Annotated Links

	THREE FIRES COUNCIL
		This is our Council. The site has information on all things for Local Scouting. Their listings include: Scouting Programs - Scouting History - The Flame (Council Newsletter) / News - Activities - Advancement - Camping - Training - Committees - Districts - Calendar - Forms & Documents - Popcorn - Finance / FOS - Scouting Links
	SCOUTING HISTORY
		This is part of the Three Fires Council site. It has lots of information on Scouting's History, and lots of pictures of old uniforms, books, etc.
	NORTHERN TRAIL DISTRICT
		This is our local District, (District 3). This site is mainly a Calendar of District Events, and contact information for Packs, Troops, Commissioners, and District Committee Members.
	ANIMATED KNOTS
		If you want to learn to tie knots, this is the place to go. Step-by-step pictures and animations that you can run fast or slow to see how each knot is tied. Almost every knot you'll ever want to use [for some reason they're missing the Taut-line]. Includes splicing, whipping, coiling, and rope care. The site also teaches knots for purposes other than Scouting [including how to tie a necktie… 3 different ways!].
	SCOUT STUFF
		Official BSA On-Line Store. Their listings include: Uniforms & Insignia - Apparel - CD & DVD - Literature - Camping - Crafts -Flags & Ribbons - Gifts
	MERIT BADGE REQUIREMENTS & WORKSHEETS
		A complete listing of all Merit Badge Requirements, including pictures of each badge. At the end of the requirements, there’s a link to a .pdf worksheet for each badge.
	BOY SCOUT TRAIL
		A great resource for Scouts and Leaders. Their listings include: Activities - Advancements - Awards - Ceremonies - Group Games - Graces - Jokes - Merit Badges - Projects - Recipes - Skits - Songs - Scoutmaster Minutes - Stories - Uniforms
	MACSCOUTER
		Too much available here to list… I'll just copy their description of their site: "This site has been in continuous operation since 1994, providing resources not found elsewhere, to support all kinds of youth groups throughout the world. For the past few years, the MacScouter has been a member site of the US Scouting Service Project. It is now folded into the overall USSSP format, along with many of the other member sites, to provide you the very best resources, so you can deliver a great program to your youth."
	U.S. SCOUTING SERVICE PROJECT
		Waaaaay too much to list. I'll just copy their description of their site: "We are a group of dedicated volunteer Scouters who have brought the resources of the internet to Scouting and built an online community of resources to help all within our Scouting organization. The U.S. Scouting Service Project, Inc. (USSSP for short) is not affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). However, we support the BSA and all of its programs. We operate the USSSP as a non-profit and as a public service to the Scouting community. Our "project" is to gather as much resources, graphics, clipart, and associated reference material as possible about Scouting and post it on the internet for public access. The information we provide is of general Scouting interest. Information on how the programs operate, guidelines, requirements and most importantly support documents and image archives. When a Scout or Scouter (adult leader) needs help in a particular subject area, we want to be able to fill their need. From clipart for Unit newsletters to ideas about games, songs, or activities to make Scouting fun!"
	BSA SQUARE KNOT INSIGNIA GUIDE
		A description, with pictures, of all those "Knot Patches" you see various Leaders wearing. These are awards that Leaders can earn. If you want to know what a particular knot award is for, this site will tell you. They have all current and many older knot awards displayed. For those Leaders who are interested in earning their knots, this site also includes links to the Progress Record Application Card for all active knot awards (as PDF files). You can see the requirements for earning each knot, and print out the card to record your progress.
	BLACKEAGLE INSIGNIA GUIDE
		Great site for information on how to properly wear your uniform, and proper placement of insignia (patches, medals, pins, knots, etc.).
	BLACKEAGLE "WHICH WAY IS UP" GUIDE TO SQUARE KNOT INSIGNIA
		This link goes directly to one of the pages on the Blackeagle site listed above. This page explains "which way is up" for your Square Knot Awards.
	BSA INSIGNIA GUIDE
		PDF files of the Official BSA Insignia Guide. This site also has many other BSA Forms available, but it's from another Council, so some of their forms may not be applicable to us.
	BSA HANDBOOKS
		An illustrated history of the BSA Handbook from 1910 to Present.
	BSA CENTENNIAL
		Information on the BSA Centennial (100 Year Anniversary), and the National Logo Contest. Contains a History of Scouting, and a Calendar of National Events.
	BOYS' LIFE MAGAZINE
		This is the Official Site for Boys' Life Magazine.Their listings include: Listings Include: Magazine - Jokes - Games - Your Photos - Outdoors & Gear - Hobbies & Projects - Video & Audio - About Scouts - Boys' Life Store - and lots of other cool stuff.
