Scouting Stuff You Should Know

Eric brings in a few of the different medical kits that his Medical Venturer company members use in the course of their activities. Subscribe: iTunes | Google Play | Android | TuneIn Radio | Stitcher ----more---- Podcast Topic(s) Eric, from the Northern Lights Medical Venturers, rejoins the podcast to discuss some of the different emergency and medical equipment kits that his Venturers take into the field with them, whenever they volunteer at events as first aid staff. We also discuss some of the logistics of the Medical Venturers, some of the unique costs associated with the program, and ways in which people can support Vocational Scouting. Some photos of the kits: 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. Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Follow Us on Twitter | Like Us on Facebook | Leave Us a Review Music Galizur, by John Zorn & The Dreamers

Scouting offers a very unique opportunity for modern youth to disconnect from their always online, device-driven lives. Subscribe: iTunes | Google Play | Android | TuneIn Radio | Stitcher ----more---- Podcast Topic(s) Trevor Nimegeers wrote an open letter to Scouts Canada on LinkedIn a few weeks ago in which he argued for various reasons why “all Canadians should care” about Scouts Canada. One of the things he highlighted was the perhaps unique opportunity not just to use technology in new and innovative ways, but also to disconnect from technology entirely and take time to discover themselves. We take some time to discuss this, especially in light of Ken's recent experiences on a “device free” Cub Camp. Shout-Outs A big shout-out to the 59th Greenfield/Royal Gardens Scout Group's Green Troop for their excellent work in planning and running a camp for the Group's Cub Packs. 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. Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Follow Us on Twitter | Like Us on Facebook | Leave Us a Review Music Galizur, by John Zorn & The Dreamers

How should Scouters approach the use of social media, both as a means of showcasing their Scout group and as a means of communicating with Scouts? Subscribe: iTunes | Google Play | Android | TuneIn Radio | Stitcher ----more---- Podcast Topic(s) We take a look at a Scouting Magazine article (well, blog post, really) about youth protection and text messages as a means of troop communication, and discuss some of its recommendations. We then expand the discussion to a) cover not just text messages, but different forms of social media as well, b) include Scouts Canada's own bylaws, policies, and procedures and what these recommend when it comes to using electronic communications, and c) look at some of Scouts Canada's recommendations for the use of social media by Scout groups. 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. Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Follow Us on Twitter | Like Us on Facebook | Leave Us a Review Music Galizur, by John Zorn & The Dreamers

Scouts Canada recently changed their youth/leader ratio requirements for the Beaver Scout, Cub Scout, and Scout sections Subscribe: iTunes | Google Play | Android | TuneIn Radio | Stitcher ----more---- Podcast Topic(s) Scouts Canada recently changed their policy on youth-leader ratio. You can find out some information about what the ratios were before on the Scouts Canada wiki; the new ratio requirements are one Scouter for every eight youth (with a minimum of two Scouters) across all sections. That's right: the “Two Deep” rule still applies. We dive in and discuss what this change might mean for Scout groups, as well as look at some of the potential pros and cons of it. Shout-Outs Scouter Joe, who sent in some email feedback, and the Canadian Scout Collectibles Facebook group that he runs. Also, we'd like to give a posthumous shout-out to Leonard Cohen, whose music serenaded Ken and Colin on many a Venturer and Rover Scout camp. 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. Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Follow Us on Twitter | Like Us on Facebook | Leave Us a Review Music Galizur, by John Zorn & The Dreamers

This is an encore presentation of an episode from a year ago: should the Scout Uniform be worn as a Halloween costume? Subscribe: iTunes | Google Play | Android | TuneIn Radio | Stitcher----more----Podcast Topic(s) This episode is a bit more off the cuff, so here's a list of topics discussed: Should the Scout Uniform be work as a Halloween costume?The new zombie movie, Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse, looks...questionable. We will go see it and offer a review.We missed JOTA-JOTI this year! We're totally going to have to jump in on that next October.ScoutLink is a cool organization that maintains a permanent Scouting-focused IRC channel (several channels, really)...kind of like a mini-JOTI, year-round. They also host a Minecraft server.Shout-Outs Conrad (Ken's father-in-law), and his excellent beef jerky. Ian (Ken and Colin's former Venturer and Rover advisor), who offered up some light-hearted ribbing about our recent comments on the role of the advisor. 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.Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Follow Us on Twitter | Like Us on Facebook | Leave Us a ReviewMusic dangly

