Barry Walsh asks the Scout to imagine they have a magic wand and can change anything about the troop. Quynh-Thi Vidal’s preferred line of questioning starts with, “What was your biggest hurdle to get here? And how can I help you overcome it next time?” And Ray Lightner’s favorite question is simple but informative: “Are […]

Actually, today’s students do know much about history, biology and science books. These days, it’s the real-life skills that are missing from the classroom. Subjects like first aid, cooking and personal finance aren’t covered during the seven hours students spend at school each day. These are skills young people don’t just need but want. A new

With 3D printers, laser engraving equipment and computer-aided design software and machines at the Sinquefield Invention Lab, Scouts in Missouri’s Great Rivers Council get to make some pretty cool stuff. “In terms of things created, there are honestly too many to count,” says Thomas Yang, council activities and program director. A few years ago, council board member

Scouts try their best to live by the 12 points of the Scout Law seven days a week, 365 days a year. But each February, around the time of the BSA’s birthday, we ask our Scouts to pause and pay extra attention to the Scout law’s finishing touch: reverent. Through the celebrations known as Scout Sunday,

Consider this our formal nomination for the 13th point of the Scout Law: A Scout is resilient. Over the past year and a half of the pandemic, Scout units have modified their procedures to ensure that Scouts have a safe, meaningful and memorable journey along the Scouting trail. (For the latest guidance, consult the BSA’s

During baseball season, Roger Williams Park practically vibrates. The public park in Providence, R.I., draws youth baseball players from across the area for inning after inning of friendly but fierce competition. It’s not just the kids who show up. Parents and grandparents, second cousins and great uncles surround the fields, loudly cheering for their favorite

This is the 41st in an occasional series where I share Eagle Scout project before-and-after photos. See the complete collection here and submit your own here. COVID-19 note: Photos were taken during different stages of the pandemic (or even before the pandemic began) and may not necessarily depict current coronavirus-related health and safety protocols. To fully

Last summer, as Preston Tyrrell was picking up his car from D’Avico’s Auto Repair in Wayne, Pa., he and the mechanic started talking. “The topic of Scouts came up,” Tyrrell says. “I think her brother was a Scout years ago.” Tyrrell is always on the lookout for merit badge counselors — especially counselors for merit

What a year, what a movement. Despite the ongoing challenges that 2021 placed in their paths, Scouts everywhere made an impact on their communities during the past year. Cub Scouts built confidence and enjoyed eye-opening experiences with their families. Scouts embraced outdoor adventures, practiced leadership and performed acts of selfless service. Venturers, Sea Scouts and

This is the 40th in an occasional series where I share Eagle Scout project before-and-after photos. See the complete collection here and submit your own here. COVID-19 note: Photos were taken during different stages of the pandemic (or even before the pandemic began) and may not necessarily depict current coronavirus-related health and safety protocols. To fully