	SCOUTING MAGAZINE
		This is the Official Site for Scouting Magazine. It's kind of like “Boys' Life for Adults” This is the magazine for Leaders and others interested in Scouting. It includes archives of some past articles back to 1998. Their other listings include: Letters - News Briefs - The Way it Was - Front Line Stuff - Worth Retelling - Outdoor Smarts - Family Talk - Unit Anniversaries - Subscriber Services - About Us - Contact Us - Contests/Promotions - Outdoor Tips - Program Helps - Coming Attractions - Other Sites - Web Exclusives
	BSA NATIONAL COUNCIL
		This is the National BSA Council Website. Their listings include: Information Center - Mission and Vision - Fact Sheets - The Value of Scouting - Research Reports - Starting a Unit - Employment Opportunities - Youth Protection - Scouting Safely - 100th Anniversary of Scouting - BSA Licensing - Fieldbook Companion Site - Florida Sea Base - Good Turn for America - Join Cub Scouting - National Eagle Scout Association - National Scouting Museum - Northern Tier - Legal Issues Web Site - Online Learning Center - Order of the Arrow - Philmont Scout Ranch - Scouting Friends - Scouting 'Vale La Pena' - Scoutreach Division - Scout Zone - Find a Troop - Soccer and Scouting - Tooth of Time Traders.
	BOY SCOUT ON-LINE MUSEUM
		This "Virtual Boy Scout Museum" includes historical information on Scouting, and some rather extensive picture galleries covering the following categories: Advertising & Promotional Items - Awards, Badges & Insignia - Equipment - Photographs, Postcards & Paper - Publications - Toys, Games & Children's Items - World War I & Public Service - Miscellaneous - Other Boy Scout Organizations.
	BOY SCOUT HISTORY
		This site bills itself as : “The Ultimate Boy Scouts of America History Site." It has lots of great information.
	COLLECTING - (ISCA)
		This is the official Website of the International Scouting Collectors Association (ISCA). This is a "non-profit organization that promotes education regarding the history of the Scouting movement through the collecting and trading of Scouting memorabilia". Members must subscribe to a "Code of Ethics" for fair trading. (You can look at the site without becoming a member.) This site has LOTS of information on collecting Scout items (there's a lot more than just patches to collect). This site also has quite a bit of historical information as well.
	THE INQUIRY NET
		This site doesn't describe itself, probably because it's not an easy site to describe. This is a cool site with lots of information for Leaders, Scouts, and anyone interested in Scouting. There are over 2000 searchable "Inquiry" Pages. A good site to look at when you have some time to browse (you could spend days looking at everything on this site!). Their listings include: Traditional Scouting - Adult Association - Advancement - Ideals - Leadership Development - Outdoors Activities - Patrol Method - Personal Growth - Uniforms - Adult Leader Training. There's also a list of books and videos related to Scouting.
	HATS OFF! - OR IN THIS CASE: ON!
		Answering the age old question: "*Should Boy Scouts wear their uniform hats inside?" The answer appears to be "Yes!"* While this site doesn't state Official BSA policy (in which I've been unable to find this issue addressed), the pictorial evidence shows that Scouts have always worn their hats inside, even during a church service!
	SCOUTING WEB
		This is actually a Girl Scout Site, but it has links to lots of other sites with Skits, Stories [ghost, campfire, audience participation, etc.]. Also includes some links to Storytelling Tips sites.
	A BOOK OF KNOTS
		A “Home-Made” Book of Knots. This site give some of the terminology of knots and ropes, and then has easy-to-follow pictures of the most commonly used Scouting knots, along with some information on usage of each knot. It was originally designed for Cub Scouts, so even Adults should be able to follow it.
	BSA INSIGNIA GUIDE
		This is a PDF file of 12 pages of the official Boy Scout Insignia guide, which appear to be the pages that cover Boy Scouts. Don't try this one with “dial-up”, it's over 2MB!
	SEMAPHORE FLAG CODE
		This page has an illustrated table showing the Semaphore Flag Alphabet. This can be used to send messages over a great distance, provided you can see each other. The flags are only used to make it easier to see at a distance. If you don't have flags, it can be done with just your arms... or you can hold a neckerchief in each hand. For those Scouts who like written codes, the body positions can be adapted for use on paper as well.
	MORSE CODE
		This site has a table of Morse Code, both American and International. (Did you know there are two different “Morse Codes”?). It includes a little bit of the code's history, and an explanation of “SOS”. (Did you know it used to be: “CQD”?)
	THE LANGUAGE OF SCOUTING
		If you've ever heard someone use a word or term in Scouting, and want to know what it means, it's probably here. This site is something of a cross between a dictionary, and a "style manual" (guide to capitalization, punctuation, usage, etc.) for all things Scouting. It's kind of interesting to just skim through it quickly. If you want to be "officially" grammatically correct when speaking and writing of Scouting things, this will tell you what you want to know.
	BSA MERIT BADGES
		A nice chart of pictures of all the Merit Badges. Clicking on a badge will take you to the requirements for it, which also shows the stock number for the proper book. At the end of the requirements for each badge, there’s an additional list of resources: Scouting Literature, Books, Magazines, Organizations & Web sites (as available). This is an Official BSA site.
	MERIT BADGE WORKSHEETS
		This site had Merit Badge worksheets in both .pdf and .doc forms that can be viewed, printed, or downloaded. They're kind enough to place a notice that a small number of them are out-of-date, but those are also clearly marked.
	MERIT BADGE REQUIREMENTS
		A complete listing of all Merit Badge Requirements, including pictures of each badge.
