Eagle732

I just attended our council recognition dinner where they give out the Silver Beaver awards. Lots of hardworking volunteers that spend a tremendous amount time and effort to help Scouting were recognized. But also a few that seemed to get the award for other reasons such as political or monetary. Also the executive board seems to be made up of big donors and politically connected but no one from the trenches. Maybe a few Scoutmasters, Cubmasters and Committee Chairs would bring things back into focus.

Yea, the requirement ay be complete even if its not signed off by the SM. And feel free to schedule a BOR without the SMs signature and see how far you get. I've never had to NOT sign after a SMC but if I did it would be followed up by a letter to the Scout and a copy to the CC. Can the committee refuse to hold a BOR if a Scout doesn't have the SM signature? In reality it should never get this far. In a perfect world the SM would talk with the Scout, who would willingly accept the SM's advice, make the changes necessary, and be successful at his next BOR.

Scouts Canada could turn their program around by hiring Survivorman Les Stroud as the Chief Scout. But who are we going to get for Chief Scout in the US, Bill Gates?

Seattle, that's what I did with my son, had an ASM act as his SM, did every SMC for him. Son and I both thanked him during son's ECOH for playing a big role in his earning Eagle. I did not sign off on any requirement for him, either rank or MB. I'm not sure even this would stop "Skating". I've seen kids quit a troop and go to another one less strict just to GET Eagle. If a boy really wants to skate he gets his dad to be the troop's advancement chair and then get him to volunteer on the district's advancement committee. That way dad can put you in for MBs you didn't earn and get one of his buddies on the district advancement team to grease the skids so you slid right through.

If the boys had it there way everyone would have a cell phone but no cell phones allowed in out camp except in certain circumstances. Problem is most phones have cameras and many have internet access. All we need is a Scout taking an inappropriate picture, say another boy changing clothes or in the bathroom, and sending it out to everyone. This is not a far fetched theory since it happened last year at our summer camp (not while we were there). Scout pokes his phone under the bathroom stall door and snaps a picture. I understand it raised quite a ruckus when it was reported and the local constable showed up. Apparently no charges were filed but it could have got ugly. Boy led is fine but we're dealing with 11 to 17 year olds who, in many cases are not mature enough yet to make certain decisions. This is why we have adult leaders.

We put new Scouts in a "New Scout Patrol" where they work with an ASM, and Troop Guide. They stay in this patrol until all new members reach Tenderfoot or until after summer camp (about 5 months after joining) at which point they can choose to go to another patrol or stay in the New Scout Patrol. If the NSP remains in tact they become a regular patrol. Interesting that we have done this for three years and the NSP has always stayed together and even had Scouts from other patrols join them. Aside from the NSP. Scouts can change patrols with reason and approval of the SPL and SM.

"I was told if we swiched days we would not be covered by Scout insurance." Wonder if our Council will try to perpetuate the myth that TPs are required for insurance in an effort to scare volunteers into compliance. After reviewing Council's insurance policy and accident from I find no mention of a requirement for a tour plan or permit in order to effect coverage. What our policy does state is that "The insured will be covered while participating in an OFFICIAL (emphasis mine) Scouting activity". Seems that in addition to a Tour Plan there are many ways to prove an activity is official including published unit schedules, trip permission slips, statements from attendees, etc. (This message has been edited by Eagle732)

Rub it in Bando I'm 35 years out of my youth uniform. At least I can still do high adventure!

moose, Have you ever heard of the saying "better to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission"? I'm going with the current set up until somebody with authority tells me something different.

And this is why out troop recruits directly to the Webs bypassing the pack leadership if at all possible. Send invitations to open houses and activities by mail but never send it to just the CM or DL. Most have their own agenda and don't know when to stop being Cubby leaders (sometimes even after the boys cross over!). Other than that there's not a lot you can do about it other than have a troop program that attracts boys and try and get the word out. We have started putting more effort into recruiting at local churches, another way to bypass the Cubby leader games. Unfortunately this is the reason why we loose Webs instead of crossing them into troops.

Usually people don't start thinking about who's next in the chain of command unless they have a problem that isn't being addressed.

For my troop it becomes a real pain. Our meeting hall is located 2 block outside of our council. The way I read it every time we walk out the door we need a permit! Scouting for Food, permit. Camp at the local park a mile away, permit. Attend Scout Sunday at the local church, permit. Even if we go to a place within our council we technically traveled outside the council to get there so do we need a permit? Years ago when I was a CM and was on the district training team teaching CMs I asked our DE to specify when a Local Tour Permit was needed. The answer was when you travel outside of the county (our district followed county lines). From that point I have always considered "outside of the county" to mean our county, the one we are located in.

That "rack" commercial got a chuckle from my 15 y.o. son. Not very family oriented but considering what they show on TV today...

