eagle90

We just did a 13 miles trip on the Kankakee River in northern Illinois a few weeks ago. The river was fairly still, just a slight current. Had scouts of all ages, including new crossovers. We put in at 10:00 AM,stopped for probably 30 minutes for lunch, and were done at 2:30 PM. So I guess a little over 3 miles per hour. That was with 26 canoes! Dale

Sounds like a perfect evening! My congratulations to a great Scouting family! Dale

While we don't have regular troop meetings during the summer (We meet at a school), we certainly don't stopbeing active: Canoe Campout on the Kankakee River Summer Camp Shakedown Training Day Summer Camp Orientation meeting for parents Summer Camp Minor League Baseball Game Hi Adventure to Florida Sea Base PLC Meetings Committee Meetings We still are busy in spite of not having regular troop meetings. Dale

With 55 scouts in the troop, there is no way on God's Green Earth I would have the time to make sure the scouts are competent for every blue card I pass out. That is the counselor's job. And if he isn't competent, that is when the counselor does just that, counsels the boy on what he can do to improve and what needs to get done so he can show competency in the subject matter, sets some goals, and schedules a second appointment. Dale

Dean RX you are right on. One of the most difficult things for new crossover parents to comprehend after coming from Cub Scouts is that not every moment of every campout is planned to the minute. After six hours or so of planned activities on a campout, at 3:00 or so we say Free time till 5:00. Go walk in the woods with a buddy, play manhunt, play cards, sleep, read a book, dam up a little creek with sticks and mud, play football, do whatever you want to do. BE A KID! I actually had one mother seriously ask me if we ever lost any scouts during free time. No, I said, they all wander back in time to cook dinner.

OOPS! Not to mention piloting and docking something 72 feet long by 24 feet wide.

We houseboated on Lake Cumberland in southwastern Kentucky. The kids had lots of chances to fish, cliff jump, hike, tour historical sites, we did pull a motorboat, a sunfish sailboat, and a kayak. And although its not hiking or paddling for twelve hours a day, it was something different. New experiences are what it's all about.

When the instruction sheet from our council office for the on line tour permit is four pages long, I didn't even bother to try. I'll keep doing it the old way, thanks.

Our PLC is looking ahead to High Adventure activities for 2011. Any suggestions on unique places you have been? We've done the usual: Boundary Waters Sea Base Whitewater Rafting in WV Chisholm Trail Adventure Laguna Station Houseboating We would appreciate some first hand knowledge of different adventures you have tried. OPne we are considering is a canoe trip on the Buffalo River in Arkansas. Anyone been there, done that? Thanks for your help! Dale

Just a word of warning....Guard your patches. In 1997 we had some scouts lose their patches which they left in their backpacks while participating in some activities. The thieves left watches and cash and just took the patches!

We have ribbons on our flag dating back to the mid 50's when our troop was formed. Occasionally our scouts will look at them all and comment on the age. We use the rings from a shower curtain to hold them onto the troop flag pole.

We charge a yearly fee of $50.00. This pays for registration, with Boy's Life being an optional extra fee. The rest stays with our treasury for awards, equipment, etc. We also have 2 fundraisers per year, Pancake Breakfast and Rummage sALE.

Just for your information, the Boy Scout Toothpick Holder is exactly two shots. Perfect for my double Old Fashioned!

Don't teach me how to tie a square knot or how to identify a tree. I can get that from the handbook. Don't talk to me like I'm a 12 year old Tenderfoot. Rather have a discussion with other leaders present: Where did you go camping last month? What was the campsite like, what's there to do there? What do you do for fundraising? Where are you going for High Adventure this year? How's your recruiting going? How do you promote advancement? Etc etc etc Make it a real roundtable discussion that can help units Dale

Amen, Basement Dweller, Well said!! Dale

You have to be firm and upfront with your members. We have definite due dates for permission slips and money, usually a week before the event. NO MONEY WILL BE TAKEN AFTER THE DUE DATE. It only takes one or two refusals for people to get the message. As far as refunds, we do not refund any money. If a scout cancels out on a trip at least a week ahead of time, he gets credit toward the next campout. If it's within a week, too bad, so sad. We print the policies and give them to every new member and repeat it in our newsletter for everyone at the start of the year. Unfortunately you have to make a policy and STICK TO IT! Dale

We insist on the money up front with no refunds. Just make sure you state that policy up front, especially to new members. For High Adventure trips, a substantial deposit must be turned in, with again, no refunds. Unfortunately, you have to run things like a business or you will get taken advantage of. We have an end of the year picnic, which the troop used to pay for. We were getting 100 people sign up in advance, but then 40 people show up. Since then we now charge $2.00 a head, something everyone can afford, and have very few no shows. Money talks........ Dale

The Pilgrimage is run by Blackhawk Council in Rockford, IL. Below is the web address: http://www.usgrantpilgrimage.org/ Dale

We attend the Grant Pilgrimage about every third year or so and it is one of our Scout's favorites. They put on a first class weekend. I'd recommend anyone within driving distance check it out in the future. Lots of history, pomp, and fellowship.

We traditionally have the same problem. We just do not have the new crossovers vote, and we don't count them toward the total number of scouts or the 50%. The election officials have always gone along with this policy.

I only drink my dihydrogen monoxide with bourbon or scotch.

We have a number of ASM's, all picked by the SM. We will register anyone as Committee members, but ASM's are "promoted" by the SM. Most do have specific jobs: One handles advancement, one is in charge of training, one is our Life to Eagle Coach, one handles our liaison with Cub Scouts. As far as the college agers, ASM is the only place you can register them until they are 21. Dale

My first was First Aid. I think you needed it for First Class at that time. My favorite was probably camping or cooking.

Part of the problem is the duration of these activities. When I was growing up there were specific seasons for football, little league, etc. Now there is football, spring football, summer little league, fall baseball, soccer is year round now with indoor and outdoor. Not to mention practices. There is marching band, concert band, jazz band, etc. Plus these other activities are much more regulated than Scouting. If you don't attend every game or practice, you won't play regularly ever again. If you miss a band performance your grade will suffer. We have no such threats in Scouting. It definitely is more challenging these days....

We have 56 scouts registered, and have 53 of them going to Summer Camp! Last year we had 43. So no problem here! Dale