	MERIT BADGE COUNSELORS
		An introductory guide for Merit Badge Counselors. If you’re interested in what one is and what they do, this is a good place to start. This is an official BSA site.
	BSA ADVANCEMENT & AWARDS
		Complete listing of Boy Scout Advancement and Awards for all ranks, including the most current changes to requirements. This site also includes links to many other awards available through the BSA (these are also listed on our Troop's Awards Web page).
	BSA LEADER TRAINING
		Training information specific to Three Fires Council, and links to a calendar of training opportunities. All Leaders should have Boy Scout Leader Fast Start Training and *Youth Protection. There is also specific additional training for Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmasters (Scoutmaster Leader Specific* and *Outdoor Leader Skills), and for Committee Members (Troop Committee Challenge). Completing the above training entitles the Leader to wear a "Trained" patch on their uniform. Recommended additional training includes Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, and Hazardous Weather. Those who are interested in even further training will also find information on Woodbadge*. Some of these are available on-line, and some are offered at various locations within the Council. Training can be done at any of the locations listed in the training calendar. Leader training must be done within the Council, but you can do your training at any of the other Districts. This is an official BSA site.
	ON-LINE LEADER TRAINING
		On-line training courses available through Three Fires Council include: *Boy Scout Leader Fast Start, Youth Protection, Troop Committee Challenge, Safety Afloat, Safe Swim Defense,* and *Hazardous Weather.* This is an official BSA site. Important note: There are other sites that offer on-line training for Leaders. While such training may be helpful to you, it is not recognized by Three Fires Council as official training.
	LANTERNS & STOVES
		Where would Scouting be without those great old Coleman, and Coleman-type, lanterns and stoves? Probably in the dark and hungrier . This site is run by an avid collector of all things Coleman, particularly lanterns. It has lots of great information, and links to even more. The gentleman who runs this site is local, and he's also available for talks or demonstrations on Lantern History, Lantern Safety, Lantern Repair & Maintenance, and pretty much anything else you'd like to know about them. He was a biology professor at North Central College in Naperville for a number of years, so he certainly knows how to give a good presentation.
	U.S. FLAG CODE
		If you ever have any questions about how to properly display our County's Flag, this is the place to go. It shows how to fold the Flag, how to display the Flag, and gives the proper sizes of Flags for various sized poles. It also has a great FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section regarding the Flag, and finishes with a complete copy of the U.S. Flag Code.
	NATIONAL SCOUTING MUSEUM
		The National Scouting Museum, located in Irving Texas, is a tribute to the rich history of the Boy Scouts of America. The size of a football field, this massive, state-of-the-art facility features a Norman Rockwell art gallery, high adventure rescues, hands-on learning experiences, and a historical collection that traces the Scouting movement from its beginnings. It's a bit far away for our local Scouts, but if you're ever traveling near Irving, Texas, it sounds like a good place to visit.
	SCOUTING TERMS
		This site is run by a group of Scouters in the New England area. This link goes to their pages of "Scouting Terms, Acronyms, and Abbreviations. If you hear someone use a "Scouting term" and don't know what it means, take a look here... or you could just ask the person who said it, most Scouters are pretty friendly . This site does have some commercial banner ads on the top of each page, due to their using a free Web Host, but those can easily be ignored.
	CAMPING INFORMATION FOR BEGINNING AND EXPERIENCED CAMPERS
		This is basically a link to a page with many more links. The site's main page is for their company, but their Articles pages are non-commercial, and they link to many different informational and educational sites. Many of their Basic Camping Needs links are suited to beginning campers, but there’s also a lot of information there for the more experienced campers as well. (And anyone who isn't interested in, or who thinks they can’t learn, at least a little something new about camping, probably shouldn't be doing it anymore .) If you go to the main Articles page on their site, they also link to informational pages on “Meat Smoking and Curing”, “Cajun and Creole Cooking”, and “Recipes Galore”.




The following Links are provided for your convenience, and are in no particular order. Some are Official BSA Sites, and some are simply Scout-Related, or things that might interest a Scout or Leader. I've always found a plain listing of sites to be fairly useless. You spend more time looking for what you want than you do looking at it. Therefore, these sites are marked to signify their "specialty". Most of them have a lot of "cross-over" information, but I tried to label them as accurately as possible. Don't pass up a link just because of the marking. Most of these sites have a wide variety of information. Official BSA Sites are marked with a Scout Emblem . Sites with lots of Historical Information are marked with a Service Star . Sites with Training Information for Leaders and Scouts are marked with an Arrowpoint . Sites devoted mainly to Advancements and/or Merit Badges are marked with a Merit Badge . For information on the proper way to wear Uniforms and Insignia, look at pages marked with a World Crest Patch . Tying Knots seems to confound even some Leaders. Check the sites marked with a Square Knot for help. General Interest sites, or those with Just Too Much Information to Classify, are marked with a Pup Tent . If you know of any good Scouting Links, please Contact Us, so we may add them to this page. Since we don't own these sites, we have no control over their content. If you find any inappropriate material on any of these sites, please Contact Us so we may review their listing.