Innehållsförteckning för December 2022 från Scout Life

I’ve noticed Pedro is no longer in the comics section of the magazine. Now I’ve been wondering why he was removed. —Aaron A., Eden, North Carolina OK, dear readers, one last time: Pedro. The. Mailburro. Retired. The poor ol’ donkey had been here for decades; the guy deserves a little rest and relaxation back at Philmont Scout Ranch. As for Hitchin’ Rack, know that it has been left in the trusty wings of yours truly, Scout the Maileagle. TELL THE MAILEAGLE that I support him. Eric B., Lebanon, Pennsylvania Much appreciated, Eric. Consider him — me! — told. PLEEEEEEEEASE CHOOSE THE BALD EAGLE! He is our national symbol, after all. Josiah B., Thompson’s Station, Tennessee Awww, you all are making this ol’ eagle blush a bit. Consider him — me!…

The Search for Sasquatch offers a look at Bigfoot’s fascinating and complex world — letting readers explore the gray area between myth and science. It also examines the question of whether Bigfoot could be living among us. By Laura Krantz. Abrams Books, $19.99. Ages 8-12. Three teens discover their extraordinary powers after fleeing to New York City when their homeland, Nubia — an island on the coast of West Africa — is destroyed by a massive storm in Nubia: The Awakening. Now struggling to survive, they must decide whether to use their powers to save their people from the rich and powerful living in the sky city known as Up High or to leave them behind. By Omar Epps and Clarence A. Haynes. Delacorte Press, $19.99. Ages 14-17. Eden learns…

Councils offer tons of frosty adventures at winter camps. Councils across the country put on winter camps, but if you want a good chance of playing in the snow, you’ll have to head north. Many camps have organized winter programs. Sometimes, though, finding your own fun creates an unforgettable adventure. That’s what the Scouts in Troop 60 of Geneva, Illinois, discovered when they went to Crystal Lake Scout Reservation in Wisconsin. “The goal going up there was to have a good time, but we didn’t know how we were going to do that,” says Life Scout Quinn Bobeczko, 17. “We spent the whole day making a snow fort. It was a fun challenge for the whole troop.” Free-Time Fun From January through March, Scouts at Crystal Lake Scout Reservation can…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Part 1: Cookies • 5 ½ cups flour • 2 tablespoons baking soda • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1 cup salted butter, softened • 3 cups white sugar • 2 eggs • 1 teaspoon vanilla • Holiday-shaped cookie cutters • Nonstick foil • Large bowl • 2 cookie sheets for baking • Mixer • Cooling rack • Rolling pin • Whisk • Spatula WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Part 2: Icing • 1 cup powdered sugar • Water • Gel food coloring • Small bowl • Spoon • Optional: sandwich bag, tape and scissors Find more fun projects at go.scoutlife.org/howto WHAT YOU’LL DO: Part 1: Cookies STEP 1. PREHEAT THE OVEN to 375 degrees. Line two cookie sheets with foil. STEP 2. IN A LARGE BOWL, add flour,…

SEE IT With one out of nine lives left, Puss in Boots goes on an adventure to find the legendary last wish to restore his other eight lives. Watch as the famous cat tries his best to stay alive in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish at a theater near you Dec. 21. (Rated PG.) CALENDAR December is Read a New Book Month. Flip to page 6 for suggestions. Dec. 7 is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Dec. 21 is the first day of winter. Stay warm until spring arrives in March. On This Date Dec. 10, 1817: Mississippi becomes the 20th state. Dec. 15, 1791: The first 10 amendments of the U.S. Constitution — the Bill of Rights — are ratified. Dec. 19, 1843: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is published. WATCH…

Have a question and don’t know who to ask? Jenny and Steve are here for you. I’m always getting scared of stuff. The dark, creepy sounds, roller coasters … everything. What should I do? Steve: First, it’s important to know that it’s OK to be scared. When you’re encountering something you’re afraid of, positive self-talk can help. Remind yourself that you are safe and that you have the courage to deal with whatever it is — and that you don’t have to let your fear take over. I’ll add that submitting this question proves you are braver than you think! Keep that in mind the next time you’re a little spooked. Jenny: When I feel scared or nervous, I hold my breath. That can make me feel even more…

Whether you’re spelunking, digging through your pack at night or walking around camp after sundown, you need a good light. It’s one of the Scout Basic Essentials for outdoor adventures. A flashlight or headlamp can help keep you safe while exploring in the dark, serve as an emergency signal or provide a little illumination on a good book before bed. Let’s shine some light on what to consider before buying: FEATURES Think about how you will use your light. Will you be taking it on a backpacking trek? Look for something lightweight. Do you want your hands free? Consider a headlamp or flashlight with a clip so you can attach it to the brim of your cap. Would you like different amounts of light? Shop for something with variable settings,…

KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY On a map, find landmarks such as government buildings, fire stations, police stations, hospitals and historical sites. KNOW YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT Attend a council or school board meeting, and examine with your counselor one of the issues that was discussed. HELP YOUR COMMUNITY Volunteer at least eight hours with a charitable organization outside of Scouting. TALK TO LOCAL OFFICIALS Choose an issue that is important to your community, and ask what is being done about it.…

POLISH NATIONAL CATHOLIC SCOUTS CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR FAITH by earning the following BSA awards: The Love of God (Milosc Boga) emblem is for Cub Scouts. This program helps Polish National Catholic Cub Scouts gain knowledge about their faith and requires parental involvement. Study for this emblem includes regular attendance at Mass and Holy Obligation Days, religious instruction, talking with parents about how God shows love, and support for their parish and service projects. The God and Country (Bog I Ojczyna) emblem is for older Scouts and Venturers. This program focuses on Christian spirit and faith, fellowship, church participation, Polish National Catholic Church history, Christianity in action and service projects.…

DANCE CHAMP Lion Scout Wins at Nationals ELI URBANIK Age: 7 Hometown: Antioch, Illinois Scout Rank: Lion Cub Scout (Pack 191, Antioch) Made Headlines: For winning the 2022 Bloom national dance competition in his age category. The Scoop: Eli won for his tap dance performance to the song “Jolly Holiday” with partner Etta Rensner. Eli and Etta also won at the 2022 In10sity Dance Competition in Chicago, Illinois, which was their first-ever competition. Eli is the youngest member of his team at Elevate Dance. Know someone who’s making headlines? Let us know! go.scoutlife.org/headliners SILVER OLYMPIAN Life Scout Surfs at Special Olympics ISAIAH VARGAS Age: 15 Hometown: Orlando, Florida Scout Rank: Life Scout (Troop 210, Winter Garden, Fla.) Made Headlines: For earning a silver medal (second place) in surfing at the…

Across a frozen expanse, Scouts huddle around small holes carved into the ice. Below their feet, fish swim sluggishly, occasionally nibbling at the bait dangling in the chilly water. “You have to sit there and wait,” says Sky Riggs, 12, a Tenderfoot Scout with boys Troop 218. “It feels like every bite is a massive accomplishment.” That’s the nature of fishing. It often requires patience, determination and a positive attitude. And when you’re fishing on a frozen lake, you need to call upon all those qualities — plus try to stay warm. ONTO THE ICE Boys and girls troops 218 of Spokane, Washington, went ice fishing for a day on Sacheen Lake last January. The 310-acre lake is filled with trout, catfish, bass and perch. But most species would be…