Monthly Archives: March 2010

After a rather sputtering start, the historical merit badge program is finally live and ready to go.

In honor of their 100th Anniversary, BSA brought back four historic merit badges. There were plenty of discontinued merit badges to choose from, but the winning four are:

Carpentry

Pathfinding

Tracking (all introduced in 1911 and discontinued in 1952)

and Signaling (the longest running merit badge of the group, beginning in BSA’s debut year of 1910 and not falling out of the program until 1992)

Grab these up while you can. These historical merit badges are available this year only. That means all requirements must be completed in the year 2010, because after December 31st it’s bye-bye badges.

The idea of these badges is to give boys a taste of life in BSA’s earlier days. They’re asked to imagine what life was like in 1910. For the Pathfinding merit badge, scouts learn how to get around in their town but they also learn something of their town’s history. For Carpentry, boys are encouraged to fulfill their requirements the old-fashioned way (i.e. without power tools).

(Which is fine for the boys, but don’t ask me to do things the old-fashioned way. I’m rather fond of my washer and dryer.)

Since these merit badges are available for such a short time, BSA won’t be printing any merit badge booklets. Requirements are at the official site along with scans of the original merit badge booklets.

Now these are cool. If you have any doubt about the value of the merit badge booklets (then or now) these scans should change your mind. And if you want to know how to make an old-fashioned “candle light fixture,” page 17 of the Carpentry merit badge booklet is waiting for you.

One last little side note. The Tracking merit badge used to be called the Stalking Merit Badge.

They changed the name for obvious reasons.

Looking for General Conference packets for your kids?

The Church has a new website with a packet, bingo cards, coloring page and fun online matching games kids can play (one for the apostles and one for latter-day prophets). There’s also a handy topical guide to the previous conference as well as a quick link for leader biographies.

Magnify or Simplify is the originator of fabulous packets that spread through the email chains like wildfire. Her packets are pretty extensive and have lots of activities for children of all ages. She always updates to include the most current apostles as well. I’ll go ahead and say this is my favorite packet.

Sugardoodle, naturally, has her own conference packet which (amazingly) is also available in Spanish or Portuguese.

For a cute, little preschool-aged packet, try here.

Now, you’re wondering about those delectable-looking rolls, aren’t you? Aren’t you?

Of course you are.

These rolls are a treat and an Easter lesson all rolled into one, with a little “magic” added in for good measure. We plan on making these Resurrection Rolls on Easter between sessions.

I. Can’t. Wait.

Finally, this post wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t give you a little heads up about the following:

Faith in God Learning and Living the Gospel requirement 4: “Read [or watch] a recent conference address given by the prophet. Decide what you can do to follow the prophet, and do it.”

Personal Progress Faith requirement 1: “The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Learn about faith from the scriptures and living prophets. Read Hebrews 11, Alma 32:17–43, Ether 12:6–22, and Joseph Smith—History 1:11–20. Read two general conference talks on faith. Exercise your own faith by establishing a habit of prayer in your life. Begin by saying your morning and evening prayers regularly. After three weeks of following this pattern, discuss with a parent or leader what you have learned about faith and how daily personal prayer has strengthened your faith. In your journal express your feelings about faith and prayer.”

I was quite smitten by Kathy Barbro’s site Art Projects for Kids. After writing the previous post, I went back to her site hunting for a project I could do with my kids.

Well, that’s what I told myself.

After about 30 minutes I came to the realization that I wasn’t there for my kids. I was there for myself.

I wanted to make a tissue paper collage.

I wanted to play with paints.

I wanted to make a Gustav Klimt drawing.

Most of all, more than anything else, I realized that what I really wanted to do was start an art journal.

You see, I love art. I love looking at art. I love thinking about art. The problem is, I’m no artist.

As you will soon see.

I like to play in that arena sometimes though. I’ve dabbled in it here and there before. I have a teeny collection of mandalas I’ve drawn over the past, oh, six years or so.