In which the possibility of a youth in Scouts Canada using Minecraft to satisfy a requirement for the Tech badge is discussed. Also, Scouting Stuff is coming to Anchor.fm. Subscribe: iTunes | Google Play | Android | TuneIn Radio | Stitcher----more----Podcast Topic(s) This is a short episode, much of which is actually an excerpt from the other podcast that Ken runs. But that's okay; the discussion therein is an interesting one about the implications of the new Tech badge that Scouts Canada offers to Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts. Also, Scouting Stuff is getting on Anchor.fm. Look for tweets (@ssyskpodcast) with the #ListenIn or #Anchor hashtags, and join in the conversation!Shout-Outs Ken would like to give a shout out to DenLeaderPack432 and Scouter Brian from the 1st Polokwane Troop, both of whom he met last weekend during JOTA-JOTI. 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.Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Follow Us on Twitter | Like Us on Facebook | Leave Us a ReviewMusic Galizur, by John Zorn & The Dreamers

As the podcast turns one, we turn our attention to Jamboree On The Air/Jamboree On The Internet. Subscribe: iTunes | Google Play | Android | TuneIn Radio | Stitcher----more----Podcast Topic(s) What is JOTA-JOTI? Well, according to the official website: “Jamboree-On-The-Air and Jamboree-On-The-Internet (JOTA-JOTI) is an official international event of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM). JOTA-JOTI is a youth programme event intended for young people in Scouting of all ages. The purpose of JOTA-JOTI is to enable and encourage Scouts around the world to communicate with one another by means of amateur radio and the internet, providing a fun and educational Scouting experience and promoting their sense of belonging to a worldwide Scout Movement.” JOTA-JOTI takes places this year on October 14th, 15th, and 16th. The official website has some basic rules for participation by radio, and over the internet — which includes both netiquette and online safety. It is recommended that participants use the official, moderated IRC channels (and TeamSpeak channels) provided by ScoutLink. If you'd like to sign-up for JOTA-JOTI (there's still time!), you'll first need to create an account at Scout.org. Then, visit this page. More Ways to Listen: Scouting Stuff is now available on TuneIn Radio and Stitcher. It's Been a Good Year: The Scouting Stuff domain name was registered on or about October 6th, 2015; our first episode went live on October 8th, 2015. So as of this Saturday, the podcast is one year old!Shout-Outs A big shout-out and Happy Birthday! to Scouts Mexico, who are celebrating their 90th year as an organization this month. Hats off to the Scouts of Mexico, for nearly a century of Scouting spirit and good turns. 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.Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Follow Us on Twitter | Like Us on Facebook | Leave Us a ReviewMusic Galizur, by John Zorn & The Dreamers

Why, exactly, does Scouting use the fleur-de-lis as its symbol? Subscribe on iTunes | Subscribe on Google Play | Subscribe on Android | Like Us on Facebook | Follow Us on Twitter----more----Podcast Topic(s) Why does Scouting use the fleur-de-lis as its symbol? Wasn't the organization founded in England? Don't laugh; that's a question we've gotten before, and probably will again. At some point, a curious Scout — or their parent — will want to know just why Scouting the world over uses the symbol that it does. Ken and Colin take a look at the history of the fleur-de-lis symbol, from ancient history to its adoption, by Baden-Powell, as the symbol of the Scouting movement. Question to the Listener: If we didn't have the current logo, the fleur-de-lis, what would be an acceptable logo for Scouting?Other Links The Scouting Pages Scouts Canada's new Scouter Manual - A Scouter's Guide to the Canadian Path The 1911 Boy Scout Handbook for the Boy Scouts of AmericaShout-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.Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Follow Us on Twitter | Like Us on Facebook | Leave Us a ReviewMusic Galizur, by John Zorn & The Dreamers

