Around The Scouting Campfire #12

Scoutmaster Steve and Buttons, the radical Boy Scout, return in episode twelve of the Around The Scouting Campfire podcast. Listen in as the guys talk about how the Scouting program was discovered by William D. Boyce during a trip to London in the early 1900's. There are quotes from Lord Baden-Powell. The Boy Scouts of Troop 68 perform the radio skit. Buttons reads the last letter to Scouts from Lord Baden-Powell. There is even a short story from an early National Jamboree.

Steve and Buttons thank PTC Media ( http://www.ptcmedia.net ) for allowing this program to be a part of their family of Scouting related podcasts. We would also like to thank the Boy Scout Store ( http://boyscoutstore.com ) for sponsoring this show. be sure to check out their website.

Finally, we would like to thank you, the listeners, for downloading Around The Scouting Campfire and sending us your emails. You can contact Buttons at buttonst68@yahoo.com. You may contact Scoutmaster Steve at stevejb68@yahoo.com. Please rate the show and/or leave a comment at the iTunes store or at PTC Media forums.

Download episode by clicking HERE.

RSS Feed - http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MelroseScoutingAudioPodcast

This podcast is found on iTunes at

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=307979159

and is a member of the family of Scouting themed podcasts at PTC Media found at http://www.ptcmedia.net/

Show notes:

The story of how Scouting came to America is from the 1943 edition of the Boy Scout handbook.
The Radio Skit can be seen at Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast #70 - http://feeds2.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Buttons' reading of the last letter to Scouts from Lord Baden-Powell can be seen at Melrose Scouting Productions #50.

MSPP #81: The Legend Of Boots Hanson

Boots Hanson was the first caretaker of Many Point Scout Camp. In fact, he and the other council leaders created a new style summer camp in which Boy Scouts would camp together with members of their own troop. His hard work and great love of the outdoors and Scouting brought this new idea to reality. According to the Many Point Alumni website (http://mpalumni.nsbsa.org/lanternslight/SU1991.pdf):

As the Chief Ranger, Boots came to have a unique and uncommon understanding of the function and purpose of a Scout Camp. This he fathomed better than most and even better than many Professional Scouters. He recognized that the purpose of a Scout Camp was much more than badges and awards, swim meets and canoe trips, campfires and ceremonies. He understood, in his quiet way, that the primary purpose of a Boy Scout Camp was to offer the troop and its leaders an experience in the daily chores, cares and joys of shared Troop Community living which would prepare them for an even richer Scouting experience in the Troop Room back home. From this Scouts would glean the skills and values needed for contributing citizens as adults. Every nail pounded, every campsite cleared, every trail and road built was done with this in mind.  

Every week at Many Point Scout Camp, during the opening campfire, the camp director tells the story of Boots Hanson and the meaning of the red lantern, an icon at camp. In this 2007 video Kevin, the director of the Buckskin Camp, tells the story to the new campers in the dining hall. (It was raining that evening.)

Click here to DOWNLOAD this podcast.Subscribe to Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast through iTunes.
or at the RSS feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Check out other great Scouting podcasts at PTC Media, including The Leader's Campfire and Around The Scouting Campfire.

Buttons vs Barney?

Wow. I just saw the scathing review of Around The Scouting Campfire that was left on iTunes. Plus, the reviewer left a one star (out of five) rating. It seems he does not like Buttons and finds him distracting. He also does not think the show contains much useful information.

I know the show does not contain much "hardcore" Boy Scouting information. It was never meant to be that type of show. Jerry and the others do a great job of creating those types of Scouting podcasts. I always thought of ATSC as more of an entertaining podcast with a Scouting theme. I began it because some people wanted an audio version of some of the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast videos, and more of Buttons.

I realize that ATSC is a small time homegrown podcast and will never be very popular. In fact, only two of the shows ever reached 1000 hits within the first month. (#4 and #5) I never expect to be on par with Chris' An Hour A Week podcast. I do not plan to produce a weekly podcast like he does.

My podcasts do not generate much feedback so I guess this hit closer to home than it probably should. But… Is there too much of Buttons in the podcast? Should I concentrate more on the serious Scouting subjects? Is it time to retire the podcast? I guess I am now looking for some ideas as to the direction I should go.

MSPP #80: Questions For Buttons

It has been nearly a year since Buttons, the radical Boy Scout, has been featured in a new video. He has been pretty busy with school, Scouting, and his podcast, Around The Scouting Campfire. He recently began to work on his Cinematography merit badge and decided to make a video in which he answers several questions sent to him by some Wolf Cub Scouts from California. Even the sister of one of the Scouts gets to ask a question. The kids ask Buttons about the Scout Promise, leadership, den chiefs, grapes, and more.

Click here to DOWNLOAD this Podcast
Subscribe to Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast through iTunes.
or at the RSS feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Check out other great Scouting podcasts at PTC Media, including The Leader's Campfire and Around The Scouting Campfire.

Around The Scouting Campfire #11

It is time to join Scoutmaster Steve and Buttons, the radical Boy Scout, as they host another episode of Around The Scouting Campfire, a podcast for Scouts, adult leaders, and families.

During this episode the guys talk about the new year and look back at 2009. Scoutmaster Steve begins the new year by reciting some quotes from Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, and then reads a story about setting goals to fly with the eagles. After a song from The Scout Zone, Buttons tries to learn the Cub Scout Promise from Michael the Cub Scout, and then reads some feedback from our listeners. The show ends with a scoutmaster minute about being friendly and a thank you to you, our listeners.