And, yeah, that’s about it.

But you see, there’s this tantalizing website. And I just happen to have a very cool, spiral-bound journal my mother gave me a couple years ago. I do like to journal but I’ve yet to write in it because the pages are unlined. It’s been sitting in my night table drawer, waiting for me to decide what to do with it.

Don’t you think those blank pages are just begging for an art project or two?

I thought so too.

Looking for something more for your kids than just a craft? Want your kids to learn art skills and express their creativity?

Me too.

Of course there are plenty of requirements in the LDS youth and scouting programs that encourage art (you knew that was coming right?). As usual, I have a handy list for you below.

But what I really want to do is highlight this fantastic website appropriately titled, Art Projects for Kids.

Here you’ll find step by step instructions for things like:

This abstract watercolor still life, which makes a perfect project for the beginning artist. Even younger siblings can get in on this act.

Teach shading as kids turn circles into spheres with the Spheres in Space art project.

According to Kathy (the left brain behind this right-on website), kids are often surprised at how well they can draw when they have an image to look at. I think this raccoon is pretty cute!

Or how about this Van Gogh-inspired Sunflowers? What I love about her posts is she tells you exactly how to do the project, without telling you exactly. She gives the theory behind the instruction without taking away your creative license.

You can search for projects by age, artist, medium or style.

While you go check her out, I’m going to go get a snack.

Recycled Ritz Man is making me hungry.

Related LDS Youth and Scouting Program Requirements:

Faith in God Developing Talents requirement 4: “Make an item from wood, metal, fabric, or other material, or draw, paint, or sculpt a piece of art. Display your finished work for others to see. ”

Wolf Cub Scout elective 12a: “Make a freehand sketch of a person place, or thing.”

Wolf Cub Scout elective 12c: “Mix yellow and blue paints, mix yellow and red, and mix red and blue. Tell what color you get from each mixture.”

Bear Cub Scout elective 9a: “Do an original art project and show it at a pack meeting. Every project you do counts as one requirement. ”

Bear Cub Scout elective 9a: “Find a favorite outdoor location and draw or paint it. ”

Bear Cub Scout elective 10a: “Make a simple papier-mâché mask. ”

See the many activity options for the Webelos Artist Activity Badge and Cub Scout Art Belt Loop and Pin.

Personal Progress Divine Nature value project idea #4: “Using an artistic skill or handicraft you have learned, make something for your current or future home. Record in your journal how being creative is part of your divine nature and how sharing your creativity has blessed others.”

Duty to God Priest – Educational, Personal and Career Development requirement 10: “Create at least 3 paintings or drawings, and, if possible, display them in a church, school, or community cultural arts event.”

Art Merit Badge requirement 3: “Render a subject of your choice in FOUR of these ways: pen and ink, watercolors, pencil, pastels, oil paints, tempera, acrylics, charcoal, computer drawing or painting.”

I’m all about simple Family Home Evenings. I skip the fluff (mainly due to lack of time) and just focus on trying to have a FHE which inspires me and my family to do a little better, try a little harder or feel closer to the Lord.

Or at least allows me to say we did FHE instead of forgetting. Sometimes checking it off the list is the best I can do.

With that said, even though I tend to throw these things together at the last minute I’m a big fan of what I’m calling the Super-Charged FHE.

Or maybe it should be Super-Duper-Charged FHE.

Or how about Super-Duper-Charged-I’m-the-Best-Mom-on-the-Face-of-the-Planet FHE? (Believe me, with all the piles of dirty laundry lying around, I need all the mommy boosters I can get.)

Anyway, I think these FHE’s are pretty cool. I build them from requirements in my sons’ Faith in God and Scout books. That means I get points for doing Family Home Evening and for helping my sons with their scouting.

Plus we get chocolate.

Everyone wins.

So here is the first Super-Charged FHE for your benefit. Tonight’s theme: Easy Family History. With an emphasis on easy. Don’t let the subject matter scare you off.

