As we begin this New Year, here are some thoughts at random for us to consider as we continue to move Scouting forward into this millennium: Scouting Versus Sports The teams of John R. Wooden (1910-2010), head coach for UCLA basketball, won ten NCAA national championships in a 12-year period, including seven in a row […]

So here I am, sitting on a fence again.  I’m only two steps from my Arrow of Light and then I can graduate from my pack and be a Boy Scout.  I’ve wanted to do that ever since I was a Tiger, when my big brother Max made Eagle in Troop 5.  But he’s off […]

Rule No. 46: Despots can’t be cured; only overthrown. Before they hurt yet another Scout, rise in overwhelming force and throw the rascals out. Rule No. 47 (for Scouts): The probability that your Scoutmaster happens to be looking your way is directly proportional to the stupidity of what you’re doing at that moment. Dear Andy, […]

Rule No. 45: The question, “Will you promise not to get mad when I tell you something?” is a guarantee that you will. Well folks, you’ve figured out pretty fast that I’m not in Scotland and don’t need any money!  Yup, I got hit– My regular email account was hacked, and made a real mess […]

Rule No. 44: Never argue with idiots.  They’ll drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience. Dear Andy, I’m a member of the National Scout Council in my country, Liberia, Africa.  Scouting says, “We are volunteers, and non-political…” Why aren’t Scouts permitted to participate in national politics when we’re (supposed to […]

Rule No. 43: Never give a Commissioner a weak cup of coffee. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dear Andy, How do I create my own website for the Communications merit badge? (Scout’s Name & Council Withheld) You start by asking your Communications Merit Badge Counselor. Hey Andy, My son’s a pretty weak swimmer.  He was only recently able to […]

Rule No. 41: In a confrontation between emotion and logic, emotion will win. Rule No. 42: Either employ the Scout sign or simply shout, “Sign’s Up!” To do both is pointless. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dear Andy, Let me be the first to provide you an optimistic letter on the new “active” requirement.   I was one of the “boots […]