Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2025 i Scout Life

I would like to discuss an issue I feel would make summer camps more comfortable. Bugs and mosquitoes are a massive irritation, especially during the summer. However, I attended a relatively new summer camp, and they had mosquito netting built into each tent. I did not need to watch for bugs or set up my own more faulty mosquito net. – Bryan X., Southlake, Texas Oh, Bryan, what a good idea! I’ve even seen some pretty cool single-person, tent-style nets at the Scout Shop. That way, even if you’re headed to a camp without those fancy built-in nets, you can enjoy an easy, bug-free sleeping situation. See what I mean at go.scoutlife.org/bugnet Note for eagle readers (not to be confused with Eagle Scout readers): I fully understand that we prefer…

I like to collect flags, wind turbines, smashed pennies and Junior Ranger badges. Adrian E., Wichita Falls, Texas I have 30 balls. I’ve been collecting them since I was 5. My favorite is my rainbow ball. Levi K., Hollywood, Florida I collect factory-sealed Hot Wheels cars. So far, I have 31. My favorite is the Auto Strasse Lamborghini Urus. Cyrus F., O’Fallon, Missouri I collect bookmarks. I have 103. My two favorites feature a cross on one and a mustache on the other. Bennett G., Austin, Texas I have 61 bracelets. I’ve been collecting them since I was 6. My bracelets are more than pieces of stretchy rubber. They each tell a story. I get them from traveling, camping and at my dad’s job. Zacharia K., Hollywood, Florida I collect…

CAMP ALEXANDER Pathway to the Rockies Council Location: Lake George, Colorado MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING: This 325-acre mountain camp sits at more than 8,000 feet in elevation and boasts views of evergreen forests, rugged cliffs and nearby mountains, including Pikes Peak. You even get scenic views of waterfalls as you enter camp. It also features access to a lake and river where you can fish for rainbow trout. INTO THE OUTBACK: Older Scouts can embark on a Rocky Mountain adventure, both on- and off-site. In the Outback program, you get to pedal a mountain bike around the canyon in camp, ride the whitewater rapids on the Arkansas River and scale rock walls in Red Rocks Canyon. You’ll hike up mountains too: Blue Mountain in camp and the 14,115-foot-tall Pikes Peak. THEME…

CALENDAR March is Women’s History Month. Daylight Saving Time begins March 9. Move your clock forward one hour (unless you’re in Arizona or Hawaii). March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day. Wear something green. Spring begins on March 20. On This Date March 3, 1931: “The Star-Spangled Banner” becomes the U.S. national anthem. March 24, 2005: The PlayStation Portable is released in North America. SEE IT Step into a world of magic and music with Snow White, the modern-day retelling of the fairy tale. Follow Snow White and the seven dwarfs on a thrilling adventure that hits theaters March 21. [Not rated at press time.] WATCH IT The clash for the championship trophies in men’s and women’s college basketball is scheduled for March 18 to April 7. Catch it all during March…

Scouting America’s latest conservation program is all about our rivers, lakes, streams, creeks and oceans. Scouting for Clean Waterways is a nationwide Scouting effort designed to keep our water clean. It starts on Earth Day (April 22). Scouts of all ages in all locations can participate. Even if you don’t live near a giant body of water, chances are that some of the trash in your community will eventually end up in the water somewhere anyway. The requirements are simple: • Cut down on your use of disposable plastics in your everyday life. • Beginning on Earth Day, participate in a cleanup project near a river, canal, lake, stream, swamp, beach or other waterway in your community. If there is no body of water near you, any trash pickup project…

go.scoutlife.org/scoutingaround HANDBOOK HELP Be a Cut Above Legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan knew how to wield an ax. Older Scouts can learn how to use this camp tool, but you shouldn’t try to imitate the fictional character by clearing entire forests. Instead, follow safe, responsible practices for using an ax, only cutting trees with permission and good reason. An ax is a useful tool that can chop firewood, clear a trail and shape spars for pioneering projects. Before using one, make sure the ax is sharp, you’re wearing sturdy boots, gloves and protective eyewear, you’re using the ax at least 10 feet away from other people, and you’re under adult supervision. Remember, axes are not toys; they can hurt you or others if handled improperly. Refer to the Scouts BSA Handbook…

