Open Discussion - Program Latest Topicshttps://www.scouter.com/forum/16-open-discussion-program/Open Discussion - Program Latest TopicsenVeterans in Scoutinghttps://www.scouter.com/topic/30651-veterans-in-scouting/ I don't know how many veterans continue to serve as Scout leaders. They usually do not  mention their prior service until the troop attends a Veteran's Day service or at a Scout gathering when veterans are asked to stand and be recognized...briefly.

The BSA Adult Application does not ask Are you a Veteran?  Perhaps it should.  Maybe a new right sleeve strip VETERAN to be worn under the US flag or Veterans wear their scout uniform with the US flag blue stars forward? Wasn't there a VETERAN strip ?

A more immediate and continuous recognition?

My $0.01 this Veteran's Day, 

 

]]>30651Mon, 12 Nov 2018 14:02:42 +0000Okay; not sure we have solid thinking here, though it appears maybe on World Level there may be some success?https://www.scouter.com/topic/34146-okay-not-sure-we-have-solid-thinking-here-though-it-appears-maybe-on-world-level-there-may-be-some-success/  

Chipmunks???  Another expense for registrations?  

 

https://onscouting.org/2026/05/11/parents-and-scouters-get-ready-for-chipmunks/

]]>34146Mon, 11 May 2026 22:15:25 +0000Youth Protection Questionhttps://www.scouter.com/topic/33991-youth-protection-question/ How do units interpret this?

Registered leaders must follow these guidelines with all Scouting youth outside of Scouting activities. There are careers that may require one-on-one contact with youth, however aside from those roles, volunteers must abide by the youth protection policies of Scouting America even outside of Scouting activities.

 

Scout leader hires a scout in his business as a trainee to install air conditioners.    Scout leader has to travel to job sites in his two seat work truck and takes the youth with him. 

Opinion ?

]]>33991Tue, 08 Jul 2025 14:49:58 +0000For Scouting?https://www.scouter.com/topic/34142-for-scouting/ The other day I was in the grocery store doing my regular shopping. As I walked in I noticed another gentleman look my way. Not sure if he knew me or just saw me wearing hiking clothing. He asked if I was in Scouting and was shopping for a campout. I said, yes I am in Scouting but if the scouts were going camping THEY would be doing the shopping, I would just be the driver. He nodded and said, "good man".

Anyway, thought I'd share the story here with you all.

]]>34142Sun, 26 Apr 2026 20:46:50 +0000DOD/DOW Money Talks Free Military Memberships Hypothesishttps://www.scouter.com/topic/34122-doddow-money-talks-free-military-memberships-hypothesis/ So my understanding is that the West Point Camporee is a go but we don't know much except that the formal sponsor has changed to the cadet association (from what I have heard). It is also my understanding that the military is going to continue its support of the national jamboree. 

There are not clear military membership numbers from what I can see at my level; however, I have some visibility into the European Command and Indo-Pacific Command memberships because of the special BSA councils set up to support the accompanied families. 

My hypothesis on the free memberships for military families is this: The DOW basically told Scouting America that the DOW costs to support just the jamboree were SO high that they want something back for the military if the partnership was going to continue. Part of the give back is the free memberships for military families. I estimate that BSA is going to give up around $638,000 in membership fees each year; however, I also estimate that the cost of the US Army providing a 9-line to the national jamboree (just that 1 line item of support) is going to cost the DOW $880,000. I am thinking that this was all a money issue of "Give us something or you can go out and pay for what we give you for free". 

I will say this, the free memberships for military families is a great thing. There are a lot of junior enlisted families that have ZERO disposable income to put towards a program like scouting for their children. BAH and BAS barely cover living expenses for married junior enlisted. There are E1s out there trying to cover all other living expenses for their families on pay lower than what McDonalds flunkies get paid. 