2016 marks the 100th anniversary of the Wolf Cubs movement. So, let's talk about Cubs for a bit. Subscribe on iTunes | Subscribe on Google Play | Subscribe on Android | Like Us on Facebook | Follow Us on Twitter----more----Podcast Topic(s) The first edition of The Wolf Cub Handbook was printed in December of 1916; this year marks the 100th anniversary of Cub Scouts. Lord Robert Baden-Powell created the Cub Scout concept in order to provide younger boys (under the age of 11) with an opportunity to experience Scouting, and then one that wasn't just a “watered down” version of Scouts. Ken, Colin, and Ted discuss this and some other aspects of the history of Cub Scouts, and reflect on recent changes to the Cub Scouts program made as a result of Scouts Canada's new Canadian Path.Shout-Outs Adam and Anna, who recently got married. Adam was a member of the same Rover Scout Crew that Ken, Colin, and Ted were part of. 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.Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Follow Us on Twitter | Like Us on Facebook | Leave Us a ReviewMusic Galizur, by John Zorn & The Dreamers

What is the Wood Badge? What does it signify, and how do different Scouting organizations train their leaders in it? Subscribe on iTunes | Subscribe on Google Play | Subscribe on Android | Like Us on Facebook | Follow Us on Twitter----more----Podcast Topics Ken and Brian discuss the Wood Badge — a leadership training program instituted in 1919, with the first session held at Gilwell Park (at which Baden Powell was one of the lecturers) — and how it serves to train Scouters with advanced leadership skills, so as to better deliver the Scouting program to the youth of their groups. Also discussed: the fact that the Wood Badge is very much a global phenomenon, with many National Scouting Organizations (NSOs) around the world having implemented it. Some NSOs — such as Scouts Canada — even make elements of the Wood Badge mandatory; Scouters in Scouts Canada must complete what is known as Wood Badge 1 in order to serve as Scouters at all. Completing Wood Badge is itself a mark of honour; it confers membership in the 1st Gilwell Scout Group, as signified by the tan-and-tartan Gilwell Necker. A set of beads is also given to Scouters who complete Wood Badge, a tradition that was taken from Baden Powell's time and experiences in what was (at least in 1888) known as Zululand. And perhaps most importantly, Wood Badge is a means for Scouters the world over to build connections and friendships, and to deepen their commitment to the Scouting movement.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.Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Follow Us on Twitter | Like Us on Facebook | Leave Us a ReviewMusic Galizur, by John Zorn & The Dreamers

Eagle Scout is the higest rank that a Boy Scout can achieve in the United States. So what does it take to become an Eagle Scout? Subscribe on iTunes | Subscribe on Google Play | Subscribe on Android | Like Us on Facebook | Follow Us on Twitter----more----Podcast Topic(s) Ken and Brian discuss the Eagle Scout rank in Boy Scouts of America, the highest rank a Scout can achieve in the United States. Among its requirements are the earning of a specific number of merit badges, and an extensive service project that must benefit the community...but not the Scouting movement.Shout-Outs We'd just like to give a blanket shout-out to all adult Scouters worldwide: for your volunteerism, sacrifice, and service, and for all the ways you help shape the lives and futures of young men and women. 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.Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Follow Us on Twitter | Like Us on Facebook | Leave Us a ReviewMusic Galizur, by John Zorn & The Dreamers

The Queen's Venturer Award is the capstone award for Venturer Scouts, and can almost be thought of as the Canadian analog of the Eagle Scout rank. Subscribe on iTunes | Subscribe on Google Play | Subscribe on Android | Like Us on Facebook | Follow Us on Twitter----more----Podcast Topic(s) Ken and Colin discuss the Queen's Venturer Award (good historical information, but out-of-date requirements), the Top Section Award for Venturer Scouts. Under the new Canadian Path program that Scouts Canada has launched, the requirements for the award have changed significantly, especially since one of the principal requirements is the completion of a meaningful service project at the local, national, or international level. Venturer Scouts are youth aged 14-17, and it is generally understood that one has up to a year after the end of one's time in Venturers to complete the requirements of the Queen's Venturer Award. As such, achieving the award can be thought of as the equivalent of achieving Eagle Scout rank in Boy Scouts of America.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.Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Follow Us on Twitter | Like Us on Facebook | Leave Us a ReviewMusic Nautical Disaster, by The Tragically Hip