Steve and Buttons thank PTC Media ( http://www.ptcmedia.net ) for allowing this program to be a part of their family of Scouting related podcasts. We would also like to thank the Boy Scout Store ( http://boyscoutstore.com ) for sponsoring this show. be sure to check out their website.

Finally, we would like to thank you, the listeners, for downloading Around The Scouting Campfire and sending us your emails. You can contact Buttons at buttonst68@yahoo.com. You may contact Scoutmaster Steve at stevejb68@yahoo.com. Please rate the show and/or leave a comment at the iTunes store or at PTC Media forums.

Download episode by clicking HERE.

RSS Feed - http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MelroseScoutingAudioPodcast

This podcast is found on iTunes at

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=307979159

and is a member of the family of Scouting themed podcasts at PTC Media found at http://www.ptcmedia.net/

Show notes:

The Scout Zone - http://www.thescoutzone.org/

Video of Buttons and Michael - Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast #17

.

MSPP #79: Ben Lindbom, The Snowmobiling Eagle Scout

Let's face it. Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is a very big deal. Only 4% or so of all boys in Boy Scouting earn the highest rank offered in the program. So what do you do for an encore? Well, if you are from Minnesota, and your name is Ben Lindbom, you get on your snowmobile and set your sights on winning races.

Ben Lindbom has been racing snowmobiles since he was 13 years old. He took second place in his first race, and has been going strong ever since. Been is currently competing in the International Series Of Champions Tour which will take him to several locations in the upper midwest. He is currently positioned top ten in the standings. Not bad for a young man from Staples.

A few months ago I was contacted by Ben's family and asked if I would feature Ben in one of my blog articles. His father, David, sent me some information about Ben, including a video they had made in which Ben talks about racing and Scouting. After viewing the video I thought it would make for an excellent post to the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast. The Lindbom's liked the idea and gave me permission to use it. Ben does an excellent job of talking about Scouting and his love of racing, so there is really not much for me to write. Watch the video!

Check out this month's Boy's Life magazine. Ben is featured in the January issue. You can also read more about Ben on his website at http://www.benlindbom.com/ .

Click here to DOWNLOAD this Podcast
Subscribe to Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast through iTunes.
or at the RSS feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Check out other great Scouting podcasts at PTC Media, including The Leader's Campfire and Around The Scouting Campfire.

MSPP #78: A Century Of Values Open House P2

This 78th post to the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast is the final of four videos featuring the open house held by the Central Minnesota Council on September 2, 2009, to celebrate the "A Century Of Values" tour. This video features other activities that were taking place on the grounds of the council office (displays, bottle rockets, fishing, rope making, bouldering wall, etc). You will see that the Cub Scout age boys had a fantastic time participating in all the fun.

More information about the "A Century Of Values" tour can be found on their website athttp://www.acenturyofvalues.org/ Also check out their blog and the post about their visit to the Central Minnesota Council.

Click here to DOWNLOAD this Podcast
Subscribe to Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast through iTunes.
or at the RSS feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Check out other great Scouting podcasts at PTC Media.

Boy Scouts Of Harlem

Earlier this year I heard about a new documentary about a Boy Scout troop from Harlem. The film followed four Boy Scouts from Troop 759 as they went to summer camp. The film centers on Keith, the newest Scout as he attends his first long week of camp out in the woods.

I looked forward to seeing this film coming out in theaters, but soon discovered that it was only being shown in special screening around the country. There were rumors that the film would be shown on PBS stations in 2010 so I though I may have to wait until then to see it, or buy the dvd which became available this fall.

I thought is was great that two films about Boy Scouting had been released on dvd this year. The first, Scout Camp: The Movie, had come out on dvd in June. This new film, 759: Boy Scouts of Harlem, came out later this summer. (I guess if you want to include Russell from UP, the new Pixar movie, you could say there were three movies about Scouting released in 2009.)

In September, Cubmaster Chris (of the An Hour A Week and The Leaders Campfire podcasts) and I received an email from our friend Scott at the InsaneScouter website. He wanted to know if we would like to interview one of the directors of 759: Boy Scouts of Harlem, Justin Szlasa, for an episode of The Leaders Campfire. Chris and I had interviewed Garret Batty, the director and writer of Scout Camp: The Movie earlier this summer, and the show had been quite popular. We thought it would be a great idea to interview Mr. Szlasa.

After several weeks of emailing back and forth we were about to set a date to record a show. Mr. Szlasa was a great person to interview. He and his brothers are Eagle Scouts so he knew a lot about the Scouting program. We talked about the special challenges of filming a documentary, the Boy Scouts of Troop 759, and the camp featured in the film. He even had a couple stories to share with us. Chris and I had fun interviewing him, and I think that comes through on the podcast.

The podcast episode ended up being #73 of the Leaders Campfire podcast. It can be found at PTC Media (click here). The podcast can be subscribed through PTC Media or through the iTunes music store (link here). The dvd of 759: Boy Scouts Of Harlem can be ordered through the website at http://www.harlemscouts.com/store.html . I suggest you get a copy. It is an enjoyable film.

PTC Media Christmas Show

Merry Christmas everyone! The hosts of the fine Scouting podcasts at PTC Media have put together a great Christmas show for you. Steve, Buttons, Chris, Jerry, Shawn, Shannon, Emily, Liberty, and Kris wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Download episode by clicking HERE.

