Eagledad

>>I can usually borrow a scout book from a younger scout if I need one.>I still use the handbook as a packing list to pack my backpack.

>>but it happened. JLTC asking for input online is another first.

>>The BDU thing is a nice idea, but that'll run atleast $200 a uniform.

>> Well, I can see not taking your handbook once you've reached First Class

>>It would appear that National should once again consider the Leadership Corps by examining how it works in the troops that have kept it going all these years.

Good Friday All I'm with Fscouter. Just about everything a scout needs in the program is in that book. I know this is the wrong place to say it, but one big reason we like BDUs was so the scouts could put the books in their pockets. Qur scouts quickly learned that when they asked me a question about scouting, it was likekly they were going to be asked to look at their book first. They even made some skits about it. I didn't realize how much our scouts took this to heart until we went on a 10 mile Philmont shakedown hike. Even though we had done backpacking equipment reviews, some of

Badgerface? There's a picture. It seems you guys already know your problems and are really looking for a way to change bad habits. Actually a more common problem than most would think. Since your adults want to work with you, ask them to get your troop a copy of Troop Program Features. They are loaded with "fun" theme ideas that can acheive the adults goal with the first year scouts as well as kick your program back into the fun gear. The meeting agenda examples are easy to learn and apply. They will help your first meeting. Then get copys of the Patrol leaders Handbook for the patro

You're right, Fair is Fair Note to National. If you haven't already read it, I love the choices you give us in socks, especially the Thorlo hiking socks. They feel like a thousand little fingers massaging my feet. OK, this is embarrassing, but last I heard, the Irving address is not the correct address to the BSA Supply division. The Supply Division is east, Tennessee or Kentucky? That was the address for which I was told to send my ideas and suggestions. Does anyone have that address close by? Alright lets huddle up and gather some ideas here. I will start with shorts. I want

Hi All >>He seems to be saying that it is futile to complain about that here.>If somebody wants to identify an e-mail or mailing address of somebody else who is specifically interested in receiving such comments, that would be helpful.

Hi All Sounds to me like you are doing everything right. Maybe the expectations are too much for this one scout. Its easy to have average expectations that most scouts can meet. But not all scouts are average, which makes our job all the more interesting. The objective of the program is to find some kind of success experience to give him a positive stepping-stone toward his next opportunity. I had a very wise SM once tell me that instead of trying to keep frustratingly push a scout toward the same objective, ask him how he thinks he is doing and just listen. One way or another, get

>>Also the words, by the BOOK dont always mean what we think it means.

I'm not so sure this is a dicussion about one person's ego, forum protocal, or proper forum content. Lets start with the idea that compaining about uniforms has no value here. I will give the same example again. In the mid 90's National change from thigh high socks to ankle high and there was a huge outrage. Huge! A couple years later National comes back and adds thigh high socks to the choices. I say choices, up to that point, there was only one choice. Now like BW, I had little interest in the discussions, but I stood back and watched on ScoutsL. I heard that National watched the disc

>>The truth is there will always be a percentage of complainers no matter what the BSA does in the next uniform change. BW

Hi All My interpretation has been that its up to the Counselor how the scout satisfactory completes each requirement. Some counselors allow performance of a requirement before the scout even signed up for the badge. Others want to witness everything. How that counselor is satisfied is up to them. As a counselor, I always discussed with the scout at our first my minimum expectations for each requirement. That way there are no surprises later on. If the scout doesnt like the way a particular counselor wants to work, he can certainly look for another one. Where this can get tricky is f

Hi all I'm not surprised that EagleInKy has done this. Visiting other units was one of my favorite ticket items in Wood Badge. I think its a great idea and everyone will learn a lot. I agree with EagleInky that nothing beats seeing it in person. Barry

>>Barry - "By the way, by the end of our JLTC course, the scouts personally write over 18 agendas. " Just curious. What types of agendas do they prepare? 18 per scout?

Yes. First I think the number one biggest problem Ive seen with PLC meetings, and all meetings in fact, are not teaching the scouts how to use an agenda. An agenda helps the SPL see on paper what he wants to happen in the meeting. If the meeting gets a little out of control or the SPL looses track, which WILL happen, he only has to look at the agenda to get back on track. Such a simple thing, but most troops dont do it. So first go to the Scout shop and get you and your SPL a SPL Handbook. Use the books together. There is a good agenda in the book. If cost is and issue, give me a call. By the

Nldscout is right about the list, but I found at least in our District that "common sense" was mainly used to giving a scout a waiver. We had the one scout afraid of water, but I had several mental retarded scouts that I had to get advice on as well. Aquaphobia, so that is what its called. Our scout couldnt even look at a glass water. In fact he was so bad that camping was very restrictive. And forget about rain. You see a lot of interesting things in a troop. Scoutingagain, I would call the camp Director and explain your scouts situation. I have always had good responses from them.

Hi All I think this is a case where the bad news dominates over good news. Our unit reported physical abuse and it was handled immediately. The adult in question also worked on staff at a summer camp and that council was contacted immediately as well. I wonder how many positive situations like ours are never reported as good news for the BSA. Barry

Hi All We had a scout with a severe neurosis to water. He was terrified with a glass of water. Our District Commissioner took care of the swimming requirements with no problems at all. Barry

>>and your (Eagledad's) backhand slap at our (my?)'great' programs of older boys is unappreciated and unkind and I will not dignify with further comment.

HI All I'm late on this one, but I agree with Dug in just about every thing he says except that they bend the rules too much. Other than that, you can search and find post where I've said basically the same things. Adult run BORs don't fit in a boy run program. They are basically intended for is quality control of the adults. I also agree with Dug that Scouts aren't likely to open up to adult strangers more than any other adults other than their parents. So why don't the adults review the adult parents. That is probably the most likely adults the boy will open up. At least the part where

Hi all Good subject, but as I read the replys, I can't help but feel we are mixed up here. Does the Eagle make the program, or does the program make the Eagle? I think if we could tour the program EagleInKy is talking about, we would find the answer there. I believe a program must appeal and challenge all ages, even the adults. The hardest part of that is the 14 to 17 year old range because that is when a boy becomes a man. Most (90%) of troops still hold those guys down to the boy side of the program even while their body and brain wants to be a man. I remember once one of o

Hi All Check with the OA and see what they have that you can borrow, and/or ask them for their source as well. Once you start asking the question, somebody will have the answers. BArry

>>Our policy hasnt cut dads (an moms) from being a part of our program and it really has made more then a few kids become much more independant then they would have even if Dad is in the area.