Sorting Pathfinders into Patrols is supposed to make scouting more fun, and easier on the adults. But, if you are new to scouting, you may be wondering how to sort the kids into patrols or where to start with that. This is the story of how patrols evolved in the 17th. Getting Started Robert Baden-Powell envisioned his patrol method...
We just added our first ever BPSA group in Tennessee! The 901st Buffalo group in Bartlett, TN now joins our ranks as a South Region group! If you would like to reach out and welcome them, their GSM Aislinn can be reached at 901Buffalo@gmail.com
Finding our way into scouting this fall is challenging. The pandemic means that many groups aren’t able to return to “normal” with meetings and activities. What are some reasonable ideas? The 17th Black Bears has decided to do a 3 pronged approach. Those 3 prongs are on-line meetings, home projects and monthly in person, socially distant activities. Each one is...
Recently, I saw a neat way to do leaf rubbings with kids to make art, and though it would be great for our otters! First, you gather leaves of various shapes. If possible, you can ask scouts to learn what kind of tree or bush their leaves come from. However, that isn’t technically necessary. I find that casually mentioning, “Oh,...
When a child has a learning challenge, scouts can become a safe haven for them. The struggles of school can take a back seat while a child learns to light camp fires and takes long hikes. As scout leaders, it is important that we not let the challenges of school become challenges to scouting, if at all possible. What to...
This is a set of ideas all around map skills to use while scouting during the 2020 Pandemic. Each zoom meeting idea is laid out below. The set is designed to progress from the most basic ability to read a map, up to reading a topographical map. Each idea is supposed to be the foundation for one meeting. Read them...
An essential part of having a great scout program, is having adults who help make it happen. In today’s busy world, it isn’t always easy to convince parents to help, and it can be hard to figure out how to distribute the work of running a BPSA group. At your interest meeting, look for the parents who’s eyes light up...
Every year, we have an interest meeting for our group. This is when we invite new families to come learn what our BPSA group is all about, and we start back up for our returning scouts. This first meeting of the year, is when we explain, once again, what BPSA is all about. We talk about what we want out...
After 7 years of having pathfinders in our group, I’ve realized that there are some issues that old school scout leaders may have with doing a “scouts led” program. I want to tell you that it’s okay for your group to be actually scouts led. Here’s a list of things I want to put your mind at ease about. 1....
This is a great time to have your pathfinders work on the Naturalist badge. You can see all the requirements below. Your pathfinders can tell you the answer to number 1, over the phone or zoom. You can challenge them to work on #2 by watching plants and animals in their own yard or ones in their neighborhood. Your scouts may...
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