RSS Feed - http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MelroseScoutingAudioPodcast

This podcast is found on iTunes at
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=307979159
and is a member of the family of Scouting themed podcasts at PTC Media found at
http://www.ptcmedia.net/

Around The Scouting Campfire #10

Yes, it has been awhile since Buttons and Steve have posted an episode to the Around The Scouting Campfire podcast. But your wait is over. Show #10 is ready to download and enjoy.

During this show Buttons, the radical Boy Scout, talks to Scoutmaster Steve about his next merit badge. Steve discusses saving our old videos of troop activities and courts of honor. We hear the Buckskin staff of Many Point Scout Camp sing a Scout Law song. Buttons brings in his friend Randall for some jokes. The show wraps up with A Scouter's Thanksgiving Prayer.

Steve and Buttons thank PTC Media ( http://www.ptcmedia.net ) for allowing this program to be a part of their family of Scouting related podcasts. We would also like to thank the Boy Scout Store ( http://boyscoutstore.com ) for sponsoring this show. be sure to check out their website.

And finally, we would like to thank you, the listeners, for downloading Around The Scouting Campfire and sending us your emails. You can contact Buttons at buttonst68@yahoo.com. You may contact Scoutmaster Steve at stevejb68@yahoo.com. Please rate the show and/or leave a comment at the iTunes store or at PTC Media forums.

Download episode by clicking HERE.

RSS Feed - http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MelroseScoutingAudioPodcast

This podcast is found on iTunes at
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=307979159
and is a member of the family of Scouting themed podcasts at PTC Media found at
http://www.ptcmedia.net/

Show notes:
Blog post on "Saving The Video Memories" at A Scoutmaster's Blog .

The video of the Many Point Scout Camp staff can be found at Melrose Scouting Productions podcast #24. http://feeds2.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions

The video of the Buttons and Randall Show #2 can be found at Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast #49.

The Scouter's Thanksgiving Prayer - http://usscouts.org/reverent/prayers.asp

.

PTC Media Podcasts

Have you checked out the PTC Media podcast site yet? ( http://www.ptcmedia.net ) The PTC Media network is a collection of seven Scouting related podcasts, six of them audio and one video. They are produced by four Scout leaders from across the United States.

"What is a podcast?", you ask. An audio podcast is similar to a radio program that you download to your computer to listen to at your convenience. Most audio podcasts are posted to the internet in an mp3 format and are compatible with most mp3 players. A video podcast is like a short television show you download to your computer. Podcast can be subscribed to through a website or a podcast feeder, like iTunes.

The An Hour A Week podcast is created by Cubmaster Chris in Texas. This weekly podcast is recorded live on Sunday nights. The show features information about Cub Scouting, leadership training, and other Scouting related news that caught Chris' attention. An Hour A Week is approximately sixty minutes long. It is one of the original shows of the PTC Media network.

Another podcast that has been a part of the network since the beginning is The Leaders Campfire. This show is hosted by Cubmaster Chris and Scoutmaster Steve. The podcast covers a wide variety of topics from both Cub Scouting and Boy Scouting. Special guests are occasional brought in to discuss current events. There is even a trivia show every couple of months. The Leaders Campfire is produced twice a month.

The Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast is currently the network's only video podcast. It is produced by Scoutmaster Steve. There are usually two episodes each month. The podcast features Scouting events, campfire songs and skits, and Boy Scouts having fun. The Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast shows are about three to fifteen minutes long.

Around The Scouting Campfire is a ten to fifteen minute audio podcast featuring Scoutmaster Steve and everyone's favorite Scouting puppet, Buttons, the radical Boy Scout. They cover topics for both the Boy Scout and the Boy Scout leader, along with jokes, stories, and the occasional campfire song. The goal is to produce one episode of Around The Scouting Campfire each month.

The Scoutmaster Minute is a podcast about Boy Scouting produced by Scoutmaster Jerry from Oregon. His troops loves to backpack so many of Jerry's shows cover the ins and outs of backpacking and camping along with the proper gear to use. The Scoutmaster Minute also includes many other topics about the Boy Scouting program, interviews with other Scout leaders, and Webelos transition.

True North is a podcast created by Scoutmaster Shawn from Wisconsin. It is one of the newest podcasts to the PTC Media family. Shawn talks about Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, unit commissioners, and other Scouting topics. Of course, Shawn is not shy about bringing in a guest to talk Scouting on the True North podcast. There are usually one or two new shows per month.

A Cubbing Minute is a short audio podcast produced by Cubmaster Chris. You could almost call this Chris' thought of the moment show. The shows last from one to four minutes as Chris shares a quick Cub Scouting thought or tip with his listeners. You never know when a new idea will strike Chris for another A Cubbing Minute episode.

The PTC Media family of podcasts will be growing during the next few months. There are plans being developed for three new shows to begin which will feature some new hosts along with the existing hosts. Be sure to check out the PTC Media site regularly these new programs and new episdoes of the existing line of podcasts. http://www.ptcmedia.net

MSPP #77: A Century Of Values Open House P1

This post to the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast is the third of four videos featuring the open house held by the Central Minnesota Council on September 2, 2009, to celebrate the "A Century Of Values" tour. Where the first two videos in this series featured the special RV that is touring the country and the presentation of the mural, this video features some of the other activities that were taking place on the grounds of the council office.

