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OK... a pet peeve... yelling "Signs Up!"

Unpopular opinion I'm sure, but: Eagle Scouts who can't congratulate a new Eagle without making it about themselves and mentioning that they are an Eagle (usually along with the year they earned it as well). Why not just a "Congrats, huge achievement, best of luck in your future endeavors."

Professional scouters that have clearly set goals that focus on raising money (for what nobody knows) rather than focusing on actually growing the program A National Organization that continues to believe the infrastructure needs to be reflective of the 70's (almost 5 million) rather than today (less than 1 million). Get rid of councils and overhead.

Seeing advancement become the sole purpose of scouting, then watching it get watered down to one and done and finally watching people in scouts wonder why parents don't put their kids in scouts anymore.

I don't get the indian lore stuff at all; with all of the headaches, people looking for a fight, politically correct paths to navigate; the whole indian lore thing is a liability with no redeeming quality.

The people who never read the emails are #1. #2 is the people that transfer in from "bad units" or "failed units" and then won't shut up about how we should try what their old unit did.

I know you know these options... but for the benefit of others who may not know... 1. Spend the money on Scout things: Summer Camp tuition for those continuing, adult training courses, patches and books you will give to a deserving unit nearby, etc. 2. With COR approval, donate the money to a good Scouting cause... here's one... The Memorial Scout Camp, in Maine, run outside of council/national influence... https://www.memorialscoutcamp.org/ They give gear and camperships to Scouts all over the country. Some of our Scouts have benefitted from their program. Here's another... Friends of Treasure Island (FTI)... https://www.friendsoftreasureisland.org/ think of these folks as a Scouting History Preservation Society. The private owner of Treasure Island (Scout Camp) allows Scout units to camp there for FREE from Labor Day to Memorial Day. The FTI is a non-profit group that staffs and runs program for those free weekends, including an awesome Scouting Heritage museum. I'm sure you could find others, if desired. 3. Tell the COR they may keep those funds, per Charter Agreement, in a reserve fund, should they be able to start a Scouting unit in the future. --- see CO responsibilities at https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/524-95625-Annual-Charter-Agreement.pdf "Administer the assets of the Unit, including all funds, real property, and personal property (e.g., trailers) that are acquired by the Unit either for the benefit of Scouting or in the name of Scouting and administer the assets for the benefit of the Unit." Nothing there says they return those funds or equipment to council. See also https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Fiscal_Policies_and_Procedures_for_-BSA_Units_20210513.pdf The only time a unit must turn over gear and money to the council is when the unit is chartered with council as its CO.

Curious as to others scouting pet peeves (not failures of adhering to program, or safety, or other regs). I'll go first: the use of the terms "Class A" or "Class B" when referencing the field or activity uniform. I recently saw it used in an email from Council. Grrr. I know it is not a major issue, just irks me. Anyone else?

The module is just horrible. It fails constantly, leaders hate taking it because of stupid stuff like the soda can, and now that it's mandatory there's no way to know if your compliance is expiring without writing down when your renewal date is.

Because if it weren't for non-sense, we'd have no sense at all? 😜

When programming is working as it should, this is one element that is correct to evaluate the health of the unit and make SM aware of blind spots. If younger youth are getting pencil-whipped through requirements. and older youth who should be teaching are not, the unit is not healthy.

Anecdotal, so take it for what it is worth. I transferred to an out of town troop after 6 months and stayed there until I left the region for a job. I have 3 Scouts transfer into my troop with 30 minute drives. We also had 2 scouts in the past live in their area making the trip. I had one Scout rejoin my troop. He had a 20 minute drive, and stayed with the troop until they folded. We had 2 troops and a pack switch COs from intown to out of town, basically 20 minutes away. Those units are thriving. In my experience, it is not the time spent travelling, it is whether or not the troop is meeting the wants and needs of the Scouts.

I just don't know of any other areas of my life where people congratulate someone for something and feel compelled to say they've done the same thing. I've never congratulated someone for a graduation and felt the need to immediately say that I also graduated from a school. In a broader conversation, sure, things like that might come up. it's just not what I would say in a brief offer of congratulations, basically in the same sentence. It's my pet peeve, I know it's not everyone's. I guess I just like to be more understated.

