Leaderboard

Precisely! Same with Scout Handbooks for rank advancement. I can sign off a scout's completed work on any campout, high adventure base, road trip etc. No need to worry about flaky internet, lost cell signals, forgotten wifi passwords, dead batteries or all the myriad complications that can occur when scouting is actually an adventure. Let the advancement chair worry about Scoutbook! I don't want to even see it, myself....it's a messy complication that wastes my time.

Yep, same old debate. I think we have two much bigger Uniform Method issues. The BSA has somehow managed to produce a "field" uniform that BSA itself says is for indoor and ceremonial use, not really for outdoor activities. Beyond that, BSA is producing Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA members who look like Christmas trees. Both of these developments discourage the use of the Uniform Method where it would be most useful: out in the world, while doing Scouting. If uniforms are just "for showin', not for blowin'," what good are they really?

She is a Type "A" personality micro manager that has a lot of maturing to do. What you need is a CC that will filter her communications and direct her energy. She can't help herself, but you do have a great resource there with the right director. As chairman of committees, I recruited these people because they are very productive. Barry

OK, I have no scout-like response except that my experience was different.😃 Barry

I think the detailed rules were a result of adults not using the method appropriately. I do agree that they have also become a metric of success instead of a means to an end.

Looking at the Tiger handbook today, there is the usual placement of items listed in the book like we always see in handbooks. Some of us used to hand sew items on uniforms and still take pride in placing things correctly. While traveling around the US in a scout uniform, I've been approached more times than I can remember, I get asked about the program and find most former scouts always recognize uniform items. I would hate for us to get so relaxed with the uniform that we get mistaken with other organizations. A scout uniform has been known by Americans since it began, with only the

Interesting discussion. So close to the trees. I mean, here we are trying to motivate our youth to improve their character and we think we have a clue. Who here thinks they know exactly how to motivate any teenager to do anything? Character is hard but maybe just taking out the garbage without being reminded? That should be easy. Or not. We all have ideas but no scientific proof. Bottom line, Mrjeff just joined us, dragged up an old thread and argument from 2014, and we're nowhere closer to an answer. Surprised? Maybe a better discussion is how can we possibly break this pattern? I don't

Hi @Scouter4Family I agree fully that you ought to watch what else is going on and talk with the Scoutmaster before acting too much here. But, your premise makes sense here. In an ideal world, a troop of 200 could be run by the SPL with guidance from the SM. ASMs would simply help with spot tasks as needed. But, I've found that very often, Scouts benefit from a bit of friendly adult guidance. So, if the Scoutmaster is more interested in working with the older Scouts, then it makes a lot of sense for someone to work with the younger Scouts. At 40 Scouts, it is not unreasonabl

I get the full range of variations on that question - I'm a single guy in my 30's who doesn't even have kids yet. So naturally I often get asked - "what are you doing here?" I generally bring up two points. First, I was asked to fill a need because I work with children professionally and my church leaders requested that I serve, and finding I enjoy the program, I have stuck with it. Secondly, I feel that everybody should play an active role in his or her community, and my service in Scouting is one way in which I can break away from the rather selfish lives most single millennials endure and i

Well, @RichardB, my opinion has changed 180 degrees based on recent developments. The evidence is trickling in that these "drug delivery devices" are not as "safe and harmless" as the manufacturers led us to believe. They are clearly being marketed to kids and the clueless. Let's go buy a vial of unknown chemicals at a shady "vape shop" and heat it to around 1500 degrees and inhale the combustion products deep into the alveoli of our tender young growing lungs. What could possibly go wrong? Yes, ban them. No place in a Scouting venue.

It is a wise man who knows that there is a "best" tool for every job....and who has the critical thinking skills needed to recognize that "newest" isn't the same thing as "best".

Pay your bills, including property tax, without monthly reminders, do you? Renew your licenses without reminders? Operated on one notice of a future test or paper due with no reminders from anyone else? Starting at 10.5 years old? Admirable. Kind Helpful Friendly Coach Mentor Don't do something because you may be unfairly blamed for something if you do? Brave Model Just asking.