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False equivalence. Rights of homeowner and parent are a bit more permissive than that of a Scoutmaster. The Scoutmaster's actions were inappropriate. He should never go through anybody's belongings by himself or without the owner present. Period. Nothing he was doing solved an immediate threat to safety. If he had concerns, he could have waited until the owners returned, gave them a chance to turn over any "contraband", then if still necessary conducted the search inspection under witness of a second adult and the property owner. I would think in this era that adults have learned;

Inspecting gear with scouts present, able to correct deficiencies, and looking for cleanliness, compliance, and serviceability is totally acceptable and expected. Done on a whim, in secret, or as a good idea is not what we want scouts to emulate. This inspection is best done in privacy as easy as behind a vehicle with the parents at the pick up point. They can take the prohibited stuff, have knowledge of what the scout has, and in semi-privacy, stash the polka dot drawers without having a public showing.

That may very well work for you, but to my Libertarian views it smacks of building irrational fear to justify encroaching on personal liberties. "Don't worry, we'll keep you safe from them; all you have to give up is just a few of your Rights."

Regarding medicines, many troops like the one I was in had a code of conduct that the scout signed that stated that meds were controlled on campouts through a designated camp medic parent. Also stated phones not allowed on the campouts. They sign and agree to it. Very few 11 year olds do a good job on their medicine. Also, many camps require all medicine to go through the camp medic (even over the counter meds in states like Colorado). Is it within the SM's ability to go through the bags? yes. He/she is responsible for keeping the scouts safe and ensuring they are following the tr

That's different. That expected inspection has to do with being prepared and having the right gear for the right situation. That inspection is not to prevent violations of scout oath and law.

David CO Sorry, I would have no problem with the boys presenting themselves for inspection. I have a problem with the fact that this was done behind their backs.

Referring back to the original posting topic, it was about whether going through a tote without the owner's presence is acceptable. To be blunt...no. I wonder how that leader would react if scouts went through his gear while he was away. I bet he would go crazy. If there was an immediate risk to life, limb, or eyesight, maybe it would be ok only to eliminate the risk. Even then, not doing in solo or without owners present is wrong. In my 30 plus years in law enforcement, searches were always an issue. With the owner present can save a lot of time when you tell them what you are looking

A few key points have been missed. You'll have enough problems at camp that you don't need to hunt for more. Scoutmasters should't be enforcers. SM job is to relate to the scouts. Baden-Powell said ... “I had stipulated that the position of Scoutmaster was to be neither that of a schoolmaster nor of a commander Officer, but rather that of an elder brother among his boys, not detached or above them individually, able to inspire their efforts and to suggest new diversions when his finger on their pulse told him the attraction of any present craze was wearing off." — Rob

I'm comfortable to stipluate that an inspection is OK. I don't see any rights issues with a youth who is voluntarily participating on a trip being asked to present that contents of his locker. I'm quite OK that it can be done "on demand" so that the Scout doesn't have time to hide anything. I grant the Libertarians may not agree - but this seems quite reasonable to me. I tihnk you make the case well @David CO. What you describe reminds me very much of my childhood in the 80's. Locker searches were quite normal at school for that very reason. But again, I had a very different relatio

Back eons ago when OA was an elite and exclusive honor society Scouts were very eager to be members and seen as active members. In my area it was nicknamed the "SPL and Eagle Club," an exaggeration but not by much (i was a Life PL within a few weeks of my Eagle Board). You could not be a member in 298 unless the top adult in your unit certified in writing that you were active in your unit. Busy people are always those to look to if you want things done. Since "OA for anyone" has worked so well, let's make it easier to receive (forget earn) Brotherhood. We compete for our "custo

Fair point and understood. I think ask just about any kid and they'd tell you that school administrators don't trust them. Do we want to create the same relationship between Scoutmasters & Scouts?

As a parent, I wouldn't really care that much. I'd be more concerned about the wasting of time and what my son will think about it. Some of my sons would care less. One of my sons would never get past it and it would setup future battles between the SM and him.

David CO I said half of the involved families. Not half the unit. I agree there is a unit issue. I have tried repeatedly to address this. The conversation is one sided. You can’t solve an issue when only one side sees an issue. The items found have not been prohibited/regulated in the previous four years these scouts attended this camp. Nor was their current status well communicated. Look, I’m all for following the rules and expectations. I’m a teacher. I also co-led this troop at this particular summer camp outing two years ago. I was unable to due to surgery last year. I get the

We often talk about giving the Scoutmaster a lot of deference in how he runs the program. But, when you constantly defer to Scoutmaster, it makes situations like this so much more difficult. Then, when something like this happens, it creates a big, poltiical mess because people start lining up and choosing sides. Scoutmasters then feel attacked and second guessed. In my humble opinion - you give the Scoutmaster a lot of respect, but you need to have a troop culture where the leaders work as a team. Going through the Scout's belongings will be something that will parents will be upset

It sounds to me like this is a unit problem. You don't just disagree with the Scoutmaster. You disagree with half of the families in your unit. This disagreement needs to be settled at the unit level.