Scouting America still selling cringe Indian Lore merit badge craft kits through online store... complete with medicine pouch and "proud hunter" necklace.

I think one link can simply sum up a lot of issues with National: National Staff Cufflinks | Boy Scouts of America. I like local councils for running summer camp, though.

Well; youo certainly hit the nail squarely. As one of our leaders growled last week when I mentioned the apparent sale of our only remaining camp; "If it means money, they do not care how it affects the units."

Dear InquisitiveScouter, [name change 😜 ] Scouting America, in collaboration with the Harris Poll, is conducting a landmark study to better understand the values that define our nation — where they come from, how they evolve, and how they influence our lives today. As a valued Scouting America alumnus, you've been randomly chosen to participate in this exclusive survey. Your insights will help illuminate the role Scouting has played in shaping the character and values of generations of Americans. Your responses are completely confidential and will only be reported in aggregate. The survey takes less than 20 minutes to complete. This study is only conducted once every 10 years — and only a select group of alumni are invited. <SURVEY LINK> [REDACTED] Please note: This survey link is unique to you and can only be used once. Kindly do not forward it to others. Your perspective matters. By participating, you'll be contributing to a deeper understanding of the values that unite us — and how Scouting continues to make a lasting impact. Thank you for being part of this important effort! Patricia Wellen Research Director, Scouting America Pat.Wellen@Scouting.org ------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Patricia! Question... if my survey is to be completely confidential, then why issue a survey link that is unique to me? To my regret, I believed BSA once before on this. After giving my opinion on what could be fixed in the organization, particularly with regards bloated and unresponsive staffing, poor IT support, and an unnecessary number of councils with overpaid council employees at the higher levels, our local council executive blacklisted me and removed me from all district and council positions. No, thank you! Regards, Inquisitive Scouter

Once upon a time, everything belonged to the CO: money, equipment, memorabilia, etc. Sometime in the past 20 years that changed. Challenge is that our troop is so old, that some of the stuff we have predates the council. Also the council has been of NO help whatsoever, for over a decade now. Worse, they have been more of a hindrance than a help. The CC still remembers when he was district CC and was politely call a liar at a council meeting regarding a project he asked to work on. And I have relayed my stories of their interference in other threads. They have lied to us about events being cancelled last minute and why they sold property. So no Scouter active in the unit wants the council to get anything.

Thanks for staying with it until the end, and making sure those who wish to continue in Scouting may have a good transition to wherever they may go. Agree all this should be done in person. Best to tell the two remote college members on the phone... a text would be impersonal, depending on how attached they are to the unit. I have been following your situation as you have related it here in the forum, and from my foxhole, it looks like you have made a great effort of it. I commiserate with you, as I am beginning to see a downward slide in our unit as well. Our best hope is to latch on to a few dedicated adults such as yourself, to keep it all going. Well-trained and motivated adults are the real heart of Scouting. Best wishes in the next Scouting task you take on 😜

Huh. I work for a fortune 50 company. They share the corporate, corporate subsection, and facility results each year. Then, when shared, they share a plan to improve the results.

Welcome to the forums! Try picking a few things from Troop Leader Resources , Program Features: https://troopleader.scouting.org/program-features/ You and your PL’s should familiarize yourself with this site and navigate to the “meeting suggestions” for each feature.

I won't respond to surveys that won't share the summary of responses with participants. Drives my employer nuts I won't respond to semi-annual employee surveys, but such is a qualifier for my participation

Did you put the can of soda in the pack? Most of us would ignore that item as soda on a hike is not really something we should encourage, but the system will not let you go any further without that can of soda in your pack.

For Sea Scouts Sleeping in a cabin would not count for Camping MB because a cabin does not meet the requirement. Sleeping on the deck under the stars, or on shore in a tent, under the stars, etc would count.

A big component of the ubiquitousness of plaques may just be the ease of availability. Twenty years ago it would have been expensive and a pain to get one made up. Today, I bet I could get a cheap but serviceable one in just a day or two.