The video begins with a visit with two of the district executives having a little fun and racing cars at one of the activities. Then we spend a moment with the council executive as we watch the Cub Scouts ride a hot air balloon. One of the gentlemen touring the country with the "A Century Of Values" RV takes a moment to speak with us. The video ends with a magician performing a card trick for us.

More information about the "A Century Of Values" tour can be found on their website at http://www.acenturyofvalues.org/ Also check out their blog and the post about their visit to the Central Minnesota Council. The road crew mentions that this was the largest crowd they had seen at a council event up to this point.

Click here to DOWNLOAD this Podcast
Subscribe to Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast through iTunes.
or at the RSS feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Check out other great Scouting podcasts at PTC Media.

MSPP #76: A Century Of Values Mural Presentation

The Central Minnesota Council, BSA, held an open house on Wednesday, September 2, 2009, to kick off a year of celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. Hundreds of people attended. There were plenty of games for the kids, a dinner provided by the Jamboree troops, and several displays showcasing the history of Scouting. There was a lot to do and see. I was there with my cameras, of course.

The Century Of Values road team was on hand to display the specially designed recreation vehicle (see the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast #75) and to present the council will a reproduction of the mural featured on the back of the vehicle. The mural does a great job of showing the history of 100 years of the Boy Scouts of America.

This episode of the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast (#76) is the second of four videos highlighting the events of the council's open house. This video features the presentation of the Century Of Values mural from the road team to the council president, along with an explanation of the mural and its design. Be sure to take the time to view it when it comes to your council.

More information about the "A Century Of Values" tour can be found on their website at http://www.acenturyofvalues.org/ Also check out their blog and the post about their visit to the Central Minnesota Council. The road crew mentions that this was the largest crowd they had seen at a council event up to this point.

Click here to DOWNLOAD this Podcast
Subscribe to Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast through iTunes.
or at the RSS feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Check out other great Scouting podcasts at PTC Media.

Leave a comment using the link below, or at the PTC Media forums. You can rate the videos of Melrose Scouting Productions at the iTunes Music Store. By leaving a comment you will help us achieve a higher rating in iTunes.

MSPP #75: The Century Of Values RV

The Central Minnesota Council, BSA had some very special guests pay a visit on Wednesday, September 2, 2009. Ed Basar, Gordon Draper, David Berger, Don Cimo, William D’Hondt, Kenneth Mills, Ken Norin, members of Team 9 of the "A Century Of Values" RV Road Tour, had arrived in town for the council's 100 Years Of Scouting open house. Team 9 arrived not only to display the specially designed motor home but also to present the council with a print of a very special mural. (More about this on the next podcast.)

This video posted to the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast features Dave Berger, who was kind enough to give us a tour of the outside design of this special vehicle that is making its way across the country. This RV is very impressive. If it has not stopped at your council yet be sure to check it out when it arrives.

More information about the "A Century Of Values" tour can be found on their website at http://www.acenturyofvalues.org/ Also check out their blog and the post about their visit to the Central Minnesota Council. There is something about a castle mentioned.

Leave a comment using the link below, or at the PTC Media forums. You can rate the videos of Melrose Scouting Productions at the iTunes Music Store. By leaving a comment you will help us achieve a higher rating in iTunes.

Click here to DOWNLOAD this Podcast
Subscribe to Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast through iTunes.
or at the RSS feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Check out other great Scouting podcasts at PTC Media.

MSPP #74: Doctor! Doctor!

It is time to get back to fun with the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast. After all, the last two postings were a bit more on the serious side. This episode features the Boy Scouts of Troop 68 during their 2002 Laughs For Lunch Show. Two skits are included, both which involve doctors and hospitals. The first skit takes place in the doctor's office as the patients come to him with their problems. The second skit finds us in the maternity ward's waiting room as the expectant fathers await word about their new born children. (You may have to turn up your volume a little during the second skit. The boys did not talk as loud as they should have.)

Leave a comment using the link below, or at the PTC Media forums. You can rate the videos of Melrose Scouting Productions at the iTunes Music Store. By leaving a comment you will help us achieve a higher rating in iTunes. It really is great to hear what you think about the podcast videos.

Click here to DOWNLOAD this Podcast
Subscribe to Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast through iTunes.
or at this RSS feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Check out other great Scouting podcasts at PTC Media.

Around The Scouting Campfire #9

Has your troop, patrol, or den ever had to develop a new skit or patrol for a campfire program? The Boy Scouts of Melrose Troop 68 created several new ones over the decades, mainly in the 1980's and 1990's. The Scouts would take a song, chance the words a bit (or a lot), add some actions, and suddenly had a popular campfire skit.

Star Trekking, by the Firm, was one of those songs that Troop 68 turned into a campfire skit. It became so popular that the troop wrote a sequel to it and called it Star Trekking: The Next Generation. During this episode of Around The Scouting Campfire, Scoutmaster Steve and Buttons, the radical Boy Scout, talk about how the troop developed these skits for the enjoyment of troops across Minnesota and beyond.

Steve and Buttons thank PTC Media ( http://www.ptcmedia.net ) for allowing this program to be a part of their family of Scouting related podcasts. We would also like to thank the Boy Scout Store ( http://boyscoutstore.com ) for sponsoring this show. be sure to check out their website.

And finally, we would like to thank you, the listeners, for downloading Around The Scouting Campfire and sending us your emails. You can contact Buttons at buttonst68@yahoo.com. You may contact Scoutmaster Steve at stevejb68@yahoo.com.