Zoroastrian ZOROASTRIAN SCOUTS CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR FAITH by earning this award: The Good Life emblem is for older Scouts and Venturers; there’s no emblem for Cub Scouts. A young Zoroastrian will have to complete religious education and community-oriented projects. The purpose of this program is threefold: • To make Zoroastrian youth more aware of their faith, its outlook and its achievements. • To encourage them to achieve meaningful spiritual experience in living their faith and to instill the practice of the religion of the prophet Zarathushtra. • To encourage Zoroastrian Scouts to enthusiastically participate in a community-oriented project, thereby practicing the salient principles of the Zoroastrian faith, such as happiness unto him who makes others happy. For more information, contact your local council or visit go.scoutlife.org/religiousawards…

Orangutans have been taught SIGN LANGUAGE. One named Chantek learned more than 150 different American Sign Language signs. The word “orangutan” means “person of the forest.” These great apes are the largest FRUIT-EATING ANIMALS in the world. Orangutans are an ENDANGERED SPECIES, mainly due to loss of habitat. Alba is the only known albino orangutan in the world. She lives on a private island (with several orange orangutans) that has 24/7 protection. Copycats! Orangutans have been known to watch humans untie boats and cross rivers in them, and then do it themselves. Sandra at the Center for Great Apes in Florida saw zookeepers washing their hands. With bucket and brush, she did the same. Orangutans use tools. They use sticks to get termites out of their holes and to poke…

Life Scout Competes at Nationals DANIELA ELIAS-DA SILVA Age: 17 Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia Scout Rank: Life Scout (Troop 2115, Atlanta) Made Headlines: For competing at the 2024 USA Climbing Youth National Championships. The Scoop: Daniela made it to the finals in the speed division, ranking her as one of the top 20 climbers in North America. She also placed third in the 50-meter freestyle race at the 2024 Georgia High School Association state swim meet. Know someone who’s making headlines? Let us know! go.scoutlife.org/headliners MASTER BUILDER Webelos Scout Wins Championships WILLIAM HICKS Age: 10 Hometown: Grapevine, Texas Scout Rank: Webelos Scout (Pack 817, Grapevine) Made Headlines: For winning the 2024 Legoland North American Mini-Master Model Builder Competition. The Scoop: William built a model of the historic Fort Worth Stockyards in…

CENTER FIELDERS ARE THE BASEBALL STARS MAKING HIGHLIGHT-REEL PLAYS, LEAPING TO ROB HOME RUNS OR SLIDING ACROSS THE OUTFIELD TO PREVENT BASE HITS. They cover vast territory and lead the defense by taking charge of pop-ups and directing teammates. These players have powerful, accurate arms to keep runners from advancing and are critical offensive contributors, often hitting home runs and driving in key runs. Veterans like Aaron Judge and Mike Trout have long set the standard as top center fielders. But rising stars like Julio Rodriguez and Luis Robert Jr. are the next big names. These players embody the athleticism, leadership and offensive power that define the best center fielders in Major League Baseball. Aaron Judge NEW YORK YANKEES Any discussion about Judge centers on his incredible offensive production. In…

Search and Rescue When someone is reported missing, law enforcement officials activate search and rescue teams. THE INCIDENT COMMANDER runs the operation using the Incident Command System. THE INCIDENT ACTION PLAN guides the searchers as they look for the subject. THE COMMANDER AND HIS OR HER STAFF DECIDE what kinds of teams to employ, such as ground, dog, horse, snowmobile or aircraft. THE TEAMS SEARCH for the subject using a variety of skills. HOPEFULLY, THE SUBJECT IS LOCATED and returned to safety. go.scoutlife.org/meritbadge Scholarship How to Get Better Grades Get organized by choosing a place at your home where you can focus on homework. Keep it clean, and keep it stocked with all of the supplies you’ll need. When studying for a test, start with the subject that you find…