There ain't a snowball's chance in heck that I would ever fit into my youth uniform again!

Well the ECOH went off without a hitch. Almost every Scout from our troop was there along with some Cubs who will be joining us next month. Many special guests and friends attended. Scouts did a great job on the ceremony, even managing to stay serious and focused through the program. I was impressed. Mom pinned the Eagle medal, I placed the Eagle neckerchief and administered the Eagle Oath. Mom and Grandmother cried, Grandfather received the Mentor pin for advising on the project. My 2 SMs from my days as a Scout (many years ago!) along with the current SM of the troop, who was a Scout when I was there also attended. State and local politicians made proclamations and brought gifts. Eagle son stood up in front of a crowd of 100 people and gave a great thank you speech, which was difficult for him, but he did it like a true leader. The buzz amongst the boys was that they are more motivated that ever to earn Eagle and were each predicting dates of completion. ASM was taking notes on who and when for later reference. Oh, and I did wear my medal.

Thanks everyone. I wasn't worried about the uniform police but I do like to wear the uniform properly to set the example.

I'm a recently retired firefighter from a very large metropolitan area. Our fire/police pension fund is 106% funded. The reason why that is is simple, the fund is managed by a board of trustees that is elected from the membership. They have every reason to keep the fund in top shape since they will also be drawing from it one day. Also we refused to let the politicians get their grubby hands on any of it for their pet projects!

Is it proper for an adult in uniform to wear his Eagle medal at an Eagle Court of Honor? The BSA Insignia Guide (2006) says on page 4 "Scouters should neither seek awards designed for youth members nor wear them on the Scouter uniform except square knots..." The on page 25 under Eagle Award it says "Adults wear only on formal Eagle occasions". I've seen adults wear the medal on a suit but never on a uniform. Seems on one had the guide is saying not to wear the medal on the uniform but on the other and it's OK to wear an Eagle medal on special occasions. As a Scoutmaster I've been lucky to be a part of several ECOHs but tomorrow my son has his ECOH and he has asked me to wear my medal.

Point well taken. Small lies cost the same as big one, loss of trust. Scouts seem to rise to the level expected of them.

...but I would spend my last day helping the boys I've come to think of as my family.

Gotta be 13 to sign up for Facebook.

moosetracker wrote "We also have a boy without a full heart, who could die anytime.. But parents know it, we know it and they want their son to have as much fun as possible.. But when he goes, he goes.. " Wow! Moose, it takes a good hearted person to take on that kind of responsibility (no pun intended). This is the reason why all Scoutmasters go to heaven. If you review the cases of Scouts dying on trips there is quite a few who die from heat related illnesses. Overweight kids are very susceptible to this. Are we going to loose boys over the weight limits, probably some. But how would you feel if you came home with one less Scout?

Agreed, but that's just us. In the end we have to face ourselves but we are in the business of developing character and good citizens. Seems like kids today lie on a daily basis, sometime about some serious stuff, without a second thought. We need an effective way to counter that. I don't have the answers, but I keep trying.

Yea, there's different levels of lying, just like everything else in life it's not black and white. But I think if we're going to have a discussion on Scouts not telling the truth than I think we should concentrate on the significant infractions. Q- "Why were you late for the camping trip" A- "My dad was late getting home from work" Truth - Kid wasn't packed and ready to leave. Lying, yes, a big deal to me, not really. Sometimes you've got to pick your battles. Scout goes home and tells mom that no one will help him on First Aid. I get a call from mom so I question Scout at the next meeting. The truth eventually comes out that the scout didn't ask for help, he was too busy goofing off. But mom expected some progress on FIrst Aid so it was easier to say that no one would help him. We've probably all had something like this happen before so what do you do? I sat mom and Scout down and let them know that there are people willing to help but it is the SCOUTS responsibility to ask. If one of the older Scouts who can sign off on requirements blows him off he is suppose to come tell me ASAP. I also started coming to all meetings a 1/2 hour early to help all Scouts and I keep track of who shows up and for what. Now if I get another "Nobody will help my little Scout" call I know if he's come early for help. This might not solve the lying problem but it took one opportunity away and improved our program.

" I expect the ASMs in our Troop to be active in their religious institutions." I don't, I figure that's there business. I do however expect my leaders to take part in a Scouts Own service during a camping trip. Clem hit the nail on the head with his comment about now being an adult leader and one that I made earlier when I said "You do not meet BSA's adult membership requirements". Once you make the transition at age 18 the standards are higher. Now instead of being a Scout you are a mentor and role model for the Scouts in your troop. BSA has the right to expect you to live up to their rules when you're working with their youth. Touc, I'd like to hear from your SM, CC, and COR about their opinions on this. Any chance you could get them to make a comment?