Please rate the show and/or leave a comment at the iTunes store or at PTC Media forums.

Download episode by clicking HERE.

RSS Feed - http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MelroseScoutingAudioPodcast

This podcast is found on iTunes at
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=307979159
and is a member of the family of Scouting themed podcasts at PTC Media found at
http://www.ptcmedia.net/

Show notes:
Blog post on Star Trekking at A Scoutmaster's Blog:

http://www.melrosetroop68.org/2006/08/campfire-skits-star-trekking.html

Videos featuring the Star Trekking Songs:

The Scouts performing on a local television show:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ivt4AWGBWhE

The Staff of Many Point Scout Camp performing Star Trekking can be seen on Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast #47.

The young Boy Scouts of Melrose Troop 68 can be seen doing Star Trekking: The Next Generation on Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast #54.

MSPP #73: Flag Disposal Ceremony

In the previous post to A Scoutmaster's Blog, I wrote about the local American Legion's Ceremony for Disposal of Unserviceable Flags, and the Boy Scouts' participation in the ceremony. Mel-TV, our local community television access station, was on hand to film the event. The station's co-ordinator was kind enough to let me borrow the video tape so that I could make a podcast video from it. I edited the footage down and added photographs that I took during the event.

Even though I edited out some footage I did not feel was needed, the video was still a bit longer than I would have liked it to be. But I wanted to be sure to include the whole ceremony and add several of the pictures. I would be curious to know if your Boy Scouts have participated in such a ceremony, and what their part was during it.

Leave a comment using the link below, or at the PTC Media forums. You can also rate the videos of Melrose Scouting Productions at the iTunes Music Store. By leaving a comment you will help us achieve a higher rating in iTunes. It really is great to hear what you think about the podcast videos.

Click here to DOWNLOAD this Podcast
Subscribe to Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast through iTunes.
or at this RSS feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Check out other Scouting podcasts at PTC Media.

MSPP #72: The Leaders of Scouting (Gerry W.)

Twenty years ago the volunteers at Mel-TV, our local cable access television station, filmed a program in which five men who were Boy Scout leaders were interviewed about their Scouting experiences. I took that old vhs tape and transferred it to a dvd. I thought to myself as I was transferring the program that many of the things being said by those gentlemen still apply to Boy Scouting today. I thought I would break this show down into parts for the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast, each part featuring one of the interviews.

This podcast video features the fourth interview from The Leaders of Scouting. Gerry W. began his adult Scouting career as a Cub Scout Pack committee member when his son became a Cub Scout. He moved to the Boy Scout committee when his son graduated into the troop. He soon became the outdoors chairman, making the arrangements for the troop activities. During this interview Gerry talked about being on the troop committee, going along on various troop outings, the values found in the Scouting program, the stunts he and the scoutmaster pulled, and his pride in seeing his son work through the ranks of Scouting.

Leave a comment using the link below, or at the PTC Media forums. You can also rate the videos of Melrose Scouting Productions at the iTunes Music Store. (We could always use more iTunes love.) It really is great to hear what you think about the podcast videos.

Click here to DOWNLOAD this Podcast
Subscribe to Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast through iTunes.
or at this RSS feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Check out other Scouting podcasts at PTC Media.

Around The Scouting Campfire #8

The summer has been busy with Scouting and family activities but I finally felt it was time to add another episode to the Around The Scouting Campfire podcast.

The show begins with Buttons arriving home from an overnight camping trip. A very wet overnight camping trip. He talks with Scoutmaster Steve about a couple of the things he and his troop did during the damp outing. Then, get out your earplugs because Steve tries singing "Scout Wetspers", a song about being flooded when camping. The Boy Scouts of Troop 68 join us for their rendition of a campfire favorite, Singing In The Rain. Buttons talks about when you know you are a real Boy Scout. As the campfire comes to a close Steve's scout leader's minute reminds us about being loyal, and why we are involved in the Scouting program.

Steve and Buttons would like to thank PTC Media ( http://www.ptcmedia.net ) for allowing this program to be a part of their family of Scouting related podcasts. We would also like to thank the Boy Scout Store ( http://boyscoutstore.com ) for sponsoring this show.

And finally, we would like to thank you, the listeners, for downloading Around The Scouting Campfire and sending us your emails. You can contact Buttons at buttonst68@yahoo.com. You may contact Scoutmaster Steve at stevejb68@yahoo.com.

Please rate the show and/or leave a comment at the iTunes store or at PTC Media forums.

Download episode by clicking HERE.

RSS Feed - http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MelroseScoutingAudioPodcast

This podcast is found on iTunes at
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=307979159
and is a member of the family of Scouting themed podcasts at PTC Media found at
http://www.ptcmedia.net/

Show notes:
Song For The Wet Campsite - http://www.melrosetroop68.org/2007/07/song-for-wet-campsite.html

Singing In The Rain video - Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast #30

You KNow You Are A Boy Scout When video - Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast #21

MSPP #71: The Pickpocket Skit

The Boy Scouts of Melrose would like to provide this (comical) public service announcement video to help you prepare yourself and your family when you are out having fun this summer. The Scouts demonstrate the three levels of pickpockets that you may find when walking the streets or mingling in large crowds: the beginner, the amateur, and the professional. Be sure to watch the professionals closer as the Scouts perform it in slow motion.

