I have received a few questions about Twitter and Scouting recently due to the TrailStop.com $25 Gift Card Contest.

What contest you may be asking yourself…
If you haven’t already entered, do so soon as the contest ends on March 13th, 2009! Right now we have approximately 26 entries. (why approximate? Some people didn’t copy the Tweet exactly as specified. I’m going to try to find those that were close, but I haven’t done so yet.)

For those of you who don’t know what Twitter is, its a messaging platform that allows people around the world to post what they are doing in 140 characters or less. You can follow someone to easily keep track of their posts (also known as tweets). Its a hard concept to explain, so consider checking it out instead.

Latter-day Scout (@LatterDay_Scout )recently wrote a post on his blog about Scouting and the various social networking sites. In discussing Twitter, he writes:

When it comes to scouting, Twitter is by far the most useful online tool I’ve found for networking, making scouting friends, and learning more about scouting. In a very short amount of time I’ve found new friends, picked up fundraising and program tips, been pointed to useful scouting resources I was previously unaware of, and ultimately had exposed to me a wealth of scouting news that is beneficial to me, and the scouts I lead.

Not only does Twitter allow Scouts and Leaders learn from each other, its an easy way for National, Councils, and Camps to get information out to prospective folks. A few Councils have done a great job of implementing Twitter into their communication plan, @CapitolAreaBSA and @NEICBSA come to mind. The National Council has also jumped on the bandwagon and started Tweeting with @BoyScouts just a couple of weeks ago.

Top Scouting Related Twitter Users to Follow
@ScoutingNews (I had to) – Tweets about Scouting News and new articles on http://www.scoutingnews.org.
@BoyScouts – The official Twitter feed of the Boy Scouts of America. Stay current with the latest news in Scouting.
@ScoutStuff – Coupon Codes and Promotions from ScoutStuff.org.
@HalfEagleBot – Keeps track of Scouting related Blogs and News and points you to their stories.
@LatterDay_Scout – A volunteer involved with making better boys, and better men, through Scouting in the Latter-days.
@ScoutSigns – A volunteer that spreads Scouting News and shares great information.

I’m sure I missed a few great Scouting related folks to follow on Twitter, feel free to leave additional suggestions in the comments!

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In 2008, the Capitol Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, set a local record with 342 young men reaching the rank of Eagle Scout – the highest rank in Scouting. News 8 Austin interviewed several new Eagles, and we’re sharing one of them with you.

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Boy Scouts from all over Texas converged on Austin to celebrate 99 years on Saturday. The 60th anniversary of the parade consisted of 3,000 scouts. After the parade, which ends at the State Capital, the Scouts made their Report to the State.

Austin American-Statesman Video
or

Fox 7 News Story Video

On Saturday, during the report to the state @CapitolAreaBSA was live tweeting the event on twitter. Here are some of the reports highlights:

– Alamo Area Council reports a successful food drive in 2008, collecting half million lbs food and clothing for needy.
– Bay Area Council Scouts performed 30,000 hours of community service in 2008.
– Buffalo Trails Council’s Soccer and Scouting program grew by 50% in 2008, getting more Hispanic children into Scouting.
– Capitol Area Council reports 9 Scouts in 2008 received heroism, lifesaving or meritorious action awards.
– Circle Ten Council had a council-record 831 Eagle Scouts in 2008.
– East Texas Area Council reports coming together with the community to recover from a Cub Scout parade accident.
– Northwest Texas Council reports renovating Camp Perkins on 2008, to allow more young people the chance to learn about the outdoors.
– Sam Houston Area Council reports holding relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Ike, including more than 14,000 hours of community service.
– Rio Grande Council reports working with the Diabetes Association to create opportunities for children to enjoy physical fitness programs.

Does your Council participate in a Report to the State on Scouting?

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