Especially for Scouts on the younger end, you don't want a BOR to crush their spirit, so making the knots a game just makes it light-hearted. Just encourage them to keep trying later on- "that's OK [Sam], I get my fingers twisted sometimes too. But I'll do this every know and then to challenge myself". Again, the intent of BOR is not re-test and search for reason to not pass them- every BOR I saw as means to evaluate how we were doing as a program for discussion to the SM. Hopefully the SM can work that feedback into discussion with the SPL and PLC- "I think it would be good if next month we find an activity to include in a troop meeting to practice knots".

When I do my Bugling MB , I often ask the Scout :"Do you think that met the requirement?" I have not done this, but I have often thought that I understand the idea of a BoR NOT being a testing time, but it COULD be a reminding time. " Hello Bill, good to see you up for Second Class. I know the ropes and knots will come in mighty handy, not only in camping, but in other places too. What knot is the toughest for you? Do YOU think you know them? "

This is true- however, at least one adult sitting on the BOR should understand the program enough to be able to ask questions constructively to assess the Scout and competency on the requirements. That isn't to penalize that Scout, but is helpful to give constructive feedback to the SM if the Scout was lacking, so that hopefully there can be a course correction before the next rank. For example, Tenderfoot knot requirements: Demonstrate a practical use of the square knot. Demonstrate a practical use of two half-hitches. Demonstrate a practical use of the taut line hitch. I'd have a small rope with me, and ask the Scout if they ever timed themselves to see how fast they could do all of them, one after the other- and then proceed to do it myself with them timing me. "OK, I felt that was not my best- how about you give it a try and see how fast you can do it?" It's pretty clear pretty quick if the kid can't even get through a square knot in less than a minute he hasn't truly gained "mastery".

It is easy to lie, cheat, and steal your way to Eagle Scout... I have seen many a "Paper Eagle Scout" over the years. It has literally become akin to "pay your fee, get your degree." If you keep your membership up, attend a few summer camps where you sit around a picnic table and listen to a 15 year old talk about a merit badge, and have your parents do your project, you, too, can be given an Eagle Scout rank patch. When these come to me for assistance, I hold to the requirements. Nothing more, and nothing less. I do not sign requirements if I believe the Scout has not done them as written, and have had some parents be quite upset with me when I refuse to participate in helping them maintain the facade. They have always found someone else with, let's say, a different standard of integrity, who will sign off stuff... My stance is always that "I am only responsible for my own actions."

I notice you got no reply, probably because you have a good point. Especially because this forum is full of complaints from many people who refused the Kool-Aid on various points. Once a scout, always a scout. If everyone started a new scouting organization every time they disagreed with something in an existing NSO or MO, there would be no movement left. People's Front of Judea/Judean People's Front kind of stuff. The Scouting America Scout Law even has Loyal in it - you don't go splinter off in a huff just because you see a problem. No, you go fix the problem instead, which starts with defining and talking about it. Clearly not everyone even agrees that pressuring non-Christian scouts and scouters to be Christian or at the very least accept second class citizen status and stop complaining about it even is a problem in the first place, so there's obviously a need to talk about it.

The OP also ignores elements of complexity in the organization... When you first "sign up", you really have no idea what you are getting into. The organizational structures and policies are discovered or revealed to you over time. (Or they change...) It is also naive to expect anyone to agree 100% with every policy or decision that comes down the pipe. The organization is made of people... and people often make poor decisions. I agree with the ideals, aims, and methods of Scouting, and I pursue those. I find the organization is often at war within itself because of policies, actions, decisions taken which do not coherently align with the ideals, aims, and methods. Here is a case in point... The Scout Oath presents a tenet to us to be morally straight. For most of its history, BSA prohibited open homosexuals from being adult leaders in the organization. They even won a challenge to this policy in the Supreme Court. In my faith and belief, acts of homosexuality are a moral evil. Therefore, I did not, and do not support the BSA's reversal on this policy. I can tolerate the policy, but I do not accept it. There is a difference... I have learned to reconcile this, given the circumstances of BSA's other policies surrounding the issue... to wit, our CO has the latitude to prohibit adults who openly profess or practice homosexuality, and our Troop Committee / parents will not accept a leader into our fold who does so. These parents do not wish their children to be exposed to these ideas in our Scouting environment. Further, BSA policy specifically prohibits discussions of these matters in a Scouting setting. So, the issue should never be brought up. In effect, this is equivalent to a don't ask, don't tell policy. I do encounter volunteers in BSA who openly push the issue. I simply disengage and walk away. See item 6. in the Scouter Code of Conduct: "I will not discuss or engage in any form of sexual conduct while engaged in Scouting activities. I will refer Scouts with questions regarding these topics to talk to their parents or spiritual advisor."