This has been a favorite skit of Troop 68's over the years and has been performed many times. They practice the skit before performing it to be sure they do it well and safely. After all, we don't want to drop anyone on their head.

Leave a comment using the link below, or at the PTC Media forums. You can also rate the videos of Melrose Scouting Productions at the iTunes Music Store. (We could always use more iTunes love.) It really is great to hear what you think about the podcast videos.

Click here to DOWNLOAD this Podcast
Subscribe to Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast through iTunes.
or at this RSS feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Check out other Scouting podcasts at PTC Media.

MSPP #70: The Radio Skit

Have you ever been traveling in your car listening to the radio when you suddenly reach an area in which stations begin overlapping each other's signals? The is the premiss of this skit performed by the Boy Scouts of Troop 68 during their 2006 Laughs For Lunch Show. Each of the five Scouts represent a radio station that keeps getting interrupted by another station's programming. The five radio stations include Fantasy Land, a Twins baseball game, a cooking show, a gangster show, and an advertisement for the Boy Scouts of America.

This is one of my favorite skits, but does take a little practice to get the timing done well. The script for the show can be found on Troop 68's website:

http://melrosetroop68.org/campfavskits.html#RADIO

Leave a comment using the link below, or at the PTC Media forums. You can also rate the videos of Melrose Scouting Productions at the iTunes Music Store. It really is great to hear what you think about the podcast videos.

Click here to DOWNLOAD this Podcast
Subscribe to Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast through iTunes.
or at this RSS feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Check out other Scouting podcasts at PTC Media.

Around The Scouting Campfire #7

It has been over a month since the last show so Buttons and I thought we better get one posted before you all think that we quit doing them. We have not. In fact, we have outlines for another three shows, and hope to write a few more while we are at summer camp this year.

During Around The Scouting Campfire #7 we find out that Buttons had a small problem during his scoutmaster conference for his Star Rank, and how he came up with the theme for this show which happens to be The Scout Law. Scoutmaster Steve then introduces us to a Scout Law song by the Croutons, and talks about Boy Scouts and adults who use bad language. During Buttons' Corner we hear about one of the radical Scout's first videos uploaded to Youtube. The show closes with Scoutmaster Steve sharing a story about being trustworthy from his 1950's version of Scoutmaster's Minute book.

Steve and Buttons would like to thank everyone who listens to the podcast, and who have sent emails about how they have enjoyed the shows.

Please rate the show and/or leave a comment at the iTunes store or at PTC Media forums.
You can contact Buttons at buttonst68@yahoo.com. You may contact Scoutmaster Steve at stevejb68@yahoo.com. We appreciate your emails and letters.

RSS Feed - http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MelroseScoutingAudioPodcast
Download episode by clicking HERE.

This podcast is found on iTunes at
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=307979159
and is a member of the family of Scouting themed podcasts at PTC Media found at
http://www.ptcmedia.net/

Show notes:
The Scout Law Song by the Croutons  -  http://music.topdownloads.net/mp3/view.php?id=2829

Buttons Talks About The Scout Law is show #6 of Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast.
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"Scout Camp" Winners

On Wednesday evening, Cubmaster Chris and I did a live recording of The Leaders Campfire podcast. We had never done that before but we had a special reason for doing it. It was time to give away the prizes for the "Scout Camp: The Movie" Twitter contest. Quite a few people joined us in the PTC Media chatroom for the event which made it even more fun. The winners are listed at ptcmedia.net, but I thought I would list them here also:

Scout Camp DVD Winners:

ScouterTom
johneegeek
Taxgeekkm
mbeyke043
Brian Leslie

Scout Camp Poster Winners:
kcwccc
joeparajecki
onlinst
bryanspellman
CD_Ranger

If you are a winner, please e-mail your address to: cubmasterchris@gmail.com

And thanks to Garrett Batty at Scout Camp: The Movie for making a lot of this possible!

MSPP #69: The Forest of the Yellow Fingers

 Everyone loves to hear a story. Especially a story that has a some comedy with a little grossness mixed into it. Add a moral to the story and you have something to tell the Boy Scouts around the campfire. But what if the moral of the story includes a bad pun? Then, you have a groaner and you better be prepared to run for your life! The story of the Forest of the Yellow Fingers is one such story. 

This video of the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast was videotaped during Troop 68's 2007 Laughs For Lunch Show. It features Scoutmaster Steve telling the audience the story of the Forest of the Yellow Fingers which takes place during medieval times. The story is a tale of a greedy king who wishes to enlarge his country by conquering the neighboring kingdom, but there is an obstacle in his path, a forest of huge, ugly, terrifying yellow fingers. Just wait until you hear how it ends.

Leave a comment using the link below, or at the PTC Media forums. You can also rate the videos of Melrose Scouting Productions at the iTunes Music Store. It really is great to hear what you think about the podcast videos.

Click here to DOWNLOAD this Podcast
Subscribe to Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast through iTunes.
or at this RSS feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Check out other Scouting podcasts at PTC Media.

Scout Camp: The Director

I recently had the opportunity to chat with Garrett Batty, the writer and director of the new film Scout Camp: The Movie, during a recording of the Leaders Campfire podcast. Garrett was nice enough to give us an hour and a half of his time. The episode came in at about 45 minutes after editing. Check it out at the Leaders Campfire site or the PTC Media site.

