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Home > Life Skills

Life Skills

A Scout’s growth doesn’t end when he takes off his uniform. Read these articles for tips and inspiration that will help you raise your Scout to be a responsible, ethical member of society.

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Lead an ethics debate on Leave No Trace values

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Ethics_FireLeaveNoTrace

Read our Leader’s Guide to Leave No Trace and learn how—and why—you should teach Scouts the importance of Leave No Trace values. THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES of Leave No Trace (below) are intentionally open-ended—some might say vague—which makes them work well …

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Former astronaut shares how to get Scouts hooked on STEM subjects

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Dr Bernard A Harris Banner

Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr. shares why Scouters must get boys interested in science, technology, engineering, and math topics and how the BSA’s new STEM-NOVA Award program can help.

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Ideas for teaching STEM-subject merit badges

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You might not expect rocks to be involved in an event focused on math, science, and technology. But this New Hampshire gathering exposes Scouts to nontraditional topics such as geology (below). Jim Frey, assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 28 in Dunstable, Mass., uses his college degree in geological engineering to discuss rock types with Scouts. (Photo courtesy of Debbie Hill.)

Take note of this do-it-yourself merit badge clinic that focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics topics.

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Rev up summer plans with personal watercraft

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ReadyToRide

Read how a personal watercraft program can help rev up your Scouts’ summer plans.

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How Scouts’ friendships strengthen patrols

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NatureofBoys_Friends

Experts weigh in on how friendships could actually strengthen development, especially when it comes to Scouting in patrols.

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Continue the conversation with Dr. Bernard A. Harris

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Read exclusive “extras” from Scouting magazine’s interview with Dr. Bernard A. Harris, including his take on the future of the space program.

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Learn how outdoor ‘free play’ helps Scouts grow

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Nature of Boys Free Play

Scouting offers an ideal opportunity to restore some sanity to childhood. All we have to do is remember the words of Scouting founder Robert Baden-Powell, who wrote: “Play is the first great educator.”

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The health benefits of getting a good night’s sleep

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MarApr12_Health_Sleep

A good night’s sleep—seven to nine hours of uninterrupted slumber—can help you ward off colds and even heart disease, improve concentration and mood, keep you from putting on pounds, and make you look younger.

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Survive when you’re snowed in

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Stuck in a snowstorm? Take these actions to stay safe and warm.

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Escape safely from smoke or flames

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Survive This: Fire Safety

Stay in-the-know when it comes to fire safety at your pack, troop, or crew’s meeting place.

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Use these tricks—including songs and games—to help Scouts memorize the Scout Law.

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Scouters share their advice on how to stay positive and keep moving during a long hike.

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Use this ethical discussion to help Scouts differentiate honesty and “white lies.”

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This swampy river provides plenty of hidden nooks and crannies for you and your Scouts to examine on foot or in a canoe.

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Bob Mazzuca shares his thoughts on the value of the outdoor classroom.

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