Medical Venturers (MedVents) is one of the Vocational Scouting programs offered by Scouts Canada, which is focused on advanced first aid and medical training. Subscribe on iTunes | Subscribe on Google Play | Subscribe on Android | Like Us on Facebook | Follow Us on Twitter----more----Podcast Topic(s) From scouts.ca: “Medical Venturers — often called Medvents — are [Venturer] Companies sponsored by local Emergency Medical Services. Medvents receive increasingly advanced medical training over the course of the program. Their training is put to good use providing volunteer First Aid support at Scout camps and charitable events.” Colin is absent this week, as is Brian, but we are happy to be joined by Erik Atkinson, one of the advisers of the Northern Lights Medical Venturers Company; we discuss the history of MedVents, and what this Vocational Scouting program entails. Also referenced in this episode: “Medvents.ca is a site maintained by the 1st Downsview Group which provides more information on Medical Venturers.”Shout-Outs Firstly, a shout-out to Mark Burge, who interacts with us on Twitter now and again. And to Ken Rachynski as well, who thanked us last week for linking a story about how to choose a good knife. Two additional shout-outs go out to Home Depot and Cashway Lumber, the latter in Leander, Texas. Home Depot gave Trevor — the son of podcast contributor Brian — a very steep discount on his first purchase of materials for his Eagle Scout project. And Cashway Lumber gave Trevor an almost 2/3 discount on the remainder of the supplies needed for the project. Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Follow Us on Twitter | Like Us on Facebook | Leave Us a ReviewMusic Galizur, by John Zorn and the Dreamers

Whether it's called Swim-Up or Advancement, how do we celebrate when youth progress through the Scouting movement? Now Available on Google Play Music | Subscribe on iTunes | Subscribe on Android | Like Us on Facebook | Follow Us on Twitter----more----Podcast Topic(s) What is advancement? How does advancement differ between Boy Scouts of America, Scouts Canada, and other Scouting organizations around the world? Is advancement age-restricted, or can it happen more organically? Should an individual youth's advancement be celebrated by a Scout Group? If so, how so? Ken and Colin attempt to answer these questions, and also look at badge programs and — yes — Scouts Canada's Canadian Path program as well. Mentioned in the episode: The Scoutmaster CG Podcast, by Clarke GreeneShout-Outs Colin's sister Katherine, who recently hiked the El Camino de Santiago de Compostela — commonly know as The Camino — in Spain.Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Follow Us on Twitter | Like Us on Facebook | Leave Us a ReviewMusic Galizur, by John Zorn & The Dreamers

Colin phones in from all the way across Canada to discuss advancement and summer Scouting programs. Now Available on Google Play Music | Subscribe on iTunes | Subscribe on Android | Like Us on Facebook | Follow Us on Twitter----more----Podcast Topic(s) We missed recording this last week, in part because Ken was at the Northern Lights Council's Beaveree, and in part because every attempt at recording made in the week thereafter fell through for one reason or another. Additionally, Colin is vacationing in Prince Edward Island, which meant coordinating around a three-hour time difference. This episode doesn't really have a set topic; it lays the foundations for two upcoming episodes that will look at advancement and summer programs for Scouts (and Cubs, and Beavers). Oh, and Ken's daughters — both in Beaver Scouts — share their thoughts on Beaveree.Send Feedback Email Us: scoutingstuffpodcast@gmail.com Follow Us on Twitter: @ssyskpodcast Like Us on Facebook: facebook.com/ScoutingStuffPodcast Leave Us a Review: on iTunesMusic Galizur, by John Zorn & the Dreamers