Below is a basic FHE outline. This fulfills at least one requirement in each program for boys and girls ages 8 to 18.

Following the basic outline is stuff you can easily add on to create the Super-Charged FHE which fits your family. Include only what works for you and stop adding when you feel maxed out. You can always save any leftovers for a future FHE.

Whether you do a little or a lot, whatever you do, don’t forget the chocolate.

(See here to get a copy of this cute family tree chart.)

Super Charged FHE: Easy Family History

Opening song:

Families Can Be Together Forever, Hymn #300 (link includes audio)

Object lesson:

Cut construction paper into wide strips. Have each family member write their name on a strip. Staple the strips together to make a paper chain. Discuss how we’re all connected as a family.

If you want, you can add on strips for grandparents and great-grandparents as you progress through the evening. If you really want to get fancy, you can use a different color for each generation.

Lesson:

Explain that families were created so we can have joy and happiness as we grow and learn together. Ask family members how they would feel if someone were missing from your chain.

Read Doctrine & Covenants 128:15. Ask what this scripture is talking about. (Family history and temple work.) Ask who benefits from this work? (We all do.)

Read Doctrine & Covenants 128:24. Ask why it’s important to keep good records.

Activity:

Have each person fill out their own pedigree chart. Include parents and grandparents. Here’s a good sample of free printable pedigree charts, including one designed just for kids. (If you have a Deacon or Teacher-aged son, check the requirements below for an adjustment to this activity.)

Have each person prepare a family group record of your family. (Click for a basic family group sheet.) (If you have a Deacon-aged son, check the requirements below for an adjustment to this activity.)

Treat:

While eating your treats, have each family member share a family story.

If you need an idea for treats, try Oreo Cookie Balls.

I discovered these while on a trip to Texas and I think the recipe has been duplicated on the internet about a billion times.

That’s because it’s really good.

Not to mention easy, and easy is the name of the game here. Here’s what you do. Crush a package of Oreos and combine with a package of cream cheese (use a mixer). Roll dough into balls and place on a cookie sheet. Most recipes call for melting chocolate chips and rolling the balls in the chocolate. This is optional, especially when you’re in a hurry. Refrigerating the balls for 2 hours before eating is also optional. I should know.

Usually, I can’t wait that long.

This lesson meets the following requirements:

Faith in God – Learning and Living the Gospel #8: “Prepare a pedigree chart with your name and your parents’ and grandparents’ names. Prepare a family group record for your family and share a family story. Discuss how performing temple work blesses families.”

Note: This FIG requirement also counts toward the Cub Scouting Religious Square Knot Patch.

Bear Cub Scout requirement 8d: “Trace your family back through your grandparents or great-grandparents; or, talk to a grandparent about what it was like when he or she was younger.”

Cub Scout Heritages Belt Loop requirement 3: “Draw a family tree showing members of your family for three generations.”

Personal Progress Individual Worth requirement 5 (partial): “When you participate in family history, you come to understand your identity and individual worth. Visit with your living relatives to learn as much information about your family history as possible. Then complete a pedigree chart of your family and list the temple ordinances that have been completed for each person.”

Duty to God Deacon – Family Activity requirement 4: “Keep a written record of your family history. Ask a parent or the ward family history consultant to help you prepare a 4-generation pedigree chart.”

Duty to God Deacon – Spiritual Development requirement 7: “Complete additional family history work, such as a family group record showing your parents as children with the other members of their families. Share this information with a parent or a priesthood leader.”

Duty to God Teacher – Spiritual Development requirement 6: “Complete a family group record for each of your grandparents where they are listed as children.”

Genealogy Merit Badge requirement 6: “Begin your family tree by listing yourself and include at least two additional generations. You may complete this requirement by using the chart provided in the Genealogy merit badge pamphlet or the genealogy software program of your choice.”