]]>34122Sat, 28 Feb 2026 03:05:47 +0000That's one way to leave a unithttps://www.scouter.com/topic/34136-thats-one-way-to-leave-a-unit/ Well, last night went poorly.  There was a squabble between some teenage Scouts and my 11 y/o son.  The teenagers claim he spit on them, despite being on methylphenidate, which dries up his mouth.  Apparently, he and another 11 y/o were hanging out in one of the permanent tents, talking, dancing, and doing 11 y/o things.  One of the teenagers forced his way in.  They tried to push him back out.  Everything escalated until there were allegations  of spitting, pushing, and a death threat from my kid.  Scoutmaster declared that he was calling the police because he had enough evidence to do so and stormed off.  A bit later, two folks from the council show up.  They had a conversation for about 45 minutes.  Called me over and we all agreed to move to the admin building to get out of the rain and talk to everyone there.  My son and his buddy went first, separately.  His dad was also present.  The two 11 y/os essentially told the same story of the events.  We departed and headed back to camp while the SM and another leader stayed with the other boys.  The council guy told me that we'd have to have a discussion back at camp as leader to determine the next step.  We got back to camp and sent the little boys to bed.  We stayed in the shelter and talked a bit.  I told him that no matter what happened, we were leaving the troop soon.  He tried to convince me to stay, pointing out that the SM only had 6 month before his son made Eagle and they all departed.  SM came back with the other leader.  He recommended going to bed, but the other dad said that we are already up, so let's discuss it now.  SM say, fine, you need to take your kid home in the morning.  No discussion, nada.  I objected and he said he made a death threat, so he has to go.  I told him we would depart tonight because there's no point in sleeping in the rain.  He left the shelter.  The problem is, I had volunteered to run the knot station for the camporee.  I asked the other dad if he could do it, and started covering the knots and how the station would run.  We then hear the SM yell out of the darkness "Armymutt, are you f****** talking s*** about me?"  He came closer.  "I will f****** end you!"  He entered the shelter. "That's a threat of physical violence against you, if that isn't clear!"  He then stormed off, leaving the three of us in shock.  Both of the other two dads in the shelter yelled to him that I was explaining how the knot station would run, but he ignored them.  I told the dad I was talking to earlier that this is what is causing me to leave.  He said, "I understand now."  

I woke my son up and told him to pack and that we were leaving the troop.  He said, "Thank you."  That kind of broke my heart a bit.  I got my stuff in my car and took my staff t-shirt over to the guy replacing me.  As I was walking back to pack my son, the SM came over and tried to apologize.  I told him that he did not have a Scout troop.  They spend the meeting playing around and then go play a game.  They are a bunch of bullies who found an easy target in an autistic 11 y/o and get their jollies from setting him off and then reporting him.  I then finished helping my son get his stuff in the car and got home at 3AM.    

To me, regardless of what went on between the Scouts, it should have been handled internally.  This is a squabble between kids, not some major crime scene.  I've noticed a pattern of over reaction to little issues between the SM and the CC, his wife.  Everything requires documentation and a report to council.  They are constantly having people down to investigate something - usually my kid.  He said they have had lots of complaint from parents about me.  They can't say specifically what those complaints are, and the other Scouters in the troop have the same reaction when I told them - "For what?  Sitting down with Scouts to help them work on advancement?"  What really gets me is that he demanded my kid go home for the same thing he did 5 minutes later, and at a much louder and more forceful volume and tone.  

I have notified the folks from the council that we talked to last night.  I already had a transition plan in place to a troop I previously visited to see if our troop was normal, and I like their SM team.  I wanted to hold out until summer camp was over because I don't want to abandon my son's friend that we invited to the troop.  The new troop is 30 minutes north of us and they live 20 minutes south of us.  Having them switch there isn't going to work.  It became clear to me just how toxic this troop was getting when they told a mom that they wouldn't approve anything thing to do with getting Eagle for her son.  He's the youngest of a group that recently aged out and lost his motivation.  I've known him for years through Cub Scout Day Camp as a Scout volunteer and consider him to be a good kid.  He's just been getting in a bit of trouble lately, overwhelmed with parents going through a divorce.  That'll be another thread, but I'm working on creating a Venturing Crew to allow him and his buddies to continue Scouting together with more adventure and a focus on life skills adults need, and for him to finish Eagle.  

At this point, I don't know what my next move is.  Do I contact the COR?  My son has about $800 in his Scout account that I would like to use for summer camp elsewhere.  I know those funds actually belong to the CO, etc, etc.  However, given the conditions in which our departure was necessitated and the fact that my son does not feel safe in that troop, I don't know that it would be out of line to request those funds be transferred to the new troop.  Who else should I contact about a SM making threats of physical harm to an ASM?  Technically, it's a criminal offense, but I'm not one to call the police on something like that.  I just don't want some information operation getting launched against me or my son.  The troop has already changed SB to make me Unit Scouter Reserve.  