Now that we’re in the throes of WW-III, I can see that belief in God should face a healthy dose of skepticism, and faith in atheism is not the same as abdication to totalitarianism. Those were merely the exemplars that were elevated in the last Cold War. But while I was a young adult sorting things out, I came to divide people into a more subtle rubric, and I think the BSA of the 70s gave me a framework to do this. There are those who want to follow their religion, and those who want their religion to follow them. I’d be tempted to say that actions of the latter would be a pet peeve, but the Good Lord put them both here for a reason and learning from both is part of our journey.

It can be a good position if the scout is on the outings and mentoring the rest of the scouts through the LNT process; they can also be used as a LNT specific Troop Guide for crossovers. The biggest problem with the outdoor ethics guide position is Scouting America licenses the LNT program from LNT.org and LNT.org has stopped providing their certification to people under 18. There was a time when you could get a willing Outdoor Ethics Guide to step up and go take LNT and come back with a serious case of saving the planet but now it's not an option.

When I was a Scout, there was a unit that folded because a CO's IH no longer wanted a troop, and they wanted the troop's money, and equipment to sell at their yard sale. One of the members opposing the decision, and was an ASM or MC with my troop. Prior to folding, the money in the account was used to pay registration, BOYS' LIFE, summer camp, and in a few instances Philmont or NSJ. Equipment got sold to those units taking their Scouts very cheap ( I think we paid about $5 for 5 tents). The troop left about $100 in the account to give to the CO. So I understand the jadedness. In this circumstance, no one has issue with the CO doing that. With the exception of the recent de facto temporary pastor, the relationship has been extremely good. They have provided us with many resources over the troop's long history. They have paid for many things for us to use, and in the past have helped Scouts out financially.

And yet Scouting America has recognized the religious emblem awards of Buddhism and Hinduism for decades. The Guide to Advancement also states that "Scouting America does not define what constitutes belief in God or practice of religion." Both policy and practice contradict the notion that one must believe in a male monotheistic god in order to comply with the religious principles.

"It is a puzzlement"... "The king in The King And I" We all have to find our own way in this world. If , as a youth, you join Scouts and are asked to make that Scout Promise (it is not , after all, an "OATH:), and you decide your "Duty to God" is not to believe in it/her/him, so be it. There is something out there that will draw you, whether it is the Three Laws of Newtonian physics or some spiritual awakening ("aHA !"). My dad was a good man. I feel blessed to have had him , or did he have me? No matter. He often told me he was uncomfortable with "Organized Religion". I came to find this rather curious, because he was a 33rd degree Mason, which is a very spiritual and very organized organization, when you think about it. AwakeEnergyScouter, no one is asking/requiring you to be a monotheistic believer. If someone is, then they need to be reminded that the Scouting movement , at least in the US of A is "non-sectarian". It professes no particular faith. True, some Troops/Packs and around the world other Scout orgs do require some religious connection, that is their right, and you and your family can choose accordingly. As a Scout Chaplain, I have had some good conversations with Scouts who come and say "I'm not sure about this God stuff." Yeah, me too.... You can look up B-P's quotes about religion and faith. Remember, he came from a Church of England start, but became very "universal", shall we say. Did you hear about the agnostic, dyslexic insomniac? Poor fellow lay awake all night wondering if there is a dog.......

