The new Baloo’s Bugle is out.  Baloo’s Bugle is a great monthly unofficial publication with games, activities, ceremonies, puzzles, crafts, and other ideas for den and pack meetings. This one covers the December “Works of Art” theme.

For Webelos Scout den meetings, this Bugle also has activities for the Craftsman and Scientist Webelos activity badges.

Also inside is a helpful article on “Making Art with Boys.”

There is a sad note concerning Bill Smith, Roundtable Guy. It says that he recently had a stroke and is in rehab.  Please keep Bill Smith and his family in your prayers. 

Click here (link) to download Baloo’s Bugle in pdf format or here (link) to download it in Word format.

Baloo’s Bugle is a cool monthly unofficial publication with games, activities, ceremonies, puzzles, crafts, and other ideas for den and pack meetings. This one covers the November “Cub Scout Salute” theme.

For Webelos Scout den meetings, this Bugle also has activities for the Craftsman and Readyman Webelos activity badges.

This issue also has an essay by Bill Smith on the upcoming launch of Cub Scout 2010.

Click here (link) to download it in pdf format or here (link) to download it in Word format.

The November 2008 Baloo’s Bugle (by Commissioner Dave) is now available for free download. It has games, activities, ceremonies, puzzles, crafts, and other ideas for den and pack meetings for the December 2008 monthly theme (Holiday Lights).

For Webelos Scout den meetings, it also has activities for the Craftsman and Scientist Webelos activity badges.

And it also has information about Wood Badge training, internet rechartering, and service stars.

Click here (link) to download it in pdf format or here (link) to download it in Word format.

The October 2008 Baloo’s Bugle (by Commissioner Dave) is now available for free download. It has games, activities, ceremonies, puzzles, crafts, and other ideas for den and pack meetings for the November 2008 monthly theme (Seeds of Kindness).

For Webelos Scout den meetings, it also has activities for the Craftsman and Readyman Webelos activity badges.

And it also has ideas for various kinds of service projects for your pack or den.

Click here (link) to download it in pdf format or here (link) to download it in Word format.

As with all the Webelos activity badges, the best resources for Craftsman are the Webelos Handbook and the Webelos Leader Guide.

Here are some other Craftsman resources that may be helpful:

Meritbadge.org Craftsman Worksheet (pdf)

Buckeye Craftsman Packet (pdf)

Scouting the Net – Craftsman

Bill Smith – Craftsman Projects

Updated:  2008-09-23  10:04 a.m.

One of the official suggested Webelos activity badges for November and December is Craftsman.

Here are the requirements for the Craftsman Webelos activity badge:

Do these:

1. Explain how to safely handle the tools that you will use for this activity badge safely.
2. With adult supervision and using hand tools, construct two different wooden objects you and your Webelos den leader agree on, such as the items listed below. Use a coping saw or jigsaw for these projects. Put them together with glue, nails, or screws. Paint or stain them.

Book rack, Napkin holder, Shelf, Animal cutouts,

Bulletin board, Garden tool rack, Weather vane, Lid holder,

Tie rack, Mailbox, Letter holder, Birdhouse,

Notepad holder, Desk nameplate, Toolbox,

Letter, Bill, and Pencil holder, Towel rack, Bread box,

Recipe holder, Key holder, Nailing Jig,

Lamp stand, Measuring cup rack, Kitchen knife rack,

Measuring spoon rack, Kitchen utensil rack.

3. Make a display stand, or box to be used to display a model or an award. Or make a frame for a photo or painting. Use suitable material.

4. Make four useful items using materials other than wood that you and your Webelos den leader agree on, such as clay, plastic, leather, metal, paper, rubber, or rope. These should be challenging items and must involve several operations.

Link [Photo via Meritbadge.org]