I am a bit of a movie buff so when I saw the film's trailer on Youtube a couple of months ago I rated it and added it to my favorites. When I realized this film would not be going into general release I sent an email to Three Coins Productions through Youtube to ask if the movie would be shown in central Minnesota. I received a reply from Garrett stating the film was going to be released on dvd but some councils were arranging special screenings.

After a few more emails Garrett agreed to be a guest on the Leaders Campfire podcast. Cubmaster Chris and I had a great time talking to him about making the movie, the cast, and his Scouting background. I am not going to write much about the interview in this blog because I want you to listen to the podcast, but I will tell you that I am even more excited to see the movie now than I was before our chat.

Garrett was kind enough to send PTC Media some copies of the dvd and posters of Scout Camp: The Movie to be used as prizes for a drawing for the listeners of the Leaders Campfire and people who use Twitter. Details of the drawing can be found HERE.

Cubmaster Chris and I appreciate Garrett Batty taking the time to join us for the show. The three of us hope you enjoy listening to it and pass it on to your Scouting friends. Don't forget to leave us a comment and enter the drawing. And be sure to order your copy of Scout Camp: The Movie.

MSPP #67: Chris K. Eagle Slideshow

The rank of Eagle Scout, Boy Scouting's highest honor, is something to be taken seriously. The family, troop, and Eagle Scout will spend a lot of time planning the Eagle Court of Honor. In recent years, a video of the Eagle Scout's years as a Cub and Boy Scout has become a common part of the ceremony. It is easy enough to put one together with today's digital photos and computer programs. I should know. I have put together many of these slide shows over the years.

One of the great things about having a video podcast is that I can post videos of a lot of Scouting activities. One subject area I have been lacking in is posting the videos of the Eagle Scouts of our troop. During the next year I plan to slip in the occasional Eagle video not only to recognize these Scouts who have earned this prestigious award, but also to give you ideas on what you could do for the Eagle Scouts of your troop.

This video features Chris K., who earned his Eagle Award in February 2007. Chris was the troop's 16th Eagle Scout since I became the scoutmaster. He picked out the music for this video, and to tell the truth I did not know how it would play with the photographs. He choose the theme from the Lion King and the theme from the old television series, The Monkees. I have to admit, it turned out very well. The audience at the court of honor really enjoyed it. I hope you do also.

Leave a comment here using the link below, or at the PTC Media forums. You can also rate the videos of Melrose Scouting Productions at the iTunes Music Store. It really is great to hear what you think about the podcast videos.

Click here to DOWNLOAD this Podcast
Subscribe to Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast through iTunes.
or at http://feeds2.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Check out other Scouting podcasts at PTC Media.

Around The Scouting Campfire #6

The sixth episode of Around The Scouting Campfire is now available. It is time to join Scoutmaster Steve and Buttons, the radical Boy Scout, for another 20 minutes of fun and reflection on Scouting.

During this show we discover what advancement rank Buttons holds in Scouting as he and Scoutmaster Steve talk about his upcoming scoutmaster conference. What merit badges has Buttons earned? Why did he choose those merit badges? Steve goes on to talk about the ten things he likes to cover during a scoutmaster conference. He follows it up with a little humorous story of a little old lady who every morning Praises the Lord.

During Buttons' Corner we learn about ten nutrition myths. Yeah, Buttons talks to us slightly overweight adult leaders and Scouts about how to stay fit. I bet you never thought that would happen.

The show ends with Steve and his Scout Leader Minute, which is about The Stuff A Fellow Is Made Of, from the 1956 book Ideas and Stories For The Scoutmaster Minute.

Steve and Buttons would like to thank everyone who listens to the podcast, and who have sent emails about how they have enjoyed the shows.

Please rate the show and/or leave a comment at the iTunes store or at PTC Media forums.
You can contact Buttons at buttonst68@yahoo.com. You may contact Scoutmaster Steve at stevejb68@yahoo.com. We appreciate your emails and letters.

RSS Feed - http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MelroseScoutingAudioPodcast
Download episode - http://www.melrosetroop68.org/podcastaudio/MSAPE6.mp3

This podcast is found on iTunes at
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=307979159
and is a member of the family of Scouting themed podcasts at PTC Media found at
http://www.ptcmedia.net/

Show notes:
Requirements for the Star Rank: http://www.usscouts.org/advance/boyscout/bsranks.asp
The Scoutmaster Conference: http://www.melrosetroop68.org/2006/09/scoutmaster-conference.html
Top 10 Nutrition Myths: http://www.centracare.com/community/spotlight/spotlight_spring_2009.pdf
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MSPP #66: Ripley Rendezvous 2009

You may have read the previous three-part posting of Boy Scout Troop 68's adventure at the Central Minnesota Council's Ripley Rendezvous this year. Yes, we had a few problems, but to tell the truth, we also had a pretty good time, and that is why I have chosen to post this video to the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast.

The video is a slide show of the activities in which the Scouts participated. It begins with a few pictures from the First Class Emphasis program, and then moves on to the shooting ranges. One of the highlights of the trip for the Scouts was the visit to the military museum, and there are a lot of pictures of that. The video ends with pics from the carnival style games played Saturday night. All in all, it was a good weekend for Scouting.

Leave a comment here using the link below, or at the PTC Media forums. You can also rate the videos of Melrose Scouting Productions at the iTunes Music Store. It really is great to hear what you think about the podcast videos.

Click here to DOWNLOAD this Podcast
Subscribe to Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast through iTunes.
or at http://feeds2.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Check out other Scouting podcasts at PTC Media.

