Education – Scouting magazine

Communication merit badge imparts an essential life skill

By Michael Freeman

Communication is one of the merit badges required for the Eagle Scout rank. But counselor Paul McDonald of Overland Park, Kan., thinks it’s even more important than that.

How to to tell stories that teach

By Aaron Derr

Use these storytelling techniques from the experts to teach your kids important life lessons.

Ethics debate: Who should write a student’s college essay?

By Scouting magazine

Use this fictional ethical dilemma with your Scouts to explore the gray area between helping a friend and cheating on his behalf.

Pro fisherman Tom Redington shares how to hook Scouts on fishing

By Scouting magazine

Get your Scouts hooked on fishing—especially when it comes to the science, technology, engineering, and math involved in the pastime—with tips from professional fisherman Tom Redington, father of a Tiger Scout.

Teach Cub Scouts about automobile safety

By Scouting magazine

It’s never too early to start teaching kids about automobile safety. Learn more about a hands-on training course that your Cubs will love.

Lead an ethics debate on Leave No Trace values

By Scouting magazine

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

Former astronaut shares how to get Scouts hooked on STEM subjects

By Scouting magazine

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.

Ideas for teaching STEM-subject merit badges

By Scouting magazine

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

Learn how outdoor ‘free play’ helps Scouts grow

By Scouting magazine

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.”

Parenting Solutions: Introducing Children to Culture and the Arts

By Scouting magazine

Dance, music, and art are the foundation of a child’s cultural education, and experts say “no age is too young” to begin acquiring their lifelong benefits.