]]>34136Sat, 28 Mar 2026 16:34:30 +0000Consider a possible return to making the Merit Badge options broader, similar to how they were in the fitites and sixties with choosing from groups.https://www.scouter.com/topic/34131-consider-a-possible-return-to-making-the-merit-badge-options-broader-similar-to-how-they-were-in-the-fitites-and-sixties-with-choosing-from-groups/ One of the things that has I have often felt as a leader is that the concept of breadth in merit badge options should be reinstated.  IN the fifties and sixties we had the required badges of the time, but also a "selection" from a number of categories  which broadened the picture.  It was similar to the once required college breadth for graduation that included classes from the less common areas, including art and music.  That, in my opinion, leads to a bit more depth of knowledge and the world in general.  What might be the thoughts on this being reinstated in a more modern manner?  

]]>34131Mon, 16 Mar 2026 21:38:33 +0000Looking for feedback on an outdoor literacy / blessing box project idea for Scoutshttps://www.scouter.com/topic/34118-looking-for-feedback-on-an-outdoor-literacy-blessing-box-project-idea-for-scouts/ Hi everyone,

I’ve been working on an idea for a community-focused outdoor literacy project that could potentially fit well with Scout service projects or Eagle Scout candidates, and I’d really appreciate feedback from leaders who have guided similar initiatives.

The concept is simple: a small weather-resistant outdoor sharing box that can encourage reading within neighborhoods, parks, or school areas through book exchanges — but it could also be adapted as a blessing box to support local communities with donated items. The goal isn’t fundraising or promotion — it’s more about giving Scouts a project that combines planning, basic construction/installation, community outreach, and long-term local impact.

I’m especially interested in hearing from experienced Scouters:

• Have you seen book-sharing, literacy-based, or blessing box Eagle projects work well?
• Are there common approval challenges when installing small structures in public spaces?
• What skills or learning outcomes tend to resonate most with review boards for projects like this?

I’ve put together a general overview of the idea and how a project like this could be structured here, if anyone wants more context:
https://havlyn.com/community-sharing-box-initiative

I’m genuinely trying to make sure the concept aligns with real Scout expectations, so any advice or experiences you’re willing to share would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Community library.jpg

]]>34118Thu, 12 Feb 2026 11:30:05 +0000Merit Badge pamphlets going digital - Change troop phone use policies?https://www.scouter.com/topic/34129-merit-badge-pamphlets-going-digital-change-troop-phone-use-policies/ Just curious if any troops are easing up on phone usage policies during meetings/outings in light of the new digital-only merit badge pamphlet announcement. 

One of our local summer camps is extremely restrictive when it comes to phones in camp, even for adults. I wonder if now they'll have to ease off that a bit and at least allow MBCs to have a device so they can reference merit badge materials. 

Anyone altering their troop policies? 

]]>34129Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:37:38 +0000Silver Beaver to an employee?https://www.scouter.com/topic/34124-silver-beaver-to-an-employee/ Our council announced one of this year's recipients of the Silver Beaver award is an employee of the council.

Is that possible?

A lot of former Silver Beaver recipients seem to think it's not allowed and aren't happy about the announcement, but don't know what to do about it.

]]>34124Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:11:07 +0000How do I point out to the SM that his actions are questionable?https://www.scouter.com/topic/34116-how-do-i-point-out-to-the-sm-that-his-actions-are-questionable/ I'm an ASM and one of the things I do is track our Scouts below Star to provide a resource for planning to the PLC.  I was updating my tracker last night and noticed a Scout that needed to fulfill Second Class 8c and 8d on Tuesday night was signed off, along with the SM conference.  I distinctly remember this Scout needed those because I counseled him on it on Tuesday night toward the end of the meeting.  I pointed out to the SM today that me may have mismarked it in SB because it wasn't done on Tuesday.  He said that he met with the Scout this weekend and completed the requirements then, along with holding a SM conference.  Contrast this with another Scout who completed all of the requirements for Second Class short of a BOR, was denied a BOR for November due to Veterans Day falling on our meeting night.  He finished up First Class, minus the SM Conference before the end of November.  Our BOR night is normally the second week of the month.  For some reason, the CC decided to move BOR night up a week.  The Scout was denied a SM conference that night before the BOR, so he could only complete the Second Class BOR that night and had to wait another month for First Class.  Never was an SM conference offered on a weekend.  No public announcement of offering to complete any requirements was made, other than swimming, this past weekend, and the SM was not in attendance at that event.  The optics are really poor here.  The troop was accused of favoritism under the last SM.  It feels like the Scouts from this family are being favored over the rest of the troop.  The Scout's older brother was slammed through rank progression as fast as they could.  The excuse being that he is 15 and has a short timeline.  Meanwhile, the Scout lacks the skills his current rank indicates that he should possess.  