Happy Anniversary!

Wow, I almost missed a couple of dates that I probably should not have forgotten. On May 18, 2006, I posted the first article to "A Scoutmaster's Blog". It is hard to believe that it has already been three years of sharing Scouting stories (430 posts) with you. There have been a lot of other Scouting related blogs that have come and gone during that time.

One April 4, 2007, I posted the first video to the "Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast". That video introduced many Scouts, leaders, and families to a new character we know as Buttons, the radical Boy Scout. Sixty five videos have been posted to the podcast over the last two years.

I want to thank you all for reading this blog, watching the videos, and for listening to the new podcast, "Around The Scouting Campfire". Your support, emails, and comments keep me fired up to continue these projects.

I would like to give special thanks to Cubmaster Chris of PTC Media for all the background help he has given me over the years, and to the Boy Scouts and family of Troop 68, both past and present, who have given me the material needed for these projects.

New Podcast Does Well

The new Around The Scouting Campfire audio podcast has been up and running for nearly two months, and I have to say that I am both pleased and surprised by the response to it. To tell the truth, even though I had a couple people tell me that I should create an audio podcast I really had no idea what type of reception it would receive. I thought that each episode might receive a couple hundred hits and that would be it, but they have done much better than that.

The first episode was posted on March 7, 2009. It has already received over 1100 hits! Episode 4 was posted on April 12 and has been hit nearly 1400 times. The first four episodes have a combined total of over 4000 hits, which I think is outstanding.

I would like to thank all of you how listen to the podcast, and to PTC Media for making the show a part of its family of Scouting related podcasts. The response to the show has me fired up to create more episodes. In fact, the fifth show has recently been posted and outlines for four more shows have been made. I just need to find the time to create them, and also keep posting videos to the Melrose Scouting Productions video podcast.

I have a favor to ask all of you. Could you take a few minutes of your day to go to iTunes and give Around The Scouting Campfire a favorable rating? If you have an iTunes account you may also leave a comment. Your ratings and comments will help the podcast rise among the thousands of other podcasts found on iTunes. And while you are there, rate all the PTC Media shows. Wouldn't it be great to see a Scouting related podcast or two find their way to the iTunes Top 100 list?

Those of us who make podcasts really do love to read your comments and emails. In many cases it is the only payment we receive for the hours of work we put into creating a show. You can leave comments through this blog, through iTunes, or at the PTC Media forums. If you have a blog I would appreciate you speading the word about the show.

Once again, I want to thank you for listening to Around The Scouting Campfire. I hope you enjoy the future episodes.

Around The Scouting Campfire #5

The fifth episode of Around The Scouting Campfire has been posted. That means it is time to join Scoutmaster Steve and Buttons, the radical Boy Scout, for another 20 minutes of fun and reflection on Scouting.

This show begins with Steve and Buttons talking about feedback they have received. Steve speaks about using your local community television station as a way to promote Scouting in your area. Hopefully you are not driving a car as you listen to the song Vista because you might want to join in. During Buttons' Corner we hear Buttons telling jokes to his friend Randall. As the show comes to an end Steve speaks about another type of compass used by Scouts and Scouters alike.

Steve and Buttons would like to thank everyone who have sent emails about how they have enjoyed the shows. Please rate the show and/or leave a comment at the iTunes store or at PTC Media forums.
You can contact Buttons at buttonst68@yahoo.com. You may contact Scoutmaster Steve at stevejb68@yahoo.com. We appreciate your emails and letters.

RSS Feed - http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MelroseScoutingAudioPodcast
Download episode - http://www.melrosetroop68.org/podcastaudio/MSAPE5.mp3

This podcast is found on iTunes at
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=307979159
and has joined the family of Scouting themed podcasts at PTC Media at
http://www.ptcmedia.net/

Show notes:
Scouting and Community Television - http://www.melrosetroop68.org/2006/07/boy-scouting-and-community-television.html
Vista - http://www.melrosetroop68.org/2008/04/mspp-36-vista.html
The Buttons and Randall Show #1 - http://www.melrosetroop68.org/2008/07/mspp-43-buttons-and-randall-show-1.html
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MSPP #65: Scout Vespers

What song is the most common song used to close a Boy Scout campfire program? I would have to say that it would be "Scout Vespers". Vespers has probably been used by Boy Scouts since the program began. It is a great song. When it is sung the boys and leaders know that the day has come to an end and we will soon be sleeping in our tents.

The Boy Scouts of Melrose Troop 68 are very familiar with Scout Vespers. They have used it many times to close their own campfire programs. They have also used it to end each of their thirteen Laughs For Lunch Shows. And that brings us to today's video for the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast.

This video was taken from the troop's 1996 Laughs For Lunch Show. I could have taken it from a newer show, one that was filmed with a digital camera, but I wanted to present a video in which all the boys shown have grown up, moved on with their lives, gone to college, began full time careers, and even started their own families. This video is dedicated all the former members of Troop 68.

Be careful where you watch this video. You may find yourself humming or singing along with the troop.

Leave a comment here using the link below, or at the PTC Media forums. You can also rate the videos of Melrose Scouting Productions at the iTunes Music Store. It really is great to hear what you think about the podcast videos.

Click here to DOWNLOAD this Podcast
Subscribe to Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast through iTunes.
or at http://feeds2.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Check out other Scouting podcasts at PTC Media.