The Top 10 Scouting Wire Stories You Couldn’t Get Enough of in 2015

2015 was an incredible year for Scouting Wire. The first Scouting website of its kind, Scouting Wire launched in March of this year to be every volunteer and employee’s one-stop-shop for Boy Scouts of America program updates, leadership news, training, recruiting, fundraising, Scouting success stories and more.

Officially named the blog of the Scout Movement, Scouting Wire is continually sharing new content tailored specifically for the needs of our volunteers and employees – and it’s growing at a tremendous rate. The Scouting Wire team shared nearly 400 posts since March, equating to nearly 1.2 million page views!

2015 bid farewell to former Chief Scout Executive Wayne Brock as the author of Chief’s Corner and welcomed current Chief Scout Executive Mike Surbaugh into the role. This year also marked the launch of the Marketing and Membership Hub and the BSA Brand Center – tools bringing you a plethora of photos, videos, and marketing resources galore.

What’s next for 2016? You’ll have to stay tuned to find out! In the mean time, check out the top ten most clicked Scouting Wire stories from 2015 in the countdown list below.

10 Most Popular Scouting Wire Stories in 2015

10. How Scouting Promotes Positive Character Development

From the life-saving Scout stories you hear in the news to the firsthand Scouting testimonials parents share about their kids, we all believe that Scouting builds leaders and shapes character in its members. Read more.

9. Rad Scouting References from 70s, 80s & 90s Pop Culture

At this point in our Scouting in pop culture series, your mind may be swimming with nostalgia, like images of Fred Flinstone and Barney Rubble taking the stage at Jamboree or Carey Grant gracing the screen as the adopted father of a Scout. But this week, think a little more flash, pizazz, and action as we take a look at Scouts on screen through the lens of the 70s through 90s. Read more.

8. Eagle Scouts Host Naval Academy Merit Badge Jamboree

Each year, the United States Naval Academy (USNA) welcomes Boy Scout troops to the USNA STEM Merit Badge Jamboree. Members of USNA’s chapter of the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) share their expertise with troops during an adventure-packed weekend. Read more.

7. Everything a Scout Should Know About U.S. Flag Retirement

Did you know the Boy Scouts of America is one of the very few organizations that have an official code for flag retirement? Respect for our nation’s symbols are an integral part of being a reverent, responsible Scout; thus we have specific rules for the appropriate retirement of the United States flag. In fact, conducting a flag retirement ceremony is a very meaningful opportunity for Scouts and Scouters to reflect on the meaning of the flag as a great symbol of freedom. Read more.

6. Your Scouting Story: Missing Out on Eagle Scout

Missing out on achieving Eagle Scout is one of the most common regrets in Scouting (and life). Whether it be teenage distractions like girls and cars or simply missing the 18th birthday deadline, many let reaching the Eagle rank fall to the wayside. Read more.

5. Chief’s Corner: There’s a First Time for Everything

There’s a first time for everything, as the saying goes. We have a seemingly endless list of firsts throughout our lifetimes: First steps, first words, first day of school and the first day at a new job.  Today, I add a new entry to my personal list of firsts by sharing my first-ever Chief’s Corner blog post. Read more.

4. One Thing You May Not Know About Earning Eagle Scout Before 1965

As one of the largest youth development programs in the world, the BSA is focused on preparing young people for life, guided by the values of the Scout Oath and Law. The fact that a young man has earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest advancement rank in Scouting, has always carried with it a special significance. Read more.

3. Chief’s Corner: As We Welcome Pope Francis, We Remember the Pope’s Ties to Scouting

The eyes of the world are on the U.S. this week as Pope Francis makes his first visit to our country as the head of the Catholic Church. Among those watching with great interest is Bray Barnes, world chairman of International Catholic Conference of Scouting (ICCS). Read more.

2. Scouting Goes Mobile with Scoutbook

Two of the BSA’s priorities in the last few years have been ensuring that we offer Scouts fresh, new experiences that instill the values of Scouting, and providing unit leaders with the tools, training, and support they need to deliver the kind of life-changing experiences Scouting is capable of providing. Today, we are able to communicate about a development that helps achieve both of those goals. Read more.

1. Can You Get Eagle Scout After 18? 

Ask anyone who’s been a Scout, and they’ll tell you just as surely as they can recite the Scout Oath and Law: to reach Eagle Scout, you must fulfill all requirements before your 18th birthday. Period. And yet, recent news coverage highlighted one man, Hugh White, who received his Eagle Scout Award at age 65. Read more.

Thanks for Reading, Scouting Nation!

So there you have it, folks! The top ten Scouting Wire stories of 2015, with our number one story answering your burning questions about Eagle Scout age qualifications. Was your favorite Scouting Wire story in the top ten? Let us know in the comments below which story from this year caught your eye the most.