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Scouting magazine > Life Skills > Youth Development

Youth Development

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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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Help Scouts weigh ‘right’ from ‘wrong’

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NovDec_Ethics_Full

Use Socratic techniques to teach your Scouts how to decipher the difference between good and evil.

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Canoe race teaches teamwork and skills

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canoerace

The competition might be fierce between paddlers in this 120-mile race. But the White River Showdown also teaches camaraderie — an not just with your buddy in the canoe.

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Do your Scouts know how to behave when they’re home alone?

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Teenagers left home alone usually enjoy the freedom to play their music loud, leave dirty dishes in the sink, and invite friends over to play video games. But the fun can end quickly if the friends get out of hand.

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Nature of Boys: Successfully Shy

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Boy Scout Image -- Shy

Use the familiar to help new Scouts adapt to their environment.

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Wanna Fight?

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Boy Scout Image -- Fighting

Ideas from the field: What to do when the fists start flying.

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How to talk with Scouts about illegal music downloading

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Boy Scout Image -- Music Downloads

How to talk to your guys about the dilemma of downloading.

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The Troop Bully

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Boy Scout Image -- Bullying

Is there a Scout intimidating someone in your unit? Here’s how to stop the troop bully.

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Careful With the Kudos

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Boy Scout Image - Praises

What builds durable self-esteem in kids? A scientific study offers some clues.

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Nature of Boys: ‘I’m No Good at Sports!’

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Not every teen comes equipped with athletic prowess. Here’s how to help your guys find a team where they can star.

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Youth Development

  • BSA Policy on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Use
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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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Advice for parenting a strong-willed child or Scout.

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