Most scoutmasters wouldn't let themselves get into this situation. That's because they would be "Trained" leaders who know about youth leadership and the patrol method and the importance of open, honest, communication in any leadership role. "Contraband" should be defined only based on established policies of the camp, the established policies of the troop, and solutions to problems discussed and agreed upon by the SPL-led PLC. If scoutmasters see an issue that is not an imminent life and death situation, they should raise the issue with the SPL (explaining any valid rationale for the is

Since I roll sides and doors of my tent for ventilation (or, on clear nights, completely forgo roof and walls), my gear is right there. Boys can use it in my absence. They know full well that I expect knives to returned sharpened; fishing reel unknotted; diggers, clean; TP dry and in the zip-lock; coffee, unsquandered; and the cell phone log better not have any international calls on it. Tell me what you did with it when I get back. (Actually, if you're forgetful, I have a notebook and pencil in in my kit; write down what you used. Return the pencil sharpened.) Does this mean a scout may

I'm going to repeat in a reiterative way something that has been said before in various fashions. *whew, that was a fun sentence* 1) You know your scout the best. 2) You are the first judge of whether your scout needs a helpful push into uncomfortable situations or when they need .... (see 3 & 4) 3) A consultation with your scout to ask what they want out of things. Sometimes they want to drive on. Sometimes they want to back away. The most difficult part is knowing when to rein them in or nudge them forward. 4) Second independent judge. Never be afraid to ask for ad

The joy of Scoutmastership. You take a bunch of other people's kids into the woods for the experience. You are directly responsible for their well-being and safety. There are hundreds of written pages of contradictory policy and procedures. You know that if, God forbid, something goes wrong, your competence, character, and commitment to the kids will be publicly questioned and if it's bad enough you'll be named in the law suit. But, if you take any action you believe required related to the kids well-being and safety, people come out of the woodwork because you violated the kids trust or h

That is correct. June 1 (or the end of school, whichever is later, for those schools that don't end until after June 1) is the date that one program year ends and the new one begins. On that day, Lions become Tigers, Tigers become Wolves, etc. (in the Scouting sense, of course. Not in nature. That'd be weird.) That means that in your example, a Cub Scout who will be entering First Grade in the fall would be doing summertime activities to earn the Tiger summer pin. If they will be entering Second Grade in the fall they will be working on the Wolf summer pin over the summer.

Looking for service project ideas? How about negotiating with terrorists to release a hostage? Or maybe tracking down cases of the deadly Ebola virus? Such things might not be approved activities in BSA, but according to this story about how scouting helps hold together the country in Central Africa, its par for the course in some parts of the world... See: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2019/07/big-in-peacekeeping-boy-scouts/590614/

Good point make sure the staff (MB instructors and management) know about it, the staff should be trained in the subject and willing to help to the best of their ability

There is no requirement to type. Our district requires the proposal to be typed or in pen. No pencil. But I'm not sure there is even a requirement to be in pen. The key point is the project is required. The paperwork is supporting material. The paperwork should reflect the quality that will be in the project and in the scout. Beyond that, it's the "plan, develop and lead" that we are looking to agree on in the proposal. But the paperwork itself is NOT the rank requirement and it absolutely does not need to be typed. I highly suggest reading BSA Guide To Advancement beginnin

Whoops, I misread it earlier. I would still have the leaders let the staff he is with throughout the day and they shouid be able to help.

I'm not sure council is going to get into this. So save yourself the phone call. You could call the chartered org rep. Did the boys know they weren't allowed to have cell phones? I mean before you toss around trustworthy, you need to check that the boys were obedient. The two kinda go hand in hand. Would I have done things differently than your SM? Before two years ago yes. Since then, I'm not so sure. One scout breaking bad has probably ruined it for the rest.

I've heard too many similar stories too. We consider a tire boot just part of the cost of having a trailer. Not having one is an open invitation to thieves.

Many scouts think of themselves as "gung ho" outdoorsmen, but few have the National Medal for Outdoor Achievement to speak for them... A scout in Michigan earned one. He is in rare company...I salute his achievement! https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2019/06/ann-arbor-boy-scout-awarded-national-outdoor-achievement-medal.html

I'm going backpacking next week with my troop. There is so much snow in the mountains that we need to bring snow shoes, and warmer clothing, and a big pack. Frost points the end of June, just what I want. Anyway, I went and borrowed a big pack. I'm thinking I'm getting too old for this. New thought: Now I'm more like the younger scouts on the hike - not quite sure if I'm going to make it. Reminds me of my first backpacking trips. I have a smaller pack that works just fine for a weekend (without snow) and a recent external frame pack that is super comfortable but doesn't hold much more tha

Scheduling at least 2 activities per summer month is a really good idea....let's all the families have a chance to take part in something. When my son was a cub, his pack reserved a neighborhood pool one evening during the week and had a "pack swim". It was a hit with the boys and easy for the parents to support. Win-win.

I find it baffling, if you pull out of every generic "scout" event aren't you tell the general public your organization isn't scouts?

Once again, a unit troop trailer was stolen from the Chartered Partner’s parking lot. It’s from a unit I know, so it really sucks Friends, if you’re an IH, COR, or CC, you’ve some work to do... Annually, empty out the trailer and do a physical, photographic inventory. Document your inventory on some form of spreadsheet. Tents, camp stoves, gas bottles all add up quick. Put the trailer/contents on the Chartered partner’s property/casualty policy, or obtain one WHY ALL THIS? BE PREPARED. Get and use a hitch lock. Through your local police, get and use a

BSA policy is separate dens any looking the other way is what BSA has done for decades and why they have the problems they currently have there are lots of rules/regs /policies I disagree with I still follow them I Have zero respect for leaders who only follow policy when its convenient scout oath scout law, woodbadge beads mean absolutely nothing when such leaders violate policy if you have a few girls and combine them with boy dens you lack leadership and all the children within the unit suffer