When asked what specific online resources they used when looking for information about program ideas. Respondents listed a range of specific websites:
| Ask Andy | Questions and answers in an advice column format |
| backpackinglight.com | Great Backpacking information and gear reviews |
| Baloos bugle | Cub Scout program newsletter |
| BoyScoutTrail.com | General Scouting program ideas |
| Bryan on Scouting. | Scouting magazine’s official blog |
| Byron’s Dutch oven page | |
| Inquiry.net | Rick Seymor’s immense library of Scouting literature. |
| insanescouter.org | General Scouting program ideas |
| meritbadge.org | The ‘go to’ source for merit badge information |
| meritbadge.org forums | |
| nps.gov | National Park Service |
| ptcmedia.net | Home to many Scouting podcasts |
| Scouter Adam | Cubmaster’s Blog |
| Scouter Mom | General Scouting information |
| Scouting.org, | Official Website of the BSA |
| Scoutmastercg.com | |
| thedump.scoutscan.com, | PDF versions of dozens of Scouting books and booklets |
| thescoutmasterminute.net | Scoutmaster Jerry’s blog and podcast |
| truenorthscouting.com | Scoutnaster Shawn’s blog and podcast |
| UK Scout Association’s online programme planner | A wealth of program information |
| USSSP.org | The gold standard of Scouting program infomation |
Many respondents said that they simply search Google for program ideas and/or look in on other unit websites for their program ideas.
One respondent noted “I don’t come up with program ideas…..the Scouts do.” And another said “Don’t do much with program, but usually do a web search if I need to find something”. Naturally the responsibility for developing and executing the program of a Scout troop or patrol is in the hands of the youth leadership. From time to time I may help them with research or ideas, but the final call is theirs.
Other more general resources were noted. When it comes to the logistics of campsites you may want to look at your State Dept of Natural Resources, County Parks System.
Various types of program ideas and information is available at district and council websites.
Google Earth has been a very useful resource for me. I can scout potential campsites and other areas – it really is uncanny. I spent a lot of time on Google Earth learning about the Kandersteg area for our trip to Switzerland.
As far as books or other publications respondents used for developing program ideas:
Scouting Magazine
Scout Handbook
Fieldbook
Boy’s Life
Troop Program Features
Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3
Merit badge pamphlets
Old versions of Scoutmaster’s Handbook, Patrol Leader’s Handbook, & Field Guide
Google books views of Boys Life
The Scoutmasters Other Handbook