mousewiz

The date for the National Boy Scout Get in the Game CITO event will be May 15, 2010. We hope all councils, scouts, volunteers and geocachers will join us as we show Scouting and Service in action along with a lot of fun. More information will be sent to the councils soon.

Hi A couple updates on Geocaching the the BSA: BSA very much supports geocaching as stated before, with its use in their program and trainings as well as at Philmont. In fact it will also be a big section of the new National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) which will pilot for 6 week-long sessions this summer - I have info if anyone wants it. The adult training is filling up so if you are interested dont wait. That will cover all sorts of "what to do with the sport" topics and will just be a blast. The GPS to Promote Scouting training, for use at Roudtables and University of Scouting events (or whereever you like) has now posted on the National BSA website. Go to Boy Scouts, Adults, Training, Supplemental Training and there it is. You can download the syllabus and the handouts are provided as links. I have a ppt if anyone wants to use it. The Marin Council website still has the link to www.Geoscouting-info.com but we just switched our web to doubleknot and are still implementing all the changes so its sort of buried - go to links to find it. You can go there directly with the www. geoscouting-info.com link. We keep meaning to update and add to it, but keep getting waylaid caching! But new material will post soon! Re the merit badge - It is indeed somewhere in the process but its by no means clear if it will be stand alone or combined with orienteering. I suggested they make it a stand alone for several reasons, mostly because there is more than enough material for both and orienteering should be a prerequisite for GPS use. We all know how those little GPSR buggers can betray you.... Lastly the posts are correct in that yes, one should always look in the Guide to Safe scouting but no, not everything will be there. The use of a compass isnt there, for example. I added some "extra" rules in my trainings, like I personally dont like the youth to do the caches on electrical boxes just in case... and to stress that we represent both Scouting and Geocaching when we are out there, so be sure to be good geo-citizens. I am glad to see the sport taking off in scouting, both Boy and Girl Scouts, as it should!

Hi A couple updates on Geocaching the the BSA: BSA very much supposts geocaching as stated before, with its use in their program and trainings as well as at Philmont. In fact it will also be a big section of the new National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) which will pilot for 6 week-long sessions this summer - I have info if anyone wants it. The adult training is filling up so if you are interested dont wait. That will cover all sorts of "what to do with the sport" topics and will just be a blast. The GPS to Promote Scouting training, for use at Roudtables and University of Scouting events (or whereever you like) has now posted on the National BSA website. Go to Boy Scouts, Adults, Training, Supplemental Training and there it is. You can download the syllabus and the handouts are provided as links. I have a ppt if anyone wants to use it. The Marin Council website still has the link to www.Geoscouting-info.com but we just switched our web t doubleknot and are still implementing all the changes so its sort of buried. You can go there directly with the www. geoscouting-info.com link. We keep meaning to update and add to it, but keep getting waylaid caching! But new material will post soon! Re the merit badge - It is indeed somewhere in the process but its by no means clear if it will be stand alone or combined with orienteering. I suggested they make it a stand alone for several reasons, mostly because there is more than enough material for both and orienteering should be a prerequisite for GPS use. We all know how those little GPSR buggers can betray you.... Lastly the posts are correct in that yes, one should always look in the Guide to Safe scouting but no, not everything will be there. The use of a compass isnt there, for example. I added some "extra" rules in my trainings, like I personally dont like the youth to do the caches on electrical boxes just in case... and to stress that we represent both Scouting and Geocaching when we are out there, so be sure to be good geo-citizens. I am glad to see the sport taking off in scouting, both Boy and Girl Scouts, as it should!

Am sorry, but your statement makes no sense. How is geocaching 'not allowed' in the Boy Scouts in Oregon or any other state/council??? * Geocaching was done at the recent National Scout Jamboree. * Geocaching is now part of National Youth Leadership Training, which ALL councils should be putting on. In fact, this has lead many councils to start obtaining GPS units. * Geocaching will be covered in its own course at Philmont Training Center this summer. Someone has already developed a geocaching training program which will be rolled out soon as an official BSA training. * There is apparently work to create a geocaching badge/merit badge within the BSA. * GPSr are used heavily at the Double H Ranch. Many scouts and scout units are now engaged in geocaching. Someone is encouraging the developing of series of eagle service project-related geocaches, at least one series per district.

Wow there are a lot of posts here....most of you will be hearing from me, as there is a LOT going on with geocaching and BSA. For example, there will be a Geocaching and Scouting course (pilot for the June 2006 Philmont course) at the Florida Sea Base this Jan 9-15 if there are at least 10 people who sign up. Email me if you are interested. There are so many ways to use GPS and geocaching to support the Scouting program, and as more Scouters learn about the possibilities, the more fully GPS use will be integrated into the Scouting program. Re the merit badge - I have discussed this with National and yes they are aware of the interest. They are currently finishing up the huge project of reviewing and updating all of the existing MB's and as such there wont be much new MB development until that effort is completed. Also, as discussed by one post, the cost for development of a MB is high - six figures - and so there does need to be care in the process. GPS navigation, with geocaching as part of it, has a lot of material that could be covered, and I also agree that "caching by the Scout oath and Law" and reinforcement of LNT rules should be a requirement for ALL of us. My personal preference would be a stand alone GPS MB, with orienteering MB as a prerequisite. That not only ensures the proper and very needed map and compass skills (boy does GPS use underscore the need for those!) but reassures those uncomfortable with the technology that traditional Scout skills will remain intact. But we'll see.

Hey I just got some cool news - BSA will run a geocaching pilot course at the very cool Florida Sea Base in January, as long as at least 10 people sign up. This will be a pilot for the Summer 06 Philmont course on geocaching and Scouting. If you are interested, let me know and I will send you the details.

Hey this is cool! I have had a geocaching Venturing crew for a while but not sponsored by our local geocaching association. That is a very nice concept. There is a LOT going on with geocaching and Scouting. For example, there is a geocaching course being offered at Philmont in June 06 (space is limited so sign up early if you are interested) and geocaching will be an integral part of the new NAYLE program. And look for the new geocaching supplemental training to be posted on the National BSA website soon. Email me if you have any geocaching and Scouting questions. Lots happening here. And congratulations on the new Venturing crew. We need a lot more of these.