Genealogy Merit Badge requirement 7: “Complete a family group record form, listing yourself and your brothers and sisters as the children. On another family group record form, show one of your parents and his or her brothers and sisters as the children. This requirement may be completed using the chart provided or the genealogy software program of your choice.”

Easy Add-Ons:

Cub Scout Heritages Belt Loop requirement 1: “Talk with members of your family about your family heritage: its history, traditions, and culture.”

Which also fulfills American Cultures Merit Badge requirement 1c, “Talk with a person from one of the groups about the heritage and traditions of the group. Report on what you learn.” (For this MB, scouts choose three groups that have different racial, cultural, national, or ethnic backgrounds, one of which comes from his own background.)

Cub Scout Heritages Belt Loop requirement 2: “Make a poster that shows the origins of your ancestors. Share it with your den or other group.”

Cub Scout Heritages Pin requirement 10: “Learn about the origin of your first, middle, or last name.”

Personal Progress Good Works Value Project Idea 3: “Work with a family member to gather the names of some deceased relatives who were not members of the Church. Identify their birth and death dates and prepare their names to be taken to the temple. Help plan a temple trip and do baptisms for those relatives.”

If you have family names that need to be taken to the temple, those can be used for Duty to God Deacon – Quorum Activity requirement 6: “Participate in baptisms for the dead, if possible. If not, talk with a priesthood leader about the temple and what it means to Latter-day Saints.”

Likewise for Duty to God Teacher – Quorum Activity requirement 6: “Participate in baptisms for the dead, if possible. If not, talk with a priesthood leader about the temple and what it means to Latter-day Saints.”

Likewise for Duty to God Priest – Family Activity requirement 9: “Submit the name of one of your ancestors for temple work, or write a 500-word personal history.”

Duty to God Deacon – Spiritual Development requirement 6: “Read an account of one of your ancestors, or learn about an ancestor from one of your relatives. Report what you learned in family home evening or in a quorum meeting.”

Duty to God Deacon – Educational, Personal and Career Development requirement 11: “Learn computer and keyboarding skills. Demonstrate these skills by typing family history information in Personal Ancestral File or another similar program.”

See also the complete list of requirements for the Genealogy Merit Badge and Cub Scout Heritages Pin.

Screen shot of LDS Church Interactive Music Player

I discovered LDS Interactive Church Music Player as I was writing an upcoming post for this blog and thought it was awesome! If you have not yet discovered this site, you must go check it out.

Just about every hymn and children’s hymn is available for the player. It will play the hymn with music and words, just with the music or in the interactive mode.

Interactive mode is music only, but with a highlighted bar going across the sheet music in time with the notes. I assume that’s to help you learn how to play it on the piano.

Within the interactive player you can change the tempo and key.  Kinda fun if you want to hear the high-pitched version of “Give Said the Little Stream” at about 100 mph.

I’m sure there are more legitimate musical applications for those features, but I don’t know what they would be.

The LDS Church Music website has all kinds of cool helps, including tips for teaching songs to children and an interactive conducting course with videos to help you practice.

By the way, this a great resource for kids too. In fact, there’s a whole slew of requirements involving learning how to conduct a hymn or play a song. And because that’s what I do, here’s a convenient list for you.

Cheers and Happy Singing

Related LDS Youth and Scouting Program Requirements:

Faith in God – Developing Talents #2: “Learn to sing, play, or lead a song from the Children’s Songbook. Teach or share the song in a family home evening or at Primary. Discuss how developing talents helps prepare us for service to Heavenly Father and others.”

Faith in God – Gospel #9: “Learn to sing “Choose the Right” (Hymns, no. 239). Explain what agency is and what it means to be responsible for your choices. Discuss how making good choices has helped you develop greater faith.”

Bear Cub Scout Elective 8b: “Learn to play two familiar tunes on any musical instrument.”

Bear Cub Scout Elective 8d: “Play two tunes on any recognized band or orchestra instrument.”