Being told that I have to believe in the Christian god, or at least be a monotheist, because of the legacy phrasing of the spiritual duty Scouting America uses. The Law I have made the Promise to do my best to follow many times as a youth starts "A scout seeks their own beliefs and respects that of others." I have to do no such thing (be a monotheist), thank you very much, and you don't get to tell me what my spiritual beliefs are.

We had a troop near us that folded and we rolled their Scouts into our troop. Their SM became one of our ASMs. Honestly the only interaction or feedback from the council was an inquiry about the Troop treasury / funds. That inquiry was ignored, funds went to the CO

@Armymutt had a good solution. When we shut down a unit, we gave our equipment to a newer unit that was just starting. It was the best use.

Nope. Current AOL patrol advisor and Cubmaster here, good personal friends with last year's AOL patrol advisor who got the pleasure of flying by their seat of their pants when the program dropped so late. Last year, when we had virtually no notice, the AOL patrol advisor hustled to get every AOL a camping experience even though they couldn't make it to the regular campouts due to scheduling conflicts. One late joiner camped out in another leader's back yard, but they camped. That was our idea of their best. This year, we have several opportunities to cook with camping equipment scheduled (not just campouts) and three campout opportunities we're providing before crossover - not counting all the troops that are courting them by inviting them to campouts. We divided and conquered at the first den meeting - I went over how the AOL year is different and what it's preparing them for with the Cubs, and the former AOL patrol advisor did the same thing for the parents. We would not accept not camping at all as anyone's best either, that would be doing them a rotten "favor".

And another... and this will (as it has in the past) generate controversy... Pet peeve: Requiring a Scout to say "Thank You" when handing a folded pocketknife. And admonishing them when they do not. Read your Scout Handbook. A "Thank You" is required only when handing an axe. Should a Scout say "Thank You"? Yes, of course, a Scout is Courteous. Must a Scout say it, as a matter of instruction and requirement? No. If you say "yes", then do you impose the same requirement for the exchange of all other items? Pens and pencils, books, papers, spatulas, first aid kits, food items, etc, etc, etc. that have as much risk as a folded pocketknife?

When we dissolved the Pack, the funds were dispersed to the units the Scouts moved to. If that unit did not establish a fund for the Scout, the funds were retained by the committee and the Pack paid dues to the new unit for the Scout until those funds ran out. Imperfect system, but the most fair thing we could come up with. The CO retained the equipment. Ok, realistically, we abandoned the equipment in the CO's big shed. There's a troop there. They can have the sleeping bags, sleep mats, and tent. Can't give away a PWD track around here, so it's there if someone restarts the pack. Our CO wasn't really involved with us and treated us little different than an outside organization using their facilities. There was no way they were getting any funds, most of which were dues paid by parents.

Avoid calling attention to your own deeds. Allow others the opportunity to ask about them, or recognize your achievements. We should all practice humility.

I do it not just to congratulate the Scout, but to let them know they are joining a Brotherhood (Sisterhood) of Eagles who are welcoming him/her to the fold. Many went before you and we are glad you are joining us to continue living by the Scout Oath and Law. Eagle Scout, Class of 1970.

One way we have developed to slow it down, and to make sure Scouts know it, is to do a repeat after me Scout Oath, Law, and Outdoor Code. A little pressure is a wonderful impetus to learn something well 😜

Our successes are almost all unit based, and seldom noted by Council, unless they find issue a way to monetize that success. Fixed it for you

I could write a book of pet peeves...

From the moment National rolled out the ODL field uniform … why not the same tan shirt for Explorers (but with green epaulettes) and Sea Scouts (but with white epaulettes)?

Reciting the Scout Law too fast. IMHO, there should a slight pause after each Law to reflect and change facial expression for the next Law. Serious looks for Trustworthy and Loyal, Thrifty, Clean; smiles for Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Cheerful; stern for Obedient, Brave, solemn for Reverent. We should not be spitting back the Laws like alphabet letters at a traffic stop. I like this pace. Say the Laws as Scoutmaster Oborny signs them. My $0.02,

Another hard job is the Pack CC. It is very hard being a DL, but having 2 or 3 dens without DLs? Not harder, just impossible? Finding, registering, and getting those DLs up to speed, so they can DO the hardest job, is a hard task.