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Scouting magazine > Articles by: Gretchen Sparling

Author Archives: Gretchen Sparling

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A last-minute fitness routine to help you get in shape for summer

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Mountain Climber

We Scouters are a realistic bunch, so we know that often life intervenes to throw a monkey wrench into the best-laid plans. If you have been less-than conscientious about your fitness, use this series of exercises to prepare your body for the Summit or any summertime Scouting adventure.

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Ten reasons why your Scouts and Venturers should try stand-up paddleboarding

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GetOnBoard

Get your troop or crew started with a new water activity: stand-up paddleboarding. This list breaks down what’s so great about this versatile water sport.

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Readers’ vote for favorite Scouting magazine cover

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December 1959 Cover Contest Winner

Nearly 350 readers voted in the exciting, March Madness-themed cover contest. In this post, we reveal the winning cover, and it might surprise you ….

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Launch a Sea Scouting program with this Mate’s advice

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SCMayJune13_WILTunks

Get started — or keep your Sea Scouting program afloat — with advice from Mate Adam Tunks.

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Get your Scouts reading with tips from author Michael Gurian

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Michael Gurian Scouting Literacy Banner

Boys continue to fall behind girls in reading skills. Bestselling author Michael Gurian, who just signed on to help boost the BSA’s new Literacy Matters campaign, shares how you can help reverse the trend.

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How to head off homesickness before—and during—resident camp

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I-Want-To-Go-Home

Don’t let homesickness sidetrack your Scouts’ summer camp plans.

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A simple and hearty Dutch oven side dish

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Killer Beans

Killer Beans Start with a 14-inch Dutch oven. Place 14 coals on top and 20 coals below. Ingredients 1 lb. peppered bacon (regular bacon or pork shoulder trimmings work, too) 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 yellow bell pepper, diced …

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Waterproof the contents of your backpack using these expert tips

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SCMayJune13_GroundRPack

Heading out on the trail for a couple days—or weeks? Make sure your backpack is waterproofed with these techniques for keeping your stuff dry.

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Encourage mentoring between Eagle Scouts and new Scouts

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SCMayJune13_TrailWWYD

Help new Scouts start their journey on the road to Eagle by encouraging mentoring between your troop’s Eagle Scouts and newbies.

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How to ground helicopter-style parenting methods—fast

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SCMayJune13_HeliParent

Don’t let hovering parents—including yourself—wreck havoc on your troop or crew.

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Videos

Pro fisherman Tom Redington discusses his partnership with the BSA and how he aims to help leaders hook Scouts on fishing.

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Cub Scouts

Take the panic out of planning your Webelos’ activity badges.

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Boy Scouts

Learn how to help your Scouts earn the brand-new (and wildly popular) Game Design merit badge.

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Venturers

Start planning a summer hike along Michigan's Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

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Outdoors

Learn how to prevent—and survive—a bear encounter.

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Life Skills

Advice for parenting a strong-willed child or Scout.

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