Webelos Showman Activity Badge requirement 8: “Play four tunes on any band or orchestra instrument. Read these from music.”

Webelos Showman Activity Badge requirement 13: “Draw a staff. Draw on it a clef, sharp, flat, natural, note, and rest. Tell what each is used for.” (The LDS Church Music site has a guide to musical symbols and terms.)

Webelos Showman Activity Badge requirement 14: “Show the difference between 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 time by beating time or playing an instrument.” (See the interactive conducting course for all these time measures.)

Cub Scout Music Belt Loop requirement 2: “Pick a song with at least two verses and learn it by heart.”

Cub Scout Music Belt Loop requirement 3: ” Listen to four different types of music either recorded or live.”

Cub Scout Music Pin requirement 7: “Demonstrate conducting patterns for two songs using two different meters (two-, three-, or four-beat meter) while your adult partner or den members sing or play the songs you have selected.”

Personal Progress Knowledge requirement 6: “Memorize two of your favorite hymns from the hymnbook. Learn the correct conducting pattern for the hymns and then conduct them at least two times at a family home evening, in a Young Women or other Church meeting, or at seminary. Read the scriptures listed at the bottom of each hymn.”

Duty to God Teacher – Family requirement 5: “Memorize the words and learn to conduct at least 3 hymns each year, 1 hymn in 2/4 time, 1 in 3/4 time, and 1 in 4/4 time.”

Duty to God Priest – Quorum requirement 6: “Learn the basic skills of conducting music, memorize a hymn, and lead others in singing it during opening exercises of priesthood meeting at least once a year.”

Duty to God Priest – Spiritual Development requirement 5: “Learn to play the piano or organ well enough to accompany 2 hymns in a Church meeting.”

Music Merit Badge requirement 1: “Sing or play a simple song or hymn chosen by your counselor using good technique, phrasing, tone, rhythm, and dynamics. Read all the signs and terms of the score.”

Music Merit Badge requirement 4a: “Teach three songs to a group of people. Lead them in singing the songs, using proper hand motions.”

Scuba Diving is the first of five new merit badges scheduled to roll out in 2010. Since BSA has only introduced six new merit badges between 1992 and 2006, this is kind of a big deal.

Other merit badges we’ll be seeing soon: Inventing (1st quarter 2010), Geocaching  and Scouting Heritage (2nd quarter 2010), and Robotics (4th quarter 2010).

I’ll keep you updated as these new merit badges become available.

The year 2010 brings 13 new belt loops and pins to the Cub Scout program. (Not sure what belt loops are? Check out my quick explanation here.) You can always visit my site for a list of complete requirements, but for your convenience here’s a brief rundown of what’s new.

Under the Academics program:

Disability Awareness Belt Loop and Pin

This is a great addition to the belt loop program, especially for kids who haven’t had many (or any) interactions with folks with disabilities. I especially like the second requirement for the belt loop, which encourages attendance at a disabilities event such as the Special Olympics or a performance with sign language interpretation. The pin includes an option to briefly experience what it’s like to limit your abilities by wearing a blindfold for two hours or binding an arm or leg so it can’t be used.

Family Travel Belt Loop and Pin

This looks like one I definitely want to do with my own children. I’m especially happy about another excuse to look up how much it would cost my family to travel to Italy (insert sigh about lifelong dream here). Other options include going on a family trip (obviously) and learning how to apply for a passport.

Good Manners Belt Loop and Pin

Good manners is a dying art in today’s society so I’m pretty happy about this one. These awards include opportunities to practice proper introductions and table manners, along with good manners (or sportsmanship) while playing games.

Nutrition Belt Loop and Pin

This belt loop and pin fits right in with several other activities cub scouts encounter at all stages of the program. Your son will automatically fulfill some of the requirements for the nutrition belt loop and pin if he is working on Wolf achievement #8 (Cooking and Eating), Bear achievement #9 (What’s Cooking), Webelos Fitness activity badge or Webelos Family Member activity badge. (Keep in mind, these new belt loops are effective January 1, 2010, so all requirements need to be done from that point in time on.)

