Eagle732

As a past CM I always let the DLs decide on how many and who they accepted in their dens. I did this knowing that it was my responsibility to find a den for each Cub and that if I had to fill in as DL until we could find a leader I would do that. I also had to be very persuasive in recruiting leaders. At some point the CM will need to recruit another DL. Sounds like Amy is expecting even more members after round-up. How many is too many and when does she have the right to say no? On the other hand I never had a DL say no to a new Cub, but I always asked.

Whatever decision is made someone will second guess it.

"He who molds the public sentiment... makes statutes and decisions possible or impossible to make."

Abraham Lincoln

The weight evaluation is based on height not BMI. Weight restrictions have been in place for years at Philmont. They make it sound as if it just started today. Maybe they just started enforcing it.

Yea, we had an issue with elections last year. One scout who was nominated by me (the SM) didn't get elected, he also only got one vote, his. Dad who is also is a MC went ballistic! After that I discussed with the Scouts what it means to be inducted and what would be expected of them to be nominated. Aside from living up to the ideas of Scouting I expect good attendance (75%) for meetings and camping trips.

I'm pretty sure they already have someone to make the patches.

Our last 2 Eagles turned 18 about the time they earned Eagle. They both asked for, and became ASM's. I'm glad to have them, the boys look up to them and they set a good example. I did talk with them both about how there roll changes when the hit 18. They're now adult leaders, they need to set the example, they need to take and follow YP (you mean I can't bunk with my buddy , the SPL?). Both transitioned well.

We do a flag retirement ceremony with the local American Legion.

"We've been lectured many times by our Scout Executive (and rightly so) that NO ONE except him has the authority to enter into contracts or agreements..."

Our lease was signed in 1933, long before the Scout Exec. was around to tell us we can't do it.

"Why does it have to always be at the same site?"

Maybe because they spend big bucks on infrastructure.

Interesting idea.

Yes, our troop has a lease on property. Get a contract, in writing, get an attorney's advice, and get proper signatures before you invest one dime (or Scout labor for service) on the property. Take it from experience, times and local support change. If you want proof look at all the money spent at A.P. Hill and now we're looking for somewhere else to hold the Jamboree.

No specifics but here's a story on the search for a permanent home.

http://www.scouters.us/jamboree/jambo.html

I heard from our District rep. that the new home for the Jambo was going to be Goshen Scout Reservation in VA. Also a High Adventure Camp in WV.

I heard that for a $200 donation to FOS Scouts will get a pass on this requirement.

"LAST ONE UP AND DRESSED IN FORMATION CLEANS THE LATRINE!!!"

When I first became a Cubmaster our pack didn't have a summer program. I changed that and created a summer program with less indoor meetings and more outdoor activities and camping. The result was that the pack doubled in size. When I became a Scoutmaster our troop took off during the summer except for summer camp. I changed that and now we have meetings and camping trips during the summer months. The jury is still out on what effect this will have on membership but I expect the troop will grow because of it. In both the pack and troop I saw boys who were active during the year take off for the summer and never come back, Keep them active and engaged and they will want to come no matter what time of year it is.

"Couldn't the same warning have been accomplished with the use of a two-way radio?"

Sure, maybe if I had a set of radios and they were in range. However only the SPL and PLs are allowed to have phones and only for the purpose of contacting me. I trust that they are using them for this purpose only. Often one of my ASMs will lend his phone to a PL when needed since the Scouts usually don't bring them on trips. So far this has worked for me and so I'll continue the policy until it becomes a problem and then I'll reevaluate.

Our policy is that Scouts should not have electronics in general without special permission. I allow my SPL and PLs to have cell phones on certain camping trips, such a s backpacking trips or when I know patrols will be off on their own so that I can communicate with them in an emergency. They came in handy once when we had a tornado warning and the patrols were out doing trail clean-up!

Camping fees include $13 for food for a typical 4 meal (B,L,D,B) weekend trip. The Grubmaster (GM) needs to shop within that budgeted amount. If they go over that amount they need to collect additional funds from the patrol members. This gives them a budget to work with but allows them the flexibility to splurge if they are willing to pay extra. The patrols choose a GM two weeks prior to the trip. Permission slips and money are also due so the GM knows how many to buy for.

I like the 50% attendance in meetings, trips and other activities policy that acco40 provided and if I thought I could get away with it I'd institute it immediately! But if denying Eagle to a Scout who has not attended a camping trip in over a year and only a handful of meetings is only going to result in a lost appeal then what's the sense in that?

The 2008 Advancement Guide requires "active tenure" with out a definition. What does "active tenure" mean?

I am a SM and have done 2 Eagle SM Conferences in the last few months, I have a few more coming in the near future one of which is a problem Scout. WIth that being said I don't believe that it is my place as a SM to be the gatekeeper to the EBOR. Even though your son has not been signed off on a SM Conf. he in fact has had one with the discussions he has had with his SM. He can bypass the SM Conf. and go right to the EBOR assuming he has all other requirements completed. It's the Scout Spirit requirement that can be a problem for him. I would suggest a call to the District Advancement Chair and you should also review the Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures, page 25. I'm sure others will weigh in with more expertise than I have.

Just bought a new BSA cap, green with subdued emblem, it was $12, same as a baseball cap. I also price uniforms for our group that helps Scouts who can't afford Scouting; shirts currently $30, and pants $35 for zip-offs. I agree that a $10 increase is quite a jump but it seems to be about the same as a baseball uniform. Consider that the baseball uniform is only worn for 8 weeks and the Scout uniform is worn for a year or two I don't think its a bad deal. Our troop does allow unofficial pants.

Does this discussion apply to alcohol based hand sanitizer?

Nothing wrong with waiting, I was just looking for an alternative to help the Scout keep moving along the advancement trail without making him wait 4 months for the poison ivy to start growing again. Around here it drops it's leaves in November/December and starts to grow again in April.

It might be "bubkas" but the person who reviews unit money earning requests for the council has said to me that they will not approve requests for Corbi sales.