Jump to content

Forums

  1. Welcome to SCOUTER Forum

    1. New to the Forum?

      Tell us a bit about yourself so we can welcome you to the Virtual Roundtable

      7.7k
      posts

    2. Forum Support & Announcements

      Forum support and announcements from SCOUTER.com

      2.7k
      posts

    3. New to Scouting?

      Questions and answers for parents and leaders new to Scouting.

      3.4k
      posts

  2. Open Discussion - Program

    1. Open Discussion - Program

      Share Scouting Topics here.

      154.3k
      posts

  3. News & Politics

    1. Issues & Politics

      In answer to many requests, we established a separate forum for these topics. Those not interested can skip this forum instead of spending time reading unwanted messages to identify content.

      125.1k
      posts

  4. Unit Fundraising

    1. Unit Fundraising

      Ideas for fundraising projects and programs for your unit.

      6.6k
      posts

  5. Order of the Arrow

    1. Order of the Arrow

      Discussions for OA Members and those interested in Scouting's Honor Society. Also includes a private sub-forum for OA Members only.

      10.3k
      posts

  6. The Patrol Method

    1. The Patrol Method

      Lessons and questions of Scout leadership and operating troop program

      16.7k
      posts

  7. Cub Scouts

    1. Cub Scouts

      For Cub Scout specific topics only.

      46.9k
      posts

  8. Wood Badge and Adult Leader Training

    1. Wood Badge and adult leader training

      Post Wood Badge specific topics here.

      19.2k
      posts

  9. Advancement Resources

    1. Advancement Resources

      Scouting ranks, merit bades, and the advancement programs

      47.3k
      posts

  10. Patch Trading Central

    1. Patch Trading Central

      Have a patch or memorabilia you're looking to swap? Use this virtual patch trading blanket. (This area is intended to facilitate memorabilia swapping, not necessarily commerce.)

      1.6k
      posts

  11. Working with Kids

    1. Working with Kids

      Counseling, inspiring and teaching kids.

      12.5k
      posts

  12. Uniforms

    1. Uniforms

      For All messages dealing with Scout Uniforms

      30.6k
      posts

  13. Camping & High Adventure

    1. Camping & High Adventure

      Share a camping tip.

      28.5k
      posts

  14. Girl Scouting

    1. Girl Scouting

      Content specifically related to Girl Scouting

      2.8k
      posts

  15. Summer Camp

    1. Summer Camp

      All about planning and going to Summer Camp

      10.7k
      posts

  16. Scouting Around the World

    1. Scouting Around the World

      Scouting is a worldwide Movement with nearly 30 million members in 151 countries around the world.

      1.6k
      posts

  17. Council Relations

    1. Council Relations

      Discuss issues relating to Scout Councils, districts and working with professionals

      11.3k
      posts

  18. Venturing Program

    1. Venturing Program

      Meet people from other Venture Crews and discuss program.

      6.6k
      posts

  19. Scouting History

    1. Scouting History

      Share and celebrate the history of the world's largest youth Movement

      3.5k
      posts

  20. Scouting the Web

    1. Scouting the Web

      Share tips and info for Scouting webmasters and discuss Scouting resources on the web

      1.6k
      posts

  21. Scoutmaster Minutes

    1. Scoutmaster Minutes

      Inspirational stories and meaningful remarks to share

      1.3k
      posts

  • Latest Posts

    • DuctTape
      Boy Scout Service troops

      By DuctTape · Posted

      The Chartering Organization is under no obligation to continue. I would think service to the CO, while not "required" seems like a good way for the scouts to maintain goodwill with an Org which provides space, support, and likely $. Also a provides a means for scouts to demonstrate living a primary value of scouting as stated in the Slogan and Oath. Lastly participation in service checks off advancement requirements.  I think this situation is ripe for the SM to sit down with the PLC and pose the question, and provide some guidance. Personally I would "seed" the conversation by spinning relevant yarns at a prior meetings using my SM minute. I would probably do at least 4 or 5 with the same theme.  
    • Eaglewarr7
      Boy Scout Service troops

      By Eaglewarr7 · Posted

      I've been told by my COR for our Troops and Cub Scout Pack that the old service Troops are no longer available and that the Troops are no longer required to help their Charter Organization. Is this True? As the 2nd Vice and District Scouting Chairman for our Legion district, I have asked our scouts to help the posts several times, and my membership is now upset with them because when we need the Scouts, they do not show up. Period. We do flags on Veterans' Graves as well as Flag retirements. We were asked to help them do Scouting for Food. They did not do it at all. I've got over 30 years as a scouter. The adult leadership seems to me to have lost its way because it will not even ask the boys about doing things. It kinda seems to me they are afraid to ask the scouts to do anything and when the Scoutmaster is asked, all replies are that the adults do not run the Troop, the Boys do. And if they do, ask  for a request for 6 months out. Also, the boys voted to wear kilts instead of Scout Pants. The colored kilts have been added to the Scout youth promotion package now, too. My membership is not happy about that either because it violates the national Policy. I've asked my Council about that, and they told me it was ok because it was a heritage thing. And our adults get offended when they are asked to be in proper uniform. Our Troop is getting big but I think they need to focus on doing things to help out their Charter, too.          
    • mrjohns2
      What?? You've Got to Be Kidding Me with These Membership Numbers!

      By mrjohns2 · Posted

      They didn't cut far enough to account for the debt. It seems like they picked backup business as usual. 
    • skeptic
      The real reason the Boy Scouts disappeared

      By skeptic · Posted

      Change the word "Boys" to "Adults", and we are onto something.  
    • BetterWithCheddar
      The real reason the Boy Scouts disappeared

      By BetterWithCheddar · Posted

      This seemed like a (mostly) thoughtful take. Aside from stating the obvious (lawsuits and recent membership changes have adversely impacted participation), he honed in on 2 other factors: 1. Civic engagement (Elks Club, Optimists, etc.) and church attendance has decreased in the US. These organizations have been major sponsors of the BSA and their parallel decline has resulted in less support for Scouting. 2. Society's definition of masculinity has widened. Fewer young men are expected to hunt, farm, fix cars, or join the military. Scouting was once viewed as an age-appropriate way to introduce self-reliance to boys. Today, those hard skills are less important in the information economy. I especially appreciate the second point. I doubt I'd meet the standard of 1970s masculinity. I'm not handy. I maintain my home to the minimum standard and hire help the second I get in over my head. However, I do make a decent living. Plus, we live in a safe neighborhood and are on track for retirement. My son also has everything he needs, including most of my attention outside of work. By the 2020s standards of masculinity, I'm probably doing just fine.

  • Recent Status Updates

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...