So how do I tell the SM that this is an unacceptable way to do business?  At this point, I'm ready to move to another unit, even if it adds another 15 minutes to my drive.  Between the CC and SM being married and unwilling to relinquish either role and a complete lack of transparency on the troop finances, it's frustrating.  

]]>34116Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:53:52 +0000Citizenship in Society MB Discontinuedhttps://www.scouter.com/topic/34120-citizenship-in-society-mb-discontinued/ Citizenship in Society Merit Badge Discontinuance | Scouting America

]]>34120Fri, 27 Feb 2026 18:03:14 +0000What we've got here is failure to communicate!https://www.scouter.com/topic/34113-what-weve-got-here-is-failure-to-communicate/ Sometimes I think we are just not getting through...

I am an ASM working with a Patrol of younger Scouts.

Last night, an older Scout interrupted this Patrol's Meeting to try to take a younger Scout out to work on his Life requirement #6, using EDGE to teach a skill.

The younger Scout is the planner for the Patrol's next camping trip, and he was working out plans with his Patrol mates.  

The younger Scout was obviously frustrated by this demand (from the look on his face) and turned to me for guidance.  I dismissed the older Scout and told him this was time for the Patrol Meeting, and that the younger Scout was to stay and finish his planning with his Patrol Mates.  

This morning, the parent of the older Scout sends a scathing missive to the Scoutmaster, outlining how his son has been trying to complete this requirement for months now, and is not getting any support from the Troop.  (This is factually incorrect, and the SM handled the email response to the parent perfectly.)

The parent made brief mention of the Patrol Meeting scenario last night, and made a comment in reference to it that makes me believe we are just not getting through...

"I understand the importance of patrol meetings, but don’t get why they would take precedence over completing rank requirements."  This, followed by threats to leave the Troop if the Troop does not immediately make and implement a plan to help their Scout finish the requirement.

Important to note also, this older Scout rarely comes to meetings, and has not been on a Troop outing since Oct 2024.  He did not make arrangements with anyone to try to work on the requirement during this meeting...

smh

https://youtu.be/V2f-MZ2HRHQ?si=ljwnDk_wERNKzhz4

 

]]>34113Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:46:30 +0000Crowdsourcing Thoughts On This Issuehttps://www.scouter.com/topic/34108-crowdsourcing-thoughts-on-this-issue/ Long weekend, I was out of town on scouting business. I had a scout parent come to me with a unique problem that I am really chewing on. The parent is pissed and ready to pull his three boys out of scouting (transferring troops is not an option). Two of the boys are just along for the ride, the third boy is the scouting engine of the family; however, the third boy has flatlined on advancement and it doesn't make sense. 

The scout is in a nationally highly ranked high school, ranked in the top 10 in my state, competitive entry, he beat out 750 other kids for his freshman slot in the school. That tells me that the kid is smart and driven. You don't get into schools like this without being smart, having drive, and being able to complete tasks. The scout has been in Scouts BSA for 4 years come March, has 49 camping nights, reportedly has participated in every service project for the past 3 years, and has dropped out of sports to focus on scouts. Scout has wanted to go to NYLT for a couple of years now and the window to register is quickly closing per my council website. 

The scout is stuck at 2nd class, and for some reason can't get simple things like 1st class 5a and 5b signed off. The parent swears that the scout is not being held back on purpose, he said he's long term friends with a lot of the other troop leaders, he's a member of the charter org, etc ...  None of this makes sense to me because outside looking in it sounds like the scout is being held back on purpose by the troop leadership; however, how can I argue with the parent. 

What does the crowd think? 

]]>34108Mon, 26 Jan 2026 04:46:29 +0000Thoughts on Scouts electing the Scoutmaster?https://www.scouter.com/topic/34111-thoughts-on-scouts-electing-the-scoutmaster/ I spend a couple hours each day in the car driving the kids to and from school, so my brain wanders around.  One of the musings I had was, Can Scouts elect their Scoutmaster?  Has anyone heard of such a thing?  Can the PLC decide that they want a new SM and hold an election?  

]]>34111Thu, 29 Jan 2026 23:47:06 +0000