Pet Care Belt Loop and Pin

This one gets the prize for cutest-looking belt loop. In addition to the obvious requirements, you’ll also see options for attending a pet show, talking to a veterinarian about their career and doing a service project for an animal shelter. (Keep in mind, with all these awards kids don’t have to do all the things I’m listing. There are typically three simple requirements for the belt loop, and the pin lists 12 or so options from which boys can pick any five.)

Photography Belt Loop and Pin

This would be great to earn during the Bear year, because there are arrow points focusing on photography in the Bear book. Picture taking, using photo-editing software and learning about a famous photographer are all options for this award.

Reading and Writing Belt Loop and Pin

This one is my personal favorite. In addition to options to write a letter, story, poem or joke, boys may also create a bookmark and learn the difference between a biography and an autobiography. If your children have a library card, they probably have the first belt loop requirement done already.

Video Games Belt Loop and Pin

Now I love the belt loop and pin program, I really do, but video games? Are you kidding me? To me, the purpose of these awards is to expose kids to new activities or foster better skills in an activity they’re already familiar with. It should be fun but also enriching. It should have inherent value.

I don’t think any of that applies to video games. I’m not anti-video games, but most kids get far more exposure to video games than they need. I don’t think they need any encouragement to play more.

My children each have a Nintendo DS and our home has a Wii. We allow video games on Fridays, Saturdays and during school breaks. Occasionally when I see my children getting too attached, we take a break for a few weeks or months. We don’t allow them to play games that are inappropriate for their age level or that glamorize questionable values.

Within those guidelines, I’m okay with my children playing video games. But they will not be earning the video game belt loop. Sorry BSA.

However, I realize other parents might feel differently and I’m A-Okay with that. The America Jane site still has the full list of requirements for this award if you and your children are interested.

Under the Sports Program:

Hiking Belt Loop and Pin

I’m not very athletic (read: I’m not at all athletic) but this is something I can actually do with my boys. It may help me shed the few extra pounds I’m carrying these days too. Hiking is a common theme in the BSA so it’s nice to see a version for the younger boys. They’ll learn about proper hiking equipment and safety. If they have earned (or are planning to earn) the Leave No Trace Award or the Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award, those both count towards requirements for this pin.

Hockey Belt Loop and Pin

I can’t believe they didn’t have this sport as an option already. If your kids are interested in learning how to play, this belt loop and pin is a good reason to get started.

Horseback Riding Belt Loop and Pin

I want to earn this award myself! Is it too late? Am I too old? Does it matter that I’m a girl? Ah well. If you can’t tell, I think this would be a fun award to earn. In addition to riding, safety and all that good jazz, boys can learn about history’s famous horses. (Does Pegasus count?)

Kickball Belt Loop and Pin

The playground sport makes it to the belt loop arena. My cub scouts play this at school all the time, so they could probably earn this one no sweat.

Skateboarding Belt Loop and Pin

Practicing skills and learning about safety will earn cub scouts the belt loop. My favorite pin activity option (just because it sounds funny to me) is: “Figure out your skateboard stance — whether you are regular or goofy footed.” Now is that a legit skating term? Goofy footed?

So that’s what’s new in cub scouting’s belt loop and pin program. Keep in mind there are a total of 25 awards in the Academics section (from Art to Wildlife Conservation) and 28 in the Sports section (from Archery to Marbles to Volleyball), so in addition to these new ones, there’s plenty to choose from.

Cooking a meal is one of those requirements you see in just about every scouting and LDS youth program. (See a short list of specific program requirements involving cooking at the end of this blog post.)

Try these simple meal ideas to help your children learn new skills without undue frustration (and hopefully not too much of a mess). Of course, cleaning up is a good culinary skill to learn too.

1. Taco Salad

This one tops the list in my household. It’s been a family favorite for years and because the taco salads are assembled in individual bowls, it’s easy to accommodate any picky eaters.

Skills new chefs will learn: browning and seasoning meat, washing and preparing vegetables, grating cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 lb extra-lean ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 bag Fritos corn chips
• lettuce, torn
• tomatoes, diced
• cheddar cheese, shredded
• sour cream
• salsa
• sliced black olives

Preparation

Brown the meat and drain off any fat. Add seasoning and water according to directions on packet. Prepare cheese and vegetables as indicated. In bowls, combine ingredients as desired. The Fritos really make this meal.

2. Pepperoni Spirals

This simple pasta dish has a twist (no pun intended) kids love. Serve with a salad and garlic bread.

Skills new chefs will learn: cooking pasta, principles of baking a casserole.

Ingredients

• 1 package spiral pasta
• 2 cups (or more, to taste) pizza sauce
• sliced pepperoni, cut in halves
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Preparation

Cook pasta and drain. Combine pasta, half the cheese and remaining ingredients in a casserole dish. Top with the rest of the cheese. Cover and bake in a 350 degree oven for 25 minutes.

3. Barbecue Turkey Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

These spiced up grilled cheese sandwiches are a healthier variety of the classic version. Serve with chilled grape clusters.

Skills new chefs will learn: Cooking on a griddle.

Ingredients (per sandwich)

• 2 slices bread (wheat or white)
• 3 oz or so cooked turkey breast, cut into strips
• 1 slice low fat cheddar cheese
• 1 Tbsp barbecue sauce
• 1 tsp light Ranch dressing

Preparation

Toss the turkey with half of the barbecue sauce and heat in the microwave for 20 seconds. Spread one slice of bread with the remaining barbecue sauce. Top with turkey and cheese. Spread the other slice of bread with the Ranch dressing and complete your sandwich. Spray a nonstick griddle with cooking spray and cook sandwich on medium-low heat, on both sides, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

4. Easy Chicken Parmesan

I’m not a fan of most chicken breast recipes because no matter what you do to the outside, the inside is still just miles of plain chicken. This recipe remedies that problem by pounding the chicken relatively thin, making every bite of the finished product full of flavor. The quick prep time is a bonus too.

Skills new chefs will learn: tenderizing meat, how to safely handle raw chicken, sauteing chicken.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• olive oil
• 1 and 1/2 cups red pasta sauce
• mozzarella cheese, sliced
• salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation

Pound the chicken to a uniform thickness. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add just enough olive oil to a nonstick pan to cover the bottom. Heat oil over medium-high heat. Saute each chicken breast until golden and heated through (3 to 5 minutes on each side). Pour sauce in a bowl and coat each chicken breast in the sauce. Place chicken in a casserole dish, cover with the rest of the sauce and top with slices of cheese. Bake in a 350 degree oven until the cheese melts (about 5 minutes or so).

5. Easy Meatloaf

Is there anything more comforting than this traditional American dish? Serve with mashed potatoes and glazed carrots.

Skills new chefs will learn: beating an egg, handling raw beef, shaping a meatloaf

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (or crushed croutons)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 lb ground beef
• ketchup

Preparation

In a large bowl, beat the raw egg. Add breadcrumbs and milk and mix. Add the meat and mix well. Place meat mixture in a glass loaf pan and shape. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45-50 minutes.

* For easy sweet and sour meatballs (my children’s favorite) shape the uncooked meatloaf mixture into balls (scoop by tablespoon fulls) and place on a cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, mix 1 cup ketchup and 1 cup brown sugar in your crockpot. Add the cooked meatballs, stirring to coat. Cook on low for 1-2 hours (depending on your crockpot). Serve over white rice.

P.S.

If you want fabulous advice on getting kids into the kitchen (and having fun while you’re doing it) check out the Teaching Your Kids to Cook blog by the Reluctant Gourmet.

Related requirements:

Faith in God – Serving Others… “Plan, prepare and serve a nutritious meal.”

Faith in God – Serving Others…”Plan and hold a parent-child activity, such as a dinner, picnic, hike, day trip or service project.”

Wolf - Requirement 8c…”Help fix at least one meal for your family. Help set the table, cook the food and wash the dishes.”

Bear – Requirement 9c…”With an adult, prepare one part of your breakfast, one part of your lunch, and one part of your supper.”

Webelos - Family Member Activity Badge…”With adult supervision, help plan the meals for your family for one week. Help buy the food and help prepare three meals for your family.”

Cub Scout Nutrition Belt Loop and Pin… there are several requirements that work here. See here for the full list of requirements.

Cub Scout Heritages Pin – option 9… “Help your parent or adult partner prepare one of your family’s traditional food dishes.” (The above recipes may not be one of your family’s traditional dishes, but I figure this is a good one to know about anyway, since we’re on the topic.)

Duty to God - Deacon – Family Activities… “With the help and permission of a parent, prepare at least 2 meals for your family. Where possible, also wash and iron your clothes for 1 month.”

Duty to God - Deacon – Education/Career… “Learn how to purify water and to wash and prepare fresh fruits and vegetables.”

Duty to God - Teacher – Spiritual Development…”Collect recipes for a dozen meals that a missionary can prepare quickly. Prepare at least 4 of these meals.”

Cooking Merit Badge – part of requirement 7…”Plan a menu for three full days of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) to be cooked at home.”

Personal Progress – Good Works requirement 2… “Service is an essential principle of family living. Help plan your family’s menus, obtain the food, and prepare part of the meals for two weeks. During that time help your family gather to share mealtimes. Report to your class what you have learned.”

Heroes of the Environment: True Stories of People Who are Helping to Protect the Planet, by Harriet Rohmer

My Wolf scout and I sat down together to read stories from this book, in order to fulfill the last requirement he needed to earn his Wolf badge. (Wolf scout requirement 7e: “With an adult, find three stories that tell how people are protecting our world. Read and discuss them together.”)

If you’re looking for one-stop shopping to fulfill this requirement, this is the book for you. Twelve stories aimed at young readers bring to life a variety of issues facing human beings on this planet, and Earth-friendly ways to remedy those issues.

We read about a woman who brought solar power to remote areas of the Hopi Indian Reservation in Arizona. She had been raised on the reservation herself and lived without electricity until she was in the fourth grade.

We read about a Champion Masked Wrestler from Mexico who used his fame for selfless purposes. He helped with a campaign to clean up the Tijuana River – badly polluted with sewage, pollution from factories, and garbage from local residents – which runs right through town. He got the children involved, encouraging them to spread the word to their parents and other adults to keep the river clean.

We learned about an ingenious method of purifying sewer water using nothing but plants and natural bacteria. (My son was very impressed by this!) Without using chemicals or tons of electricity, sewer water becomes clean enough to drink. (Though few people would want to. Ick.) The inventor built his “eco-machine” in the form of a water sculpture, installed at a school in Canada, so students could watch as their own water got recycled. What he did for a village in China was pretty amazing too.

What I liked about this book (aside from the age-appropriate reading level) was how each story somehow involved children. The stories were accessible to my child and interesting to both of us.

As you probably know, encouraging responsible stewardship of the environment has long been a trademark of the BSA. While environmentalism has become a political hot topic in recent decades, it doesn’t have to be about politics for our boys. Whether you’re an avid environmentalist or believe global warming is a sham, there’s value in these kind of requirements in the cub and boy scout programs. We teach our children to take good care of the planet for the same reason we teach them not to litter. It’s just the right thing to do.

P.S.

Do you have teenagers interested in this theme? For current stories of individuals impacting our world (at a much higher reading level), check out TIME magazine’s special issue “Heroes of the Environment” which comes out every Fall. Find current and past issues at your local library, or check out the TIME Magazine 2009 Heroes of the Environment online.