For Crying Out Loud - Eagle Tip
A while back, an Eagle mom asked me a simple question: How do you tactfully suggest that court-of-honor guests leave their babies and small children at home? She was concerned that crying babies or rambunctious toddlers might detract from the dignity of the ceremony but didn’t want to offend any potential guests.I hadn’t thought about this question before, so I consulted a couple of wedding etiquette resources. The general consensus was that putting any... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2013-01-26Deluxe Tours in New Mexico
Last week, we looked at the exciting Deluxe Tours we offer in Colorado. Now this week we are going to take a look at the equally exciting Deluxe Tours in New Mexico. Again, these are the middle priced tour options that we offer.Deluxe AdventureThe first option is our 1 night Deluxe Adventure tour. You will have a mid-morning rendezvous with your Blue Sky Adventures professional tour guide at the Albuquerque International airport. We will... [More]
By: Blue Sky Adventures On: 2013-01-25One Small Step … for Getting Congratulatory Letters from NASA
It’s been awhile since I’ve talked here about getting congratulatory letters from NASA. Given the recent death of Eagle Scout Neil Armstrong – and the fact that NASA has a relatively new procedure for letters, the time is probably right.Like many organizations, NASA has moved its request process online. Just go to https://bsgsra.hq.nasa.gov/public/ and fill out the simple form you’ll find there. If you’d rather submit your request by mail – or if you live... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2013-01-24Camping for the Uninformed - SM Tip
I once figured out that I’d spent roughly two years of my life on various Scout outings, from weekend campouts as a Scout to multiple trips to national jamborees and the Philmont Training Center as an adult. One result: I have no idea what it’s like to be a brand-new camper. I’m guessing you’re in the same boat. That can be a problem because new Scouts – and new campers – are joining our troops... [More]
By: Insane Scouter On: 2013-01-22Avoiding Drowsy Driving - SM Tips
You would never transport your Scouts after drinking alcohol, but you may be putting them at just as much risk. According to a researcher at the Henry Ford Hospital Sleep Disorders and Research Center in Detroit, losing four hours of sleep is the same as drinking a six-pack of beer. (Learn more at http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/30/us-drunken-drivers-idUSBRE84T14W20120530.)I don’t know about you, but I can remember many troop outings when I’ve gotten at least one poor night’s sleep because... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2013-01-19Deluxe Tours in Colorado
Last week, we looked at our lower priced tour options with our Transportation only and No Frills packages. This week let’s take a look at our Deluxe Adventures in Colorado. Our Deluxe tours are 1 and 2 night options that fall in the middle of the price range. Deluxe AdventureThe first option is our 1 night Deluxe Adventure. This tour requires an arrival in Denver by 10:00 AM where you will rendezvous with your... [More]
By: Blue Sky Adventures On: 2013-01-18SM Tips - Gold-medal Scoutmaster's Minutes
Are you looking for great Scoutmaster’s minutes to share during the upcoming London Olympics? Look no farther than Reader’s Digest, which has been sharing inspiring stories for generations.One such inspiring story, which you can find at http://www.rd.com/true-stories/inspiring/jesseowens-my-greatest-olympic-prize, tells the surprising story of how Jesse Owen’s biggest challenger in the long jump at the 1936 Olympics, a German athlete, encouraged him and befriended him just 100 yards away from a glaring Adolph Hitler. (You may... [More]
By: Insane Scouter On: 2013-01-17SM Tip - Of Wood Tape and Balancing Points
Boy with SawIn the Disney classic "Follow Me, Boys," Scoutmaster Lem Siddons' biggest challenge is to tie a sheepshank. For the rest of us Boy Scout leaders, I think the biggest challenge is to figure out just how much support to give our youth leaders, especially the senior patrol leader. To continue with the rope analogy, some Scoutmasters give their SPLs enough rope to hang themselves, while others keep the leash so short that... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2013-01-15SM Tips - National Outdoor Awards Promote Outdoor Achievement
It’s summertime, and the living is anything but easy for many Scouts. Backpacking treks, canoe trips, and other rugged adventures are physically and mentally challenging—and far more satisfying than lolling around the pool or playing videogames all summer.Recently, the BSA has created a new set of awards to recognize Scouts who excel in the outdoors. Dubbed the National Outdoor Awards—catchy name, huh?—the awards cover the areas of adventure, aquatics, camping, hiking, and riding (bikes or... [More]
By: Kristine Theriault On: 2013-01-12Tour Options for Every Budget
Welcome back and Happy New Year! We hope you had a wonderful holiday season and that you are getting excited for the 2013 Philmont season! As we look forward, we are excited to share with you the options that we have for every budget. If you have a realistic understanding of what it costs to get to Philmont, you will find that we have something for everyone. This week we will look at our... [More]
By: Blue Sky Adventures On: 2013-01-11