouts Canada has implemented as a result of the pandemic. This may take the form of “drive up” bottle drives, where people can drive their bottle donations to a central collection point, whereat their vehicles can be unloaded in a way that minimizes person-to-person interactions. For groups in Alberta, the Skip the Depot service is being put forward by (at least) Northern Lights Council as an alternative.There are also some other suggestions and observations. It would have been too much to look into how groups in different countries could go about fundraising as well, since the available options will shift wildly from nation to nation. Still, the episode isn’t entirely Canada-centric, so hopefully there will be some helpful ideas herein regardless of where your group is based in the world. Shout-Outs A shout-out goes out to Scouter Carl, who sent us a bit of a note in mid-July: We're part way through our virtual district camp now.We had an online wide game last night adapted from the Harry Potter escape room that's available online and today we're doing some expedition cooking and then this evening a campfire over Zoom. Should be interestingWe had 80+ people last night including about 16 leaders, which is slightly better than I thought Carl has taken on something akin to Group Commissioner duties with his (relatively new) Scout group. We wish him luck!And, as always, a big thank you to the folks at Scouting Radio for rebroadcasting Scouting Stuff episodes to their worldwide Scouting audience. If you're listening to us on Scouting Radio right now, let us know; reach out and get in touch. We'd love to hear from you. Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Android | TuneIn Radio | Stitcher | Anchor | YouTubeDownload episode: MP3 Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Slow Burn, by Kevin MacLeod

Scout groups look forward to resuming in-person meetings, YET ANOTHER stolen trailer...and the Girl Scouts get new uniforms. News Stories 1st Scouting Group Bradford happy to resume meetings this fall Boy Scouts partake in weeklong leadership training Enrollment open for Scouts BSA, Cub Scouts Trailer full of Boy Scouts camping equipment stolen from Durham parking lot Bridget Brady, who aims to be one of the first female Eagle Scouts, leads project to benefit SCARCGirl Scouts get a new uniform for the first time in DECADES - and the updated sash and vest all have pockets made especially to fit iPhones Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Android | TuneIn Radio | Stitcher | Anchor | YouTubeDownload episode: MP3 Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Unexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle

Team Eagle Scout competes in Eco-Challenge, Scouting memorabilia fetches a tidy sum...and a UK toy store helps fund a Scout hall. News Stories Las Cruces’ first female Boy Scout to earn Eagle Scout rank Team Eagle Scouts to compete on Amazon’s ‘Eco-Challenge,’ hosted by Bear Grylls Scout leader raises £7,000 with sale of memorabiliaInspirational scout leader with Mudeford Sea Scout roots dies suddenlyAmersham Scouts team up with toy chain the Entertainer Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Android | TuneIn Radio | Stitcher | Anchor | YouTubeDownload episode: MP3 Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Unexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle

Scouts Canada is bringing back in-person meetings in September of 2020. What will Scouting look like in Canada thereafter? Podcast Topics Ken and Colin discuss the resumption of in-person Scouting activities in Canada, which are allowed to proceed as of September 1st. Like many other organizations around the world, however, Scouts Canada has implemented certain new policies, additional restrictions, and other safeguards in an attempt to avoid coronavirus infections spreading amongst groups that do return to in-person activities. Some of these will certainly make for additional challenges for section Scouters: Beaver Scouts aren’t allowed to go on overnight camps at all for the time being; Cub Scouts will also face a lot of restrictions where overnight camping is concerned. For those groups and sections which do go camping, only a single youth will be allowed per tent, and other equipment (pots, pans, stoves, etc.) will have to be shared between a small cohort of youth only. For groups that have large stores of equipment at their disposal, this will be less of an issue (although it will still impose challenges); cash-strapped groups that don’t have as much equipment may struggle to provide overnight camps as part of their programs.For now, Scouting in Canada will be limited to either virtual/online meetings or in-person outdoor gatherings of up to sixteen youth; no indoor meetings will be permitted until at least 2021. This too will challenge groups, but it could also bring about a number of positive changes as well. Under the new guidelines, the Patrol Method will come to the fore as a key mechanic, a key element of section leadership and section activities. And the much-increased focus on outdoor activities gives groups the opportunity to explore many of the Outdoor Adventure Skills in a more in-depth way. Shout-Outs As always, a big thank you to the folks at Scouting Radio for rebroadcasting Scouting Stuff episodes to their worldwide Scouting audience. If you're listening to us on Scouting Radio right now, let us know; reach out and get in touch. We'd love to hear from you. Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Android | TuneIn Radio | Stitcher | Anchor | YouTubeDownload episode: MP3 Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Slow Burn, by Kevin MacLeod

Tracking the history of a Sea Scout ship, Scout properties in BC face issues...and a trailer thief gets caught. News Stories Camp Stone volunteers remind public camp is closed after numerous issuesBottle drive helps pandemic-hit Scouts Canada’s Camp Barnard BSA victims committee targets Tennessee property transfers Garland Man Arrested After Stealing Trailer From Boy Scouts of America Sea scouts historian seeking help with yacht’s Larne visit Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Android | TuneIn Radio | Stitcher | Anchor | YouTubeDownload episode: MP3 Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Unexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle

Fundraising opportunities resume as markets reopen, Scouts hold a virtual festival...and it was Scout Scarf Day this past weekend. News Stories Meridian re-ignites its fundraising program to help local charities Girl Scouts sex-abuse claim included in NY civil case flurry Kids Call the Shots at the Boy Scouts of America's Virtual Family Fun Fest on August 8thHoniton Scouts celebrate World Scout Scarf Day Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Android | TuneIn Radio | Stitcher | Anchor | YouTubeDownload episode: MP3 Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Unexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle